Soaring temperatures has this writer going into total hibernate mode, craving for two things in particular: Popsicles and bingeworthy shows, whether on TV or podcasts. Continuing with last week’s summer theme, here’s a roundup of some of our favourite podcasts that will keep you entertained as you stay indoors.
Freakonomics
From the people who brought you the bestselling book and accompanying documentary, Freakonomics Radio talks about economics, politics and culture — all with a dash of humour and an approachability that shows similar to this might often lack. Host Stephen J. Dubner talks with Nobel laureates and provocateurs, social scientists and entrepreneurs — and his Freakonomics co-author Steve Levitt. Episodes such as Big Returns from Thinking Small, Trevor Noah Has a Lot to Say, How to Win a Nobel Prize and Ten Ideas to Make Politics Less Rotten are true gems.
Art For Your Ear
This one’s for the art junkies. An extremely breezy listen, Danielle Krysa of the blog The Jealous Curator hosts Art For Your Ear — a weekly show containing laid-back interviews with contemporary artists, titbits and gossip from the world of art, and general gossip. The show is currently in the middle of its summer camp: a 15-episode project where Krysa (while munching on s’mores) leads listeners through various week-long art projects they can do themselves at home. This is especially great for those who feel like they’re stuck in a rut and if you’re looking to take part in a group activity with people from across the globe. The first week saw an Instagram-a-day project, with a theme laid out for every day — the results of which look stunning.
Stuff You Missed In History Class
Making you question almost everything you might have learnt in school, Stuff You Missed in History Class brings you stories from some of the wackier pockets in world historical events. From the Women’s March in Versailles and A Cruise Through History’s Ghost Ships to The Anglo-Cherokee War and The Black Hole of Calcutta, the show’s episodes are diverse and rich in interesting information you never knew you needed.
Still Buffering
Join real-life sisters Sydnee McElroy, Teylor Smirl and Rileigh Smirl as they help bridge the gap between the teenagers of yesterday and today. “How do you party?”, “What do I do with all this hair?”, “How to fan?” — the girls and their guests have the answers.
Undone
Cancelled after just one season by Gimlet Media, news podcast Undone was widely popular for the way it dug up old stories and examined them from a much-needed distance. Entertaining, engaging and extremely smart, the show’s central tour de force was its host Pat Walters. A personal favourite episode, The Ancient One, goes back to 1996 when two teenagers stumbled across a stunning archaeological find, and how the mystery behind this discovery was solved 20 years later.
