It’s no secret that music is a huge part of my life. I love studying and talking about it, but even more so, I love listening to it almost constantly. A year ago, if you had asked what was playing in my headphones at the time, it absolutely would have been a song – listening to a podcast was the furthest thought from my mind.
Back then, I would have said podcasts just weren’t for me. I wasn’t interested in listening to them by choice in my everyday life; music was always my first choice. But discovering these three podcasts has changed those opinions drastically for me. Now, I have found shows that resonate with me and my interests, and they have completely changed my outlook on the value and appeal of podcasts.
“Celebrity Memoir Book Club”
It would be impossible for me to talk about my favorite podcasts without mentioning “Celebrity Memoir Book Club.” This was really the podcast that changed it all for me. CMBC, as it’s known to fans, became my go-to listening material when I first discovered it. On the podcast, comedians Ashley Hamilton and Claire Parker discuss a different celebrity memoir each week, analyzing the parts they find most telling of that celebrity’s character and story. This podcast introduced me to the versatility of the celebrity memoir genre, getting me interested in books I might have never picked up if it weren’t for Parker and Hamilton’s thought-provoking commentary. It’s refreshing to hear them share their unbridled opinions on the quality and content of each book, especially combined with their comedic sensibilities. I am always seated for a new CMBC episode, especially considering it could introduce me to a new book I can add to my reading list.
“Binchtopia”
I am very interested in meaningful cultural commentary, and for that reason, “Binchtopia” is my current favorite podcast. The show is hosted by Julia Hava and Eliza McLamb, and each week the girls release a new episode conducting intensive deep dives into hyper-specific topics. Past episodes have included niche subjects such as the phenomenon of iPad babies, the horse girl archetype, the origins of Furbies, and the psychology of Almond Moms.
What I find so captivating about “Binchtopia” episodes is that they are extremely well researched and planned. The hosts cite multiple sources per episode, so I know that they’re backing up most information they share. In a way it feels rewarding to finish an episode because it feels as though you’re walking away from it having become more well-versed on a niche topic, and you may even be encouraged to do more research on it yourself. I always feel as though I’ve learned something new after each episode.
Although “Binchtopia” episodes are full of facts and analysis, they often detour into unserious and funny conversations about pop culture and current trends. This makes the episodes feel like a good balance of both educational and lighthearted content, which makes for the perfect listening material when I am in the mood to feel intellectually stimulated but also entertained. By reading emails sent by viewers, providing media recommendations, and sharing memories from their years-long friendship, I think Hava and McLamb are very effective at making their podcast feel approachable and enjoyable.
“Dinner Party History”
“Dinner Party History” has the fewest listeners of all the podcasts I listen to regularly, and I think that makes it something of a hidden gem. The show is hosted by best friends Maz and Fatou, and each episode explores a specific historical topic, often viewing them through a modern analytical lens. As someone who loves history, I really appreciate having a podcast that takes the time to provide detailed summaries of certain events and people throughout history.
Each episode is named for a “dinner” with one or more historical figures, and dinner party “guests” have ranged from Catherine the Great to Judy Garland and Liza Minelli. What really distinguishes “Dinner Party History” from your typical history lesson is that it does the work to disprove common misconceptions and myths through solid research. It aims to establish context around historical instances that might not be widely known to the public. The show does a great job of exploring the nuances of the historical situations it discusses, putting a focus on getting as close to the truth as possible. As a result, I receive an extensive history lesson in the form of an entertaining podcast episode, and I always come away wanting to keep learning.
These three podcasts made me realize that I never really hated podcasts, I just hadn’t found the right ones for me. There really is something for everyone when it comes to podcasts, even for those like me, who never found them interesting.
Podcasts can be such a powerful medium of creative expression, and there is something so endearingly human about listening to people speak in detail about subjects they have passion for. Your new favorite podcast could open your mind to so many valuable new ideas and conversations, provide you with something enjoyable to listen to or just give you a new perspective to consider. In the current societal landscape where critical thought and creativity don’t seem to be prioritized enough, podcasts can be just the stimulant or inspiration one needs in their daily life.
