In the last several years, the market for podcasts has exploded — covering everything from murder mysteries to stand-up comedy. Essentially, there’s a podcast for everyone’s interests.
As a journalism student, news podcasts specifically have become a way for me to make the most of the “in-between” moments of my day — while I’m walking to class, doing my dishes or getting around for my day.
And while my heart belongs to the written word of journalism, podcasts can provide a unique angle to a story that couldn’t otherwise be achieved. So, without further ado, here are four podcasts that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, and you will too.
Hosted by journalist Martine Powers, Post Reports is a news podcast from the Washington Post. On weekdays, they cover a few of the biggest headlines of the day in 20-30 minutes.
For me, the appeal of Post Reports is how it focuses on the human aspect of news. Often, the podcast includes interviews with people affected by an issue or the reporter. Depending on the story, this can be heartbreaking or humorous.
During Pantsuit Politics, hosts Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Slivers tackle political polarization through honest and compassionate conversations about politics. With an incredibly divided nation, Pantsuit Politics is something that gives me hope. Although Holland and Slivers fall into different political parties, they can see each other as partners, not adversaries.
Twice a week, Holland and Slivers tackle current events and topics in roughly an hour – each becoming an opportunity to learn how to engage with those on the other side of the aisle.
The Philip DeFranco show is available in both video and podcast forms and covers a bit of everything – internet, entertainment, U.S. and international news. While host Philip DeFranco doesn’t shy away from including his opinion, I always appreciate how he distinguishes his interpretation of issues from the basic facts.
And while hard news is always important, DeFranco does a great job covering internet and entertainment news that is (inevitably) worth knowing as well. Coming in typically between 15-25 minutes on weekdays, it’s a perfect bite-size piece of everything going on, from silly to serious.
Coming from Chicago Public Radio, This American Life is an hour-long weekly podcast that covers current issues and common experiences through human interest stories. Each show carries a theme — people changing their minds, Thanksgiving, loss, etc. — that frames the stories and leaves the listener with something to ponder.
Even the host, Ira Glass, is remarkably vulnerable and honest about his experiences, creating a podcast that sows empathy in a polarizing environment.
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