IS EVERYONE LISTENING TO PODCASTS WITHOUT ME?

Short answer: YES.

It’s been brought to my attention- by pretty much everyone I know- that I’ve seriously been missing out on the podcast front. I can’t really give you a reason why I haven’t ever listened to any. I know they’re educational and impactful, and in a lot of instances shed light on so much that is happening politically and socially in our world today- which I am ALL FOR. If I’m being honest, I think I felt overwhelmed and didn’t really know where to begin. How do you know what’s good? What are the best podcasts for “beginners?” How do I find one I actually want to listen to start to finish each week? And while living with a big case of FOMO (aka “fear of missing out”) is a real treat, (JK- it actually stinks!), it’s become glaringly obvious that I need to branch out and actually give podcast-ing a try. .

According to AdWeek, nearly a quarter of Americans (that’s roughly 67 million people) listen to podcasts once a month, with peak listening times at 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. on topics ranging from politics to business to society and culture. And nearly 42 million Americans listen at least once a week. That’s 5x more than the number of people who catch a movie every weekend, according to Convince & Convert.

Figure designed by acast and taken from AdWeek.

So, if you’re like me: an accidental fuddy-duddy trapped in a young woman’s body, OR you’re tired of not knowing what everyone else is listening to during your morning commute, I got you. I’ve roped in a few expert listeners (i.e. the incredible folks I call my friends) to educate me on their top podcast picks. Let’s get off on the right foot, shall we?

1. Pardon My French with Garance Dore

Hey fashionistas! Pardon My French is a podcast hosted by Garance Doré, founder of AtelierDore.com, author of the New York Times best-selling book Love Style Life, and CFDA award winning writer, illustrator and photographer. I had the pleasure of crossing paths and sharing a deep dish Chicago pizza with Garance once (job perks!), and she was perhaps the warmest human being I’ve ever spent a lunch with. She has a presence about her- not one that makes her unapproachable- one that makes you want to get to know her better while simultaneously hanging on her every word.

Grounded in her love for all things fashion and self-expression, Pardon My French is a stage for Garance to share stories on everyday subjects with guests such as Misty Copeland, Christian Louboutin and Hillary Swank. In everything she does, Garance brings her sense of humor and a French eye (and accent) to the conversation. Give it a listen. It won’t be long until you’re fast friends.

2. The Splendid Table

Calling all foodies! The Splendid Table is a culinary and lifestyle program that doesn’t only talk recipes- it celebrates everything about food: the culture, the science, the history, the back stories and the deeper meanings that come alive every time people sit down together to truly enjoy a meal. What first began as a live, Saturday-morning call-in show on Minnesota Public Radio in 1994 by acclaimed food writer and James Beard Award Winner Lynne Rossetto Kasper, The Splendid Table aims to touch the lives and feed the souls of everyone who listens.

3. How I Built This with Guy Raz

Got a mind for business? Ever wanted to build something from nothing? This one’s for you. How I Built This is a podcast about entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, and dreamers who discuss the stories behind the movements they built. Talk about Wear They Are! Think the Founders of Instagram, Ben & Jerry’s and Chipotle, with a side of the Founders of Bumble and Teach for America. We’re talking some serious heavy hitters. Each episode is a roadmap of a journey marked by wins, failures, happenstance and key learnings — told by the brilliant minds and dedicated souls of some of the world’s best known brands.

Happy listening. Wear you are now.

xx

Natalie