Best Podcast Episodes of 2021 (So Far)

[SpotifyPodcasts]

Hey, all! Spotify Editorial team here to bring you some of our favorites from the first half of 2021. Let's get into it! 

Playlist: Best Episodes of 2021 (So Far)

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DXdvutuKKNQUZ?si=6f987d6015b34d28

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0nxqWEURbojkvvlbPHtYsY?si=bUaZQ_dfS022ONYDE81Rwg&dl_branch=1

F Your Water Fountain

A celebration of bravery and rebellion inspired by an iconic image of a Black teen drinking from a whites-only water fountain. A compelling and powerful listen. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1PbLPW4kzgNJX6Rmr0Ctc2?si=PSnKhdXVTCS5gAyQZneZoQ&dl_branch=1

Selena and Race (ENGLISH)

Host Maria Garcia, in her journey to mourn and remember Latin-x musical artist Selena, examines what Selena's brownness meant for her legacy, and what an exploration of Selena's race can teach others about themselves. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xyIl7S7hwkTjwICF92eUZ?si=GPqnh5DnRu2popBI5sr10Q&dl_branch=1

The Birth Dream

In this cinematic merge of music and storytelling, Andy Marra tells the story of a life-changing job offer that takes her on an adventure to Korea with a distant hope of finding her family. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0nIcnh4l0EXD1RQYKzJC40?si=NLyG-j5gTl66J0hEyrgYBA&dl_branch=1

"What if Fire is Just Love?" with Sister Helen Prejean

Sister Helen Prejean, now in 80 years old, has devoted her life to ending the death penalty. Now, she sits with host Max Linsky to contemplate how her life's mission parallels her own mortality. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6F2frahAhe6oBHHDIGPzhB?si=73672ab777454a61

25 Years of Radio Diaries

Marking the 25th anniversary of creating real, personal life diaries, host Joe Richman revisits the life of Amanda, the show's first diarist. 17 years ago, Amanda was a closeted queer girl pocketed deep within the Catholic religion in Queens. 25 years later, some things are different, and some are the same. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/70ShKawwAWMI6t2WKojUEL?si=iglNbBnEQ0Su5esJ8ePFDA&dl_branch=1

Moving Beyond the Gender Binary w/ ALOK

ALOK, a gender non-conforming writer and performance artist, joins host Laverne Cox to examine what it means to live as a person who does not fit into the traditional definitions of gender, and how the restrictions of prescribed gender effect society. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5USC3QhYdJCnbc5CiKlhuI?si=fCrc4JKhRha5Ai76ld560Q&dl_branch=1

I'm Coming Out

Your mix of multiracial, queer hosts Dennis Norris II, Joseph Osmundson, Tommy Pico, and Fran Tirado finally make a long-awaited return to their studio to recap one of the strangest years in recent history in their trademark hilarious, unrestricted way.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6PaKzz6ihL0vSXioO3Za7q?si=812b343467914955

Jeremy Lin, Dan Pfeiffer + NBA MVP, March Madness, Anti-Trans Bills, Hot Mics

During the premiere of Takeline, a fast-paced examination of the NBA and sports culture, hosts Jason Concepcion and Renee Montgomery are joined by Jeremy Lin to discuss everything from anti-asian issues, his route to the NBA, and ongoing issues for transgender and non-white athletes. 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/310eHrcHWcHrurBn0zdjVx?si=VQzPk1-YQN-xMI9RIlCo5A&dl_branch=1

A lifelong scam

In this episode of "This Is Uncomfortable", Reema Khrais tells the story of Axton Betz-Hamilton, who's family has spent 20 years attempting to track down the person who has been ruining their financial lives through a lifelong scam.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0eOCCqNRxkHa2vSDtBIzqB?si=u92MPZbQTm6QOG3qMOjKDg&dl_branch=1

J. Cole

In this candid interview between hosts Kevin Durant and Eddie Gonzales and Grammy award-winning rapper and producer J. Cole, they discuss the current state of rap and hip-hop, J. Cole's moves through his career, and his recent foray into rookie professional basketball. 

Those are our picks for the first half of 2021-- what was your favorite?