There are currently over 2,000,000 podcasts and over 48 million episodes (as of October 2021). It can be impossible to sift through this sea of podcasts to find the right ones that will inspire, inform, or just entertain you. We asked our team, clients, and referral partners for the podcasts they just couldn’t stop listening to (and these recommendations actually aren’t directly about education or marketing!). From mindfulness to true crime to comedy, there’s something for anyone. Happy listening!
Cuture
Dolly Parton’s America
In this intensely divided moment, one of the few things everyone still seems to agree on is Dolly Parton—but why? That simple question leads to a deeply personal, historical, and musical rethinking of one of America’s great icons. Join us for a 9-episode journey into the Dollyverse. Hosted by Jad Abumrad. Produced and reported by Shima Oliaee. Dolly Parton’s America is a production from OSM Audio and WNYC Studios. Recommended by Porter Palmer, Director of Joy, LCG.
Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell
Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell's journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether we got it right the first time. From Pushkin Industries. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance. Recommended by Rebecca Sadwick, Founder, Strategica Partners.
Meditative Story
Meditative Story combines extraordinary human stories with meditation prompts embedded into the storylines — all surrounded by breathtaking music. Think of it as an alternative way into a mindfulness practice, through vivid stories and cinematic music and production values. Meditative Story is an original series produced by WaitWhat and supported by our members. Our community tells us that they listen to the same episodes over and over again, and according to data provided by Apple Podcasts, Meditative Story may have the highest engagement of any podcast in the world. And that makes us proud! Recommended by Annie Teich, CEO, The Teich Group.
Coffee and Books
Coffee and Books podcast is hosted by Marc Lamont Hill, a noted author, social commentator, professor, and owner of a coffee shop and bookstore in Philadelphia named Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books. In each episode he chats with authors and prominent public figures who share the backstory behind their latest book. An organic conversation that flows naturally from the book at hand, through the writer’s journey, and of course, the author’s own taste in books. The tone is curious and smart, informal and enlightening - covering everything from Malcolm X to Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret. Recommended by Derrick Tillman-Kelly, Former Director of the UIA Fellows Program and Network Engagement, University Innovation Alliance.
The Friendship Onion
Join your favorite Hobbits, friends and co-stars, Billy Boyd and Dom Monaghan as they take a look back at their time on The Lord of the Rings. Featuring interviews with cast and crew, diving deep into life behind the scenes, and answering the many fan questions, The Friendship Onion will peel back the layers of their friendship, both on screen and off. Recommended by Anna Fields, Project Manager, LCG.
Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Every Tuesday and Friday, Recode’s Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway offer sharp, unfiltered insights into the biggest stories in tech, business, and politics. They make bold predictions, pick winners and losers, and bicker and banter like no one else. After all, with great power comes great scrutiny. From New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Recommended by Dr. Monica Burns, Educator, Author, Speaker & EdTech Consultant, Class Tech Tips.
1619
In August of 1619, a ship carrying more than 20 enslaved Africans arrived in the English colony of Virginia. America was not yet America, but this was the moment it began. No aspect of the country that would be formed here has been untouched by the 250 years of slavery that followed. On the 400th anniversary of this fateful moment, it is time to tell the story. Recommended by Porter Palmer, Director of Joy, LCG.
Relationships
The Michelle Obama Podcast
The Michelle Obama Podcast features the former First Lady diving deep into conversations with loved ones—family, friends, and colleagues—on the relationships in our lives that make us who we are. Recommended by Daylene Long, Founder, Catapult X.
10 Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Dan Harris is a fidgety, skeptical journalist who had a panic attack on live national television, which led him to try something he otherwise never would have considered: meditation. He went on to write the bestselling book, 10% Happier. On this show, Dan talks with eminent meditation teachers, top scientists, and even the odd celebrity. Guests include everyone from His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Brené Brown to Karamo from Queer Eye. On some episodes, Dan ventures into the deep end of the pool, covering subjects such as enlightenment and psychedelics. On other episodes, it’s science-based techniques for issues such as anxiety, productivity, and relationships. Dan's approach is seemingly modest, but secretly radical: happiness is a skill you can train, just like working your bicep in the gym. Your progress may be incremental at first, but like any good investment, it compounds over time. Recommended by Annie Teich CEO, The Teich Group.
Trailercast with Elyse Snipes
Mobile therapist sharing modern musings on the human experience. Every week on the Trailercast, Elyse shares stories of hope, grief and everyday struggle inspired by her work as a therapist and her own life experiences. In an effort to give people a glimpse into the work of therapy and to see things from the other side of the couch, Elyse opens up about her beautiful and often intense work. She hopes this allows people to sift through their own stories with a little more grace and to invoke beauty in the lives of her listeners. Recommended by Katie Test Davis, Founder, Forthright Advising.
Entertainment
/True Crime
Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie is a weekly true crime podcast dedicated to giving you a fix. The storytelling is straightforward and free of rabbit holes so the cases stay suspenseful and are easy to follow. If you can never get enough true crime… Congratulations, you’re a Crime Junkie! Recommended by Elana, CEO, LCG.
Conan O’Brian Needs a Friend
After 25 years at the Late Night desk, Conan realized that the only people at his holiday party are the men and women who work for him. Over the years and despite thousands of interviews, Conan has never made a real and lasting friendship with any of his celebrity guests. So, he started a podcast to do just that. Deeper, unboundedly playful, and free from FCC regulations, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend is a weekly opportunity for Conan to hang out with the people he enjoys most and perhaps find some real friendship along the way. Recommended by Lily Jones, Social Media Lead, LCG.
Solvable
Solvable is a true-crime podcast that seeks to find the answers to unsolved mysteries. With the cooperation of the investigative agency, Solvable takes the listener behind closed doors and speaks directly to the past and current personnel who are responsible for investigating these crimes. In addition, family members and others who are most impacted by these tragedies share their stories in the hopes that answers will one day be found. Recommended by Salleha Chaudhry, Head of Education Modernization, Facebook.
If you haven’t yet listened to a podcast, these benefits of listening to podcasts may just inspire you to dip your toe in the water. Podcasts can be a time saver— you can learn on the go about any subject you want while doing your laundry or cooking. Also, narrative stories like podcasts can stimulate multiple parts of your brain, from an adrenaline rush from true crime podcasts to an endorphin boost from a comedy podcast. And despite the obvious benefit of learning from experts and receiving free professional development, it can also cut down on your screen time (the average American household has the television on 8 hours a day…ouch!).
What podcast are we missing? Let us know your favorite by tweeting us @LeoniGroup. And don't forget! All Things Marketing and Education is our biweekly podcast that hosts experts in EdTech, Marketing and everything in between. Check out our episodes.
