On Podcasts.

Living in LA, you spend a lot of time in your car, battling through rush hour and long commutes.  Over the years, this has become one of the more enjoyable aspects about the city ( hear me out ) because I get to listen to all my favorite radio shows.  If you haven't already jumped on the podcast bandwagon, now's your chance.

Of course, I assume that everyone is tuning into KPCC and KCRW on a regular basis, but perhaps some of you could use a beginner's guide to podcasts.  These are my personal favorites as well as the wildly popular ones:

For the epicurious:
Good Food with Evan Kleinman: I adore this woman.  Every week, she rounds up the most fascinating culinary stories and interviews with some of the pioneers of the industry.  If you don't start cooking or thinking about food within 10 minutes, you could be a robot.

For the creative:
TED Radio Hour: Ever watch a TED talk? Same concept, except it's been formatted to fit your ears.

For the storyteller:
The Moth: This was the show that first got my hooked into radio.  The Moth is a non-profit that fronts itself with the slogan, "True stories told in front of a live audience".  Actors, writers, journalists even everyday folks tell stories that are hilarious, dark or moving in some capacity.  You can even venture to a live performance here.

For the inquisitive:
Radiolab: A smart and fascinating in-depth look at a variety of topics.  What I love most about this one is that you feel like you accidentally dropped in on a scientists lab room and you're aren't leaving anytime soon.

For the domesticated:
A Prairie Home Companion: Garrison Keillor leads this program with the style of an old variety show.  I imagine families back in 1945 huddled around the radio and eating Jiffy pop.  He always ends the show with a brief lecture called 'The News from Lake Wobegon' which has a sermonic feel, as though Father time himself was speaking directly to you.

For the introspective:
On Being: This is a newer one for me, but the fact that Krista Tippett interviews so many leaders of the world in such a comfortable, inviting atmosphere makes this a perfect accompaniment when you're craving some meaningful conversation.

Whether you're in traffic, getting some exercise outdoors or just prepping for dinner, podcasts and radio are an exciting world to get lost in.

Happy listening!

.: Anais :.