The dawn of a new year may be a good time to change up your audio repertoire and try something new! I am beyond ecstatic to report that a call-out to our Library Staffers for their podcast recommendations resulted in a veritable treasure trove of speaker and headphone-worthy goodness. So many goodies, in fact, that this series is a two-parter (so happy, so proud).
Jessica Thorlakson, Public Services Librarian and 3D Printing Service Coordinator
Podcast: Heavyweight
Why this podcast rocks: “Please note this podcast has nothing to do with wrestling – lol. I am a long time fan of Jonathan Goldstein who is an awkward, but very funny and talented radio producer. This podcast is about helping people heal old wounds and reconnect, and it does so with humour and great empathy; everyone involved with the show is just so genuine. All things that are perfect for right now.“
Amanda Wakaruk, Copyright Librarian
Podcast: The Intelligence
Why this podcast rocks: “Daily world news from The Economist, often with local narratives.“
Rebecca, IT Service Desk Coordinator
Podcast: B*tches on Comics
Why this podcast rocks: “People sometimes make the mistake that the only comic fans are straight males, and this is a massive mistake. There is a huge fandom for comics in the LGBTQ+ community, and there is a huge fandom for comics and speculative fiction writing among women.”
Abigail Sparling, Serials Metadata Librarian
Podcast: Reply All
Why this podcast rocks: “Tech, sleuthing and great story telling delivered with a lot of empathy and laughter (host PJ Vogt’s laughter was once used to ward of bears as reported on an episode of Radiolab (another great pod). I’d recommend starting with #79 – Boy in Photo, or the more recent #158 – The Case of the Missing Hit.”
Kim Bates, Learning Manager
Podcast: Everything is Alive
Why this podcast rocks: “It is the most unique take on an interview show I’ve ever encountered. The host talks with the objects we have in our lives everyday, and elicits a surprisingly broad range of human emotion in the process. I recommend starting at the beginning with Louis, Can of Cola. Your relationship with cans of pop will be forever changed.”
Dale Askey, Vice-Provost (Library & Museums) and Chief Librarian
Podcast: You’re Wrong About
Why this podcast rocks: “The basic premise is to unpack the layers of accumulated speculation and untruth around mostly well-known events. Somehow it achieves this, despite the fact that it’s very chatty and digresses constantly. Highly entertaining and strangely riveting.”
Hanne Pearce, Public Services Assistant
Podcast 1: Every Little Thing
Why this podcast rocks: “Every Little Thing is a random facts show. Callers leave the production team weird but nagging questions they want answered and they go out and find experts to answer them! I think I am drawn to the show because it is a bit like what librarians do – help people find information to answer questions! Each episode is also roughly 20-30 min, so you can listen to an episode while on a short walk, making dinner or when your getting ready in the morning without having to wait to hear the ending. Best episode: How old is Winnie the Pooh?“
Hanne Pearce, Public Services Assistant
Podcast 2: This American Life
Why this podcast rocks: “Probably one of the best-produced podcast out there. This American Life picks a theme for each story, and uses different stories about individuals in-depth. Do not be deterred by the title, the content is not overtly American. The show focuses on stories and ideas that revolve around modern life and can provide insight into topics from many perspectives. The journalism and storytelling is top-notch and the episodes will draw you into other people’s lives. You don’t have to be a regular listener to follow along, each episode pretty much stands alone.“
Thanks for the view and a large round of applause to all of our contributors (without you, we may have had to resort to a blog dedicated to creating new pandemic hobbies like weaving pet hair…)!
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