my current addictions: PODCASTS

Cleaning, cooking, travelling, or just relaxing. Listening to podcasts instantly makes whatever I do 100x more interesting and enjoyable - I even look forward to cleaning so that I can listen to them... it's pretty lame but true!

There isn't a specific type of podcast genre that I listen to, or at least I think so. If I were to describe my favourite podcasts it would be a cocktail made of very different ingredients that work amazingly together. So here there are :) 

The Accidental Creative

Created by Todd Henry, the title says it all. He begun this podcast for fun and now has a book and does tours all because he acted upon an idea and interest. If you were to describe this podcast in 3 words it would be: motivational, informative and inspiring. It is targeted to those who want to start a business and the strategies that he, and his interviewees developed and use to achieve their goals and success. And although I am not going to start a business or any of those sorts, the lessons you obtain from each episode is applicable in all aspects in life... and if anything else, it gives you motivation to start that task that you've been putting off for goodness how long. 

At Home With...

Anna and Lily! Anna from The Anna Edit on youtube is one of my favourite people to watch and with her friend Lily who I am growing a liking to, have this podcast where each episode is divided into two parts. The first half is just things in the week that they've enjoyed whether that be recipes, shows/movies or random objects. Then the second half is based on a topic ie. motherhood, university, etc. and they answer questions from Facebook group, sharing their experiences. This particular part is my favourite even though all the topics aren't currently applicable to me. As Anna and Lily are quite different people, it's interesting to hear them both share their different experiences and how they approach new chapters in their lives. It makes me less scared for the future and what is possibly in store for me.

Casefile True Crime

This is the first podcast I ever listened to. I have always been interested in conspiracy theories and grew into true crime following Shane Dawson's video on JobBenét Ramsey *disclaimer: I do not support Shane Dawson anymore*. His conspiracy theory videos were my favourite because of the atmosphere he created through the deep voice he uses, creepy background music and dim lighting, and this podcast has that and more. I sound like such a media nerd but my favourite part of every episode is the creepy music introduction. They explore a variety of cases - not just the VERY, VERY high profile ones with many Australian cases which I enjoy as I find that American cases are heavily saturated. 

Dissect

Long form musical analysis and serialised podcast. I'm still waiting on my season 6 shirt that I ordered like 2 months ago :/ but that's besides the point. I admit I'm a literature nerd, and become especially excited when close passage analysis occurs and Cole Cuchna just hits the nail. Breaking down the context and meaning of each line and note makes you appreciate music as an art form and increase your awareness of social issues where despite you know, read, and learn about it. Nothing really compares to the feeling of understanding how a specific note or a word used conveys a broader meaning, acting as a critique of society. I'm currently listening to my 4th season of the podcast and my favourite one so far has to be either Beyonce's Lemonade or Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. It really is an addiction. 

Duolingo French Podcast

For all you language learners - whether you're a student who desperately needs to improve their listening skills to pass the next test or are just passionate about language learning, I highly recommend Duolingo's language podcasts. Their  podcasts are intermediate level however, the narrator provides additional information in English so that you aren't completely lost. I cannot speak for those who aren't taking a language class as I use it for extra revision, but it has helped me develop my listening skills and make listening assessments or watching French media a little less intimidating. 

Food 4 Thot

Whenever I listen to this podcast, I'm not kidding when I say that I laugh every. single. time. so. hard. Swipe left swipe right has to be my favourite segment to ever exist, the conversations and topics brought to light are just gold. Structured like a 5 course meal, Food 4 Thot is an exploration of culture, identity, sexuality and societal issues by queer people in a variety of industries. Even if you don't identify as queer yourself, this podcast is definitely still worth a listen. The issues brought to light are discussed in an intersectional way so that everyone is able to identify, learn and change. I cannot put into words my love for this podcast, you just need to give it a listen. 

Switched on Pop

As I read the podcast name, the theme song just played in my head and I'd be a liar if I said that I didn't sing along with it *in my head, because I don't want to traumatise my family with my horrible deaf tone singing*. In comparison to Dissect, I'd say that it's the same same but different. Y'know what I mean? Charlie Harding and Nate Sloan take inspiration from something interesting in a song they've heard recently and analyse what the specific technique is, its origin and its influence on music today. It's a very friendly podcast so you don't need to understand music jargon and similarly to Dissect, I appreciate music more as an art form whilst simultaneously learning about music. 

If I didn't mention any podcast that you really enjoy, leave me your recs and let me know what if you think if you end up listening to any of these!