A podcast is an episodic series of digital audio or video files and can encompass a variety of topics from politics to religion and talk shows to sports.  They are ideal to listen to while driving and walking, since you are unable to physically watch something, but your mind can still be entertained.  We have reviewed four of our favorites in order to recommend them to you.  

The Heart of It with Estee Lalonde

The Heart of It is made by lifestyle blogger and author Estee Lalonde, who uses her podcast to get to the “heart of” various different topics– from feminism to tattoos and protests.  Estee tells her life story, from her first protest to her first tattoo, and interviews various people that have something to say about the topic of her podcast, from her feminist best friend YouTube store to Nina Donovan, the teenager who wrote “Nasty Woman” that was read at the Women’s March.  Her podcast is lighthearted and can really resonate with women, especially teenage and young adult women who are still trying to figure out who they truly are.  The podcast invokes memories within the listener of their own past that relates to Lalonde’s experience, and also includes thought-provoking questions, like how can we all be good feminists to be inclusive to all sexualities and races, and what protest truly means.  The podcast only has one season and was updated from July 20, 2017-November 8, 2017 and includes eight episodes and is free on the podcast app on Itunes.  I really love to listen to this podcast because it is freeing and really makes me reflect on the topics being discussed.  

Pod Save America

Pod Save America is a very liberal political podcast that is hosted by four former aides to President Obama, Jon Favreau, Dan Pfeiffer, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor.  They discuss current events, especially events surrounding the Trump administration, that are happening in America and host a variety of people on their show, such as politicians and activists.  The hosts are hilarious in their commentary, and they inform you on what is happening in the news in a simplified and easy to understand way.  They have been releasing podcasts since January 2017, and have over 100 episodes.  They are, however, very explicit, so I would not recommend it to anyone who would be offended by that, or is not on the liberal side of the political spectrum.  The hosts talk about deep subjects, like gun control and political scandal, but they also use lighthearted commentary in order for it to be enjoyable for the listeners.        

Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations

Super Soul Conversations is a spiritual podcast that is a spinoff from Oprah’s television special, Super Soul Sundays. On the podcast, Oprah interviews actors, actresses, businesspeople, authors, spiritual leaders, and many other well known individuals about their life and spiritual inclinations. During the podcast, which usually lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes, Oprah and her guests discuss broad spiritual topics that are deeply rooted in the basic human experience. One of my favorite episodes of the podcast is Oprah’s interview with Brene Brown, titled ‘Daring Greatly’. In the episode, Oprah and Brown discuss human connection and how to use vulnerability to make our lives more meaningful. One of the reasons that I love this episode, and this podcast as a whole, is because Oprah and her guests address such profound topics in an understandable and applicable way, leaving the listener with a new perspective and a deeper understanding of themself and the world around them.

Call Your Girlfriend

Call Your Girlfriend is a lifestyle and advice podcast from two long distance best friends that covers topics from politics to fashion. The hosts, Aminatou Sow, a businesswoman from New York, and Ann Friedman, a journalist from California, give their listeners a peek into their friendship and their lifestyles. CYG is basically a recording of Amina and Ann’s phone calls, making their listeners feel like they’re apart of their friendship. Sometimes they do include guests on the podcast (including Hillary Clinton!), but mostly they discuss their week, the news, fashion, and other lifestyle topics. One of my favorite episodes of the podcast is called ‘Pelvic Power.’ In the episode, Amina and Ann interview a nurse, a midwife, and a physical therapist on all things pelvic health, something that many women are uncomfortable discussing. Whenever I listen to this podcast I leave feeling empowered and strong, like I’ve just had a really good talk with my closest friends.