Listen and learn: the new world of podcasts!

By Ria Patel

Podcasts! Podcasts! Podcasts! It is all that celebrities and social media influencers can talk about! Join the podcast community to learn, laugh, and listen more every day!

Victoria Ouyang listens to "Court Junkie."

In the last couple of years, podcasts have rapidly become one of the most popular methods of entertainment. They are a great choice for anyone who is tired of listening to music during their morning car ride to school or during an afternoon run. Podcasts range from comical storytelling to informative politics to lifestyle tips, so the possibilities are endless for every listener. 
 
I definitely consider myself to be a “newbie” to the wide world of podcasts, but over the past few months, there are a few that have stood out to me as particularly amazing. I try to find a podcast for every mood or feeling I have, so I often listen to different ones throughout the day. Below are my top six podcasts from the past few months. 

     1. “Get the Glowdown” 
            
Led by two health and wellness influencers Sloane Elizabeth and Anna Rooke, this podcast features meaningful discussions as these two public figures talk about mind, body and soul. By discussing topics such as manifestation, spirituality and entrepreneurship to smoothie bowls, goat yoga and matcha lattes, this podcast addresses serious issues such as mental health and eating disorders all the while keeping it light-hearted and fun. 
 
     2.“ Constitutional”
 
A friend who is much more politically versed than I am introduced me to “Constitutional;” however, this podcast is for any of us history nerds who actually enjoyed APUSH sophomore year. This podcast discusses the laws established throughout American history and speaks of the injustices in our country’s past. The podcast host, Lillian Cunningham, a writer for the Washington Post, also created another podcast, “Presidential,” that highlights the work of each American president in detail. This is a great one if you are interested in history but also if you are looking for a way to become more informed without having to read a million biographies.
 
     3.” Pretty Basic”
 
At least for me, lifestyle Youtubers were a big part of the middle school experience. Just recently, lifestyle and beauty Youtubers Alisha Marie and Remi Cruz have collaborated on a new podcast recommended for teenage and millennial listeners. “Pretty Basic” peeks into the lives of these social media influencers as they show what’s behind the scenes of their seemingly perfect lives. The main message from this podcast is that although the celebrities’ lives may seem perfect on social media, these public figures experience “normal” problems too! From topics such as conducting social media business to boy drama and celebrity crushes, Alisha and Remi provide hilarious and helpful advice on friends, family, and mental health.
 
     4.”The Savvy Psychologist’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Mental Health”
 
The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI) test and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality inventory have been making their way around the St. Mary’s student population. What’s appealing about these tests is the fact that they let us discover so much about ourselves and show us how to apply them to real life! This podcast does the exact same thing. “The Savvy Psychologist” takes everyday problems and discusses tactical, psychological techniques to solve them, which is especially helpful for teens. My favorite episode discusses ways that introverts can be assertive yet not rude. Whether you want to learn more about sleep, personality, mental health or just people in general, I highly recommend this podcast.
 
     5. “The Forecast Fest”

Want to keep up with the latest on the 2020 election but do not have time to sit down and read the news? “The Forecast Fest” is for you. CNN reporters Harry Enten, Kate Bolduan and John Avlon walk listeners through the Democratic presidential candidates, their polls and their policy. It is clear and concise while explaining complex political concepts in a language that listeners can actually understand. Following the presidential race politics has never been so easy.
 
 
     ​6. “Court Junkie”
 
If there is a most popular genre of podcasts, it is probably true crime. The one that I find most interesting is “Court Junkie,” a series of episodes that summarizes some of the most infamous crimes of all time and tells them in a suspenseful way. Beware: it can be addicting . . . so listen at your own risk.
 
 
St. Mary’s girls love to learn, and it can be hard to pursue topics that we are passionate about in between homework and extracurriculars. Podcasts allow us to listen to that information while doing something else as well. Whether you are a podcast veteran or were not even sure of what a podcast was before reading this article, try one out and let Tatler know what you think in the comments below.

Click here if you want to listen to Tatler’s podcasts.