Let's not waste any time-- if you missed part 1, check it out here. Otherwise, let's get right into the action with some of the best podcasts of the year so far.
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August
Another month has passed us by, and as summer comes to a close, we've been working diligently to find the best podcasts of August. After all, what better a time to find new podcasts than in the early days of Autumn?
So as the leaves begin to fall it's time to grab a latte, snuggle up under a blanket, and check out some of our favorite podcasts from the Month of August.
LOUD: 1. The Zone
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cY7LtS3tT71hcHLEXskfI?si=ZX46VJI1S4-LjIM20C3bXw&dl_branch=1
In this premiere episode of the explosive new show LOUD, reggaetón legend Ivy Queen leads you through the streets of Panama to meet three Afro-Panamanian friends. When they began translating Jamaican dancehall songs into Spanish and preforming an neighborhood parties, they had no idea that they were laying the foundations for what would become music's largest and most influential genre.
This Land
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7s3sCyGZo9ICdWTJHTVofk?si=R3gGhN1LTWmWGCfL1_FDCw&dl_branch=1
This Land is an award-winning documentary podcast about how the far right is using Native children to harm American Indian tribes and advance a dangerous agenda. This episode, Solomon's Sword, is all about a contentious lawsuit in which a white couple from Dallas tried desperately to adopt a young Navajo and Cherokee toddler.
Fanti - Black, Queer, and Visible
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4IUDKTwKs1AlHLBfKI8HWO?si=31pP0Q3zSkeBsl00KrtzsQ&dl_branch=1
From journalists Tre'vell Anderson and Jarrett Hill, FANTI is a show all about what to stan, what to stand out against, and everything in-between. It acknowledges the difficult relationship that many aspects of culture have with black culture in America, and has the complex and enlightening conversations about what to do with those issues.
Summer of Gold: Title IX Babies
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1CD9X9Wf2hLIEyaVmZF9ln?si=_8VqBgi0QeCmM7NgePHcPg&dl_branch=1
Dubbed the "Summer of Gold", the 1996 Olympic Games was a landmark year for American Female athletes. From The inception of the WNBA to the USA women’s basketball, soccer and softball teams all winning gold, The Summer of Gold explores the history of one of the all-time best years in American athletics. In this episode, the Summer of Love team traces the history of female inclusion in professional sports.
Blind Guy Travels: Crossing the Street
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BYGAJ2QZzP6R3a8oMaWzX?si=Yd46AYy-T5Wcf24wW8JdDQ&dl_branch=1
Blind Guy Travels is an award-winning show from Radiotopia that does exactly what it says on the tin. From comedy to insight, romance to education, Matthew Shifrin takes you though his adventure as a blind man travelling the globe. In this episode, Matthew explores what it means to be independent as a blind man, and plans his next steps on his journey.
Periodic Talks: Jack Black's Mother
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VS924Y0MOBjB9HsBuV8pu?si=J33IpqgHQTC_ZRw45WXvkw&dl_branch=1
In Periodic Talks, Gillian Jacobs and Diona Reasonover, have conversations about the curiosities of life-- space, virtual realty, celestial bodies, and much, much more. In this episode, Astronaut Victor Glover talks about his life as a dad and astronaut, and Jack Black and his brother Neil Siegel link up for a first-ever joint interview to discuss the life of their prolific mother, Judith Love Cohen.
Vice News Reports: Embedded with Afghan Forces
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Cn5V7YNy9LkpO1g3xHfcF?si=9-zBkpY-SBWZSuCWNiZ1ow&dl_branch=1
VICE News correspondent Ben C. Solomon was in Kandahar with Afghan special forces units as the city and then the country fell to the Taliban. Now, he sits down with a series of soldiers who've spent years of their life in the conflict, and how they feel as the 20-year war comes to a close.
September
Fresh Air: Remembering Michael K. Williams
https://open.spotify.com/episode/07Jt0xcks9JZBvnHoLvNzI?si=OataTk5FReWdiixw5y20SQ&dl_branch=1
NPR's Fresh Air is a weekly audio magazine of contemporary arts and issues, hosted by Terry Gross. In this episode, a memoriam of Michael K. Williams, best known for his roles on The Wire and Boardwalk Empire. Jump in to learn the details and nuances of a fascinating soul.
Bodies: Something Extra
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6cQRysPIK4e5P6BTBgqUID?si=QrK9kBhiRnS50wUcO56pmw&dl_branch=1
In this episode of Bodies, a medical mystery examination show, a woman in her 20's in the 1980's get a mysterious STD that restricts her dating life down to the only person that would accept her. Follow along for a story that meaningfully commentates on stigma and sexual wellness.
544 Days: An Avocado Revolution | Episode 1 https://open.spotify.com/episode/43Q2Rf5YUIus09WSvjr5Da?si=_vaMlMHMSA-Tl_tHSVEQwA&dl_branch=1
Jason Rezaian was the Washington Post's corresponded in Tehran. He was recently married, enjoying an exciting and happy life, until he was captured and kept in the notoriously dangerous Evin prison in Iran. There, he was kept for 544 days. In this permiere episode of 544 Days, find out the beginning of this harrowing story.
Hello Nature: Hello, Yosemite
https://open.spotify.com/episode/33VWbYK8VtxNnr93Nxv7b5?si=CO65HCjcRKiD-G640q1itA&dl_branch=1
Hello, Nature is all about the supposed inclusivity of National Parks in which Misha Euceph seeks to answer the quesion: Shouldn't National Parks be for everyone? In this premiere episode, Misha visits Yosemite National Park to confront the dangers of the park-- both past and present.
Parks & Recollection
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3S7fX08F0pOMtmtxNBctHo?si=Tc86EbQrQqq7xbQmT5dFJg&dl_branch=1
Comedy sitcom Parks and Recreation has become one of the most loved shows from the 2010's, securing a spot in everyone's hearts right alongside staples like The Office. That's why it's so exciting that Parks and Recreation’s Rob Lowe and Alan Yang are back to discuss the show. In this recollective series, they'll go over favorite moments, behind the scenes memories, and never-before-told secrets.
Dyking Out: Rosie O'Donnell Ep 200
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1rfkdeKt4BqUU3cc6XH10l?si=Nd5JhT9TTPmTGVQZjIT2GQ&dl_branch=1
Dyking Out is a show all about queer news and pop culture, hosted by Carolyn Bergier & Melody Kamali. In this monumental 200th episode, Carolyn and Melody invite on Rosie O'Donnell to discuss her coming out story, her new life in LA, and much more.
Everything is Alive: Vinny, Vending Machine https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Gnhy5n4pCZlqfmou2DipG?si=GxBjy35KQfCu_YEp4IATxA&dl_branch=1
We don't want to spoil this one by saying too much, but we will say this: Everything is Alive is an unscripted interview show in which all the subjects are inanimate objects. If you haven't listened yet, this is a great place to jump in and listen for yourself.
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Well, that's it. The sun is setting earlier, the leaves are turning and falling to the street below. Don't mourn for the sunshine, instead bask in the reprieve that is Autumn. Snuggle up, stay warm, and relax with some of our favorite shows from this last season.
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You can also visit this introductory post to say hello to some other members of the community. Welcome, and happy listening!
Staff / Moderator/ 3 years ago in Social & Random