Streaming has upended both the music and film industries through platforms like Spotify and Netflix. A content explosion is happening, and podcasts are no exception to that.
Podcasts can be thought of the streaming for talk radio, if that radio had programming on virtually every topic. Seriously, you can access podcasts in the free iOS and Android applications and find content on thousands of subjects. There’s also original stories often read by the same actors you’ll see in the theaters.
There’s only so many hours in the day, and especially as college students it’s hard to find time to keep up with the news, or delve into all the subjects you may want to read up on. Podcasts give you the chance to learn or listen to entertaining episodes on the way to class, in the car, or while you’re getting ready for the night.
Podcasts have been around since the inception of the internet. But, they took off in 2014 after the release true crime story Serial from the creators of the long running radio show, This American Life. I was one of the 40 million people that downloaded and listened to the show as it was released. I definitely insist on listening to season one, think of it as a must-listen, the “Breaking Bad” of podcasts.
But, if you need a broader starter pack to get you hooked on podcasts, I have complied some recommendations based on your current media habits. I have listened to these all in full, and you won’t need to wait until the third episode to get into it.
So, if you like: to keep with the news, but just want the facts without all the punditry that cable news often provides, check these few out. Objectivity is their first priority along with ensuring every perspective is heard, literally.
The Daily, as its name suggests, is a daily show by The New York Times where the host takes a deep dive into one story per day, while still providing the latest news.
More Perfect, a show about the Supreme Court and how those cases and decisions have affected American history.
Freakonomics, is hosted by the authors of the book by the same name, where they look at issues from surprising angles.
If you're a crime junkie check out Dirty John, it’s produced by the L.A. Times and tells the story of the titular con man who marries a wealthy woman, and what happens.
Or if you're really into behind the scenes features check out: The Watch, it is hosted by two seasoned television experts, who walk through any and every TV show in the zeitgeist, along with books, movies, and music.
