Hype
Spending hours waiting for a ride or getting stuck in Manila traffic is an unavoidable reality for Filipino commuters. Thankfully, podcasts are a great way to pass the time, especially if you want to learn something new. Having grown in popularity these last few years, thousands of free podcasts cover just about everything under the sun. But if this wide range of topics still seems daunting, here are a few recommendations to help kickstart your journey.
Photo sourced from Wondery
For those who want to change the world: Imagined Life
Episode length: 30-50 minutes
An immersive take on success stories, Imagined Life takes people on a journey through the lives of the rich and famous. The hosts speak to listeners in the second person point of view to fully immerse them in a celebrity’s struggles on the road to fame. And to keep them even more intrigued, the hosts only reveal the subject’s identity at the very end. Often emotional and always compelling, Imagined Life tells tales both ordinary and extraordinary, weaving an intricate web of events to inspire listeners. From the missteps of rock stars to the misfortunes of architects, every episode is an exercise in perspective, a call to make a difference, and a reminder that things will get better.
Photo sourced from Raleigh News & Observer
For those seeking the truth: Revisionist History
Episode length: 30-60 minutes
Renowned journalist Malcolm Gladwell examines ideas often overlooked in his podcast, Revisionist History. In each episode, Gladwell takes a random fact, common misconception, or notable event, then delves deep into its backstory. He does extensive research on every topic—sharing interview recordings, obscure trivia, and test results. The abundance of facts may make this series sound boring, but Gladwell, a seasoned storyteller, draws interest with humorous anecdotes and sensory details. His narration of events is never straightforward, going back and forth through time, which makes the episodes even more engaging. Anyone who gives this a listen will definitely emerge with a new outlook on history and a bunch of fascinating facts to share.
Photo sourced from NPR
For those who want to get with the times: Pop Culture Happy Hour
Episode length: 15-4o minutes
With so many new releases and so little time to see them all, it’s hard to decide which ones are worth a go. Luckily, Pop Culture Happy Hour comes to the rescue. Here, four hosts gather to discuss the latest movie, television, literary, and music releases. Their podcast keeps listeners up to date with everything current in media, covering topics like awards shows, movie premieres, and Netflix Originals–without spoiling too much. Though listeners may not always agree with the final verdicts, it’s still fun to hear what they have to say on the trends of today.
Photo sourced from Song Exploder
For the music enthusiast: Song Exploder
Episode length: 15-20 minutes
If you’re a musician, songwriter, music enthusiast, or someone in between, this podcast might just tickle your fancy. Featuring different artists and songs each episode, Song Exploder covers so many genres that it will surely cater to the most unique music tastes. The podcast digs deep into the meaning of each piece it tackles, breaking it down into its most basic parts. Delving into the lyrics, the beats, and the production process, each episode strips a song to its bones to tell the story behind a story.
Photo sourced from The Creative Rising
For the curious creative: The Creative Rising
Episode length: 40-50 minutes
Hosted by branding company Matchstic founder Blake Howard, The Creative Rising is a podcast dedicated to bringing the creative community together–no matter the listener’s level of expertise. Each episode calls on a different creative professional to tell his or her story and give advice on specific topics such as managing burnout, finding your style, and knowing when to say no to clients. This podcast is perfect for both budding and seasoned creatives, showing each and every one of them that they are not alone in the work.
Photo sourced from Vox Media
For those who want to be politically informed: Today, explained
Episode length: 15-25 minutes
In today’s turbulent political climate, failing to keep yourself informed is almost a crime. But with the length of your to-do list, it might be hard to stay updated with the news. Today, explained solves that dilemma by briefing listeners on different global issues–from the rise of Greta Thunberg to the current state of the Syrian War. Reporter and host Sean Rameswaram gives context, insights, and expert opinions to explain some of the world’s biggest problems. Every episode is then a call to keep oneself aware and informed, especially amid rampant misinformation.
With the dawn of carmageddon and the transport crisis, commuting may seem like a daunting task. If you find your curiosity piqued by any of these recommendations, give one a listen and see how you like it. You might just see why podcasts have gained ground, and who knows? You might also learn the next best thing to not only pass the time but change your life for good.
Editors’ Note: NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour is not available for streaming on Spotify.
