Five Podcasts You Should Be Listening To (And Why)
By: Grace McGowan
Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular as a source of both entertainment and education. Comics, athletes, educators, celebrities, activists, and others have created their own podcasts to educate listeners or to simply broadcast conversations about their interests or areas of expertise.
All content on the iPhone podcast app is free, as are many other platforms, which makes listening to podcasts incredibly easy and convenient. You can access episodes wherever you are, so long as you have your phone. Podcasts are especially suited to the busy lifestyles of students. You can listen to podcasts on walks between classes, while doing busy work, or while at the gym.
Whether you are interested in pop culture and the latest trends, politics and global affairs, or you just want listen to something that will make you laugh, podcasts are a great resource for you. Below are five podcasts I recommend that are free on the iTunes podcast app (and keep in mind that this is just a sample of the diverse content that available).
1. Oprah’s Master Class: The Podcast
In this star-studded podcast produced by Oprah, distinguished celebrities share their stories, their struggles, and their advice. Each episode focuses on a different artist, athlete, or prominent figure as they share in their own words the life lessons they have learned so far. Featured guests have included Shaquille O’Neal, Alicia Keys, and Jay-Z. This podcast gives listeners a great opportunity to learn from the successes and failures of some of the most prominent figures in pop culture today. As Oprah says, “Everybody has a story, and there is something to be learned from every experience. Use your life as a class.”
Recommended episode: “Dwayne Johnson”
2. U Up?
Hosts Jordana Abraham and Jared Freid discuss all things in the world of modern dating and offer their honest advice in this entertaining and relatable podcast. Jordana and Jared talk about red flags and deal breakers, dating app protocol, how to handle relationship milestones, and many more aspects of dating and hookups that we are all trying to learn how to best navigate. The discussions are frank and unfiltered, making U Up? a great podcast for anyone seeking advice, solidarity, or a humorous take when it comes to twenty-first century relationships.
Recommended episode: “Can You Start a Real Relationship From an Instagram Thirst Trap?”
3. Pod Save the People
In this podcast, civil rights activist DeRay Mckesson discusses politics, social justice, and current events. On each episode, Mckesson talks about what’s happening in the news and speaks with an expert guest about a specific event or issue that is pertinent to American politics or culture. Pod Save the People is well-researched, highly informative, and covers a wide variety of current political, economic, and social issues. McKesson’s use of personal experience, as well as the in-depth and honest conversations, make this podcast a great resource for news and information.
Recommended episode: “Smart Justice”
4. WSJ Secrets of Wealthy Women
Female executives, entrepreneurs, and experts across a variety of industries share their secrets to success in this podcast. Speakers ranging from Bobbi Brown to Gloria Steinem discuss their lives and careers, sharing tips with listeners, (especially geared toward young women) on how to achieve their financial and professional aspirations. Both men and women who want to advance their careers and learn how to better manage their money will benefit from the wisdom of these leading business women. The accomplished women featured on this podcast are incredibly astute and inspirational.
Recommended episode: “Kate White: The Secret to a Big, Bold Career”
5. Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
This podcast is hosted by Jonathan Van Ness, one of the stars of Netflix’s Queer Eye. In each episode, Jonathan finds an expert to answer his questions about a topic that makes him curious. Topics of discussion have included AI, the history of pirates, and gender identity, to name a few. Fans of Queer Eye will be happy to know that Jonathan’s co-stars all have their own feature episode where we get to learn all about their lives. Jonathan’s bubbly personality and hilarious commentary, combined with his eagerness to learn, make him the perfect host for a podcast that teaches you a little bit about everything.
Recommended episode: “Who Was the Beyoncé of Renaissance Art? with Prof. Lisa Boutin Vitela”
