Another installment of my favorite four, the theme this time: podcasts! For the past couple months I have become obsessed with listening to podcasts on my long drives to and from school, work, and my internship. I used to only listen to Spotify and audiobooks on Audible but as a college student not working full time, the cost of those build up and I'd rather not have to pay for something that I only use when I'm in my car. Then I got introduced to my first podcast and since then, my life has been changed.
1 // Serial
The podcast that started it all. A close friend of mine told me about this podcast and the story behind it and I was automatically hooked, it held close to what I'm studying in school so I wanted to start listening to it immediately. Sadly, I was told about Serial in the middle of finals so I had to control myself from binge listening to the hour long episodes instead of writing my final papers and studying for my exams.
This podcast is told by Sarah Koenig who works alongside a staff of a small group of people who all help Sarah with the investigation (as well as the production of the podcast) of their main subject, Adnan Syed on his conviction of the murder in Baltimore (1999) of his ex-girlfriend, Hae Min Lee. Now, this is not similar to the stories of innocence projects, though they do bring one in, where those investigating work to prove that Syed was wrongfully convicted. Koenig just goes through the facts provided in the original case and others shared by Syed himself through their daily communication over the phone and analyzing the way his attorney handled the proceedings of his case. What I enjoyed about this podcast is that Koenig is not pushing for her views on whether Syed is innocent or guilty throughout, just sharing what is already publicly known and adding in what she personally learns through talking with Syed. Along with that, she brings up questions she has about why certain things were done during the original case and how that may have ultimately had a huge factor in the ending outcome and leaving much of whether Syed truly is innocent or not to the listener and their imagination.
There is a huge following for this podcast, and I have read around on the Internet that this podcast seems to be what brought many people to be interested in listening to more. The first season is over so for those who still have not listened to it, you may binge listen to the entire season in one sitting if you would like. There is also a second season confirmed to come out some time later this year, and I will definitely be looking out for it.
This podcast is told by Sarah Koenig who works alongside a staff of a small group of people who all help Sarah with the investigation (as well as the production of the podcast) of their main subject, Adnan Syed on his conviction of the murder in Baltimore (1999) of his ex-girlfriend, Hae Min Lee. Now, this is not similar to the stories of innocence projects, though they do bring one in, where those investigating work to prove that Syed was wrongfully convicted. Koenig just goes through the facts provided in the original case and others shared by Syed himself through their daily communication over the phone and analyzing the way his attorney handled the proceedings of his case. What I enjoyed about this podcast is that Koenig is not pushing for her views on whether Syed is innocent or guilty throughout, just sharing what is already publicly known and adding in what she personally learns through talking with Syed. Along with that, she brings up questions she has about why certain things were done during the original case and how that may have ultimately had a huge factor in the ending outcome and leaving much of whether Syed truly is innocent or not to the listener and their imagination.
There is a huge following for this podcast, and I have read around on the Internet that this podcast seems to be what brought many people to be interested in listening to more. The first season is over so for those who still have not listened to it, you may binge listen to the entire season in one sitting if you would like. There is also a second season confirmed to come out some time later this year, and I will definitely be looking out for it.
2 // Welcome to Night Vale
Welcome to Night Vale is the second podcast I gave a shot in hopes of it replacing my other forms of audio entertainment and I was not disappointed. Unlike Serial, which I feel that anyone can listen to and become sucked in, WNV is not for every set of ears. It is read by Cecil Baldwin, as a character which the same first name who hosts the city's public radio show. The entire thirty to forty minute long episodes are just of Cecil talking about the happenings around the town of Night Vale. This may sound boring to some, but there is a progression with some of the stories told and this is no ordinary town, pretty much and odd conspiracy driven outcome that can be thought up, is possible to happen in this town. There is also a love story for the beloved radio host and he is not afraid to share it with the entire town on public air. This podcast is not for those looking for a serious show to listen to but more of something light to follow during car rides when you're stuck in traffic.
Welcome to Night Vale is the second podcast I gave a shot in hopes of it replacing my other forms of audio entertainment and I was not disappointed. Unlike Serial, which I feel that anyone can listen to and become sucked in, WNV is not for every set of ears. It is read by Cecil Baldwin, as a character which the same first name who hosts the city's public radio show. The entire thirty to forty minute long episodes are just of Cecil talking about the happenings around the town of Night Vale. This may sound boring to some, but there is a progression with some of the stories told and this is no ordinary town, pretty much and odd conspiracy driven outcome that can be thought up, is possible to happen in this town. There is also a love story for the beloved radio host and he is not afraid to share it with the entire town on public air. This podcast is not for those looking for a serious show to listen to but more of something light to follow during car rides when you're stuck in traffic.
3 // BBC Minute
Personally, I don't keep up with local or world news often on my own time so BBC Minute has definitely been a great quick listen to know what's going on in the world. Some of the news covers natural disaster updates, political updates, as well as pop culture. It's 60 seconds of everything you need to know and they update the podcast every half hour so there is always something new to listen to.
4 // Call Your Girlfriend
Finally, this is a must listen to for every female out there with or without a long distance bestie. The show is hosted by two long distance besties, and they cover all the major pop culture news of the current time and answer personal questions sent in by listeners. This is definitely very similar to day time talk shows but less gimmicky. They also have a "This Week in Menstruation" where they cover news and updates about periods and some silly facts. What I love about this show is how relatable you can feel to the hosts as if you're their bestie as well and they're your go-to on questions about life, jobs, and boys. The shows range from twenty to thirty minutes so they are also not too long of a length to where you might get bored and there are always different topics they hit so each show is not just covering one idea.
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I hope you all start listening to podcasts now, if you already haven't, and help the listening community grow. If you guys have your own list of favorite podcasts definitely share them in the comment section so I can check them out too and we can talk about them together! Till next time!
xo, Carla Mae
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