28 August 2018
Zach Engelman
Podcasts are exploding in the world of online media. This rising popularity with college students is no surprise.
They can spice up a boring commute, take the edge off a long study session or drown out an annoying dorm neighbor.
With thousands of podcasts spanning hundreds of genres, it can be difficult to find the one that will pull you in and not let go.
Here are five podcasts to get you started:
Bubble
First up on the list is a rare genre in the podcast realm. Using a style that resembles old time radio shows, Bubble is a scripted comedy series that takes place in a futuristic corporate utopia.
Every episode features a cast of comedian guests. Despite being very new, this podcast has already feature names like Paul F. Tompkins and John Hodgman.
It is best to listen to this show in episodic order, so pick this one up for long listening opportunities like workouts or road trips.
You can find it on Google Play Music, Apple Podcasts, RSS Feed, RadioPublic, Pocket Casts, and Overcast.
SPONTANEANATION
The next recommendation is a little less scripted. SPONTANEANATION, with Paul F. Tompkins, is an improvised narrative sketch show. The show features a 10-20 minute freeform conversation with a celebrity guest inspired by an anonymous question from a previous guest.
After the interview, Paul and a team of talented improvisers put on a narrative improv often inspired by details unearthed in the conversation. It is all scored on piano by the comedian and musician Eban Schletter.
Each episode can be listened to for pure entertainment, but also provides a great ambience for a study session.
SPONTANEANATION is available on the Stitcher app, Apple Podcasts, and Google Play Music.
Heat Rocks
Heat Rocks’ is a music podcast featuring Oliver Wang and Morgan Rhodes. They invite a special guest to divulge their take on an album they love.
This pair of beautiful voices provide a relaxing journey into deep and educated opinions on music. This show is a great way to expand your music library and become familiar with a diverse group of this industry’s experts.
Go to the website maximumfun.org/heat-rocks where you can view further info on the album featured in each episode.
Subscribe on RSS Feed, Apple Podcasts, and Google Play Music.
True Crime
True Crime podcasts are the titans in the podcast world, and the leader among these titans is, My Favorite Murder by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark.
These two hilarious true crime enthusiasts use a library of murder knowledge to tell the stories of horrific events. Kilgariff and Hardstark have the uncanny ability to bring lightness and comedy to this dark genre, and make it bearable.
With features in magazines like Entertainment Weekly, this podcast has a self labeled “Fan Cult” of mostly females that call themselves “Murderinos.” They create art, have hangouts and attend the ‘MFM Live’ shows that happen around the world.
The podcast is available on platforms like Apple Music, Google Play Music and Spotify.
My Brother My Brother and Me
My Brother My Brother and Me is a comedy advice podcast for the modern era, rich with running inside jokes and spontaneous off-the-cuff humor. Griffin, Justin, and Travis McElroy try the best they can to help listeners with their problems.
The advice might be useless and unhelpful, but these three brothers have a knack for making all of their advice overflow with an energy of delightful playfulness.
With segments like ‘The Haunted Doll Watch’, and ‘Munch Squad’, this silly show will keep you coming back every week.
Find this show on Google Play Music, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.