My first fling with podcasts started and ended with Serial. This is hardly an original introduction, as Serial became the posterchild of podcasts when it was release 2014.  But even though millions were hooked, I never finished the story. At the time, Serial was the side-chick to my true love: the Harry Potter audio books. I'm sorry Sarah Koenig, but you simply cannot compete with Stephen Fry reading as an irritated Hermione. 

But like that Bumble boo you just can't shake, podcasts sneakily slid back into my earbuds in 2016. When I was trying to learn more about Brexit and the American elections, I got into The Economist's The Week Ahead and the New York Times' The Daily. 

But what started as a way to digest the news soon turned into a form of entertainment. I plugged in whenever I could - walking to work, riding the crammed streetcar, waiting in line at What a Bagel. I heard many points of view, indulged my guilty pleasures and nerded out with hardcore fans. If you ask me, nothing drowns out the sound of the continuous honks of Toronto drivers better than the funny, insightful, heartfelt and sometimes ridiculous conversations from the podcasts below: 

The High Low

CROOKED CONVERSATIONS

Bon Appetit Foodcast

99% Invisible

Fat Mascara

HOW I BUILT THIS

Switched On Pop

Binge Mode

And you thought I was done! I thought I'd share my "Honourable Mentions."

Freakonomics Radio pretty much answers any questions you may ponder. Is income inequality inevitable? Are we getting less creative? Is modern medicine flawed? Why is everyone gluten-free? The bestselling writer Stephen Dubner frames many questions from life pondering to the trivial through an economist's lens. I feel smarter already...

Monocycle is a weekly ten minute podcast hosted by Leandra Medine. Each episode is a ten minute conversation with herself, where she talks through a personal theme or topic (Personal identity, relationship with your mother, etc.). Once in a while Leandra brings a guest onto the show -listen to Episode 52 for the interview with Drew Barrymore.

Desert Island Discs is a BBC radio classic, but it's new to me. This radio show has been running since the 1940s and it features hour long interviews with prominent actors, singers, writers & politicians. The idea is that each guest is "cast away" on an imaginary desert island and they get to pick 8 songs, a book and a luxury item. The guest plays and talks through each of their chosen songs explaining stories of their childhood, family and the things that have shaped them. It really enjoyed hearing about Stella McCartney's unusual childhood & her relationship with her parents. 

And The Writer Is... is another pop music podcast, this time hosted by a songwriter interviewing other songwriters. If you've ever wondered what's the story behind the song that you're pumping iron to at the gym, this one is for you. I loved the interview with Julia Michaels (singer & writer behind Justin Bieber's anthemic "Sorry" ) and the one with Thomas Rhett (because I'm an unironic country fan). 

Lady Lovin': there's nothing educational about this guilty pleasure. It feels like you're drunk at the end of your night, listening to your best friends gossip about their best/worst dating and relationship stories. I would take the hosts advice with a grain of salt, but it's entertaining because you've probably thought in your head what these hosts have said outloud. Episode #117 It's Not You, It's Your Shoes talks about the hilarious truths of modern dating and dealbreakers.

Gilmore Guys: two guys take on another pop-culture podcast this time delvin deep  into the CW mid 2000s classic. Kevin is a diehard self-proclaimed "Gilly" and Demi is a first-timer. If you loved the show growing up, this is a great way to relive the show & rehash the Dean/Jess/Logan debate (#Deansucks).

Full Coverage: my second favourite beauty podcast, this time hosted by a British celebrity makeup artist & a writer. I love their interview with Caroline Hirons. 

So many podcasts, not enough time. I can now recite the Squarespace and Blue Apron ads in my sleep. 

If you have any more recommendations, let me know!