Just like talk shows on the radio, podcasts are an excellent way to pass the time while engaged in other activities. This could be chores around the house or the early morning commute to work. But with most of the world currently under lockdown, having quality content fed into your ears at home can feel like a godsend.
These podcasts generally have a host or group of hosts talking about a variety of topics ranging from pop culture, sports and news, and can last from less than ten minutes to two hours or more. You can download or choose to stream each episode, and in case you are concerned about draining all your data, a typical hour-long episode only consumes about 50MB.
Scanning through the available podcasts on platforms like Apple Podcasts can be daunting and time consuming though, with so many to choose from. And so on that note, here are 7 of my favorite podcasts you can listen to during the lockdown, grouped by category and in no particular order.
General Information
1. Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction
Tired of getting confusing news about the novel coronavirus? Are you searching for a place that makes sense of the news headlines? Then you’ll love Fact vs Fiction by CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Experts are regularly invited to discuss the facts, including astronauts, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (Dr. Fauci) and more. This here is a one-stop shop for all the information you need to stay safe and healthy.
2. TED Talks Daily
We love TED talks but can never seem to find enough time to watch them. What if you got a new episode daily in audio format? Cue in TED Talks Daily. Join host and journalist Elise Hu for thought-provoking ideas on every subject imaginable — from Artificial Intelligence to Zoology, and everything in between — given by the world’s leading thinkers and creators. Stay informed from the comfort of your home.
Sports
3. ESPN FC
One undeniable fact about this isolation period is the heartbreak a lot of us feel about the loss of sports in our everyday lives. We miss the Premier League, Champions League, and a whole lot more. The ESPN FC podcast steps in with acclaimed sport journalists giving their blunt opinions amidst playful banter. A few of these journalists include: Gab Marcotti, ShakaHislop and Don Hutchison. They give daily episodes on the latest news and transfers.
Comedy
4. The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: Ears Edition
In this hilarious daily podcast newly named “The Daily Social Distancing Show,” host, Trevor Noah, gives his honest and funny opinions on everything from pop culture to politics. He also routinely invites guests online for their say. Such guests include Burna Boy, Lupita Nyongo and his latest being Bill Gates. If you’re in need of a good laugh during isolation, then this podcast is for you.
5. African-American Stand Up Comedy
This features the best live shows from the funniest African-American stand-up comedians, ranging from witty and irreverent to deeply raunchy, by a mixture of men and women. This podcast is truly the home of stand up comedy. Listen as the likes of Kevin Hart, David Chappelle, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes and more make you laugh your boredom away.
Lifestyle
6. The Mindful Minute
Working from home with family can be a bit tough. In the chaos, finding time to stay grounded is essential. Bringing awareness to yourself and refocusing attention on the “now” are some of the many benefits of The Mindful Minute. Join host Meryl, meditator and teacher to Fortune 500 companies, as she shows the way to living our lives more mindfully, easily, and happily.
7. Happier With Gretchen Rubin
For a beginner, you don’t need hours or much experience to enjoy the many benefits of meditation, such as reduced stress and anxiety. Join the #1 bestselling author of The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin, as she gets practical with advice on good and healthy ways to stay happy in this lively podcast.
Being stuck at home doesn’t have to be the boring snorefest most of us have already accepted it to be. Truly, there has never been a better time to listen to podcasts. Do you already listen to any of the podcasts on our list, or are there other podcasts you currently listen to that you’ll like to add to our list? Let us know in the comments section below.