What podcasts you’re listening to
Readers offer podcasts that will make you cry, laugh and learn
In our July 3 newsletter, we asked you to share your favorite podcasts. You delivered. Here’s what you told us to listen to:
See Something, Say Something
“See Something, Say Something” explores what it’s like to be Muslim in America. Host Ahmed Ali Akbar covers serious topics in the moment — like his “Banned Together” series on the travel ban — talks about Muslim traditions and chats with engaging guests, such as college basketball star Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir.
Tanis
What is Tanis? In this fictional podcast, Nic Silver explores the ancient myth.
“Sometimes Tanis is a place,” historian Carl Adams says on the eerily-narrated podcast. “Sometimes it’s a concept. Sometimes, it’s even a person.”
Nancy
Hosts Kathy Tu and Tobin Low dedicate each episode of “Nancy” to different aspects of LGBTQ life. From chats with Lena Waithe of “Master of None” and Asia Kate Dillon of “Billions” to whether Albus Dumbledore is actually gay, Tu and Low bring laughter and emotion to each episode.
“Can I tell you I cry every time?” reader Linda Codega writes. “I cry every. Single. Time.”
Speaking Broadly
If you’re an entrepreneur or food lover, “Speaking Broadly” might be up your alley. Host Dana Cowin, the former editor of Food & Wine Magazine, sits down with chefs, restaurateurs and industry leaders.
Reader Liz Ward feels empowered after listening to each episode:
The “guests are such dynamic people that I apply their energy to my life,” she says.
Climate, Mind and Behavior
How does human behavior affect the environment and vice versa? How can communities deal with the negative impacts of climate change? “Climate, Mind and Behavior” touches on the answers to these questions.
The History Chicks
Hosts Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider learn with you as they delve into the life stories of women in history. Past episodes feature Zelda Fitzgerald, Madam C.J. Walker and Agatha Christie.
Women Rule
Politico editor Carrie Brown interviews female leaders about how they got to where they are in politics, policy and activism.
Reader Anna Morgan Leonards says the podcast has been a “ray of sunshine for me lately,” adding:
“Brown provides that special blend of feminism and womanhood that expands our understanding past a liberal circle to include the conservative women with whom we often have more in common than we like to think.
For instance, I developed new respect for Carly Fiorina and Elaine Chao because of the context Brown’s interview style placed them in. Their humanity shined past whatever political differences I had with them.”
Longest Shortest Time
Raising kids is rewarding, difficult and — at times — quite funny. From stories about raising a child with Down Syndrome to starting a family as a gay couple, the “Longest Shortest Time” covers “parenthood in all its forms.”
The Mortified Podcast
Laugh out loud while listening to adults share their most embarrassing childhood journal entries and stories on “The Mortified Podcast.” It’s just as cringe-worthy as it sounds.
My Favorite Murder
If you’re drawn to true-crime stories, check out “My Favorite Murder.” Although it’s technically a comedy podcast, the gritty details in each episode are crazy enough to be on the pages of a fictional thriller. Then again, who could make this stuff up?
Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell
A few readers recommended author Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast, which looks at how historical events change based on who’s telling the story and how much time has elapsed.
“He’s a master at connecting the dots and helping me understand concepts in a deeper way,” one reader wrote.
Song Exploder
Ever wonder how one of your favorite songs came together? On “Song Exploder,” artists walk us through how a particular song is made. Past guests include Solange Knowles, who shares intimate details about “Cranes in the Sky,” and Björk’s story behind “Stonemilker.”
Crooked Media’s podcasts
Reader Raija Vaisanen is a fan of Crooked Media’s suite of podcasts.
Pod Save America: Want to hear a frank conversation about politics? Listen to “Pod Save America.” Former Obama White House aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor host.
Pod Save the People: DeRay Mckesson is passionate about social justice. In his podcast, Mckesson talks to politicians, policymakers and activists about how people can make a difference and work toward progress.
Pod Save the World: This podcast focuses on current events across the globe, including North Korea’s nuclear program, China’s power and Russia’s election meddling.
Constitutional
The nation’s Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution in 1787. But since then, the United States has evolved. In this new podcast, The Washington Post’s Lillian Cunningham explores the revolutionaries, abolitionists, suffragists, teetotalers, protesters, justices and presidents who framed — and reframed — the infamous document.
Group
“Group” is a “lighthearted” podcast that discusses mental health and mental illness. “From phobias and support animals to sleep disorders and OCD, this podcast has started out so strong and I cannot wait for more,” reader Faith Musk writes.
The Nod
Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings have already cultivated an audience through their podcast “For Colored Nerds,” and the duo is back with a new Gimlet production called “The Nod.” Together, the close friends talk about the “beautiful, complicated dimensions of black life.”
“Reply All” for a hilarious back-and-forth with hosts PJ and Alex about how technology intersects with the human existence.
Starter episode: Shine on You Crazy Goldman
“Sounds Good With Branden Harvey” to hear hopeful stories from optimists and world-changers.
Starter episode: Jedidiah Jenkins on the Adventure of Curiosity
“Another Round” for real talk with hosts Heben and Tracy. Their guests are lucky to be interviewed by such dynamic women.
Starter episode: Fried Chicken is a Battleground, with Wyatt Cenac
I identify with the stories guests on “The Mash-Up Americans” share. Hosts Rebecca Lehrer and Amy Choi are also continually highlighting other cultures I’m not familiar with, and I love learning from them.
Starter episode: A Rapper and Her Grandma Tawk Love
I can’t get enough of Sam Sanders’s new podcast. “It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders” comes out twice-weekly with two distinctly different episodes. On Tuesday, affable host Sam Sanders interviews an intriguing guest, and on Fridays, he hashes out the news with friends and co-workers.
Starter episode: The Rise and Reign of the Unruly Woman
“Note to Self” encourages listeners to confront what we really gain, and lose, from technology.
Starter episode: Is My Phone Eavesdropping on Me?
“Reveal” offers up a deep-dive perspective on the biggest news stories of the week or month.
Starter episode: Do Not Drink: The Water Crisis in Flint
“The Documentary” for great journalism and storytelling that’s hard to beat. Each episode focuses on a current issue around the world.
Starter episode: Michelle Obama ‘Black Like Me’
“On Being” for meaningful conversations with people from all different faiths and backgrounds.
Starter episode: Astonished by the Human Comedy with Mary Karr
