Podcast Life

As mentioned in my previous post about audiobooks, I wanted to also share my favorite podcasts! While not strictly book related I belief all of these would appeal to bookworms for various reasons.

To be sure we’re on the same page, what is a podcast? Well first, the term was created iPod+Broadcast=Podcast. “A good starting point, is to think of a podcast as ‘Internet Radio On-Demand’. It’s similar in that you can usually listen to it on your computer — but it’s more than that. [However, and not to confuse the issue, podcasting isn’t confined to just audio but can be video as well].” (International Podcast Day) Topics vary widely and it can be hard to cull through a huge variety of topics and shows if you’re new to it. Though all of these podcast have websites that you can stream from, I listen to all of mine through iTunes Podcast and there are other sites/apps to use as well.

Okay on to the podcasts!

5 Podcast Recommendations

Just Click on the show title to be redirected to it’s home website!

I’ve actually been listening to this show since it started in 2015! It’s grown tremendously for the last couple years, which makes my heart happy. Here’s the premise “This show brings you folklore that has shaped our world. Some are incredibly popular stories you think you know, but with surprising origins. Others are stories that might be new to you, but are definitely worth a listen.” Thus, it’s a story telling podcast with a modern twist. I think Jason is hilarious and I love the stories he chooses! Some of my favorites are: Episode 30 “Latin American Folklore: Unbreakable” – A story from Chilean folklore about the smartest woman in the world, her talking shoe, and a prince that deserved a slap on the face; Episode 5A- “Slavic Folklore: Tried and Died” – a story of a dangerous magician from Russian folklore & the follow up Episode 5B “The First Horcrux” – As it turns out, Koschei the Deathless is very, very hard to kill, a fact one could probably guess from his name; and if you serious want to laugh out loud Episode 58 “Native American Folklore: Monster” – the second story is from Cree folklore, about Monster Skunk farting everyone to death because this is a serious podcast that takes itself very seriously. Need I say more?

This is a weekly podcast that discusses new book releases every Tuesday! As a bookworm it’s great to hear what new books are coming out and whether I want to add them to my wishlist! Liberty Hardy is the mainstay host and with a few changes there are a couple other hosts that rotate in an out. I like that there is more than one host. Each as their own taste in books so that you’ll hear about a variety of books. Also on Fridays a short episode is release called “All the Backlist!”, in which Liberty uses a current event or book that was released as a them and share related books that listeners might enjoy.

The podcast hosts are staff librarians at Overdrive. Their recommendations are often thematic or seasonal, which I appreciate! Additionally, they have awesome interviews with authors like Kerri Maniscalco, author of the popular Stalking Jack the Ripper, Tana French, author of the award winning Dublin Murder Squad series, and Brandy Colbert author of Little & Lion. And many more! Sometimes the antics between the host bother me a bit, but I overlook that because I really enjoy the author interviews.

I’m sure you can guess from the title… This show features historical topics that you may not have heard of before! As someone who has a MA in History I’m fairly critical of history produced from mass audiences, because it’s often shoddy or has a particular political agenda. However, I think that the hosts do an admirable job researching and presenting the topics! This is a pretty long running show so there’s LOTS to listen to. It comes out ever Monday and Wednesday. Also, I love that they read listener mail! Mine was read on “air” awhile back, *que fangirl arm flailing*.

This is the latest podcast from Jason & Carissa Weiser, so it’s another story telling show! I love the concept: “Classic lit with a modern tone, every other week. From the creators of Myths and Legends, comes an altogether same-but-different podcast set in the world of classic lit. They’re stories written by Jane Austen, Shakespeare, and H.P. Lovecraft, but with a casual, modern tone.” It gives you a taste of classic literature without having to invest a ton of time. Plus, if a story captures your attention you can read the original! I particularly enjoyed the Dante’s Inferno episodes.

Here are some honorable mentions but aren’t particularly bookish:

• NPR’s “All Songs Considered“: I don’t listen to the radio but I like to hear new music and bands. My music tastes tend to align with the hosts so I enjoy this a lot.
• Another HowStuffWorks podcast, “FoodStuff“: The show gives you the history and science behind different foods! I really enjoy the ‘Cocktail Hour’ shows and I thought the “Pumpkin: Jack-of-all-Foods” was awesome. Who knew squash could be so interesting?
• If you’re like me and you like paranormal things, but aren’t a believer, Skeptic magazine’s “Monster Talk” covers a variety of topics and interviews authors and scholars about paranormal topics from a skeptical perspective. ‘Skeptical’ can have a negative connotation, however I find the hosts Blake Smith and Dr. Karen Stollznow to be very personable.

Happy Listening!