Whenever I yell into the other room for my partner and he doesn't respond I know it's because he has gone out to take out the trash or he didn't hear me because he has his earphones in listening to a podcast. More often than I'd like, it's the latter that is making him laugh out loud or gasp in shock from whatever daily topic he is distracted by. But there’s no sense in getting mad because podcasts have definitely made our car rides and dinner table conversations more interesting.
We’re living in a new age where we thrive on nostalgia and are constantly looking for the latest craze that pays homage to a throwback. Podcasts are no exception. They have undoubtedly revolutionized media and the way people experience it. Podcasts are the modern day talk radio, without the annoying top 40 songs you hear every 30 minutes in between. Mostly free and immediately accessible on your mobile devices, podcasts are changing the way we communicate, offering interesting perspectives on all topics that guarantee to keep you entertained and anticipating the next installment.
I've met many people who just aren't convinced enough to download and tune in–I get it, we've been so desensitized that we have become visual responders. But trust me, podcasts are a different type of listening. Think of them as audiobooks on steroids! You really feel like you are immersed in the conversations–sometimes you even want to shout back out loud! They are the perfect way to pass the time during those long and draining tasks you don’t want to endure alone (going to the gym, sitting in those boring work meetings, doing the dishes, etc.) Plus, they make great party conversation starters and perfect icebreakers for first dates.
What’s that you say? You want to try out a podcast, but don’t know which one? Well–here are some that have gained lots of attention in the last few years and that just get better every episode.
RuPaul: What's the Tee? With Michelle Visage
What’s the Tee? is hosted by Mama Ru himself with his busty and opinionated co-conspirator, Michelle Visage. A podcast with conversations amongst friends about life, pop culture, RuPaul's Drag Race, beauty tips, advice, and so much more. All with special guests every episode that add their spark to each gag-worthy conversation as they get down to the (Tee)ruth. Sip some tea with RuPaul and Michelle and you’ll wanna keep going to the end of the line at the post office just so you can hear more.
Straight Talk With Ross Mathews
Hosted by one of entertainment's funniest personalities, Ross Mathews, Straight Talk With Ross Mathews covers pop culture, entertainment news, style, gossip and more! Accompanied each episode by his crazy team of talkers: Nikki Boyer, Marrrrk, Willie, CJay–and occasional pop-ups from a talky squad full of experts with opinions, Straight Talk is a side-splitting good time with a theme song performed by none other than Dolly Parton that will make you forget about all that time you are spending at the DMV.
Throwing Shade is a weekly podcast co-hosted by by Erin Gibson (a.k.a. "Feminasty") and Bryan Safi (a.k.a. "Homosensual") who like to refer to themselves as the “equal-opportunity offenders”. Each episode includes discussions of women’s rights, LGBTQ issues, pop culture, politics–all with comedic dialogue between the hosts. A necessity when you are trying to study for finals.
Actor and social media heart throb, Nico Tortorella hosts The Love Bomb podcast which explores love, gender identity, sexuality and the labels associated with them. A weekly podcast that features prominent figures in pop culture. Just listening to that sexually fluid voice makes you nervous and is sure to get you through the work day.
From the mind of YouTube sensation, Tyler Oakley, comes this podcast that claims “It’s not just crazy talk, it’s psychobabble!” Co-hosted with his bestie, Korey Kuhl, Psychobabble brings you unfiltered gossip, pop culture scrutiny, news and stories like you’ve never heard before while you pretend to babysit your baby niece.
Produced, written, performed, recorded and edited by Fagsy Malone, Under the Bus is an uncensored romp through pop culture, celebrity interviews all with “mind-boggling homosexuality”. Get ready for a wild ride with unprecedented antics and a great way to kill time while you are waiting at the doctor’s office.
Okay, now back to me. The great list of podcasts can go on. New titles pop up every day looking to join the revolution. All podcasts are available on major downloading apps/sites. So if you haven’t already, give podcasts a try. You’ll thank me the next time you’re at your kid’s recital.
Podcast listeners, what other podcasts are you listening to?
