In 2005, my friend Dan Gruber told me about a new media format that was going to change the way we consume information. It was called podcasting, and I had never heard of it. I thought it sounded like a transmission from an alien vessel. “Take me to your leader…”
It’s like the radio, Dan said, only anyone can have a microphone, and you can listen whenever you want. I didn’t get it. Why would I want to listen to other people’s conversations when I could participate in my own? And why would I want to broadcast my conversations to other people?
Clearly, I was wrong. After four years of hosting a podcast, I’ve come to see it as an ideal way to blend gaining knowledge with sharing knowledge. I get to seek out the people and places that fascinate me, and instead of learning from me afterward, the audience gets to learn with me along the way. I get to learn and create at the same time (the overachiever’s dream).
As a listener, I’ve come to value the purity of attention that comes from listening without waiting to respond. I love being a fly on the wall for interesting conversations without having to leave my house (introverts unite) and absorbing new insights without having to look at a screen—they’re perfect for bedtime, dishwashing, and garbage night.
I’m always on the lookout for new shows. Here are my new favorites:
Cognitive scientist Maya Shankar demystifies the psychology of change.
Episode to start with: Leaving a religious cult
Civics teacher Sharon McMahon leads an army of Governerds to fight fake news with facts.
Episode to start with: How setting boundaries can create peace with Nedra Tawwab
Author and comedian Luvvie Ajayi Jones drops truth bombs.
Episode to start with: Say yes with Elizabeth Gilbert
4. Art of Power
Journalist Aarti Shahani uncovers how power works—and how it changes us.
Episode to start with: Defund the police? The data scientist behind police reform
Comedian Mike Birbiglia invites his hilarious peers to give notes on his rough drafts—and share theirs.
Episode to start with: Hannah Gadsby: Solo shows and spectrum gazelles with a master of the craft
Historian Kate Bowler challenges prosperity gospel.
Episode to start with: John Green: Chronic not curable
7. 70 Over 70
Podcasting pioneer Max Linsky seeks wisdom from extraordinary elders.
Episode to start with: The foolishness of the human condition with Norman Lear
Author and activist Glennon Doyle gives voice to the emotions we normally silence.
Episode to start with: You’re not a mess. The world is.
Author and sociologist Reza Aslan teams up with actor and comedian Rainn Wilson to help you think through—and laugh through—your existential crises.
Episode to start with: Mike Schur, Are you a good person?
What are your favorites?
For more podcast recommendations, check out my list from 2020.
