Do you find yourself in need of something to listen to as you work from home. Do you just love Podcasts? Here at Fangirlish we have you covered! We have put together a list of all our favorite podcasts to help brighten up your day and expand your minds. There are podcasts from all different genres so you can find something you love!
Joining me are Becky, Julie, Shelby C., Gillian and Ashley.
McKenzie:
To Live and Die in L.A.
I LOVE true crime podcasts. I am obsessed with them. To Live and Die in L.A. is about the disappearance of Adea Shabani. She was a 25 year old aspiring actress who vanished from Hollywood in February 2018. This is one of the first true crime podcasts I listened to. It was even voted as AP’s Podcast of the Year in 2019. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
Man in the Window
The Golden State Killer case was thrust back into the spotlight last year when it was released that they had arrested the man responsible for numerous murders and rapes in California after getting a positive hit off his DNA. If you want to learn more about the Golden State Killer, Man in the WIndow is an excellent source produced by Wondery in partnership with LA Times. The Golden State Killer was a serial killer and serial rapist so be aware that it covers very sensitive material. Please be careful as you listen and take care of yourself. Wondery has a ton of excellent podcasts so be sure to check out their other content while you’re there. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
Cold
The disappearance of Susan Powell took the world by storm back in December of 2009. The podcast follows reporter Dave Cawley from KSL in Salt Lake City as he goes through never before seen evidence. It is well put together and covers information that has previously never been covered by anyone. Be aware that this case sucks you in and it can be very hard to listen to. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
Becky:
Wine & Crime
I like comedy with my true crime – that’s just who I am. I like feeling like I’m sitting around with a bunch of pals, just talking about true crime, and this was the first true crime podcast that I stumbled upon that gave me the goofy, light-hearted, dark humored vibe that I’d been searching for since first getting into podcasts. Amanda, Lucy, and Kenyon are all absolutely hysterical, they obviously have so much fun recording this show, and I love the laid back informality of their format. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Soundcloud.
Let’s Get Haunted
I found this bad boy when I was looking for more of a spooky, supernatural-centric podcast to listen to along with my true crime. It’s a baby podcast that is just finding its footing, and they talk about all sorts of things like true crime, aliens, conspiracies, hauntings – you name it. It has a similar vibe to Wine & Crime (that “hanging out, talking spookiness with your friends” sort of vibe that I really like), so I stumbled upon it and binged through all the episodes they had up within, like…maybe a week.Honorable mentions: My Favorite Murder (which I didn’t discuss because I knew someone would do this one – but it definitely cracks my top three favorite listens and I’ve been binging it for weeks now) and Dark Poutine (for all my fellow Canadians: these guys stictly talk about Canadian true crime, which I thought was really cool when I first found it). Available on Soundcloud, Podtail, Spotify.
Julie:
My Favorite Murder
True crime and comedy don’t seem like two things that should go together, but with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark on My Favorite Murder, it just works. Look, everyone processes the terribleness in the world in different ways, and sometimes it is very healing to laugh about things. If you are obsessed with talking about true crime, you’re in good company because these two met at a party and bonded over the same thing. Humor aside, Karen and Georgia are also fierce advocates for victims.
The two have taken their podcast on tour several times, selling out venues, and recently published a book. Their fans are dubbed “Murderinos” and have Facebook groups based on location and other common interests. Listeners come for the true crime and humor, but they stay for the community of like-minded people who “stay sexy and don’t get murdered.” Available on Apple Podcasts, Podtail, Spotify.
Fated Mates
If you like romance novels, you should definitely check out Fated Mates. The podcast is co-hosted by author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jen Prokop. Half romance book club (they talk about a different book each week) and half a lively discussion about fighting the patriarchy through the beloved genre, each episode is a delight. The first season of the show focuses on the Immortals after Dark series by Kresley Cole, but after that they talk about a variety of other romances, including some old favorites. While listening to this podcast you will start to consider how some tropes are still enjoyable but have changed over time (ahem…alpha males) and how some books from your past may read a little differently today. But when it comes down to it, Sarah and Jen have a love for romance novels that makes them kindred spirits to many of us. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and PlayerFM.
Shelby C
Dr. Death
Dr. Death is one of the most interesting stories that I have ever heard and I have no idea why I don’t remember it when it was happening (I’m from Texas). This podcast is about a seemingly well respected neurosurgeon and the people that he hurt while operating in Dallas. It also tells the story of the system that kept failing patients by allowing Dr. Christopher Duntsch to continue operating. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts
The Officer’s Wife
Do yourself a favor and don’t google anything about the case in this true crime podcast. The unexpected twists and the holes in the case make this a particularly compelling podcast. I don’t want to spoil any of it, just go and listen. All of the episodes are available now. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and PlayerFM.
Dateline
Every true crime buff should listen to Dateline. This podcast is audio from the tv show. New episodes are posted frequently and each episode is different case from missing persons to murder there is a wide variety of cases that the show covers. The episodes present the facts from their in-depth investigations in documentary form, many of which feature interviews with people involved in the case. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
Not Your Mom’s Romance Book Club
I absolutely love this podcast. I am a huge romance novel fan and this podcast really does function like a book club. Ellen and Mom read a new book and discuss it on their podcast. You can check the podcast out on Facebook and if you get really into it then I suggest joining the private Facebook group that they talk about in their podcasts. The group is the way that the book club connects, both by recommending new books to read and discussing the book of the week. Available on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
Geek History Lesson
Geek History Lesson was the first podcast I really started listening to. I love comic book lore, but can never get into actual comics because of my addictive personality. That is a rabbit hole that I am not interested in. This podcast does a deep dive on all characters nerdy. It is so cool to hear about retcons and other the history of characters that you think you know. I cannot recommend this enough. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Gillian
Directionally Challenged
Hosted by Vampire Diaries actresses, Candice King and Kayla Ewell, this podcast is somewhat of a guide through your 30s, and I found it at the most perfect time. The friendship that the two of them share is felt through the speakers and they interview some very cool people from all different industries. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Soundcloud.
The Good Place: The Podcast
If you want a deep dive into every episode of The Good Place, this is a must listen for you. Marc Evan Jackson (Shawn from the show) is the host and gathers about three people to go over a specific episode from the series. The guests include the writers, producers, directors, actors, other members of the crew, it’s such a fascinating look into one of the best shows ever created. Available on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.
Happier With Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin has made a career studying happiness and why most people fail at achieving it. I became a fan of hers after reading her book The Happiness Project and was delighted to find she had a podcast that further delved into this subject. It’s hosted by her and her sister, Elizabeth, and they have very different personalities, which adds to the fun. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.
The Sword and Laser
This is a sci-fi/fantasy book club podcast hosted by Tom Merritt and Veronica Belmont. I found the show when they did a video version in 2012 on YouTube and have been hooked ever since. Through them, I have really gotten into reading more sci-fi and I appreciate how much love they have for these genres. They have a brilliant rapport and conduct interviews with authors that are always a blast. Available on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.
Thrilling Adventure Hour
Have you ever longed for the days when there were radio shows? This podcast has you covered. Written by Ben Acker and Ben Blacker, there are different stories that you can jump into and enjoy. There’s “Beyond Belief” with Paul F. Tompkins and Paget Brewster as two drunk socialites who can see ghosts. “Sparks Nevada, Marshall on Mars” stars Marc Evan Jackson as a man from Earth who has to protect Mars from all sorts of trouble. Other segments are “Captain Laserbeam” (with John DiMaggio), “Amelia Earhart: Fearless Flyer” (with Autumn Reeser as Amelia Earhart!), and “The Cross-Time Adventures of Colonel TickTock”. The cast is truly spectacular, each episode has special guests, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. Available on Apple Podcasts.
Ashley
Back to Work
As a freelance writer/self-employed person, I’m always looking for ideas about how to stay motivated, focused, and organized with my work. Back to Work with Dan Benjamin and Merlin Mann is a hybrid of work advice, best practices, and philosophy behind the work you do. Top it off with hilarious banter between Dan and Merlin, along with some comics/movie/TV talk, and you’re in for a wild ride. This is a show where I recommend listening to the whole catalog. It’s worth it. Available on Apple Podcast and Stitcher.
TheLogBook.com’s Escape Pod Podcast
If you’d like a trip through science fact and science fiction, then the Escape Pod is the podcast for you. Earl Green, webmaster of TheLogBook.com, is the host of this daily informative look at the history of science and science fiction film/television/literature. Episodes are short, perfect for a quick daily dose, chock full of knowledge. Earl’s got a few other podcasts available as well, which I also enjoy and recommend. Earl’s got a smooth voice, is a great storyteller, and all around great guy. This one is worth your time, and it won’t take a lot of it either, with episodes clocking in around 5-7 minutes each. Available on Stitcher and Apple Podcast.
Retroist
The Retroist is one of my favorite blogs and my all time favorite podcast. I’ve long held an obsession with retro geek culture and this is the bastion of all things retro. If you’re interested in learning more about film, television, video games, cultural movements, and other items of interest from the 70s, 80s, and early 90s, then look no further than The Retroist Podcast. I’ve been fortunate enough to contribute to a few of the Halloween/Christmas special episodes, so start with the first episode and work your way through. Again, this is one where I recommend listening to the entire catalog. Definitely worth your time. Available on Apple Podcast, Stitcher and PodBay.
The Pop Culture Retrorama
Vic Sage is the fearless leader of a team of contributors on The Pop Culture Retrorama blog and podcast. Vic is one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve had the fortune to “meet” online. His podcast digs deep into the history of the topics he covers, which include retro film, television, and other retro themes. The Pop Culture Retrorama Podcast is always easy on the ears and offers a fresh take on the geek culture of the past. Vic is a podcasting beast, always creating new content for not just this podcast, but also his other two podcasts–Saturday Frights (retro horror film and television) and Diary of an Arcade Employee Podcast (retro arcade games). Available on Apple Podcasts and PodBay.
The Habit
If you’re a writer that wants to learn more about the writing process from authors of all stripes, I recommend Jonathan Rogers’ The Habit. Jonathan Rogers is a writer, novelist, and professor. He is the embodiment of the best of the south and his gentle lilt is an auditory delight. Jonathan is a thoughtful interviewer, allowing his guests to discuss their writing process and provides them space to elaborate deeply on their work. While I only recently started this podcast, I find myself entranced with each episode. One of the things I have really enjoyed about this podcast is the high number of women writers and authors featured. It’s a nice change of pace in the realm of podcasting. This is worth a listen, especially for writers. Available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Soundcloud.
What are your favorite podcasts? Remember, Fangirlish also HAS a podcast, Stop and Fangirl, whose last episode you can check out HERE:
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