Alison's Favorite Podcasts
I kind of have a problem with superlatives. They're so finite! Unyielding! Hyperbolic! Who can ever be so sure about anything? Or commit to never changing their minds!? Maybe I'm taking it all a hair too seriously, but I cringe just a little every time I read a list delineating someone's personal preferences as the "BEST" things in any category... (Ok so I'm most certainly taking it too seriously.)
But anyway - PODCASTS! They're great. And now that we're in the full heat of summer, and thus at the height of travel season, the time is nigh to immerse oneself in the world of spoken word to pass the time on long drives to the beach and flights to wherever the hell it is you're going.
And so, lengthy, unsolicited, unnecessary backstory aside, here are my favorite podcasts at the time of this writing:
1. Lore
If you like spooky stories to tell in the dark with a strong infusion of real history, Lore is perfect for you. Host Aaron Mahnke serves up 15-30 minute episodes several times a month, each one focusing on a "dark tale from history" and uncovering the truth behind some of humanity's most deep-seated fears. Be careful with this one while driving though, Mahnke's voice is soft, soothing, and may lull you to sleep behind the wheel.
LISTEN HERE
Stand-out episodes:
"Episode 18: Hunger Pains"
"Episode 21: Adrift"
"Episode 23: Rope and Railing"
2. Guys We F*cked
Hilarious hosts Corinne Fischer and Krystyna Hutchinson reveal completely different truths on their podcast about love, sex, relationships, and everything that goes along with it, and oftentimes, some things that don't. Every Friday the girls have a new guest, ranging from well-known comedians to porn stars to their best friends, each of whom has some juicy secrets to share.
LISTEN HERE
Stand-out episodes:
"HOW DO YOU DEFINE A FEEBLE-ASS BITCH?"
"WHY? w/JON RONSON"
"ARE YOU FIFTY SHADES OF FUCKED UP?"
3. The Beerists
A bunch of friends drink beer, talk about it, and most importantly, abuse the hell out of each other. I listened to the first 2-3 minutes of quite a few beer podcasts in the search for something that'd be informative and entertaining, and let me tell you, this one outshined them all.
LISTEN HERE
Stand-out episodes:
"The Beerists EXTRA: Sensory Tasting Kit"
"The Beerists 215: Fruit Salad"
"The Beerists 216: Hard to Get"
4. Radiolab
An old classic! Everyone loves Radiolab. Compelling true stories told deftly in a documentary style format.
LISTEN HERE
Stand-out episodes:
"Nazi Summer Camp"
"Finding Emilie"
"Henrietta's Tumor"
5. Criminal
True crime stories you've probably never heard, from the legality of keeping a full-grown tiger as a roadside attraction at a truck stop, to an unsolved double murder and the suspected killer who disappeared.
LISTEN HERE
Stand-out episodes:
"Episode 2: Pants on Fire"
"Episode 41: Open Case"
6. LIMETOWN
I'm not just saying this because it's created, written, and produced by some of my best friends, but Limetown is the best episodic sci-fi radio-drama out there. Get in on the podcast now, before it completely overtakes society in myriad other forms.
