Podcasts Over Books in 2021
Podcasts Over Books in 2021
I love to read. But this year, I spent more time listening to podcasts than reading books. This is how I fill time during my commute to work.
Listening to a podcast is like listening to a good story – and I love a good story.
Don’t get it twisted. I still love books. This year I became more interested in podcasts.
In this blog post, I share my favorite podcasts of 2021.
NPR’s Code Switch - Hosted by journalists Gene Demby and Shereen Marisol Meraji, this show explores how race affects every part of society — politics, history and culture. Interviews are told with humor, realness, sensitivity and from the perspective of people of color. Check out the episode, The Sum of Our Parts.
NPR’s Fresh Air - Legendary host, Terry Gross conducts interviews with figures in contemporary issues and arts. It’s like she is having a casual conversation with some of my favorite artists or influencers of our time. This was the first podcast I started following when I became a listener.
Revisionist History – From author of Blink and Talking to Strangers, Malcom Gladwell examines an event or person from our past and asks questions urging the listener to consider a difference narrative. Each episode reveals Gladwell’s investment in research for the topic. One of my favorite episodes is, The Hug Heard Around The World. An examination of the career of Sammy Davis, Jr., one of the most famous entertainers of our time. Gladwell offers the possibility that Davis was misjudged as a black entertainer and also looks at the fallout from Davis' famous hug with President Richard Nixon.
Renegades - When I discovered this podcast in November, I was hooked. Renegades is series of conversations between two friends, Former President Barak Obama and rock legend Bruce Springsteen. When you listen, it sounds like two buddies chilling on a Saturday afternoon talking about life. Chatting honestly about race, masculinity and the American dream, you feel the deep connection of their friendship. I don’t have a favorite episode; I suggest binging on them all!
The Black Kitchen Series - When I saw the black cast iron skillet logo for this podcast a few weeks ago, I knew it was for me. This mini - series is from the Black Kitchen Initiative, a group committed to preserving the history and legacy of black cuisine. In each episode, a black owned restaurant is featured; sharing the history of the restaurant, the food it serves, and the community it occupies. From Barbeque to cocktails, this series highlights the influence African American cuisine has made on American history and culture.
If you have not listened to a podcast before, click the links in this blog and explore. If you have a favorite podcast or two, please share in the comments below. Peace
