Podcast roundup: my favorite heartfelt, silly, feel-good pods
Alternatives to feeling confused by Radiolab or upset by Serial
I spent summer 2016 driving a stupid amount, and for the first time in my life, I got tired of listening to music. In my traffic-induced solitude, I turned to podcasts.
I found, though, that when people of the internet rec podcasts, they’re always very spooky or suspenseful or crime-driven. I am possibly the most sensitive person ever, so stuff like that upsets me. Going into work after listening to a murder case isn’t fun! I wanted something softer!
(I’m borrowing the term “soft” from a few of my friends who use it to describe anything that’s endearing, kind, heartfelt, and genuine. It is my favorite term.)
Here are my favorite soft podcasts from the past few months. If you’ve got a favorite that’s not here, PLS TELL ME.
Funny+ Easy Listening
Gilmore Guys
My Gilmore Girls knowledge comes from watching sporadic, syndicated episodes on ABC Family in 2007. That is my way of saying I haven’t watched much Gilmore Girls. But I’m OBSESSED with this podcast.
The hosts themselves joke that the podcast is 10% Gilmore Girls, 90% them going on tangents, and that is correct. They go episode by episode, and it’s adorable and charming and funny, just like Gilmore Girls! (apparently)
Favorite episode: N/A
Run time: 1–1.5 hours
Not Too Deep
Listening to Not Too Deep feels like hanging out with really funny, inclusive friends, without the pressure of having to keep up a witty conversation. Grace Helbig is SO funny and wonderful, and she makes every guest seem interesting and cool. Episodes with Mitchell Davis are golden.
Favorite episode: Krampus (this was my introductory episode and I have since listened to it four separate times)
Run time: 1–1.5 hours
Call Chelsea Peretti
Comedian Chelsea Peretti yells at callers and then hangs up. Sometimes the epsiodes are themed! It’s a super-niche kind of humor and can get a bit exhausting, but there are gems in each pod that make me laugh out loud. Bonus: find the ep where I’m a caller!!
Favorite episode: 33 // Silverfish Dementia
Run time: 1–1.5 hours
Feel good/Heartfelt
Beautiful Anonymous
A friend downloaded an episode of this onto my phone and I fell in love. Comedian Chris Gethard has a one hour conversation with an anonymous caller, and their conversations jump from religion to succulent gardens. It’s heartbreaking yet heartwarming, and a nice reminder of our humanity.
Favorite episode: 15. The Hardest Part Is That You Love Me
Run time: 1 hour
Monocycle
Created by ManRepeller, this pod features Leandra Medine, the founder of the humorous fashion and culture site. I’m not really into fashion (because I am boring), but Leandra makes me wish I was. She talks about stuff like feelings, burnout, what it’s like to feel feelings, and more. These are really quick episodes, so it’s a low commitment thing (cheers).
Favorite episode: Ep 4: Self-Sabotage
Run time: 10–15 minutes
Crybabies
A podcast about what makes us cry. It can be a bit emotional, but the hosts keep it lighthearted.I love this pod because it makes me feel less weird for being prone to crying a lot and also because I get to hear what makes some of my favorite artists cry!
Favorite episode: 11 Jenny Slate, Elizabeth Hill (Jenny Slate cries to one of the same songs that I cry to!)
Run time: 45 min-1 hour
Mixed Bag
You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes
Sometimes super emotional and deep, usually a bunch of comedians laughing at their own jokes. Not in the easy listening category mainly because Pete’s laugh sounds like a leaf blower and he laughs a lot. A lot of my favorite comedians (read: John Mulaney) are on here, so that’s fun.
**Note: I’m scrolling through this pod’s feed right now and realizing there are an ungodly amount of episodes (330+) so browse at your own risk.
Favorite episode: #100: Chelsea Peretti Interviews Pete!
Run time: 2–3 hours (it’s an investment)
Sleep With Me
This pod brands itself as the podcast that puts you to sleep with a lulling, droning, boring bedtime story to distract your racing mind. Sometimes when I’m super awake I try to pay attention to what the host is saying and I truly don’t understand what he’s talking about. It’s wonderful.
**Note: some of my sleepless friends didn’t find this useful, and sometimes I don’t, but it’s worth a try sometimes
Favorite episode: I fall asleep within the first ten minutes idk
Run time: 1–1.5 hours
