I hope you’re here because you are looking for an incredible playlist of podcasts to enjoy while doing relentless chores or running, feeling depressed or a little high. This is an evolving playlist for the curious, the contemplative, and the brave. This is a playlist for those who can’t sleep or feel lonely.

No matter the reason, welcome. Your audio needs are in good company.

Podcast Pitch

Oct 15, 2022

A dear friend from my public radio days came to town for the RESONATE Podcast Festival, where she was one of three creators selected to pitch her podcast idea to industry leaders.

It was fascinating and exciting and such a delightful glimpse into the world of this medium that I appreciate and enjoy so.

I love this format. I love that it is so portable. I love that it transports during mundane tasks. I love that it tells stories in such approachable and equitable ways. For anyone with a vision can start a podcast.

And maybe, if you’re talented and driven and brave, you’ll even get to present that work for others to celebrate and support.

Congratulations Katy. We are so proud of you and your stories. Thank you for introducing me to the art of audio. I am grateful for the life we lived together and all future shenanigans.

Podcast Playlists

Sep 30, 2022

You might be wondering, how can this lady possibly be advising you on podcasts. Super fair.

There’s plenty of topics where I offer my thoughts despite my limited expertise, but podcasts, well, that is a medium I know a little something about – proudly. Since January 2018, according to Castbox – my beloved, free, podcast player – I have listened to almost over 2,500 hours of podcasts.

Ask anyone who knows me, and they’ll tell you I have a podcast for that.

Podcasts for Folks that need Distraction

It is a blessing and a curse, but I LOVE pumping new stories and ideas into my ears whenever I am able. Somehow it makes me feel like I’m getting something extraordinary when I’m in the depths of my ordinary. Sometimes it’s a distraction, but that’s for another time…

I find myself soothed by the stories of others, be it – devastating or transformative, unjust or uplifting, humorous or hard. I find myself made better when learning from the lessons and heartaches lived and healed by those beyond me. I find myself grateful to be entertained through life’s many relentless and repetitive chores.

I was especially grateful for a good piece of audio art during the pandemic, when all the coping mechanisms useful in the past suddenly vanished. I was desperate to hear voices beyond the four with which I was continuously isolating.

Now, life is more settled, and still plenty uncertain, so I find myself always keen for a new podcast. If you too have a hankering, try one of the pieces from the playlists below and perhaps find yourself amused and absorbed.

And if you’d be most kind, SHARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS, please!?! I get most cranky when I run out of good audio. I’d love to dive into a show you enjoy @extheornow

Please Note: There are so many audio art options, and there is certainly not enough time, so I’ll explain my personal preferences and parameters to hopefully clarify why my list looks as it does.

Generally, I enjoy podcasts that are narrative in nature and pretty thoroughly produced. I like a podcast that teaches me something, or makes me question firmly held convictions. I am attracted to podcasts about complex situations, complicated human behavior, and deep, compelling relationships. I am less attracted to people just gabbing or one person pontificating endlessly. Call me lame, but I prefer a story with lots of nuance and dimension.

Playlists

Here are some lists of Podcasts I love & enjoy, find growth with, or downright laugh to on occasion. They are not in any particular order, although there are some that I highlight as **favorites.**

I also try to make note of entire shows or particular episodes that might be difficult trigger-wise. We all have different stories and it is important to recognize that one person’s healing is another person’s hurt. Please take good care when listening to any of Trigger Warning (TW) or Content Warning (CW) pieces.

Start here with Mental Health Matters Resource Library if uncomfortable sensations do arise. It may feel like it, but you are never alone. I will try to be very clear, and I promise it isn’t all dark and difficult.

Please let me know how you like my selections –

Leave me a comment below, or post a pic of yourself practicing 15 minutes of relentless self care with a good podcast @extheornow

Root of Evil

TNT/Cadence 13 Production (CW & TW)

The True Story of the Hodel Family and the Black Dahlia

A dark story of twisted power and generational trauma. I found myself aching for the children in the story who ultimately become adults, and what that does to one’s spirit and soul. One of my absolute favorites, but please take special care when listening.

Once Upon a Time… In the Valley

A C13Originals production (CW)

This one is about the early porn industry, so that’s probably pretty obvious that the content and some of the stories can be tricky, please take good care when listening. Overall, I found its storytelling and the nuance of this complicated woman, who I had met during my tween years, in my coming of age movie, Cry Baby.

Exploring the complexities of how our inner stories impact our outer choices and perceptions, it speaks to me. You might like it too?

Even the Rich

From Wondery.

Finally, something light and refreshing. I enjoy these tales, in the short series format. There are deep histories wrapped around intriguing characters living lives full of ups and downs and all kinds of inbetweens. The hosts are delightful in their banter and their flow, and I appreciate feeling both informed and entertained.

In God We Lust

Also from Wondery (CW)

The story of the Falwell family and Liberty University and modern marriage and sexuality. It is intriguing and informative, while also being intricate and interrelated. I devoured it. It is a longer series, and I still didn’t want it to end.

OC Swingers

An audiochuck production (CW & TW)

This is another one where a disturbing and difficult tale is told through the lens of many unique and brave storytellers. This is another one where systems and structures and sheer human ego fail to protect or even acknowledge glaring predators among us. It reminds us that what we see on the outside, isn’t always aligned with what is most true on the inside. I listened to these stories, this larger tale and just felt such gratitude to the survivors who shared their truths in spite of all that stood in the way. It is important, it is seen, and it is enough.

Dirty Diana

By QCODE media (CW)

This one is getting a warning for a totally different reason – this short series is about marriage and desire and evolving needs. It is a collection of mini stories wrapped into a broader, bolder, and incredibly relatable tale. It is an experience shaped through the gritty, sexy voice of the talented Demi Moore, who I enjoy even more now, having listened to her perform her memoir, Inside Out.

AUDIOBOOK: Inside Out

HarperCollins Publishers (TW & CW)

That book is also worthy of a deeper pause to consider. The story Demi shares of her trauma and patterns and ultimate evolution is beautiful and moving, especially since it is in her own voice.

We're Alive

Wayland Productions (CW).

I love a good post-apocalyptic tale, as surely I am a downer. And yet, I enjoy this serial story because of its rich audio artistry. It reminds me of my youth, when I would listen to Old Time Radio Mystery Theater over my stereo as I went about the evening. The sounds, the voices, the plots all transported me away from my little setting into a world rich with complexity and adversity.

Narcissa

QCODE Media (CW)

This was a surprisingly thrilling entry into the world of AI and mindreading, which doesn’t sound like a theme that I would normally be attracted to, and still I was into it.

Added bonus, this audio story is presented by Dipsea, a for women, from women space “where storytelling meets sexual wellness”. That simply means that within the plot are moments of real sexy audio meant to help the busy mind settle into a more erotic space.

Intriguing right, well there are others…

Believed

From Michigan Public Radio & NPR (TW & CW)

This one is particularly sensitive, and you might think me dark for finding solace in these difficult stories.

I think experiencing how these predators manipulated, planned, and used their power to abuse, traumatize, and change all these survivors, well, it matters. Taking these stories and their lessons with me is how I support the brave humans within them – by showing that they are believed.

The Mysterious Mr. Epstein

From Wondery (TW & CW)

This story, like so many others of powerful people manipulating systems to prevent accountability, is a hard one to hear. And still, being with these brave women as they detail how this predatory behavior and the structures that protected these exploits is important. Knowing that one human can cause this much destruction, makes me want to inform my girls about the harms lurking amongst those who are beyond reproach.

Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football inc.

From Wondery (CW & TW)

I’m not really into professional sports, so it’s easy for me to fret over how the sports industry profits off the literal backs of its players – with those at the top amassing the perpetual reward, while those on the field assume the risk while only benefiting temporarily. That these institutions are able to minimize increasingly concerning data on the impact of repeated head trauma for the sake of entertainment only to release former players to live with these consequences without support is worthy of further exploration.

Frontline - FILM - Audio Tracks

By PBS (CW)

I have a high tolerance for the dark and difficult. I feel deeply about it and don’t often do anything to solve the problems, but I am fairly well informed. That said, there is something gentler about hearing these stories than there is seeing them, which is why I most enjoy the audio version of the PBS Frontline documentaries. Since my days in public radio as a grad student, I have found these pieces moving and challenging and nuanced. There isn’t always an audio option for every film, and yet, those available are important.

If you’ve made it to the end of this, I am most grateful. My head is a swirl of loneliness, gratitude, exasperation and hope. Knowing a part of me is now with you brings much peace.

I would be honored if you would share your story with me, in some small way @extheornow