Podcasts, Part I

I listen to too many podcasts to give readers a ranking of my favorites. So instead, I'm going to try to categorize my spectrum of media sources based on certain qualities and traits. Today, I'm focusing on deeper dives--podcasts that don't need to be listened to linearly to enjoy and can make for perfect background noise. Given current world events, now could be a great time to add something new to your playlist. Stay safe, dudes.

Last Podcast on the Left

I’ve been listening to this show for about three years. For me, it’s an ideal mix of history, comedy, true crime, and a dose of conspiracy that allows me to zone out for an hour or two. Topics they cover range from multi-part series on serial killers, cults, and world events, to aliens and other nonsense. The podcast presents as one thing, while it’s really another.

The podcast offers balanced dives into topics many are interested in but would rather not mention in certain company. What the show’s hosts do exceptionally well is keep discussions rooted in facts and reality. They do not glorify criminals and they can’t help but laugh at the most outlandish conspiracies. In its own way, the show provides a fix of strange while reminding listeners that there’s usually a reasonable explanation for everything.

On a more personal note, I’m fond of the show because it’s creator and host, Marcus Parks, is open about his Bipolar Disorder and he works his ass off.

Where I listen: Spotify

Hosts: Marcus Parks, Ben Kissel, Henry Zebrowski

When: Thursday (“Side Stories”) and Friday

We Hate Movies

I studied film when I was an undergrad. When it comes to my preferences, I’m probably a bit more on the snobbish end of what I consider good movies. But that doesn't mean I haven’t watched and enjoyed an unknown number of bad movies in my day--and I plan to keep doing so.

The show's hosts have high standards for good movies. Apparently inspired by self-awareness, the bulk of their shows focus on movies they can’t stand, for one reason or another. It’s entertaining to listen to the hosts grow more and more exhausted picking through the films’ plots, as well as pointing out various continuity errors and illogical transitions. It’s educational in the sense that it provides some sort of insight into how the media--specifically Hollywood--operates: it’s a business, not everything that’s produced is good, and more often than not, it’s not really about art or storytelling.

Where I listen: Spotify

Hosts: Andrew Jupin, Stephen Sajdak, Eric Szyszka, and Chris Cabin

When: Tuesday

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

The previous podcasts I listen to weekly (new and old episodes). I go through phases with Dan Carlin because he can go months at a time before releasing a new episode. When he does, I binge ‘em, three hours at a time. It’s usually playing in the background while I’m doing something else, but that allows me to turn a three-hour experience into about a dozen over the course of a week.

I’m a history nerd but I didn’t pay enough attention at the right times during school to really understand how the past affects the present. I was too focused on getting the grade I wanted instead of learning. With the pressure off, I let Dan educate me at my own pace.

Where I listen: Spotify

Host: Dan Carlin

When: whenever Dan posts