Take A Break From Netflix: 7 Podcasts You Need To Listen To ASAP

I know what you’re thinking…Why would I listen to podcasts, it’s like the part of radio in between songs where you usually end up changing the station, how could that be enjoyable? That’s what I thought too, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I worked at an extremely boring job for two summers where you’re allowed to have your headphones in, but you’re not supposed to sit down or leave your post… Did I mention this was an overnight job? I debated quitting so many times and thought that my brain was going to turn into mush before the end of the summer. That is, until I discovered podcasts. I actually found myself enjoying myself at work for the first time in so long.

Podcasts are so underrated. You can listen to them on long drives that are otherwise lonely, or while running on the treadmill to distract yourself from how tired you body is. Some can teach you things you never even thought about, while others will make you laugh your ass off, some can even be more addicting than any Netflix TV series.

If you’re looking to add some interest to your daily routine, check out these podcasts to get yourself started.

Stuff You Should Know

From HowStuffWorks.com, the Stuff You Should Know guys cover every topic you could ever think of. From gangs, to astronomy, to Buddhism, to alcoholism, in approximately one hour each week, you’ll learn everything that there is to know on a certain subject. The two hosts are so knowledgeable but they are charming and witty enough to keep the podcast interesting and fun to listen to.

Stuff Mom Never Told You

Another one from HowStuffWorks.com, this one is focused on feminine issues. Covering everything that you’ve always wondering, or that is too taboo to talk about. These girls get everything out in the open, no subject is off-limits with these two. Some episodes will make you laugh out loud while others will make you unbelievably proud to be a woman, or at least wish you were one.

Re/code

Each re/code podcast is extremely different and informative. From company presidents to CEOs, the re/code team interviews successful people from a variety of businesses. This podcast gives you an inside look at success in the tech/business world and tells us a bit about how these hot shots made it to where they are today.

Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids

The title is pretty self-explanatory. There’s live shows all over Canada that are recorded and turned into podcasts. Basically, adults read from journals or diaries that they kept as kids out loud to a group of strangers. Every awkward, funny, embarrassing, or confusing moment documented by an innocent young kid without a filter. Some of them are heart-wrenching and emotional, but usually they are just mind-blowingly hilarious.

TEDTalks Audio

We all know and love TEDTalks, so this one is an obvious choice. Same concept as TEDTalks, only without the video. They are inspirational, motivational, informative, jaw-dropping, or funny. Always a classic choice, there’s a TEDTalk for everyone.

Criminal

This is one of the most unusual podcasts I’ve ever listened to. Each episode is about some sort of crime, people who have done wrong, people who have been wronged, or sometimes people who have gotten caught somewhere between. It’s refreshing and interesting, no two episodes are similar so you’ll never get bored with this podcast.

Serial (Undisclosed: The State Vs. Adnan Syed)

I have never been so obsessed with any story in my entire life. It’s like Making A Murderer but in podcast form. It’s the story of Adnan Syed, a young man who is convicted of the murder of his girlfriend but still claims that he is innocent. They go through testimonies, they call witnesses, they even talk with Adnan regularly as they do their research. The series had me guessing the entire time, I didn’t know who I believed or what was going to happen. I’ve told everyone I know about it because it is seriously that great. (I honestly don’t think I got a lot of work done while listening to this one because I was way too into it – oops!)

After trying out one (or all) of these podcasts, I can guarantee if you do too, you will definitely get hooked. Conveniently, iPhones already come with the podcast app installed and you can download all the above options and many more for free. I love being able to play one almost anywhere and actually feel like I’m getting smarter while listening. You’ll find yourself with a whole new set of cool facts and topics to talk about the next time you’re at a dinner party. Podcasts make not only your spare time more interesting but they make you more interesting as well.

Featured Image via Unsplash