Malia's Top 5 Podcast Picks
This American Life: I love storytelling and This American Life does storytelling right. Every week there is a different theme that they cover and they bring in so many different voices, viewpoints, opinions and experiences. It’s like a collage of storytelling and it brings me instant joy during my day.
The Breakdown with Shaun King: As someone who closely follows current events and Shaun King, The Breakdown is a vital listen. Shaun King works tirelessly to bring stories of racism, corruption and injustice to the forefront instead of where they usually end up - brushed under the rug. Shaun King isn’t just talking about these stories though - he provides practical action steps and follows through with them.
My Favorite Murder: Anyone who enjoys true crime knows about MFM. With arguably the largest fan base in true crime it’s no wonder why. The host’s Karen and Georgia become a friend through your speakers. Even when they are telling stories of awful events, it seems like you are in the room with them laughing and sometimes crying along with them. Oddly enough with the nature of the podcast being about murder, Karen and Georgia bring a calming and soothing presence to your day. They are fierce advocates for mental health, injustice and human rights. There have been many days where I relied on this podcast to keep me sane and during this shelter in place they are the first show I go to when I’m in my podcast mood (about 12 hours a day).
TED Talks Daily: I get into these random moods where my mind becomes a sponge and I need to learn something. I usually Google numerous topics and facts a day just to stay on top on my Tuesday Trivia skills but TED Talks Daily dives deeper than my normal Google searches and I love hearing experts passionately speak about things I otherwise wouldn’t know.
Ear Hustle: One reason I love podcasts so much is I enjoy hearing people tell stories. There is something about good story-telling that is just so addicting to me. Ear Hustle is truly a unique world of story telling because stories are being shared by those inside prison and outside, post-incarceration. Ear Hustle isn’t just about prison though, the stories are captivating, humanizing and really important in a world where those who are incarcerated face erasure from society. This is always the #1 podcast I recommend to people.