I Love {Podcasts}

Earlier this year, my manager at work suggested that I find some good tech-y podcasts to subscribe and listen to  in hopes of beefing up my awareness of happenings and trends in the tech industry (I manage two Coca-Cola websites at work.)  I promptly went down the path of searching for something that met this description in order to complete my capability and development plan.  And here’s what happened…

I was just blown away by the intriguing and varied types of content lurking in this strange podcast world.  Before I knew what had happened, I had subscribed to not one but MANY different stations.  Here are my faves:

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Lore is a bi-weekly podcast about true life scary stories.  The people, places, and things of our darkest nightmares all have real facts at their core. Each episode of Lore looks into a uniquely scary tale and uncovers the truth behind it.  Sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction.

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Criminal is a podcast about crime.  Stories of people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle.

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This American Life is a weekly podcast, with a theme each episode  and a variety of stories on that theme. It’s mostly true stories of everyday people, though not always. There’s lots more to the show, but it’s sort of hard to describe.

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Mystery Show is a podcast where host Starlee Kine solves mysteries.

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I should have started with Serial because it’s MY FAVORITE and is completely engaging and obsessive!  Serial tells one story – a true story – over the course of an entire season. Each season, we’ll follow a plot and characters wherever they take us. And we won’t know what happens at the end until we get there, not long before you get there with us. Each week we bring you the next chapter in the story, so it’s important to listen to the episodes in order, starting with Episode 1.  The first season is all about Adnan Syed.

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Undisclosed is sort of an addendum to Serial and I’m currently in the throes of this one.  You would want to finish Serial and then when you are hooked, catch up on this one.   The show looks at the evidence that was presented in Serial, and provides new evidence that the hosts have uncovered in their investigation.

Okay, so at this point you are probably scratching your head wondering how in the world any of this relates to managing to Coca-Cola websites.  Yeah… I was doing the same thing.  Unfortunately, it just gets worse.

Around the same time my girl Disneyfied Ash mentioned some of her favorite Disney shows to me.  Well, since I was already in podcast-subscription-mode, ALL of these ended up on my rotation as well.  My fellow Disnerds will love these!

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WDW Radio is probably my fave because I just want to go through the radio waves and hug Lou around the neck.  I think we’d be friends.  Hosted and produced by Disney expert, author, speaker Lou Mongello, this family-friendly show covers Walt Disney World news, vacation planning, reviews, trivia, history, contests and features interviews with Disney Imagineers, executives, and celebrities such as Actress Dame Julie Andrews, Richard Sherman, Disney CEO Bob Iger, Iron Chef Cat Cora, Alan Menken, Don Hahn, Travel Channel Host Samantha Brown and more.

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DIS Unplugged  is a weekly roundtable discussion that covers all aspects of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Our show is an unbiased and honest look at every aspect of a Disney experience – from dining and theme parks to attractions and hotels.

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The DIS Unplugged: Disneyland Edition podcast is a weekly roundtable discussion that covers all aspects of planning a Disneyland vacation. Our show is an unbiased and honest look at every aspect of a Disney experience – from dining and theme parks to attractions and hotels.

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Communicore Weekly is totally for Disnerds and I never miss it. The show is a weekly podcast exploring all the geeky things about Disney hosted by full time Dis-Nerds George Taylor and Jeff Heimbuch!

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Retro Walt Disney World is another fave for those of us that have been lifelong Disney fans.  The show takes you back to the Vacation Kingdom of the World…the way it was…and the way it is in your memories.

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WDFM monthly podcast will endeavor to further Walt’s story. From interviews with people who knew or admire him—such as Disney Legends, animators, Imagineers, and more—recaps and clips from special events at the Museum, information about upcoming programs, to tidbits about Walt himself, will comprise just some of the content for this show.

Okay, so now you’re really thinking I’m off track.  And, in all honesty, I never really got on track.  The closest, most enjoyable show I found that can somewhat be related to work development is Creating Disney Magic with Lee Cockerell.  In brief, easy to consume episodes, Lee shares his wisdom and experience from his time as the Executive Vice President of Operations for Walt Disney World.  He discusses how you can apply lessons in leadership, management, and customer service to create magic in your organization.  So, while it isn’t exactly technology news, it’s SO much more.  I love it and find at least one good nugget of inspiration or motivation in every episode.

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Now, I’ve blabbed on and on to anyone in real life that will listen to the stories of my podcast obsession.  And the most common questions I get are: What are podcasts? How do I listen to them? And WHEN do you do this?

A podcast is a digital audio file that can be downloaded from the internet.  Think of it as a prerecorded radio segment about a specific topic.  Or a TV show without the video.

You can listen to podcasts in a variety of ways.  My iPhone came with a podcast icon (see the purple thing on the next to last row).  I clicked on that and was able to search for and subscribe to shows.  I have deleted some that didn’t end up interesting and add others as I came across them.  They are free.  Mother listens to them on her Kindle direct from the website above.

WHEN do I do this?  Well, there are two key times that I listen to podcasts.  The first is on my morning walk.  I usually take a good 45 minute walk each morning and rather than music, I listen to podcasts.  The other is in my car.  I don’t have bluetooth, so I just crank the speaker up and listen that way.  On family road trips I use headphones.

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If you’ve not ventured into the world of podcasts, I hope this was useful for you. If you already have some favorites, let me know so I can check them out.  Oh, and before I go, if you are a Serial fan… INNOCENT or GUILTY?????????  I think innocent.

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DIXIE DELIGHTS DELIVERED

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32 thoughts on “I Love {Podcasts}

  1. I started listening to Serial at your suggestion & LOVED it. I cannot wait for the new season to start! I also LOVE Criminal & occasionally listen to This American Life. But now I will have to check out your other suggestions – they all sound so good!

    I usually listen while walking or folding laundry. My fam thinks I’m bananas! :-)

  2. I also started listening to some Disney podcasts when Disneyfied-Ash first mentioned them. I never knew they existed before that. I LOVE listening to Dis Unplugged!!!

  3. I think I lean towards innocent, but I KNOW that I’m appalled at the shoddy police work and clear bias toward Adnan from the start! I’m caught up with Undisclosed too…can’t wait for new episodes and the new season of Serial!

  4. I became addicted to Serial this summer during my morning walks! Sorry, but I think he is guilty. Not sure of his role in the murder but I feel he participated somehow. I really wanted him to be innocent though! Maybe I will change my mind when I listen to Undisclosed.

  5. I’m 100% Team Adnan Innocent! If your car has an audio (auxiliary) jack, you plug in that way and listen through your car speakers. I had to drive That Man’s car for a couple of days and since he doesn’t have Bluetooth in there, I kind of complained I wasn’t going to be able to listen to anything on my phone. He told me there was a car auxiliary cable in there that he uses to listen to the music on his iPhone. I didn’t even realize they made such a thing. And it cost less than $10. Thanks for the suggestions!

  6. If you liked Serial, try Breakdown. It follows a similar format to Serial and is produced by the AJC about a crime that took place in Bremen, GA! Also, I just discovered The Lively Show and enjoy it as well. Very lighthearted and positive about various topics.

  7. I love podcasts! I was also late to the party :) Thanks for the suggestions- I can’t wait to listen to lore. I’ve already downloaded a few episodes to my ipod. I was so sad when Serial ended! I missed the sound of Sarah Koenig’s voice talking to me throughout the day-

    Some of my favorite podcasts are:

    http://99percentinvisible.org/ So interesting! This is a podcast about design and architecture, makes you think about things that you never really thought much about.

    http://www.infiniteguest.org/awesome-etiquette/ I love etiquette! This podcast is pretty easy to listen to. I usually listen while I’m cleaning up the house.

    https://itunes.apple.com/itunes-u/first-person-conversations/id427280578?mt=10#ls=1 First person podcast. This is not always an easy one to listen to, but they are short interviews with Holocaust survivors. Very moving.

    I also really enjoy itunes U. There is something there for everyone. I personally enjoy listening to history lectures. It is amazing to me that all this information is at our fingertips! There is not enough time in the day to be able to enjoy it all!

  8. Speaking of all these Disney podcasts, have you watched the PBS special on Walt Disney? Yesterday was the first day it aired, and it is finishing tonight. Pretty interesting!

  9. You forgot WTF with Marc Maron. The best ever. Ever! Also, I hope This American Life isn’t new to anyone. It’s not just a podcast but has been on your local PBS station for years now!

    Thanks for the LORE suggestion. I will start today! I find that Risk! is also one that’s new to me but is pretty interesting.

  10. I’m so excited that you did this podcast post – I LOVE them. Your suggestions are great, and I have a few food-y ideas for you: Things Cooks Know from 2 Real Simple.com editors is perfection for families and The Splendid Table from American Public Media is so interesting.

  11. I only listen to two podcasts and they are very different – Jess Lively and WDWPrepSchool. I’m excited to try some new podcasts that’s to these suggestions! I DVR’d the special on Walt Disney last night (and am recording the episode tonight as well). I can’t watch to watch it.

    P.S. I need that background you have on your phone!

  12. Thanks for the suggestions! I discovered Podcasts when I heard about Serial on TV. I listened to the whole thing. I think he is innocent-btw! I have also started listening to Happier with Gretchen Rubin. It’s a good one she talks about organization, habits, etc to make your life better. I love to listen to podcasts while doing stuff around the house. My family thinks I am crazy!!-ha ha!

  13. If you like Undisclosed you HAVE to give Serial Dynasty a try. If nothing else, just listen to Episode 19: Suspect Don. I promise it is worth your time!

    1. Ok. CRAZY! This is a must for serial fans. I always wondered about Don. I have passed along to one of my besties who is also obsessed. I’ve gone back and am listening to others now. Serial Dynasty is GOOD!

  14. I like the podcasts over at RelayFM. My favorite is The Pen Addict, but I also listen to Analogue and Cortex and sometimes others. If the host is good, I can usually become interested in the topic and learn a lot.

  15. So, I have been exploring podcasts and
    I found brain zone this afternoon. It is science based and geared towards kids and curious adults. This afternoon we listened to tunnels vs. Bridges. The kids really enjoyed it and we all learned something too.

  16. I’m going to say a “not guilty” as opposed to innocent… there’s something going on there! So glad you also added This American Life, and giggled at your ‘it’s hard to explain’. I listen to old ones ALL of the time in between weekly episodes.

  17. Okay. Gave “Lore” a whirl (I work at a microscope all day) and it was fine. Nothing special, but I feel like I learned a lot.

    I returned to tell you about Wire Tap! Jonathan Goldstein (authored “Ladies and Gentleman, The Bible”!) and my second favorite. How could I forget? They just canceled it (was on CBC Radio) and I think I was in denial. Also amazing WITS with John Moe. Also sadly, recently canceled.

    People always ask me “How is your Kitchen always so spotless” and my answer is always podcasts. I can polish for hours after the kid’s in bed thanks to podcasts.

  18. I too love podcasts! It started with Serial (I lean towards guilty. His case was so mismanaged and shoddy police work, but I think he played some part in her death) and it has grown from there. Planet Money is a great one to add to your list!

  19. Thank you so much for the tips! I have personally considered starting listening to a podcast for a long time – i just needed some advice about what to listen to. Now i’ll start listening to “Serial” because of your advice.

  20. If you like stories, try “Story Corps” and also, from Canada, “The Vinyl Cafe”, which usually has a bit of music too. For a good laugh, I enjoy “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me”, which is especially funny when Paula Poundstone is on the panel.

  21. NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me is my favorite. The nerd in me sent us scurrying for last minute tickets to a live taping of this broadcast while we were visiting Chicago. My husband, daughter and I had to wait with a bunch of other people, who were also hoping to get a seat for that week’s taping, in the theatre lobby and were literally called for the last 3 available seats. It was the highlight of the trip for me!

  22. I am a podcast addict (especially Disney related ones)! The Unofficial Guide’s Disney Dish with Jim Hill podcast is great for Disney fix and to learn some history. I have also been listening to WDWToday for years – it might seem hard to get into the middle of it, but they have a huge archive to get caught up with. They also do live shows every month!

  23. Friend! Thanks for the mention. I’m glad you’re loving the same Disney podcasts that I do– this is (partly) why we’re friends. I’m going to add SERIAL to my list– I’ve heard it mentioned a few times before. And WDW Prep School sounds right up my alley. XOXO

  24. I too have just discovered the awesomeness of podcasts! Two more to add to your list: 1. The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey and 2. Mousetalgia! We actually just flew home from Disneyland on Wednesday and our flight attendant recommended the second one to me. ~ Becky :)

  25. Yes to Mousetalgia! It’s the first Disney podcast I go to every Monday. The perfect blend of Disneyland, Disney history, great guests, and humor. Highly recommended.

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