Top 7 podcasts of 2019

The 7 BEST podcasts of 2019!

I’ve been listening to podcasts for about 8 years now. I spent 4 years commuting to and from college (a one and a half hour commute each way) and have travelled to and from cities on the train for hours. I’m the type of person that hates to waste time and really love some good low maintenance entertainment.

Podcasts (and audiobooks) are a great way to maximize your commute. There are times that I am just so tired that I just take a quick nap. But for those times where you are wide awake or (even worse) during rush hour when you are stuck standing and can’t nap a podcast is a great time passer. The following are my ultimate favourite podcasts and also some a noteworthy series that are worth a listen:

1. Life Kit by NPR

I recently discovered this one. I love the concept, this is basically a lifestyle podcast and you can go through the titles and pick and choose topics that are of interest to you, there is something for everyone. It has some great “handbook”-stye episodes for situations in life you may find yourself in. Some of the ones I recently enjoyed are:

            How to have a good weekend

            The right way to quit your job

            How to manage emotions at work

2. The Happiness Lab

A podcast by Dr. Laurie Santos who is a cognitive scientist that studies happiness. Her approach to happiness is very real and refreshing and I truthfully enjoy her practical take. Sometimes these wellness and self-help podcasts can be un-relatable and unattainable but this one is pretty unique easy to listen to. It has really helped me during this time of my life. 

3. How to Money

If you are in to personal finance or just know you need to get your money in order, this is a great podcast. This one is also very relatable and less judge-y (unlike other personal finance gurus out there) and is very practical and easy to follow. One episode that I found very helpful and have also personally shared with my own friends and colleagues is Episode 110 which outlines how to ask your boss for a raise.

4. Stuff Mom Never Told You

I discovered this podcast during law school. If you are a woke millennial (or not) you will enjoy the topics that these ladies cover. They cover things like sex, race, diversity and equality and how those things intertwine with the conflicts and issues of today. These ladies are able to do this light-heartedly with a positive spirit which is unfortunately rare within this genre of topics. It truly reminds me of some of the conversations I have with my own friends.

5. The Daily

This is also a recent discovery. A daily American news podcasts and a unique and captivating way to enjoy great journalism and reporting on relevant topics. This is a more political and world issues podcast and the reporting is done in a simple and easy to follow manner that even an exclusive real housewives watcher like me can follow. Sometimes these topics can be heavy and complicated, but I find this podcast is able to set out issues and world events in a way that is easily digest-able. 

6. Savage Lovecast

I would say this is probably the podcast I have been listening to the longest. Dan Savage is a relationship expert and takes calls and questions from randoms about sex and relationships. He usually does a rant at the beginning of the podcast about whatever current issue is trending. Sometimes I enjoy it and sometimes I don’t. This is a weekly podcast  for those who want to better improve their own relationships, be a better partner or just looking for a way to be more open minded.

7. Over My Dead Body

Last year I discovered this podcast, the reporting and journalism used to deliver this story is absolutely amazing. I haven’t found a good crime podcast since the first season of Serial which I did enjoy however this one is by far superior. If you don’t like true crime podcasts I would still recommend that you give this a try. There are actual FBI phone call recordings used (not re-enactments) which is also why the quality of this one was so great. It is so well done and it really does explore the relationships between the characters in a way that captivates the listener.

I hope you take the time to check out these podcasts, you will not be disappointed!