College students consume media so frequently, it’s almost as if media consumes us. Nearly every student has a Netflix account, a Hulu account, a Twitter account, or an Instagram account. Our free moments are spent glued to a laptop screen as we step into the lives of Frank Underwood, Olivia Pope or Michael Scott. We scroll through our various feeds
But there is one truly underrated form of media that college students often overlook: Podcasts!
Podcasts are free and easy to download. You can listen while you work out or lay on the floor. They’re easy on your eyes since you don’t have to squint to read text or stare at a screen. They are a genius millennial invention that a bulk of millennials ignore. Give your eyes a break and give podcasts some love. Here are 10 to get you started:
1. Global News Podcast by BBC World Service. Stay in the loop and don’t miss a thing as this daily podcast comes out in both a morning and evening edition covering the top news stories from all over the world. If that’s too much news for you, try out a weekly news podcast like The World This Week by the BBC World Service.
2. Myths and Legends. Host Jason Weiser tells you about folklore from all around the world and reminds you why you loved story time so much in school. A new episode comes out every Wednesday and actually gives you a reason to look forward to hump day.
3.The Nerdist differs from usual press junket interviews as Chris Hardwicke and his guests allow you to eavesdrop on their conversations. Celebrities catch up with Hardwicke, chatting about such a wide variety of topics that they usually stray from whatever product or project the individual was supposed to be promoting. "The Nerdist” tends to have actors, filmmakers, and comedians on as guests, but the occasional singer also makes an appearance. Some past guests include Daniel Radcliffe, Paul McCartney, Judd Apatow, Sir Patrick Stewart, Sally Field and many, many more.
4. Stuff You Missed in History Class is like history class, but fun (no offense history majors). Hosts Holly Frey and Tracy V. Wilson go into more detail in their podcast than most history classes do. Once you get hooked, you’ll never run out of topics to talk about around the dinner table.
5. StarTalk. Interested in Science? Neil deGrasse Tyson’s “StarTalk” is the podcast for you. Co-host Chuck Nice’s guests include experts in scientific fields (Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Carolyn Nice), politicians (Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter) and actors and filmmakers (Christopher Nolan and Morgan Freeman). Together, scientists and celebrities talk about everything from aliens to climate change.
6. Slate’s Political Gabfest by Panoply Network. When the king of political commentary, Stephen Colbert, himself deems a podcast worthy of our ears, do we dare ignore him?
7. TED Radio Hour. NPR and TED team up for this podcast, which functions as an audio version of the popular TED talk. If you like watching TED talks on YouTube, try listening to TED Radio Hour.
8. Serial by This American Life. Sarah Koenig hosts this gripping podcast and it’s best to start at the beginning of each season. Why? Koenig follows one real crime every season and you’ll experience the shocking revelations of each story right along with her. Brace yourself, because once you start listening, you won’t want to stop.
9. Anna Faris Is Unqualified. Actress Anna Faris asks her famous guests random questions and gives advice to listeners. This podcast ranges from lighthearted hypotheticals (what’s the best murder weapon?) to real advice (what to do after a breakup). Need more convincing? Past guests include Chelsea Handler and Aubrey Plaza.
10. Skip and Shannon: Undisputed by Fox News. Skip Bayless, Shannon Sharpe and Joy Taylor delve into the world of sports. “Skip and Shannon” premiered September 6, so you can brag about following the podcast from its start to all your friends after it picks up in popularity.
Did your favorite podcast not make the list? Tweet your favorites to us @UPBeacon!
