Podcast Roundup
By Heather Loebe, Seattle NOW Treasurer
It’s time to admit I have a problem: I am addicted to podcasts. I can’t do much without them – take a walk, clean the house, ignore my coworkers. They’re there when my real friends are working or parenting. They give me something to talk about with (or talk at about) my IRL partner, friends, and acquaintances. I could try to kick the habit, but I get a fix out of listening that I just can’t give up: passive learning. There’s so much to learn, and just when you think you’ve heard it all, just google, and the world’s your oyster! I devour them like they're going out of season. Here are just a few of my current obsessions that you, as a fellow feminist, might get hooked on, too.
The Guilty Feminist
Ever felt like you should be better at feminism? I certainly have. Deborah Frances-White has, too. She and her guests start every episode (231 and counting!) with an “I’m a feminist but…” confession. Francis-White approaches each subject with empathic humor and in front of a live audience (barring pandemic rules). Beginning in 2015, guests have spanned the globe and run the gamut of diverse experiences, while subjects range from boobs to Britney to being a super-ally and a billion things in-between. She uses her privilege and platform to help raise money, awareness, and voices for important issues. Despite the name, “The Guilty Feminist” is a shame-free and delightful show about serious subjects. I am so glad I have 200 more episodes to get me through the tail end of the The Big Dark. Visit The Guilty Feminist.
Money Rehab
Hosted by Nicole Lapin, NYT best-selling author of “Miss Independent” and “Rich Bitch,” among others, “Money Rehab” has recently evolved into the larger Money News Network. The changes are evident, so I highly recommend starting from the beginning or finding subjects that interest you from earlier seasons. This isn’t normally my style, but I tout it because it achieved what it claims! Lapin’s advice as the “only financial expert you don’t need a dictionary to understand” encouraged me to rethink my attitude toward money, start to invest in my future, and speak openly about finances with my partner and friends. The appeal for me was not only the approach but also who was doing the ‘splaining (hint: not a white man). Despite Lapin’s privileges otherwise, it can’t be easy to hold her own in the historically woman-exclusive realm. And I am proof that her method works! Visit Money Rehab.
Sounds Like a Cult
I could provide a disturbing number of recommendations for podcasts focused on cults. Cult leaders disproportionately prey on women and depend on a patriarchal system to be successful. It’s incredibly depressing and if you’re in a current cult obsession hole (as I was) a little levity goes a long way. “Sounds Like a Cult” tackles “the modern day ‘cults’ we all follow,” such as Disney adulthood, Trader Joe’s, Swifties, and academia. Co-hosted by writer and linguist, Amanda Montell and writer, comedian, and actor, Isabela Medina-Mate, “SLC” is current, informed, funny, and considerate while it gives a little side-eye to different “zeitgeisty” groups each week, asking “is this a cult? And if so, how bad is it?” Visit Sounds Like a Cult.
Honorable Mentions
Love, Janessa: Turning the tables a bit, but still steeped in the patriarchy, “Love, Janessa” takes a fascinating look at a catfishing scam praying on men through stolen images of an adult entertainer. Journalist Hannah Ajala takes us along on her search for Janessa and who might be behind these scams. With just 7 episodes in this CBC production, prepare to fly through it like a book you can’t put down.
You and Me Both with Hillary Clinton: For “You and Me Both,” Hillary Clinton gets to breach her political intensity and indulge in candid, interesting, and inspiring conversations with people she admires. With three seasons under her belt, Clinton has spoken with a wide scope of (mostly female) guests that range from Samantha Bee to Maxine Waters to Luis Miranda, Jr. I enjoy the interview style, openness, respect, and intellect she brings to each interview.