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BY MICHAELA OLSON '23
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If you’re a podcast listener, I’m automatically assuming you’re cool. No one listens to podcasts unless they’re super woke and lowkey nerdy. As a pretty nerdy person myself, I’m always on the hunt for something to listen to while procrastinating on homework or staying in on a Friday night. I’ve carefully compiled a list of my all-time favorite podcasts which either make me think, cry, or laugh so hard I exhale air out of my nose. All are available on Apple Music/Podcasts (superior), Spotify (dumb), and other podcast-streaming platforms!
Tay to Z: A Taylor Swift Podcast A complete rundown of Taylor Swift’s music! So good for Swifties who love obsessing over elaborate fan theories and hidden meanings behind songs. It’s also great for anyone who wants to start listening to Taylor but isn’t sure how to begin their journey through her extensive discography. And for all you Taylor haters out there—no, not all of her songs are about her exes. My Favorite Episode: “august” It’s impossible to narrow down my favorite Taylor Swift songs, but “august” is hands down top five. Maybe even top two. This episode breaks down the lyrics and style of music from Taylor’s mature, alternative album folklore, whose songs were written during quarantine… heart-wrenching, but so good. No Stupid Questions - Freaknomics Shout-out to those whose minds go blank when someone starts talking about the economy. What are stocks? Why can’t we print more money to combat inflation? Freakonomics holds the answers to these questions. It’s great for those who are new to economics, and it presents these ideas through an engaging medium. I love their segment “No Stupid Questions,” which, for someone who asks many stupid questions, makes me feel heard. My Favorite Episode: “Is Laziness Real?” I ask myself this all the time. This makes me feel better when I’m doing homework that was due two weeks ago. There’s a difference between laziness and lack of motivation—remember that! Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain I LOVE Emma Chamberlain. She’s hilarious, relatable, and was the “it girl” of social media influencers back in 2018. She’s open about her challenges with mental health and encourages conversation surrounding the struggles that she’s faced. Her advice with how to cope with these emotions is something that everyone could use. We stan Emma. My Favorite Episode: “advice session #8” Emma does advice sessions every few weeks in a Q&A format. Some of the topics in this episode include trust issues with friends, insecurities within relationships, and how to tell if you like someone or if they’re just really hot. You know, the important stuff. Presidential This one goes out to those kids in elementary school who would recite the order of US presidents backwards for the talent show. This podcast dives into the lives and presidencies of former US Presidents in a fun way (no offense, history teachers). For those of you in US History cramming the night before the Civil War test, listen to the Abe Lincoln episode. It’ll help, trust me. My Favorite Episode: “Theodore Roosevelt: Exuberance” Is it bad to say I have a favorite president? Without my dear friend Teddy, we probably wouldn’t have national parks! This episode covers the ∼secrets∼ of Teddy Roosevelt’s life that your history teacher is too scared to tell you. Intrigued yet? TMG with Cody Ko and Noel Miller This is actually the funniest podcast I’ve ever encountered. Cody Ko and Noel Miller are popular YouTubers who discuss everything you need to know about pop culture in an ironic, relatable way. My Favorite Episode: “Yik Yak is Controversial” Yik Yak is an app where teens can anonymously post anything they want, and it filters feeds based on geographic location. Cody and Noel discuss the controversy this app has faced, but also what drives its popularity among students. I say we bring it back. Honorable Mention: Off the Spectrum! The student-run podcast, created by the newspaper you’re reading right now. Hopefully, this list made you inch a little closer to that unopened podcasts app on your phone! And hopefully that app isn’t Spotify. |
