Julie's Journal : Podcasts

My husband finds it unbelievable that I do not usually listen to music in the car.  He loves music and can't imagine being without it, but I find that in our always connected world, those fifteen minutes each morning and evening are some of my only quiet time.  However, I have recently discovered podcasts.  I know that podcasts have been around for awhile, but I have just now really gotten into them.  I have occasionally been listening to an episode during my drive.  A podcast is similar to a radio talk show, but normally on a specific topic and available to download or stream so that it can be listened to at any time.  I've listed a few of the podcasts I've been enjoying below.  If you are aware of any interesting ones that I need to know about, please let me know.

The first podcast I discovered was, fittingly, "What Should I Read Next?"  Anne Bogel talks to bookish people about their lives and interests and then asks them to list three books they liked and one they did not.  After discussing the books and what the guest liked or didn't about them, Anne recommends at least three books that she thinks they will enjoy.  I have found several helpful suggestions in Anne's recommendations, both for myself personally and for additions to the library's collection.  Plus, I just really enjoy listening to people talk about books and all the things that they love about them.

Beautiful/Anonymous is an interesting podcast.  Chris Gethard takes one anonymous phone call and is willing to talk about whatever the caller wants to discuss.  The first one I listened to was quite intense.  In the episode entitled "The Whirlpool Galaxy"  an astrophysics researcher talks about the science of the universe and galaxies and then segue's into a discussion of a great tragedy in her life.  She illustrates quite baldly how cruel people can be to others, even in the midst of great pain.  Be aware that depending on who calls in, the language in the podcasts can be pretty rough.  I have skipped around some in order to find episodes without as much language.

Stuff You Missed in History Class is just what it sounds like.  Yesterday at lunch, I listened to the story of Cassie Chadwick (born Elizabeth Bigley).  Chadwick was a con-woman and made a fortune trading on a lie.  She claimed to be the illegitimate daughter of steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie.  She forged a promissory note from Carnegie and then borrowed millions of dollars from several banks on his name.  Her scheme was particularly brilliant because of the social customs of the time. No one wanted to ask Carnegie if the story was true, so they took her at her word.  Eventually, of course, her lies were exposed and Cassie/Elizabeth died in prison.  The episodes include stories of individuals lost to history, unknown stories about famous individuals, and interesting events from history.

The Moth Radio Hour is a replay of stories told at live Moth events.  From The Moth's website:  "The Moth's mission is to promote the art and craft of storytelling and to honor and celebrate the diversity and commonality of the human experience."  StoryCorps records interviews between friends and family members.  People get to tell their stories and ask questions of their loved ones that they have always wanted to ask.

Podcasts are available on just about every possible topic imaginable.  You can listen to sermons from your favorite preacher, laugh with your favorite comedian, and learn from great teachers on any subject that interests you.  Let me know what your favorites are!