Podcasts to Entertain, Educate and Engage Here in the Suncoast
Podcasts have become a great way to learn about new topics, stay abreast of current events, or even be entertained in a myriad of ways. It is mind-boggling the range of podcasts available, and people can listen to them these days in the car, on a morning walk, at the gym, or anywhere else individuals have a few moments or the ability to have earbuds in. We have compiled an amazing list of current podcasts that entertain, educate and engage listeners in new ways.

THE GIST – This news podcast that posts daily hones in on the top news and cultural issues of the moment. They jam-pack each short 30-minute episode, and each offering follows the same format—an introduction from host Mike Pesca about what topics will be covered, followed by an interview with a guest. Then, Pesca gives a quick summation by Mike Pesca of his take on what was covered.
SERIAL – This podcast started in 2014 and changed podcasts forever with true investigative crime offerings. This is one of the cult favorites of this genre of entertainment, and worth a listener for the amazing cases it follows along with a lot of attention from the media during its time so far.

THE ARGUMENT – The Trump era has ushered in a host of excellent political podcasts, including an entire network dedicated to the #resistance. But in a landscape of increasingly polarized opinions, the New York Times makes a compelling case for listening. Opinion columnists David Leonhardt, Michelle Goldberg, and Ross Douthat debate every week on a different, timely topic. Though some stances will surely infuriate listeners, everyone will learn how the other side thinks.
STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW – Hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant and published by Stuff Media, Stuff You Should Know is an award-winning podcast with millions of followers all over the world. Clark and Bryant are former senior editors at HowStuffWorks.com. This podcast literally talks about anything and everything under the sun.

RADIOLAND – This podcast features topics that are mostly scientific and philosophical in nature. As its tagline puts it, it is devoted to “investigating a strange world.” It aims to use radio as a means to make science accessible to all types of audiences. In each episode, hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich try to approach difficult and sensitive topics like time and morality but in a very friendly and light-hearted manner.
NORMAL GOSSIP – No matter how many disclaimers we insert into rants with our best friends to qualify our gossip as totally-not-gossip, the reality is: Gossip happens. Even more than this, gossip can be good. Great. Healthy. Vital, even! When it comes down to it, the question is not “to gossip, or not to gossip,” but rather how to gossip. And, as any good gossip will tell you, the key to good gossip versus bad gossip – is all about the stakes.
Have you already listened to any of those podcasts listed? Did you find a new listening option that you need to tune into soon? Whether you like mystery podcasts, opinion-style options, or inspirational offerings, the variety of streaming options appears nearly endless these days. Take along a podcast to the gym or out on errands soon to stay engaged and entertained away from the dull routine of every day.
Happy listening, Suncoast!
Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos