Five Great Podcasts

I’m a self professed podcast junkie. Instead of listening to music, I listen to podcasts. Now, I know what you’re thinking, I’m a granny. That might be true when talking about my social life but not when it comes to podcasts. I listen to some of the hippest podcasts on the planet. Now I just sound like a wanna-be-cool teenager. But, for real, podcasts are dope. Now, I sound cool, right?

Moving on. Podcasts are such a game changer for me. They’re a perfect way to gain some knowledge while driving or doing the dishes, and generally they range from 30 minutes to an hour, so they’re super accessible.

If you’re reading this, I’m assuming you’re a podcast newbie or a supreme podcast listener. Podcasts come in all different categories, and supreme podcast listeners normally have a favorite podcast category. Get ready to be exposed to five different categories for your future listening pleasure. Three...two...one. Go!

If you want to learn about home design: Young House Love has a Podcast

If you’re into home design, building houses, or solving design flaws, John and Sherry Petersik are your go-tos for all the info. They’re in the process of renovating two beach houses: a duplex and a house, so each episode revolves around the latest drama with renovating old homes. They’ve made a living renovating houses for twelve years now, so they know what's up in the world of home makeovers.

The couple discuss home furniture and paint colors for their renovations after talking about their daughter’s birthday party, so you’re guaranteed to be entertained. They play jingles John Petersik created so the podcast has some game show vibes. If you ever need your personal design problems tackled, leave them a voicemail and they’ll answer your questions on-air.

Episode to check out: What We Regret About Our Previous Home Renos

If you want to hear the strangest combo that surprisingly makes perfect sense: Mormon and the Meth-Head

A mormon and a meth-head walk into a bar. They create a podcast to share their stories. This pair is hands down the funniest duo on the internet with their rants on anything related to religion or drugs. Every episode includes some time spent discussing their past and some time spent talking about their current lives.

While this podcast definitely isn’t G-rated, it does a great job of presenting listeners with something they probably know little about. As the pair dives deeper into topics as the series goes on, each episode becomes more and more interesting. Their vulnerability and humor make the podcast seem less like a “don’t try this at home” podcast and more of a “our life was so different back then” podcast.

Episode to check out: Cult Status

If you want to feel like you’re talking to your best friend from the 90’s: Mall Talk with Paige Weldon and Emily Faye

The mall is my least favorite place on the planet, but this podcast makes me want to go hang out there. Everyday gals Paige Weldon and Emily Faye are insanely relatable with their chatter about life, shopping, and everything in between. The duo center every episode around a store in the mall that might not exist today, as they grew up in the 90’s.

It always feels like the podcast hosts jump out of my speakers and onto my couch, whenever I listen. Their casual talk comes off as relatable and makes them seem like two of your best gal pals.

Episode to check out: See’s Candy

If you want to learn how your favorite brands came to be: How I Built This with Guy Raz

If you’re looking for the host with the most podcast-y voice, check out How I Built This. Guy Raz has a calming voice that  makes the stories of how popular businesses got their start come to life. The show features a broad net of companies that attract millenials and room parents.

Guy Raz and his crew manage to pick out the most interesting shows for their weekly podcast. While the episodes themselves are inspiring, a small company is featured at the end to show howsmall businesses can turn into today’s most successful companies.

Episode to check out: Clif Bar

If you want celebrities to seem approachable: Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Whether you like celebrities or don’t care about celebrities like me, grab an armchair and a celeb approved snack, and relax while listening to Armchair Expert. The biweekly weekly podcast features a different famous person on each episode. Dax and a fellow celebrity dive deep into random topics while still hitting the hard-pressing issues people want to hear.

Dax’s friendly demeanor and vibrant personality draws listeners into the podcast. While the podcasts are often over an hour in length, they manage to keep listeners attention because of the wide array of guests. The show beautifully transitions from one topic to another without feeling a large dip.

Episode to check out: Debby Ryan

There you have it, folks! Hopefully, I got you hooked on a podcast. Maybe, I’ve managed to convert you from someone who listens to music 24/7 to a podcast junkie. But, if you’re still a music person, broaden my horizons and let me know your favorite band in the comments.

By Sophie Kieffer