We’re all spending a lot more time at home these days while social distancing due to the Coronavirus. That means we have to get creative and find new ways to entertain ourselves. Since most libraries and bookstores are closed, you may not have access to physical books. But thanks to your smartphone, you do have access to thousands of podcasts that are sure to capture your attention.
Here are 16 binge-worthy podcasts to listen to while you practice social distancing:
When you want to learn something new
Many of us have that one thing we've always wanted to learn how to do, but we could never find the time. Now that time isn't as much of an issue, you can use this time at home as an opportunity to learn that new skill, language, or talent. Or maybe you just want to learn more random but interesting information to impress people when we can finally go back to parties! These podcasts are great if you're looking to learn something new:
- Stuff You Should Know – The title says it all. Each informational episode dives into all of the stuff we feel like we should know by now but don't, like the ins-and-outs of things like student loans, El Nino, and the amazing history of cheese. Listening probably won't teach you things you’d need to earn an online degree, but the next time we're allowed to hang out with other people you'll have a lot of interesting facts to share!
- Backstory – If you love history, you'll love Backstory. This educational podcast is hosted by experts in academics, making it a well-researched way to learn about US history. This is an entertaining look into the people, places, and events that make up the rich backstory of America.
When you want to feel like a detective
There are two types of people: those who love murder mysteries and those who don't. If you love the storytelling, the secrets, the mystery, and the chaos that comes with a good murder mystery, we've found a few addicting podcasts that will bring out the detective in you:
- My Favorite Murder – Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark know a thing or two about true crime. Their obsession with the gory details of some of history's most heinous crimes turned into an addicting podcast about mystery, murder, and crime. Karen is a comedian, and Georgia is a writer, and combined, they provide insight into the true crime stories we can't get enough of.
- S-Town – If you loved Serial and This American Life, S-Town needs to be next on your must-listen list. Broken down into seven chapters that make you forget to breathe, this podcast follows a man named John who starts asking questions about his small town in Alabama and starts to get answers that he isn't sure he wanted.
When you want to work on your physical health
COVID-19 may be the reason many of your favorite things have been canceled, but health and wellness are never canceled. Even when a lot of things feel out of control, you have control over how much intentional movement you put into your day, and the nutrients you put in your body. Here are a few podcasts can that help you take control of your physical health.
- TedTalks Health – Everyone loves a good Ted Talk. Inspirational and informative, this podcast gives you a front-row seat to a health-inspired talk, given by doctors and researchers who are well respected in the field. If you want to keep health and wellness at the forefront of your mind, try this podcast.
- The Ultimate Health Podcast – If you can't get enough of health and wellness, you'll love the expert advice and detailed interviews in The Ultimate Health Podcast. Each "Focus Friday," the hosts talk about "nutrition, fitness, self-help, sleep, meditation, and spirituality" in a way that is digestible and easy to follow. Start at episode 344, where they talk about living a more simple and sustainable life (perfect for our world right now) or skip over to episode 329, where they discuss Conscious Parenting, Vipassana Meditation, Letting Go of Perfection.
- Chasing Excellence – If you're missing your daily visit to the gym and the encouragement and support of your fitness community, you'll feel right at home with this podcast. Chasing Excellence is high-energy and motivational, and each episode focuses on ways you can be your best, both in and out of the gym.
When you want to focus on your mental wellbeing
When you combine social distancing, quarantines, and isolation with constant access to the news, you've got a recipe for anxiety. Now it’s more important than ever to take care of your mental health. Worry and fear can be debilitating, and these calming podcasts can help you find your focus and remind you that you are going to be ok.
- The Happiness Lab – For many, finding the good in each day can be a challenge. And it can be especially hard to look for happiness when your world has been turned upside down. But it IS possible. Each episode is hosted by Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos and will walk you through the scientific facts behind creating and maintaining your own personal happiness.
- Mental Illness Happy Hour – Mental illness is real, it is serious, and millions of Americans are seeing a spike in their anxiety and mental health issues during this time. The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast tackles heavy topics like PTSD, addiction, and negative self-talk head-on in a funny and lighthearted way. They feature comedians, artists, and even doctors to discuss some of the most significant mental health issues Americans are facing today.
When you just want to laugh
In all of this craziness, sometimes you just want to turn off the news and listen to something lighthearted and fun. Check out these podcasts if you need some comic relief during these uncertain times:
- Comedy Bang Bang – Good luck getting through one episode without literally laughing out loud. The hilarious host, Scott Aukerman, interviews hilarious comics, but the no-rules format of the shows sometimes means things can go a little off-script.
- Bertcast – Maybe you haven't heard of Bert Kreischer, but one listen to this podcast may make you his biggest fan. Each episode is a front-row seat to an interview with big-time comics and lasts about two hours. Sharing wisdom and life experience in an unfiltered and laugh-till-you-cry way, Bert might just become your new best friend.
When you need a break from entertaining your kids
Many parents have found themselves suddenly parenting, homeschooling, and working from home all at the same time. It can be challenging to keep your younger kids entertained during all this social distancing. Playgrounds are off-limits, playdates are canceled, and schools are closed, making it difficult for kids to learn and socialize. But these three podcasts are perfect for kids (and will give you at least 30 minutes of free time!)
- But Why? A Podcast for Curious Kids – Kids are curious little humans, and they've got a lot of questions. Being home with them makes that abundantly clear. If you need a break from answering "But Why?", hit play on this podcast to give them the answers to all of their questions. Help your kids email in a question, and they just may hear it answered on the podcast!
- Ear Snacks – Ear Snacks is one of those podcasts you put on for the kids but then end up listening in on as well. Hosted by the friendly duo Andrew and Polly, this podcast gives kid-friendly insight into music, science, art, and culture in a family-friendly way.
- Book Club for Kids – If you're trying to raise readers, this podcast is perfect for your family. Each episode features middle school-aged students as they review their favorite books and talk about the author. Geared toward slightly older kids, this podcast often features celebrity authors as guest readers, and helps quarantined kids discover new books!
When you want to stay up on pop culture
If you've already watched everything on Netflix (Tiger King, anyone?) and are tired of the news, you may be looking for a new way to stay current on pop culture news. If you need to know what the celebrities have been up to, which movies to see once the theaters open again, and what new music has been released, check out some of these popular pop culture podcasts:
- Pop Culture Happy Hour – Part of NPR's broad library of podcasts and educational resources, Pop Culture Happy Hour explores the latest movies, TV shows, books, and music in a casual and informative way. Episodes are short (usually under 30 minutes) and make it easy to get all the pop culture goodness that you need.
- Still Processing – Hosted by two smart, funny, and passionate NY Times writers, Still Processing dives into the latest in books, movies, and the arts and gets personal about the things that move them.
We're going to be home for a while. But social distancing doesn't mean we aren't in this together. Recruit friends and family to start a podcast club where you can listen to each episode and then talk about it together. Or you can listen as you work out, run, or work from home. What’s your favorite way to listen to podcasts? Share with us below.
Weidner Apartment Homes is going above and beyond to make sure our residents have a clean, comfortable, and sanitized place to call home. We're dedicated to maintaining a sense of community during these uncertain times, and can't wait until we can all be together again and share thoughts and stories about our favorite podcasts!