Our Favorite Podcasts
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To help you complete the Spring 2020 Adult Reading Challenge—as well as keep you sane during these trying times—we'll be doing several "staff picks" lists with our recommendations for some of the challenge activities.
First up, "Listen to a podcast." Here's a few of our favorites:
Marie (Public Services Assistant)
Unlocking Us. I’ve read everything by Brené Brown and taken a few of her online courses. Brown is a natural storyteller and her research on vulnerability is fascinating. There’s almost always a take away from her work that turns into a part of our family dinner conversations. Brown’s podcast is new, but her first episodes ring true to her TED talks.
Armchair Expert. Dax Shepard interviews people I wouldn’t otherwise meet, from celebrities like Emilia Clarke to experts in a variety of fields, like Belgian psychotherapist Esther Perel. In fact, I enjoyed Perel’s interview so much, I’ve started listening to Esther Perel’s new podcast How’s Work?
Leah (Creative Services Librarian)
Many years ago I came across the OG McElroy family podcast, My Brother, My Brother, and Me, a trio of hilarious brothers dishing out questionable “advice” to their listeners. That quickly led me to consume their many other spin-off podcasts—The Adventure Zone, Sawbones, Shmanners, and most importantly, Wonderful!
Wonderful! is just that—Wonderful. Rachel and Griffin McElroy are absolutely delightful discussing life’s little wonders and it is my go to podcast when I am feeling down or just need a little joy in my life. Check out this funny, warm, inviting and thought provoking podcast that reminds you things aren’t so bad and to appreciate the small things in life.
Judy (Public Services Associate)
I'm just starting to delve into podcasts so I can't say I have a favorite yet. However, I do get a kick out of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and I've listened to the new Pastor Mike Drop with local Pastor Housholder.
Alex (Adult Services Librarian)
The Bright Sessions is a science fiction podcast that follows a group of "atypical" therapy patients—each struggling with their own unique supernatural ability. The episodes are primarily their therapy sessions with Dr. Bright that have been recorded "for research purposes"—so Dr. Bright, her patients, and the world they live in are all a big puzzle that the listener has to piece together. I really enjoy this mystery aspect and it's what has kept me coming back for more.
Lore is a nonfiction podcast about the dark, true historical events behind common folklore—"because sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction." From the history of werewolves and fairies to the dark truths of being buried alive and personal ads gone wrong, Lore takes listeners on a journey of our wildest nightmares. The most unsettling and best part? Host Aaron Mahnke's calm, soothing voice as he recounts history's greatest horrors.
Nicole (Public Services Assistant)
Welcome to Night Vale. This fiction podcast is great for anyone who enjoys LGBTQ romance and the absolutely bizarre. My husband and I were going to their Live show in Iowa City before COVID-19 closed things down… Fingers crossed that they’ll be able to reschedule!
Kelly (Children's Programming Outreach Specialist)
It’s a few years old now and they don’t make new episodes anymore, but I enjoyed Gimlet’s Mystery Show.
Stay tuned for more staff recommedations in our upcoming Lit+Fix posts! Need ever more inspiration for completing Spring 2020 Reading Challenge activities? Check out our dedicated Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpringReadingChallenge/