As a stay-at-home mom,
sometimes it really helps to hear another adult's voice during the day. And
while we typically prefer real life friends, the virtual kind are pretty good,
too. Check out our list of podcasts we love and stay current on the latest
news, discoveries in science, and human interest stories.
Exclusively for mom.
1. Slate'sMom and Dad Are Fighting
The hosts of this podcast have several kids between
1-year-old and pre-teen, so topics range from choosing baby names to spending
quality time with your teen and everything in between (free range parenting,
vaccinations, etc.). Hosts Allison Benedikt and
Dan Kois offer their recent triumphs
and fails in every ep, as well as recommendations on books, movies, TV,
articles, parenting tips, etc.
Where to start:
“Disdaingate Edition" (November 20, 2014) –
after making an off-hand remark in a previous episode regarding his disdain for
stay-at-home parents, Dan and Allison dive deeper into the many feelings
associated with the decision to stay home with the kids vs. remaining in the
workforce, and speak to a SAHM listener who offers her own insight. This is an
awesome conversation-starter!
For daytime listening only…
2. Limetown
Producers of Limetown are skilled in the gifted art of the
cliffhanger and use it at the close of nearly every episode, much to listeners'
delight and frustration. This seven-part series recaps the mystery of the
(fictional) Tennessee community
of Limetown and the sudden disappearance of its 300 inhabitants. Supernatural
science experiments, mind control, assassinations of those willing to speak –
this podcast has it all! The creepy factor is at a 10 with this one, so listen
during the day. You'll thank us later.
Where to start:
The first episode – absolutely no skipping
around or you'll be completely lost.
3. Lore
Author Aaron Mahnke dives into fascinating, macabre, and
often shocking true-life horror stories in this bi-weekly production. While
most of these tales took place in the distant past, the human elements of
superstition, fear, and aggression form a strong and disturbing connection to
the long-dead featured characters.
Where to start:
Episode 15 – “Unboxed." Call your mom and
have her throw out all of your childhood dolls. Don't ask questions. Just do
it.
Love Storytelling?
4. Strangers
It's a bit difficult to sum up this podcast. Host Lea Thau explores
the personal stories of real-life people, exposing their pain, joys, and
complicated emotions, but bares her own raw life experiences, as well. Strangers
is a beautiful reminder that there are stories happening all around us –
complicated, fascinating stories – even when we don't realize it.
Where to start:
“Two Men and a Baby" (June 15, 2014), and
then “Like a Pizza: Two Men and a Baby – the Follow-Up" (June 12, 2015) – The
story of a gay couple in NYC, who, just six hours after being approved as a
potential foster home, is handed an infant to care for. How could they not fall
in love, even though there was no permanence guaranteed? A sweet story of the
power of parental love.
Learn something new every day.
5. Radiolab
Radiolab is a giant in the podcast world, not only available
on virtually every podcast outlet, but also aired on over 500 radio stations
across the country, for good reason; Radiolab's story's are detailed
without being confusing, thorough without being excessively long-winded, funny,
and touching all at once. This is one of the few podcasts that really makes you
feel smarter after listening.
Where to start:
Any episode with the late, great Dr. Oliver
Sacks is a fascinating exploration into science and life itself.
