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My Favorite Things: My Top 5 Favorite Podcasts

  • Writer: Lauren Catron
    Lauren Catron
  • Aug 28, 2020
  • 5 min read

I will freely admit that I was a bit late to the game on the whole podcast thing. I didn’t really understand it or think there was anything I would want to listen to. Boy was I wrong!


Listening to podcasts is now one of my favorite past times. (Does that make me lame?) I listen to them in the car, in the shower, on the elliptical, or when I have the occasional free minute to myself.


I listen to several, but here are my top five.


Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

My Favorite Murder

This true crime comedy podcast was a recommendation from my cousin Kristin (hey, girl, hey!). Each week the hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark each select a murder, true crime story, survivor story or historical event to recount and discuss. They have covered everything from the Golden State Killer to JonBenet Ramsey, to the tragic Hyatt Regency walkway collapse in Kansas City, Mo., in 1981.


Along with the full episodes, they release minisodes where they read murderino-submitted content. Murderinos are what followers of the show refer to themselves as, which has been defined as "a person with a borderline obsessive interest in true crime, and specific nature and details of disturbing murders,” according to their Wikipedia page. These stories, also called “Hometowns” range from first responder “on the job” horror stories, to hidden objects found in walls, and even some feel-good badass grandma stories.

Karen and Georgia have set the bar HIGH for true crime podcasts. Not only are these two fun to listen to, but they have also used the platform to put a spotlight on the importance of mental health and victim rights.


The podcast has been so successful, they were able to create their own podcast network, Exactly Right.


Full episodes come out on Thursdays and range from 60 to 120 minutes. Minisodes are released Mondays and are around 30 to 45 minutes long.


They also do live shows, which by the way I would love to attend once all this COVID-19 crap is over.


A side note: if you are already a fan of MFM, I highly recommend you read the dual memoir, “Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide.” It’s even better listening on audiobook.


Hosts: Daphne Oz and Hilaria Baldwin

Mom Brain

You guys, I live for these episodes every week. Daphne Oz and Hilaria Baldwin are both in the same stage of motherhood as I am. Granted, they have three more a piece than I do, but it’s still so refreshing to hear them talk about the same struggles and triumphs that I am currently facing. (Did someone say weaning? Potty training? Quarantine with a toddler?) They share similar philosophies on how to raise their children and share advice I would have never even thought of.


Each week they interview a different guest, including doulas, dermatologists, pediatricians, entrepreneurs, and even celebrities. (This is how I discovered another podcast: Katie’s Crib, see below). The episodes are fun and laid back, and make you feel like you are having a conversation with your girlfriends. I feel like I gain so much mom-knowledge with each episode. Plus, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who suffers from mom brain.


At the end of each episode, Hilaria, Daphne and their guest all share their favorite things. (Hence where I got the idea for this category!) Their favorite things range from clothing lines and snacks to skincare and children’s toys. It's a product they are telling all their friends about. I’ve found so many fun, new brands just by this little segment alone!


Just in the last couple of weeks they’ve also added a new mini series to their lineup: called Mom Boss, where they spotlight women – mothers – in the workforce.


These weekly episodes run about 30 minutes to an hour depending on the topic.


I love, love, love Mom Brain, and hope you will too!

Host: Katie Lowes

Katie's Crib

I discovered this one after Katie Lowes was a guest on Mom Brain. She is hilarious and totally relatable. This podcast is a new one to me, and I’ve only listened to a handful of episodes, but even so, it is worthy enough to be in my top five. Katie covers topics including being pregnant during a pandemic, talking about race with our kids, fertility and surrogacy, and the unmentionables such as postpartum hair loss. Seriously, why does no one talk about that?


Katie works in Shondaland, so you know all sorts of topics are going to be discussed. I can’t wait to dive in deeper on this one!


New episodes are released weekly and are about an hour long.


Caution: There are quite a few F-bombs thrown around in this podcast, so probably best not to listen with the kiddoos around.

Host: Greg Polcyn

Haunted Places

Who doesn’t love a good ghost story? Haunted Places is all about spooky legends, weird histories, and tales of the supernatural. Every Thursday, Greg Polcyn shares a different haunted place throughout the world. Some of my favorites include the Lemp Mansion, Old Faithful Inn, the Empire State Building, and the Hollywood Sign. Guys, Greg's voice is perfect for scary storytelling.

Last October, the podcast even released a different urban legend every single day leading up to Halloween. We're talking the licked hand, killer in the backseat, Bloody Mary and the Candyman and "Aren't You Glad You Didn't Turn on the Light?" I remember hearing about these as I was growing up, but it's fun to hear the origins behind them. I hope they do something similar this Halloween!

Episodes are about 20 to 40 minutes long.


These episodes are rated PG-13.


Hosts: Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat

Crime Junkie

Another true crime podcast, this one is hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat. Topics include murder, unsolved mysteries and conspiracy theories. To be honest, I go back and forth on this one for many reasons. Ashley is the main host, and it feels like Brit is just there to listen to Ashley’s stories. Each episode is heavily scripted, including Brit’s reactions to some of the storytelling, which can be kind of annoying.


They were also recently accused of plagiarism from other true crime podcasts. NOT COOL. I unsubscribed but ended up coming back. The stories they pick are still really interesting, and just enough of the details to not get burnt out on the gory details of some of these crimes. They've covered stories such as the disappearance of Maura Murray, the murders of Kendrick Johnson, Matthew Shepard, and what may have happened to Rey Rivera. They have also stepped up their game and make sure to share their sources during each episode. They are good about sharing updates on various cases as they become available.


Each month, they share a “Pruppet of the Month” where Brit shares stories about dogs finding their fur-ever homes. Sweet, but I usually skip through it.


Each episode lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.

Other favorites include:

· Cold


What podcasts do you listen to? I'm always looking to add to my library. Share your favorites in the comments below.


And don’t forget to stay out of the woods and call your dad. SSDGM

XOXO

Lauren

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