Ear Candy for Every Moment: The March Podcast Recs
From celebrity vacation disasters to Hollywood history, these are the voices circling the block with me
From what I’ve written so far, you can probably tell I always have some kind of media playing. I need my audio companions and simply can’t be alone with my thoughts for more than five minutes. Podcasts are the perfect compliment for neighborhood walks and running errands. Podcasts also seem to help the task of folding laundry go by with a little more ease. These podcasts fill all the in-between moments when I simply need the noise. Now that our March playlist is curated, here are the podcasts to supplement the tunes.
Switched on Pop: Where music nerds make pop songs even better
When I'm not actually listening to music, I'm apparently listening to people talk about it. I might be a man of limited interests! Having a musicologist (because that’s absolutely a real thing) and songwriter talk about the making and meaning of popular music is like getting a backstage pass to the industry. Their recent Rihanna Umbrella episode blew my mind. Who knew one song could reveal so much about an era and the evolution of recording technology? My favorite moments happen when Nate Sloan, our resident musicologist, delves into classical music theory and draws a direct connection to today's chart-toppers. The hosts' genuine friendship shines through every episode. If you want a better understanding about the song of the summer or judge the latest batch of Christmas songs, this is the podcast for you. Listen up and watch yourself become that friend who actually understands why everyone can't stop humming that new earworm!
Family Trips: Your passport to celebrity vacation disasters
We all have that one family trip story involving an emergency room visit or spectacular disaster, right? This podcast lets you giggle along as celebrities share their sometimes disastrous family trip anecdotes. The Meyers brothers host with such natural chemistry — Josh valiantly trying to keep guests on topic while Seth can't help sharing show business tangents (and I'm here for all of it). At the end of each episode, the brothers ask some of my favorite questions — What’s your favorite mode of transportation? The correct answer is obviously train. I dare you to listen without mentally plotting which family, other than your own, you'd vacation with. The Meyers brothers make a compelling case for their own family, but you know I'm curious about the chaos of a Paltrow family getaway! As you listen, I have a feeling your own family trips will subconsciously take over and maybe you’ll end up texting the family group chat. I've found myself nodding along, remembering my own ski trip disasters and that spring break with both a trip to the ER and a very unpleasant boat ride to a Cheesecake Factory.
You Must Remember This: Your ticket to Hollywood's salacious past
For everyone who claims Los Angeles lacks history, I present this delicious deep dive into Hollywood's first century. It's like having a film historian best friend who knows all the darkest secrets and wild histories. Karina Longworth started this passion project more than a decade ago, and I'm so grateful she’s still at the helm. The early episodes are my personal favorite. It’s like a direct line to a bygone era. I recommend starting with any famous name you recognize and prepare to learn the most horrifying and bizarre stories. As one of the most factually dense podcasts, you’ll be searching for ways to bring these topics into your everyday conversations. There's something magical (and slightly voyeuristic) about discovering Hollywood icons you never knew existed. If you love movies and history's more personal side, Karina has created your perfect escape. Let me know which episode becomes your gateway into the wild history of Hollywood’s first 100 years.
These are the voices keeping me company through countless laps around the block — what podcast companions are getting you through your errands these days?