Guest written by Dana Friesen, Henderson Library District Digital Librarian
Learning about pelicans, rating different fast-food restaurants, and listening to your favorite comedians give medical advice may not seem like they have anything in common, but they share one small factor: They’re all themes for different podcasts! My absolute favorite thing to listen to when driving, riding the bus, or walking my dogs is to listen to a podcast. The best part is that most are available for FREE! All you need is a preferred device (I use my phone), and download your preferred podcast listening app (Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Audible, Spotify). Getting started may seem overwhelming based on how many podcasts are out there, so here are my top five all-time favorite podcasts to help:
- Ologies with Allie Ward is one of my favorite science podcasts for non-scientists. Humorist and science correspondent Allie Ward interviews really smart people asking questions all about the charming and bizarre -ologies that exist in the world. You will definitely learn some odd things. Pelicanology (Pelicans) with Juita Martinez is my favorite episode so far.
- Doughboys is a podcast about chain restaurants with comedians Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger. They rate and review fast food and sit-down chains with other comedians (and non-comedian) guests. Absolutely one of my favorites to listen to!
- Don’t Ask Tig is a weekly podcast that stars comedian Tig Notaro and a guest. Each episode they answer listener-submitted questions to the best of their abilities. Some notable guests are Lilly Singh, Roxane Gay, Jameela Jamil, David Sedaris, and Stephen Colbert.
- 99% Invisible is all about the process and power of design and architecture hosted by Roman Mars (whose voice is pure gold). Two of my favorite episodes are #435 “The Megaplex!” and #75 “Secret Staircases”
- This American Life is an award-winning radio-show (that you can still catch on NPR on Sundays!) and now a top-rated podcast that explores a particular theme of the week with several acts throughout an episode. Themes can range from car dealerships to spending 24-hours in a Chicago diner. My all-time favorite episodes are #218 Act V, #188 Kid Logic, and #61 Fiasco.
