A short read on exactly what the title says
I love a good podcast! The ONLY thing (and I really mean only) I miss about working in an office is one aspect of my daily commute. Before this pandemic, there was a several-year waiting list for a parking spot in one of the lots for my office. At the time I lived in West Seattle and, like most West Seattleites, I took the bus to work. Then Covid happened and here we are. What I enjoyed most about those rides was the opportunity to practice a form of self-care by listening to a variety of podcasts. Since it was roughly a 1-1.5 hour round trip, I listened to one if not more episodes a day and always finished feeling inspired. Admittedly, I haven’t quite gotten back to that habit but I listen when I can.
The More You Know
Did you know that as of the beginning of 2021, according to Podcast Insights there were over 2 million podcasts in comparison to 500,000 in 2018? A few other stats to tickle your brain:
- 41% of the U.S. population listens to podcasts at least 1x per month
- 3 in 4 U.S. podcast listeners listen to podcasts to learn something new
- 54% of podcasts listeners are either Somewhat or much More Likely to consider buying from a brand after hearing its ad on a podcast (eMarketer, 2019)
- It’s estimated that by 2023, podcast ad revenues in the U.S. are expected to surpass $2 billion annually
Now that you’ve possibly learned something new, and staying true to the expectation set for readers of my blog to keep informative/educational posts short on storytelling, let’s get to it! It’s cuffing season, so what better time to share some of my top podcasts focused on dating and relationships. Note: There are some podcasts on this list that I don’t really engage with purely due to time and personal relatability; for those, I did the work for you and read a shit ton of reviews. It’s important to me that I think beyond myself and provides a range of options.
Where Should We Begin? With Esther Perel
Esther Perel – a renowned couples therapist – is the author of the book Mating in Captivity; full disclosure I have not read this book as I’m ridiculously single, but sharing in case you’d like to check it out. Each episode focuses on a different, very real couple to spill the tea on their relationship troubles. Not only do you get some advice, but you get to do what our social media-obsessed society finds joy in: Eavesdropping.
Couples Therapy
Married comedians Naomi Ekperigin and Andy Beckerman regularly answer listeners’ questions seeking relationship advice along with having coupled guests like author Glennon Doyle and the athlete Abby Wambach.
Paired by the People: A Podcast Setup Story
It is no secret that I’m not the biggest fan of dating apps; I haven’t been on one in well over a year – with the last date being a gem of a man that got drunk on top-shelf liquor at brunch, ran up a nearly $200 bill and, through a series of events I’ve yet to make sense of, left me with the full bill. Good news! I have more stories similar to that. I have also been sneak attack setup (10/10 do not recommend) and on a blind date – the first being to my senior year prom, I never saw him again (thankfully) and frankly don’t remember his name – so this one caught my eye. Creator Lakshmi Rengarajan hosts two people in each episode who debate over which of their two friends they should setup and why. Bonus: You get to listen in on the date itself!
Black Love Matters
In each episode, hosts Niram and Niambi have very candid and funny conversations about Black love, and how they keep their own relationship healthy and thriving along with answering listeners’ questions.
Multiamory
There are more relationships than heteronormative. Hosts Dedeker, Emily, and Jase explore all facets of non-monogamy from open marriage to polyamorous relationships. Whether you’re looking for advice or simply to learn, this is a great one to check out.
Hello & Goodbye
Host Leanna Joan and co-host Jared Rodrigues (who has a master’s in couples therapy, FYI), candidly share their romantic endeavors, from attempting to date as a millennial post-divorce, to heartbreak and everything in between. On a personal note, while I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Leanna IRL, I came across this podcast through Instagram and have truly enjoyed watching the community she’s building grow along with the interactions we’ve had; she’s been a supporter of mine and she has one in me as well.
Dyking Out
If the title didn’t give this away, hosts and lesbian comedians Carolyn Bergier and Melody Kamali welcome guests to discuss a specific facet of LGBTQIA+ topics such as pansexuality to cult classics like But I’m A Cheerleader.
The JTrain Podcast
This is one of the most savagely honest and hilarious podcasts I’ve ever listened to. Hell, just watching snippets shared on comic and host of this podcast, Jared Freid’s Instagram leaves me creased. In each episode, Jared and comedian guests answer listeners’ questions on anything and everything (and I do mean everything) on the dating spectrum from one night stands, to dating apps, cheating, and more. Note, this is definitely NSFW (or children).
True Crime
Fun fact about me: I used to want to be an FBI profiler. Granted, the tv show Criminal Minds didn’t exist until I was well into adulthood (and well past undergrad), but that’s the best picture to paint when describing what I wanted to do. Why I didn’t go that route is a story for another day; nevertheless, I’d be remiss to not add in a true crime podcast reco or two. Here are a few of my current faves:
You can check out all of these podcasts on apple podcasts and Spotify.
Set the Scene
Since I’m now listening to podcasts at home as I’ve been working remotely since March 2020, I’ve created a cozy corner of sorts for myself. Be it for use while listening to podcasts, reading, blogging, or for my dog to take over. Check out a few of my fave picks to outfit your own cozy corner.
What podcasts would you add to this list? Share in the comments or on my corresponding IG post (post date 9.27.2021)!
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