Some would argue that 2014 was the year of the podcast. The first season of “Serial” debuted and popularized the storytelling format through the case of Adnan Syed, and suddenly, podcasts were the cool thing to do. But if you ask me, 2015 is a more accurate fit for the title.
This was the year we had to live without “Serial,” at least up until a few weeks ago when the second season premiered. Over the past 12 months, we were left to carry on without Sarah Koenig’s airy voice and Syed’s emotional phone calls. But during that time, something amazing happened. Earlier this year, Pew Research Center found that 33 percent of Americans have listened to a podcast. That number is up from 11 percent in 2006. Plus, the number of podcasts that are actively hosted continues to climb.
But perhaps the best part of plugging into a podcast is learning something new. Whether you’re nerding out on tech updates, catching up on current events or practicing a new language on your lunch break, these audio files are jam-packed with information that can help educate and entertain. No matter what you want to be in the New Year—a better foodie, more informed voter, cooler friend or movie buff—there’s a podcast out there to show you the ropes. Here are our top recommendations for programs that will help you grow in 2016.
* = Podcasts made with love in Chicago.
BE A BETTER FOODIE
The Sporkful: With the tagline “It’s not for foodies, it’s for eaters,” this weekly podcast is instantly approachable. Host Dan Pashman from Cooking Channel’s “You’re Eating It Wrong” helps answer important questions (i.e. are hot dogs sandwiches?) while incorporating stories from hungry people all over the world.
* Chewing the Fat: Food journalists Louisa Chu and Monica Eng chat cooking, dining, food culture and more on this weekly podcast from WBEZ Chicago. Though it’s no longer active, there are more than 80 episodes packed with local chef interviews, foodie trends and suggestions on where to eat in Chicago.
America’s Test Kitchen: If you’ve resolved to spend more time in the kitchen this year, this weekly program will inspire you with the help of experts, chefs and authors. From the secret to perfect whole wheat pancakes to investigating the American pork industry, there’s something for everyone.
BE A BETTER BESTIE
Call Your Girlfriend: Everyone has a long-distance bestie, and this podcast celebrates that relationship. Co-hosted by friends Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow, the program covers just about everything: Drake’s turtlenecks, the Irish abortion rights campaign, “Master of None,” menstruation and more. It’s kind of like listening in on a phone call between faraway BFFs who are catching up.
* Friendshipping: Cards Against Humanity staffers Jenn and Trin cover all those weird friendship questions no one really prepares you for: Should I ask my friend why she unfollowed me on Twitter? Is it possible to travel in a group without wanting to kill everyone? Do I have to invite my quiet, sulky friend out with us? Plus, you can submit your own friendship qualms and hope for some hilariously awesome advice.
The Friendship Podcast: Dude friends BK and CJ talk friendship while also dabbling in pop culture, comics, music and video games. If you enjoy tangents and a good bromance, these two will keep you laughing all the way to work.
DIVE INTO POP CULTURE
The Read: Every week, New York transplants and hosts Kid Fury and Crissle dig deep on hip-hop and pop culture’s biggest names (think TMZ with much more sass). With more than 100 episodes to choose from, you’ll want to subscribe for a weekly dose of shade and hilarious commentary.
Get Up on This: Like the title suggests, this podcast is devoted to catching you up on all the stuff you miss throughout the week. Consider it your guide to knowing a little bit about a lot: TV shows, music, movies, comedy, apps and more. Hosts Jensen Karp and Matthew Robinson chat with a different guest every week to get you up to speed.
* Alcohollywood: If movies and craft cocktails are two of your favorite things, you’ll want to join Clint and Jared as they invent drinking games for films and share cocktail recipes with listeners. New and old films are game, so expect everything from “Space Jam” to “Birdman.”
STAY INFORMED
NPR Hourly News Summary: Tired of getting your news updates via opinionated Facebook posts? We feel your pain. This quick five-minute podcast is updated hourly and covers the top news stories of the day as they develop. Plug in on your way to work, while grabbing lunch or on your way home for a digestible look at what’s happening around you.
Vox’s The Weeds: If 2016 is the year you want to become a more informed voter, this podcast will help you dive headfirst into Obamacare, climate change, inequality and the current presidential candidates. Vox’s Ezra Klein, Sarah Kliff and Matthew Yglesias discuss these issues and more with special guests who help break down the tough stuff.
Slate’s Political Gabfest: Launched in 2005 and updated weekly, Slate’s political podcast is hosted by Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson and David Plotz. The three chat current events such as Donald Trump’s proposal to ban Muslims from entering the U.S., Bowe Bergdahl and gun control laws.
BE HAPPIER
Mystery Show: Host Starlee Kine helps normal people solve extraordinary mysteries: How tall is Jake Gyllenhaal? Why was Britney Spears reading that book? Where did this crazy belt buckle come from? Along the way, she’ll make you laugh out loud and maybe shed a tear or two. It’s not humanly possible to walk away from these podcasts without feeling a littler happier.
Monday Morning Podcast: Comedian Bill Burr is here to make Mondays (and Thursdays) suck less. No matter what he’s rambling about—giant fish tanks, baby bumps, mortgages—these hour-ish long podcasts will keep you entertained on a long commute. We just can’t promise people won’t look at you when you’re laughing out loud on the bus.
* Hello from the Magic Tavern: Released earlier this year, this podcasts follows the epic (and fictional) journey of Arnie, a guy who fell through a portal behind a Chicago Burger King. Don’t worry; he’s got podcasting gear and spotty Wi-Fi to bring you a new story from Foon every week.
