I have always been a multi-tasker and a multi-track thinker. The best way for me to focus is with background noise… or music or podcast or audio book. So 30+hrs/week of headphones time for almost 6 years means I have a LOT of listening under my belt. These are the episodes I refer people to, and refer to in conversation the most:
Tunnel Vision (Hidden Brain, NPR) - This is a MUST listen. It covers poverty and other psychological effects of extreme survival situations.
How Tik Tok Is Killing the Radio Song Writer (Popcast, New York Times) - This is a really interesting episode that explains the economics of the music industry… and when it clashes with the talent that supports it. Really relevant and very insightful.
Curb Cuts (99% Invisible, Radiotopia) - A look into how smart design thats positioned to help a minority group actually benefits the majority as well… so why is it such an uphill battle to get these changes implemented? A really smart story that dives into conveniences you may not even realize were designed for a different purpose.
522: The Invention of ‘The Economy’ (Planet Money, NPR) - You’ve heard of the economy right? Listen to this episode then.
Built on Sand (99% Invisible, Radiotopia) - Have you ever wondered anything about the construction industry? Start here.
Diamonds: Articles of Interest (99% Invisible, Radiotopia) - If you’re like me and grew up listening to their mother rant about how the diamond industry is artificially inflated and the DeBeers family is just gouging everyone, listen to this great episode that dives into the industry.
Dyson: James Dyson - Have you ever used a vacuum or heard of the Dyson brand? Great, listen to this podcast episode.
BS Jobs: How Meaningless Work Wears Us Down (Hidden Brain, NPR) - A look into modern work, who actually needs a 40-hr work week and what the value of satisfaction is when it comes to our livelihoods.
The Lonely American Man (Hidden Brain, NPR) - Ever noticed that your mom maintains a full social calendar while your dad seemingly has only a handful of actual friends (if that?). More people need to be talking about this deep-rooted issue and what the solutions look like.
What Are The Odds? (Hidden Brain, NPR) - I almost hesitate to recommend this because it is quite soul-crushing if you’re a romantic in any way… but it dives into the mathematical probability of coincidence … and why its not actually that weird you ran into you 2nd grade teacher on vacation.
I’ve Had Better (Where Should We Begin by Ester Parel) - Have you ever wanted to be a fly on the wall in a couple’s therapy session? Just me? OK well than you can skip this but if not def check it out, there are 4 seasons to date and each episode offers something different… often I find myself gasping out loud and whispering “No they didnt!”.
627: The Miracle Apple (Planet Money, NPR) - No, not the computer, the one you actually eat! If you’re a Honeycrisp fan then give this a listen. A really interesting dive into the world of commercial apple growing (and marketing).
732: Eagles vs Chickens (Planet Money, NPR) - Not the most high-brow topic but you dont get stories about the US bald eagle every day… nor farmers that are trying to kill them.
Usonia (99% Invisible, Radiotopia) - Three words: Frank Lloyd Right. If you ever drive through a suburban American town, listen to this episode.
Spanx: Sarah Blakely - This interview with the intimates founder is a great listen for any entrepreneur or anyone who wears her ubiquitous apparel.
Honorable Mention
Built to Burn (99% Invisible, Radiotopia) - Dives into problems, and solutions to California’s burning problem
650: The Business Behind Get Out (Planet Money, NPR) - Yes, Get Out the movie. A really cool look into this side of the movie industry and how it can be very lucrative.
Planet Money Buys Oil (Planet Money, NPR) - I think about this episode/series a lot. I’ve never given much thought to the oil industry and while this doesn’t answer all questions, its a really cool experiment and I did learn a lot.
The Accidental Room (99% Invisible, Radiotopia) - A fun story about an accidental room built into a shopping mall in Providence, RI … and the crew who moved in.
How Does Post Malone Sound Like Everything and Nothing? (Popcast, New York Times) - A great piece on Post Malone, his rise to fame and how his music is somehow exactly what we needed.
Palaces for the People (99% Invisible, Radiotopia) - An inspiring story about public libraries
Sweetgreen: Nicolas Jammet and Jonathan Neman (How I Built This, NPR) - Not going to lie… this story might mean nothing if you are not a loyal fan of this chain like I am BUT these guys seem super cool and it was a fun listen.
TED Radio Hour: Rethinking Anger (TED Radio Hour, NPR) - Really helpful if you get rage-y at work like I do.
Sound and Health: Hospitals (99% Invisible, Radiotopia) - If you love thinking about detail-oriented setups, take a listen to this episode that dives into medical device design and how important sounds are in a life or death environment.
'Man Up': How A Fear Of Appearing Feminine Restricts Men, And Affects Us All (Hidden Brain, NPR) - This is an Issue I personally find incredibly frustrating so I may be biased but I think its worth the listen, no matter which gender you identify as.
Teach for America: Wendy Kopp (How I Built This, NPR) - Female founders are in the minority and Wendy started a whole movement towards national service so its worth the listen for that alone.
The Automat (99% Invisible, Radiotopia) - Cute story for anyone who’s an aspiring NYC history buff
The Life is Good Company: Bert and John Jacobs (How I Built This, NPR) - Cute story about a t-shirt company that warning will make you want to go out and buy some of their merch.
Can A Child Be Raised Free Of Gender Stereotypes? This Family Tried (Hidden Brain, NPR) - A great look into the complications of non-gendered child-rearing
Dolly Parton’s America (Mini series, iHeart Radio) - A fab mini-series about the Queen of Tennessee
When Did Marriage Become So Hard? (Hidden Brain, NPR) - I’m a relationship psychology-junkie so this episode is exactly what I find interesting, but it does offer great insights into modern love and its expectations.
Want to Feel Things*? (*Emotions)
Finding Fred (iHeart Radio) - All about Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and the characters and humans along the way who were deeply impacted by the man’s generosity and positive, empathetic outlook on life.
HumaNature (Wyoming Public Media) - Just some really great stories about the juncture of humans and the wilderness.
Ear Hustle (Radiotopia) - An inside look at the US prison system from a California prison. It will leave you laughing, crying and everything in between.
Inside Trader Joe’s (Trader Joe’s) - Laugh all you want, but this informative, quirky, adorable podcast brings me to tears nearly every time cause the employees speak with such uplifting adoration of the company they work for… its the most wholesome thing on the internet.
Audiobooks
Educated by Tara Westover - It reads like a mystery podcast, I finished it in 2 days. Jaw-dropping and makes you think about family, the country, religion and how everyone views facts–and alliances, differently.
Becoming by Michelle Obama - Michelle narrates and its glorious.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah - An amazing book regardless, but Trevor narrates so you hear correctly how everything is pronounced, plus I’m pretty sure there was a bit of sing-songing there somewhere.