Tag: podcasts

Travel Delays, Snowed In, or Stuck at Your In-Laws? We’ve Got a Podcast for That

November 29, 2018

’Tis the season for slower work days, more time with friends and family, and festive celebrations. But the holidays also can come with bad weather, houseguests who wear out their welcomes, traffic jams, and travel delays. Blissful or bah humbug, it’s the most wonderful time of the year—to listen to podcasts.

Whether you’re looking to brush up on current events or escape into a complex story, Spotify’s robust and ever-expanding collection of podcasts will keep you occupied. Not sure where to start? Here are five that fit the bill.

If you’re looking for … a topic that’ll impress your boss at the office holiday party

Try … “Revisionist History.” Each episode of Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast takes a second look at the past and questions whether the popular narrative about a particular event, person, or idea is accurate.

If you’re looking for … anything to distract you while you spend hours sitting on the tarmac

Try … “Up and Vanished.” True-crime buffs will dig the investigative journalism podcast that explores cases of people who have gone missing or disappeared. Each season is an in-depth look into what happened, including first-person accounts from locals who were present as the case unfolded. Because each season covers one case, the suspense will keep you listening episode to episode, no matter what kind of delay the airport throws at you.

If you’re looking for … enough material to keep up with your uncle who always wants to talk hot-button topics at the dinner table

Try … “The Daily.” For 20 minutes a day, five days a week, Michael Barbaro of The New York Times shares a quick summary of something that’s going on in the world. Based on interviews and reporting, each episode focuses on one topic, but ends with a roundup of the other important headlines of the day.

If you’re looking for … a lighter note to keep you entertained while gift wrapping

Try … “My Brother, My Brother, and Me.” In this comedy/advice podcast by Justin, Griffin, and Travis McElory, the brothers answer questions submitted by listeners and read entertaining posts from Yahoo! Answers. MBMBaM also has frequent guests and humorous recurring segments, like “Haunted Doll Watch,” where the brothers discuss eBay listings selling supposedly haunted or cursed dolls.

If you’re looking for … a story that gathers everyone around the fireplace

Try … “Lore.” What’s real and what’s just lore? Mystery lovers will get hooked on more than 100 spooky stories that dive deep into the darker side of human nature. The nonfiction series is based on historical explorations of folklore, investigating rumors of haunted houses, witches, and vampires, and telling other tall tales from around the world.

Looking for more ways to get away this holiday season? Check out Spotify’s top podcasts.

5 Inspirational Podcasts That Will Give You The Feels On World Kindness Day

November 13, 2018

Be nice. Be kind. Do good things for others. That’s the idea behind World Kindness Day on November 13. In honor of the day dedicated to lending a hand just ’cause, we put together a list of podcasts to get you in the mood to give back.

If you dig science and keep a daily gratitude journal, you’ll love: “The Science of Happiness”

Produced by Public Radio International and the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, this podcast shares research-tested strategies for a happier, kinder, and more meaningful life. The show explores the science of kindness, compassion, gratitude, and altruism through relatable real-life examples. Hosted by renowned UC Berkeley psychology professor Dacher Keltner, the episodes zero in on the benefits of practicing kindness and gratitude, including: “3 Good Things,” “How Gratitude Benefits Your Brain,” and “Is There Someone You Need to Thank?”

If volunteering for charities fills your bucket, you’ll love: “Connect Kindness Podcast”

The mission of this action-oriented kindness podcast is to connect people with charities that make the world a better place, including groups addressing childhood abuse, food insecurity, human trafficking, helping underprivileged individuals gain access to higher education and career opportunities, and beyond. The show, co-hosted by friends Krystal Aziz and Tim Evans, features interviews with founders and directors of nonprofit organizations, and exposes listeners to causes they can give back to through acts of kindness and volunteering.

If you like your inspiration with a side of funny, you’ll love: “Your Daily Dose of Awesome”

Host Cyndi Liming, a mom and fifth-grade teacher, unpacks how kindness, humor, and optimism change lives for the better. Threaded with an underlying message of hope, Cyndi’s uplifting podcast episodes are packed with practical tips for overcoming negativity and, as she says, “spreading more awesomeness in a playful way,” one soul-satisfying act of kindness at a time.

If you’re a fan of TED Talks and on a quest to give back, you’ll love: “TED Radio Hour”

NPR host Guy Raz presents “TED Radio Hour,” a popular show that uncovers the emotions, insights, and discoveries that make us human—including how being kind to each other contributes to the greater good. Some of the episodes of the acclaimed podcast that highlight moving and heroic acts of kindness include “Inspire to Action,” “The Act of Listening,” “Crisis and Response,” and “Wired For Altruism.” PS: If you enjoy Raz in “TED Radio Hour” and “How I Built This,” you’ll love the acclaimed journalist’s new exclusive Spotify Originals series, “The Rewind With Guy Raz.”

If you relish a revealing interview and believe in the power of positivity, you’ll love: “The Kindness Project”

This fun father-daughter podcast imparts inspiring personal stories of kindness and the ways simply being nice to others makes positive changes in our world. The hosts, through giggle-filled conversations, heartfelt storytelling, and insightful guest interviews, cover how to be kind to others through everyday acts of kindness, charity fundraising, and more.

Looking for further inspiration? Check out more of our podcasts, ranging from Oprah’s “SuperSoul Conversations” to “Optimal Living” to “Modern Love,” and beyond.