I have a habit (I didn’t say bad habit–this is a judgment-free zone of course) of reacting, out loud, to podcasts. This isn’t limited to just laughing. Often times it’s full sentences, as if I’m actually apart of this recorded conversation.
“Oh my god STOP!”
“I believe it!”
“How could you not?”
I’ve always had a penchant for talking to a nonexistent audience, but I have to imagine the current coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated this, as irl interactions with my actual friends have plummeted.
However, I also think this speaks to the quality and genre of podcasts I’m drawn to: conversational, minimal production, and usually co-hosted by real life friends. If I’m so affected that I subconsciously talk back to the hosts, then it’s a damn good show. Here are a few of my recent favs.
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I came to this podcast as a fan of co-host Kulap Vilaysack and her past comedic work. And while I was unfamiliar with co-host SuChin Pak, the friendship between these two is so apparently strong, and therefore extremely alluring to me. The premise (though I don’t care if they stick to it–I would gleefully eavesdrop on any of their conversations) is that they discuss what they’re buying and what they’re not buying in any given week. It sounds like peak consumerism, but in reality it reveals a lot about what desires capitalism manufactures in women, and what it takes for us to say no (or yes) to those desires–in this show, both are valid. Also, that’s a rather deep explanation of a podcast that is simply very funny.
Poog
If any of the above themes mildly appeal to you, then you’ll also be a sucker for Poog. Co-hosts Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak are set equally on debunking and lionizing all things beauty and wellness. In the same breath, they worship the 10-step Korean skincare regimen and also suggest a less is more approach is best for your skin. I think all millennial women can relate to putting all your eggs in the basket of wellness while also decrying it all as snake oil made by the patriarchy. Again, this show is simply very funny.
Best Friends
Consider this show your weekly reminder to call or text your best friend(s). Co-hosts Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata more or less upload their usual conversations to the internet–it’s that authentic and unfiltered. It’s a treat (to use one of Nicole’s favorite words) that makes me full-belly chuckle at least once per episode. Recounting mundane events of the week can lead to winding, playful discussions about how exactly chickens lay eggs or how growing tomatoes can make you cry. I’ll also note that this is one of the few pieces of media that I tolerate discussing the pandemic. It’s comforting to hear other women talk freely about how they’re holding up (or not).
Threedom
This is the cure for what ails you when it comes to the bleakness, anxiety and depression of the pandemic. Threedom is pure silliness from three of the most entertaining improvisers in LA: Paul F. Tompkins, Scott Aukerman, and Lauren Lapkus. I won’t waste your time by attempting to explain any of the ongoing bits. In the most recent episodes, they’ve been tasting and ranking M&M flavors, and I can’t really recall why. Come for the off-the-cuff recounting of working in Hollywood, stay for the nonsensical improv games played at the end of each episode.
Bitch Sesh
This podcast is a weekly recap of The Real Housewives shows, and I don’t watch any of the Real Housewives shows. That’s it, that’s the review! If I can commit to two women talking about people and scenarios I have no real context for, then it must be a good time. Co-hosts Casey Wilson and Danielle Schneider would make the encyclopedia audiobook a riot.
Elisse Miller 