A number of years ago, I remember a friend telling me about NPR—aka talk radio. She raved about it. She told me she loved the creative stories featured on the station, designed to make people think. But despite also loving stories and being a storyteller, I couldn’t imagine just listening to people talk while driving my car.
It seemed so boring to me.
Fast forward to about three years ago, when I discovered podcasts. A writer I love was a guest on one, and after listening to her interview, I got hooked on the show. Then, I found other shows. All of a sudden doing the dishes or even going for a run didn’t seem so tedious if I had an episode of one my favorite podcasts to listen to.
What happened?
Maybe, I’ve just gotten older. Or it could be that podcasts make it possible to hear from a whole group of people we may never have heard from, if it wasn’t for technology. Whatever it is, I LOVE podcasts. But I have found that there are some you have to be in a certain mood for.
For example, after a day of deep thinking or writing, I am not going to put on an episode of The Next Right Thing with Emily P Freeman, or even my favorite, Lead Stories with Jo Saxton and Steph O’Brien. Though both are phenomenal, they won’t be what I need.
In the same way, if I am going on a road trip to my vacation destination, or I want to sit on the beach and listen instead of read—I am probably going to want something a little more chill and fun. I have a feeling I am not alone in this.
That is why, today I am sharing five podcasts and/or podcast episodes that are perfect for summer listening. You know, in case you get tired of your playlist on Spotify.
That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs
How can I not start with the podcast that actually has the world fun in the title? This show is one of my favorites. Though I have to admit, not all of Annie’s episodes are entirely light and fun. They can get serious too.That said, there are some great episodes that would make for some fun listening this summer. One, is her recent episode with Bob Goff, and another with Atlanta Brave, Dansby Swansen—because what is more summer than baseball?
The Popcast
Do you want a show on culture and entertainment that is intelligent, witty, and a little snarky too? The Popcast is the show for you. Hosts, Knox and Jamie cover everything from the Bachelor to movie releases, to TV shows with horrible endings. But, probably my favorite is whenever they do a “No’s of” episode, in which they expose all the ways we go overboard in our culture. Check out the No’s of Weddings, for some laugh out loud stories. It will keep you entertained on the road.
What Should I Read Next
Ok, so this show is for all my fellow book nerds out there. Imagine a cross between your favorite bookstore and a matchmaking show—you’ve got, What Should I read Next? On this show, host, Ann Bogel, has each guest share three books they loved and one book they hated. Then, based on their answers, she gives them three new book titles to read. Being such a big book nerd, just listening to them talk about titles is enjoyable. But I’ve also found some great reads too. Want to listen to some particularly fun episodes? Check out the one with Rider Strong from Boy Meets World. Or if you love Jane Austen, listen to the interview with her great, great, great, great grand niece!
For the Love of Laughter, with Jen Hatmaker
This past winter, writer, speaker, and now podcast host, Jen Hatmaker, had a series on her show all about Laughter—which we could all use more of these days. In each episode, she interviews some spectacularly funny people—including some SNL alum and the Chewbacca Mom. It was a great series, and should leave you feeling a little bit lighter at the end.
Please tell me, what podcasts are you loving right now?
Any that you’d recommend for summer?
*All Podcast episodes are available on itunes. But all episode links are to the show’s pages in case you want to know more about who you’re listening to.
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