This week we’re taking a short detour from books to discuss podcasts. Like books, podcasts can expand your worldview, and help you understand or learn about something you had no idea about. Podcasts are also perfect for Cornell: whether you are looking for something to entertain you on your long drive home for Fall Break or on your equally long walk to class, there is no better time to listen to a immerse yourself in the world of a podcast. Below are a few of my favorite podcasts, and why I love them.
1S-Town
S-Town is the perfect podcast for thrill seekers. Following the format of investigative journalism, the show follows its host Brian Reed as he travels to “Shit Town” Alabama to investigate an alleged murder. There are many twists, turns, dramas, and mysteries that unfold through his work in this small Alabama town–basically NCIS without the visuals. The characters that Reed encounters are as bizarre as they are intriguing. If you like this podcast, definitely listen to Serial, also created by Brian Reed, a similar investigative journalism piece.
2Modern Love
Modern Love is the perfect podcast if you’re in more of a sentimental mood. This podcast is an extension of the New York Times column of the same name, and is a compilation of personal essays that people have submitted about love in its many shapes and forms. Perfect for when you are feeling sappy, the essays are vibrant and interesting, and often emotional. They are also read by famous actors, so you may even recognize some of the voices you hear.
3The Moth
The Moth is a classic – you can’t go wrong. This podcast combines real-life short stories from people across the world about their experiences. Each story is spoken by its author, without reading from a script. I love listening to The Moth because the stories are always very interesting. Often, you cannot believe that the story you are listening to happened to a real person. You never know what you’re going to get – from intense, to funny, to sentimental – there are many possibilities, but the stories are always thought provoking and interesting.
4Homecoming
A brand-new podcast, Homecoming has garnered acclaim for its fascinating and unconventional style. This podcast is almost like an audio-play, described as a “experimental-fiction podcast.” Described as a “psychological thriller,” the plot line is centered on a caseworker at a mysterious facility, where she attends to an enigmatic military veteran dealing with an harsh superior. There are multiple characters, all read by different actors. Among this bunch are some big names, including Ross Gell–I mean, David Schwimmer, Catherine Keener, Amy Sedaris, and Oscar Isaac. This podcast is also soon to become a TV series starring Julia Roberts.
5Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin
Alec Baldwin interviews many interesting people on his podcast. From famous actors, to writers, to activists, this is a great viewpoint into the lives of these successful and interesting individuals. Not only is his voice super soothing, he asks sharp and thoughtful questions that provoke interesting answers. Some highlights include Grace Coddington, the legendary Vogue fashion editor, and Ellie Kemper, the star of the Netflix TV show Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
6More Perfect
More Perfect takes the listener through interesting Supreme Court cases. But even if you’re not pre-law, this podcast is great. They describe the cases in depth, giving a comprehensive view of the issues, from exposing interviews, research, and opinions as well as the outcomes. One of my favorite episodes is the first, “Cruel and Unusual.” This episode grapples with three words from the Eight Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: “cruel and unusual.” The episode shows the struggle that the Supreme Court has had with these three words as they pertain to the death penalty. Interesting and eye-opening, do not miss this podcast. Plus, it will give you something to talk about to impress your friends.
