Summer Listening: Top Podcasts You Can’t Miss
Last summer, we had a blast sharing our favorite summer reading books with you, and this summer, we're shifting gears to dive into some fantastic podcasts! With the sun shining and kids buzzing around, we know how hectic life can get, even during the summer months. But amidst the busy schedules, it's essential to carve out some time for yourself! I even reached out to my admissions colleagues, family, close friends, and current clients to find out their top podcast picks, as we’re all juggling lots and working to protect some self-care time too! Whether you're driving the kids to their next adventure or soaking up the sun on a walk, at the beach or by a pool, these highly recommended podcasts are perfect for those precious moments of “me-time!” Get ready to tune in and make this summer your best one yet!
1.The Daily
This is a news briefing show from The New York Times which many mentioned as one of their favorite podcasts, listening to it on a daily basis! Each episode dives deep into some of the biggest news stories of the day in a digestible format to help you stay current on the day’s events.
2. Wiser Than Me
This podcast, hosted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is a delightful and insightful podcast where she interviews accomplished women over 70. Filled with wisdom, humor, and life lessons, it offers listeners a chance to learn from the experiences and insights of extraordinary women who have navigated life's ups and downs with grace and resilience.
3. The Mel Robbins Podcast
Mel Robbins is a motivational powerhouse, helping listeners’ improve their lives with realistic advice and tools for overcoming obstacles. With her dynamic energy and relatable insights, Mel will leave you feeling incredibly inspired and motivated! Hot tip: follow her on Instagram too as you’ll feel all the more empowered!
4. Fresh Air
Fresh Air is an award-winning podcast that goes in deep with interviews from prominent figures from various niches. You’ll get everything from true stories, journalism, essays, and more! Known for her insightful questions, Terry Gross provides listeners with an enriching listening experience that covers culture, politics, and the arts.
5. This American Life
This is a podcast that explores one theme per episode through a variety of different stories. One colleague shared that he felt "This American Life" is a standout podcast because its host, Ira Glass, masterfully blends storytelling with journalism, delivering deeply compelling narratives that explore the human experience. Personally, I love how the show captures the nuances of everyday life and presents them in a captivating way!
6. Pop Culture Happy Hour
This is a podcast that makes knowing what’s going on in pop-culture easy! Recommended by some client parents, who said “it's the perfect podcast for busy parents looking to stay hip and current on the latest trends and find entertainment recommendations to enjoy in their precious free time.”
7. Everything is a Primary Source
If you want a podcast that explores the connections between history and now, this is for you! Host Eric Paul, a high school teacher from New Hampshire, discusses how historical events, cultural phenomena, and artifacts help us understand the world. It's a fascinating listen for anyone interested in history, education, and the unexpected ways in which the past can inform the present.
8. Bob Does Sports
Want to feel in the know about sports? Then you definitely don’t want to miss this podcast, recommended by SO many who I reached out to! Hosted by Robby Berger, also known as Bobby Fairways, the podcast features entertaining discussions on various sports topics, often infused with hilarious personal anecdotes and lighthearted banter. Its approachable and relatable style makes it a hit among sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike, offering a fun escape that will certainly leave you laughing!
9. Stories From the Field
If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to work in a specific career, “Stories From the Field” is for you. It’s a show that shares what it’s like to work in different professions and what those experiences are like. Hosted by experienced field researchers and practitioners, the podcast offers deep insights into the challenges, triumphs, and impactful moments encountered in their work. You’ll find it serves as both a source of inspiration and education!
10. The Longest Shortest Time
A few clients mentioned this as a podcast they’ve really enjoyed! Hosted by Andrea Silenzi, this podcast covers a wide range of parenting topics, from pregnancy and childbirth to raising toddlers and teens. It features personal stories, expert interviews, and candid discussions about the complexities of parenting that we’re all navigating!
11. EdChats with Josh Clark
Josh Clark, Head of Landmark School and Chair of the International Dyslexia Association, interviews leaders in the education space along with innovators in business, sociology, and technology to explore what the future holds for school, work, and life as it intersects with developments in AI. You can’t help but feel energized by Josh’s charismatic style as he advocates for innovative teaching practices, improved classroom strategies, and the use of educational technology in schools today!
12. The Modern Parent’s Guide to Life
A few parents mentioned this podcast as one that they’ve enjoyed! Hosted by Doyin Richards, this podcast explores parenting in the digital age and addresses issues relevant to raising teenagers today. It covers topics like screen time, cyberbullying, education, and building strong family relationships. Richards, a father himself, brings a relatable perspective to the podcast, sharing personal experiences and insights gained from his own parenting journey, providing diverse perspectives and actionable tips.
13. Fixable
Hosted by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss, “Fixable” is a podcast that I love listening to but also watch! Definitely take the time to watch Frances & Anne on LinkedIn as they provide video of their podcast recording through their LinkedIn posts too, and it’s another insight into their bright, engaging personalities.Their fun banter back and forth provides a thought-provoking podcast that delves into the art of solving complex problems and driving positive change.
Each episode features real-life problems submitted by listeners, which Frances and Anne address with their wonderful sense of humor, empathy, candor and strategic thinking. They provide concrete steps and insightful perspectives that can be applied both in professional settings and also your personal life.
I’m confident parents will find "Fixable" compelling because it not only focuses on workplace and leadership issues but also emphasizes themes of resilience, effective communication, and personal growth. As parents themselves, Frances & Anne know these are important skills to nurture in children too! "Fixable" serves as an invaluable resource for parents looking to empower their children and foster a supportive and growth-oriented environment at home & school!
This is a podcast that uncovers the hidden side of almost everything! Just about everything in our world is backed up by socio-economic issues and topics you’ll learn. This podcast takes a deep dive into them all! With engaging storytelling and interviews with experts, "Freakonomics Radio" challenges conventional wisdom and offers listeners a fresh perspective on the world around them.
14. The New Yorker Radio Hour
This show features interviews, profiles, and stories from The New Yorker magazine. The show covers a wide variety of topics, so you’ll never know what you’ll find! The podcast also includes readings of fiction and poetry published in The New Yorker, making it a rich and diverse audio experience for anyone interested in exploring the ideas and stories that define our times.
15. The Dad Edge Podcast
Hosted by Larry Hagner, this is a podcast geared towards you dads! It covers topics related to fatherhood, marriage, health, and personal development. A well respected male therapist I know thinks the world of this podcast, sharing “Larry's interviews with experts are inspirational stories from dads and for dads that I look forward to hearing!”
What are you listening to this summer?