I know what you’re probably wondering: who are you, and why should I give a damn about your favorite podcasts? Well, that is a question for the philosophers. The point is that I’ve been listening to podcasts for quite some time, and I’ve got some recommendations that I think you’ll like.
And if that’s not enough to convince you, too bad. You already clicked on the article. You might as well see what it says.
#1 The Joe Rogan Experience
Not everyone is a fan of Joe Rogan’s off-the-cuff, conversational style and his fixation on fighting, comedy, and psychedelics. That’s fine; the real gems of this podcast are the guests. From Chris Hadfield to Lance Armstrong to (most recently) Elon Musk, The Joe Rogan Experience has had many interesting and controversial guests over the years, and whether you agree with them or not, they sure are interesting to listen to.
Whatever your topic of interest, you are sure to find a thought leader (or thought provoker) in that field by perusing through the hundreds of episodes that have been recorded so far. That’s Why The Joe Rogan Experience is one of my absolute favorite podcasts.
#2 Welcome To Nightvale
Also known as “the most difficult podcast in the world to describe to your friends”, Welcome To Nightvale is a scripted podcast that highlights the happenings of the sleepy little desert town of Nightvale, as told by the host of a seemingly-normal radio show. The podcast takes a comically absurd view on themes of the scary, strange, and supernatural by trying to show us what daily life might actually be like in a place where strange was the new normal. A sentient glowing cloud that wants to join your PTA meeting despite not having anything that even resembles a child? In Nightvale, why not?
Welcome To Nightvale isn’t just one of my favorite podcasts; it has quickly picked up a cult following among podcasting fans for its quirky writing style, and has even gone on to tour a live version of its show all across the United States and Europe.
#3 The Jocko Podcast
Jocko Willink is a badass. Ex-navy seal turned podcaster, Jocko breaks the mould of the macho tough guy with his surprising emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and care for others. Sure, his podcast mainly focuses on personal betterment, his experiences in combat, and the concepts of good and evil, but he relates this content in a way that is easily accessible by just about everyone.
The Jocko Podcast is a gentle, not-so-gentle reminder that those gruff, muscular people that wear string tank tops to the gym and grunt loudly during their sets actually have important insights to share with the world.
Oh, and his podcast episode titles all sound like chapter titles of the most intense self-help book you’ve ever read. If that’s not enough to make this one of your favorite podcasts too, I don’t know what is.
#4 Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History
An oldie but most definitely a goodie. Dan Carlin has a grasp of history that all historians should aspire to. When I was in university, I took a history course on the Persian and Assyrian empire out of genuine interest. That is, until that genuine interest was bludgeoned out by my history professor like the Assyrians were bludgeoned out of Babylon in 626 –the main difference being that my interest in history experienced a miraculous comeback at the hands of one Dan Carlin.
He paints history like a living tapestry; something that feels genuinely alive and dynamic (unlike your average university lecture). When I listened to the first installment of his King Of Kings series, I found myself not only identifying with some of the characters, I also felt a sense of genuine suspense at what would happen to them next. You have to give King Of Kings a listen if any part of you is curious about the past.
If there was a podcast hall of fame, Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History would certainly be a part of it. And if there was a podcast made about this hypothetical podcast hall of fame, Dan Carlin should be the one to record it.
That’s all well and good, but what about TalkShoe?
Hey, let’s not let the other guys have all the fun. TalkShoe’s directory has loads of great podcasts too, and no matter who you are, you are sure to find something that catches your interest. While you’re at it, why not record an episode today, and see what everyone’s talking about?
