What We’re Listening to – Podcasts

Podcasts have been growing steadily since first appearing in 2004, but they reached new heights in 2014 with the investigative thriller Serial, hosted by Sarah Koenig and produced by the makers of This American Life, another podcast favorite.

Today, there are countless podcasts featuring everything from celebrity interviews, guided meditations, investigative journalism, and fictional mysteries to comedic anecdotes, world news and politics, in-depth stories about historical events, and modern-day love stories.

Here are some podcasts we’ve been enjoying recently:

The Science of Happiness
This podcast, hosted by Dacher Keltner and coproduced by Public Radio International and UC–Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, explores what it is that makes us happy. This podcast takes a science-based approach to happiness; topics range from gratitude to compassion to being able to laugh at yourself, and episodes offer practical, science-based tips for increasing happiness in your life.

Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations
Super Soul Conversations is Oprah Winfrey’s first podcast. It aims to discuss “how we can live a life filled with values, character, purpose, and meaning during the turbulent times we live in.” Guests include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jordan Peele, Ram Dass, and Yara Shahidi, and episodes are filled with inspiring and fascinating conversation.

The Minimalists
The Minimalists gained quite a following before its founders, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, began podcasting. Now, with more than 120 episodes, Joshua and Ryan continue to explore the concept of minimalism.
As they explain, “Minimalism is the thing that gets us past the things so we can make room for life’s important things—which actually aren’t things at all.” Each episode offers useful insight on the “stuff” that truly matters in our lives and finding contentment with less.

The Gender Knot
This podcast, hosted by Nastaran Tavakoli-Far and Jonathan Freeman, explores the role that gender plays in society. Episodes aim to explore gender in the modern era with topics like “Men and Feelings: What’s the Deal?” “Can We Get Self-Worth from Sex?” and “How Will #MeToo Affect Dating?”
During a long drive, your morning commute, or even a workout, podcasts are a great way to spend some time learning something new, following an interesting story, and stretching your imagination.

Which podcasts do you love right now? Share with us below!