Isolation Entertainment: Podcasts
We’re housebound, and that’s okay because so many intelligent and creative people have made it their mission to keep us entertained and informed in the form of podcasts. Here are just a handful of recommendations, in case you’re not sure where to start.
For History Buffs
Stuff You Missed in History Class
SYMIHC has been going for an age, and covers a wide range of historical topics from ancient times to the 20th century. Current hosts, Holly Frey and Tacy V. Wilson are incredibly charming, and you are sure to find something that piques your interest – whether it’s Elsa Lancaster or Hatshepsut.
It’s called fashion, sweetie, and April Calahan and Cassidy Zachary go to incredible lengths to explore the complex history of what we wear and why. The podcast features a number of interviews with very interesting people, and has a wonderful Fashion History Mystery series.
Karina Longworth is here for all of your vintage Hollywood scandal needs. Particularly focussed on the forgotten or secret history of Hollywood, Longworth painstakingly researches each episode to find the truth behind Tinseltown myths. The website provides resource information and images to accompany each episode.
For True Crime Fanatics
My Favorite Murder
If you are already a Murderino, you’ll know just how delightful Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark are in this comedy podcast. It’s a way to dive into the dark and dangerous underbelly of humanity while maintaining an unexpected lightness. The stories are terrible, the delivery is perfection.
Phoebe Judge’s voice is so soothing, you won’t even mind that you’re learning about crime. This podcast is less about the gory details and more about the motivation and procedures that accompany crime. From historical cases to contemporary crimes, it features interesting interviews with experts, law enforcement agents and criminals themselves.
Former 911 dispatcher and life-long true crime fan Paris Brown reveals the sordid particulars behind mid-century crimes, from Bonnie and Clyde to the Manson women. Brown provides interesting commentary and all the details behind some shocking true crime cases.
For Something a Bit More Modern
The Vintage Millennial
While the films discussed in this podcast may be vintage, it’s geared towards a millennial audience. Harlow Harlow sits down with a guest each episode to discuss classic films and whether the themes are still applicable to a modern audience.
This podcast is all about modern dating and Byer’s navigation of it. She talks with guests (some of them friends and former flings) about her perpetual singledom and what is keeping her from finding the one. It explores topics like polyamory, porn and prison dating (yep). This may not be suitable for everyone (strong language and lots of sex talk), but you might just find it entertaining and informative.
Smart women discussing literature with a feminist angle is something we all need in our lives. Isabeau and Morgan unabashedly dive into the romance genre, reviewing bodice-rippers from the ‘80s to contemporary novels.
Do you have any other podcast recommendations? Let us know in the comments!