20 PODCASTS TO GET THROUGH QUARANTINE
Bored during social distancing? Why not listen to some podcasts that might help you escape your new daily routine? FACT’s Elanur Sengel gives 20 recommendations for some of the best podcasts available…
THE ALARMIST
The sinking of the Titanic. The break-up of the Beatles. The McDonald’s coffee lawsuit. This hilarious and informative podcast talks about some of the greatest failures of our history; how they happened, what went wrong, whether they could have been prevented, and most importantly, who’s to blame! Whether you are a history lover or not, The Alarmist will give you a good chuckle.
THE BEAUTY BRAINS
Beauty buffs, attention— this one’s for you. The Beauty Brains is a show where real cosmetic scientists answer all your beauty questions and give you an insider’s look at the cosmetic industry. Learn what chemicals used in cosmetics really do, how beauty products are tested, which beauty and cosmetic products you should use and avoid, and what all the advertising really means.
10 THINGS THAT SCARE ME
As the title already indicates, this bite-sized, funny and relatable podcast is about our biggest fears— from clown faces to failure, deep water, or asking too much of people you love. In each episode, one person talks. Alone in a room. It could be anyone. It could be you. And it might even make you feel a little less alone, no matter what keeps you up at night.
WHERE SHOULD WE BEGIN
Step into iconic couples therapist Esther Perel’s podcast and listen as real couples anonymously share their intimate relationship struggles. From infidelity, to loss, it’s a space for people to be heard and understood. It’s also a place for us to listen and feel empowered in our own relationships, and even if you aren’t in a relationship, this podcast has lots to offer for anyone who has to deal with other humans. So, where should we begin?
JENSEN AND HOLES: THE MURDER SQUAD
To all true crime lovers out there, this podcast definitely deserves to be your next podcast obsession. In The Murder Squad, retired Cold Case Investigator Paul Holes and Investigative Journalist Billy Jensen dig deep into unsolved murders, unidentified remains and missing person cases— and that, in real time. Ride shotgun and become an active member of the Murder Squad, as Jensen and Holes take tips and theories from listeners to ultimately solve cases. Someone knows something, always.
ON BEING
What does it mean to be human, and how do we want to live? On Being holds groundbreaking Peabody award-winning conversation about the big questions of meaning. From spiritual inquiry, science, social healing, and arts— each week you will discover something new about the immensity of our lives. A meditative podcast that feels like taking a warm bath or chatting with your most insightful friend.
HAPPY PLACE
Whatever your reason may be for feeling lost or frazzled, Happy Place helps you find a different way of looking at life. In the new podcast series Fearne Cotton talks to incredible individuals about life, love, loss, and everything in-between as she reveals what happiness means to them. A podcast that instills joy in your life.
THE MOTH
Celebrating the diversity and commonality of human experience, The Moth presents thousands of true stories that are told live and without notes. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. Prepare yourself for some terrifying and exhilarating stories. Some of the guests are polished professionals but many are just average people with a tale to tell.
HOW TO FAIL
Do you think everyone makes it but you? Let How to Fail change your mind, as the podcast honours the things that haven’t gone right. Journalist Elizabeth Day talks with successful people about their failures, and most importantly, what their failures taught them. Honest experiences that will motivate and lift you up.
COMEDY BANG BANG: THE PODCAST
For the ones who just want to laugh, Comedy Bang Bang got you covered! The weekly podcast blends conversation and character work from today’s funniest comedians. Host Scott Aukerman and a full slate of hilarious comedians gather for candid interviews that often devolve into competitive games and more. You never know what to expect with Comedy Bang Bang but do expect your insides to hurt from all the laughter.
ADULTING
Did you ever think being an adult would be this hard? Neither did hosts Michelle Buteau and Jordan Carlos. That’s why they’re talking it out with some of the funniest, most creative adults around. Plus, they answer the questions that haunt us all, like “What is an acceptable amount of money to spend on pillows?” A podcast that’s trying to figure out all the things we never got taught in school.
GET SLEEPY
Because switching off and relaxing is not always easy, here’s a free bedtime podcast to fall asleep to. Get Sleepy is a unique combination of sleep meditation, followed by a calming story that will have you nodding off before you’ve even had the chance to think about counting sheep. Good night.
GOING THROUGH IT
Do I quit or do I keep going? Join Ann Friedman in a series of intimate, revealing conversations with guests Rebecca Traister, Soledad O’Brien, Samin Nosrat, Hillary Clinton, and others about the moments in their lives when they faced that question. Whether it’s a relationship, a career, or some other ongoing personal struggle, the answer is never easy. But the wisdom contained in these honest assessments will resonate with listeners going through similar moments of truth in their own lives.
FAKE HEIRESS
Fake it until you make it! This podcast is about the rise and fall of Anna Delvey, who conned New York high society into believing that she was a multi-millionaire heiress. She racked up bills at expensive hotels and forced friends to pay for her, blaming difficulty in moving money from her overseas accounts, and stole $275,000 through a variety of scams. Fake Heiress is definitely your next can’t-stop-listening podcast.
NO SUCH THING AS A FISH
No Such Thing as a Fish is a podcast from the QI offices in which the writers of the hit BBC show huddle around a microphone and present the best facts that they’ve come across this week. Entertainment guaranteed.
SAFE FOR WORK
From burnouts to horrible bosses, life at work can be challenging. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at work or just need to listen to some people who understand what you’re going through, this podcast is for you. Safe For Work helps you find balance and happiness in your career.
THE EMMA GUNS SHOW
Whether you’re curious about meditation, self-help, entrepreneurship, the latest beauty trend etc., it’s all here. The Emma Guns Show aims to inform, empower, inspire and entertain. Special guests include beauty editors, as well as beauty pioneers like Paula Begoun of Paula’s Choice.
PHILOSOPHIZE THIS!
Philosophize This! is for anyone interested in an educational podcast about philosophy where you don’t need to be a graduate-level philosopher to understand it. In chronological order, the thinkers and ideas that forged the world we live in are broken down and explained.
BRAIN SCIENCE
This podcast is for non-scientists, scientists, and everyone in between who’s interested in learning more about how our brain works. Host Dr. Ginger Campbell teaches you about the latest findings in neuroscience in a way that you can enjoy no matter what your background is. You’ll also listen to interviews with brilliant neuroscientists from around the world.
SERIAL
Murder, mystery, and all the real-life makings for a story that will grip you instantly. Hosted by Sarah Koenig, Serial unfolds one story— a true story— over the course of a whole season. Sarah herself won’t know what happens at the end of the story until she gets there, not long before you get there with her. Prepare yourself for many surprising twists and turns.
