Podcasts can bring joy to the menial tasks of the day and are a great way to switch off, learn, or discover new ideas. At the end of 2020, when Spotify Wrapped was released, I was reminded of how much time I spend listening to podcasts. In an attempt to make use of my invested time, I have compiled a list of some of my favourites to share.
The Food Medic
In a time when health myths, fads, and false information seep into all corners of the internet and media, Dr Hazel Wallace offers science-based information regarding health and well-being. The conversations are nuanced and engaging, with episodes covering a wide range of topics such as sports nutrition, skincare, periods and menopause. For anyone feeling a bit lost in the sea of misinformation, this is an excellent resource to check out.
We need to talk about the British Empire
Afua Hirsch explores the History of the British Empire and its lasting global impact. With each guest she interviews, they delve into their family history to examine the legacy left behind by the empire. This series unravels the hidden truths of the empire, revealing the horrific experiences many people lived through and the lasting consequences. Each episode is thought provoking, prompting the listener to examine their knowledge of the British Empire. The series emphasises that the impact of the empire is not a distant memory. It is necessary to unpick the past for the Britain to move forward in the 21st century.
I weigh
You may recognise the host of this podcast, Jameel Jamil, from the Good Place. Jameela has witty, emotive and hilarious conversations with her guests as they discuss topics surrounding shame and dissect toxic societal norms. Guests have included Reese Witherspoon, Gloria Steinem, Law Roach, Matt Haig and Munroe Bergdorf. At the end of each episode, Jameela asks her guests what they weigh in terms of their contributions to society, to their friends, family and themselves. If you’re looking for an empowering podcast, while having a good laugh, this is definitely one to have a listen to.
What were you thinking?
The brain is the marvellous and perplexing organ responsible for controlling many physiological processes conducted by our bodies, as well as for decision our making. What happens to these processes during the adolescent stage of life? In this podcast, you will learn about some high profile cases that have shocked the world as the host, Dina Temple-Raston breaks down how teenagers were lead down some extreme paths. Trigger warning: some episodes contain distressing content.
Adulting
Oenone Forbat speaks with her guests about important life lessons missed from their schooling. This is another podcast with many fantastic conversations and a wide variety of topics. The podcast leaves the listener wanting to know more and eager to grow their knowledge. A key take away from ‘Adulting’ is that learning doesn’t end with formal education, rather it is a continuous and evolving process ongoing throughout life.
The Life Scientific
In this podcast, Jim Al-Khalili interviews scientists about what sparked their interest in science and where their career has taken them. ‘The Life Scientific’ covers a range of scientific disciplines, providing the listener with great insight into some of the most fascinating areas of research taking place at the moment. The podcast is accessible to all irrespective of background scientific knowledge. Some of my favourite episodes include ‘Detective of the mind Dr Suzanne O’Sullivan’, ‘Banning chemical weapons with Alastair Hay’ and ‘Myles Allen on understanding climate change’. If anyone wants to kindle their curiosity about the world around them, ‘The life scientific’ is a great place to start.
The Daily / Today in Focus
These are two brilliant podcasts to listen to if you’re looking to gain a more in-depth understanding of the news stories that dominate the headlines, as well as those that don’t gleam so much attention. With episodes each day you will never run out of podcasts to listen to. ‘The Daily’ is produced by the New York Times, with content focussed more on the USA its great for those American politics fanatics out there. Meanwhile, ‘Today in Focus’ is made by the Guardian and explores the latest news and politics in the UK and overseas.
The Michelle Obama Podcast
Need I say more? If you loved her autobiography ‘Becoming’, it is likely you will be a fan of this podcast. ‘The Michelle Obama Podcast’ focuses on having discussions based around community and the actionable changes individuals, families, and friends can take to improve their surrounding environment. Much of the change is centred on having open and empathetic conversations, even if, at times, they feel uncomfortable. Listening to inspirational discussions during lockdown provided me with a sense of solace and comfort when much going on felt overwhelming. I would recommend this one to anybody who has similar feelings and is looking for some optimism.
To the women
While the design of this podcast is simple, it is encapsulating and intimate to listen to. Women read letters they have written to other women, with each episode focussing on different relationships. Hearing the letters women have written to each other provides relief from the stereotypical interactions of women commonly portrayed in the media. It reminds the listener that all relationships have their imperfections and it is their complexity that makes them unique. Each letter demonstrates the power words hold with the raw emotion they convey. Although some episodes are definitely tearjerkers, they create a space for catharsis and lift the spirits of the listener.
Remember who made them
Clothes have many functions: they keep us warm, allow self-expression, and fuel the billion-dollar fashion industry. This podcast goes behind the façade of glamorous events and influencers to find the true impact left behind by the fashion industry. ‘Remember who made them’ emulates the voices of garment workers to educate the listener about the origin of their clothing, shining insight into the lives of those who made them. The podcast works with organisations that give agency to women and support them in their fight to be paid a living wage. In addition, the team delves into pervasive issues within fashion, such as cultural appropriation and fast fashion. As consumers, it is important to be knowledgeable about the impact of our shopping habits, particularly since teenage girls and young women form a demographic many large fast fashion retailers choose to target.
