5 Podcasts that Will Make You Smarter in 2021
I love a good podcast. Despite being a fan of podcasts for years, this past year especially, I have really broadened my listening horizons. I used to listen primarily to true crime or podcasts having to do with my industry. Although I still listen to those just as much, I now find myself listening to podcasts about history, current events, and social issues just as much if not more. I truly believe these podcasts will make you smarter, and more informed about the world around you.
You may also enjoy: https://pinkandpineapple.com/5-things-to-do-when-you-have-a-lot-of-free-time/
You’re Wrong About
Although this podcast has been around for a few years, I just recently discovered this podcast. You’re Wrong About has quickly become one of my favorite podcasts, and I listen to it quite frequently.
What’s it about
Two journalists look at an event or a person in the past that has been miscast or misunderstood by the media or population. In addition to discussing these events, the hosts also explore how the current public’s perception came to be.
Favorite Episodes
Let me start off by saying every single episode of this podcast is great, and it was really hard for me to narrow down just a few. The episodes I especially liked were: “The Satanic Panic,” “Courtney Love,” “Killer Clowns“, and “Losing Relatives to Fox News.”
Yo, Is this Racist?
I came across this podcast while looking for media that would make me a better ally. Yo, Is This Racist? is a great addition to anyone’s listening catalog, and will certainly teach you about micro-aggressions, and history. It is surprisingly funny for how serious of a topic they are covering.
What It’s about
Every week Andrew Ti and his co-host Tawny Newsome answer questions from fan-submitted voicemails and emails about whether or not something is racist.
Favorite Episodes
Some episodes to get you started are: “That’s How America Sleeps at Night,” “You Know What My Child Needs? A Spouse,” “Dildo of Color,” and “The Church of Well Thanks for Listening.”
The Daily
Chances are you’ve heard of The Daily. Like most podcasts that will make you smarter, The Daily focuses on current events. It’s a great news source without feeling overwhelmed like can typically happen with News networks and online articles.
What It’s About
Five Days a week at 6 am The Daily drops a 20-minute episode about the biggest stories happening in our time
Favorite Episodes
The Daily is one of those shows that are meant to be listened to in real-time so I definitely suggest starting with the latest episode. If you want to go back and explore then go back listen to episodes from particularly notable news weeks. I suggest exploring the episodes from the weeks of the 2020 election and the insurrection on the capital. Some recent (as of writing this anyways) episodes I particularly enjoyed were “The Legacy of Rush Limbaugh,” and “How Close is the Pandemic’s End.”
The Intelligence
The Intelligence and The Daily are extremely similar. Both of these podcasts are focused on current events that are happening in real-time in often 20-minute segments. The main difference is that ‘The Intelligence’ comes from an economist’s point of view so you are hearing different aspects of these stories, and a few different ones.
What It’s About
Every Day The Economist’s global correspondents weigh in on today’s news stories and get the stories beneath the headlines.
Favorite Episodes
Much like The Daily, this podcast is meant to be listened to in real-time. If you want to explore beyond that then I suggest looking at episodes from notable news weeks.
Stuff You Missed in History Class
As much as I enjoyed history class, I hadn’t started listening to history podcasts until recently. This podcast is really fun because teaches you about topics you had never heard about or had never considered looking up their history.
What It’s About
Holly and Tracy bring you the greatest and strangest things you missed in History Class.
Favorite Episodes
I love the episodes about the things I never considered. Like “The Creation of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “The History of Halloween Candy”.
What are some of your favorite informational podcasts?
