My Favorite Podcasts of 2021
One of the few benefits of being back at work in person is the commute. I felt a little dumber when I was working at home because I found myself listening to fewer podcasts, usually one of the ways I cope with traffic. Now that I’m back on the road more often, I’ve found some great audio stories to jog my mind, inspire me as I produce my own podcast, and help me rethink politics and culture.
Code Switch: The Folk Devil Made Me Do It
NPR’s podcast about race and identity takes on the phenomenon of people freaking out over Critical Race Theory. Turns out we’ve seen this behavior before when everyone freaked out over television, Elvis, video games, and rap music. It’s a great way to get perspective on a hot topic and navigate those challenging conversations at work or with family at the holidays.
Invisibilia: The Chaos Machine
True crime meets investigative journalism in this three part series from NPR’s Invisibilia podcast. One of my favorite podcasts takes on the mystery of the downfall of a rising star in the democratic party and the local news website that may be behind it. This is a must-listen series that examines a shifting media landscape and asks the question: Who owns the truth?
Taken For Granted: Esther Duflo
Author and organizational psychologist Adam Grant talks with Nobel laureate Esther Duflo about innovative ways to fight poverty, busts myths about what motivates people, and reveals how to make meaningful progress toward solving daunting problems. Grant’s books and other podcast, WorkLife, may just be the catalyst we need to rethink work, life, culture, and politics in 2022.
99 Percent Invisible: Invisible Women
Ok, so technically this podcast came out in 2019, but I started using it with my journalism and photography students this year as part of a new unit on bias. Host Roman Mars interviews Caroline Criado Perez about her book, Invisible Women: Data Bias In A World Designed For Men. It’s a great conversation about how supposedly objective people like doctors and engineers have hidden biases that affect half the human population.
Wild: What Does It Mean To Be Home?
This incredibly fresh series from LAist, CPB, and award-winning New York Times writer Erick Galindo captures origin stories and ‘what it means to grow up… sort of.’ Hear great interviews with musicians, stand up comedians, moms, and immigrant families, and kids — this show captures what it feels like to live in Los Angeles, especially during the pandemic. This isn’t about Hollywood, but rather the experiences of the real LA that reflects the diversity and culture that makes our city so great.
Dare to Lead With Brene Brown: America Ferrera on Identity and Integrated Leadership
Brene Brown is one of the most popular uplifting speakers these days, but this episode is incredible. Her conversation with actress, director and writer America Ferrara (Ugly Betty, Real Women Have Curves, Gentefied) touches on powerful topics about identity and how to be a good leader by embracing your history, passions, and talents. A great listen for everyone, especially young women and people of color, who often feel like they have to put aside their identity to fit in and be successful.
