Top Podcasts for Eating, Drinking, Working & Playing

Podcasts are music for the mind.

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Podcasts are huge right now! Like, really HUGE! Podcasts are to radio what Netflix is to cable. There are literally thousands of terrific podcasts being recorded everyday to inform, entertain, and inspire their audiences.

Recently, I gave up my cable for a number of reasons. Mostly, I just wasn’t finding that there was as much informative and entertaining content on TV that I couldn’t enjoy through other mediums, like Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube and podcasts. And since I’ve been home so much these days, my podcast consumption has become quite robust.

If you haven’t yet delved into the world of podcasts, here are some of their positive benefits:

• They’re free. Hard to argue with the benefit of that. It’s never been easier to listen, as podcasts are available on your computer, tablet, or phone via podcast apps like Stitcher, iTunes, PocketCasts
• , or Spotify.
• Accessibility. You can’t watch Netflix while you’re out for a bikeride, a walk or a run, but you can listen to a podcast. Slip on those headphones and slip into a whole new world of entertainment in your ears.
• Music Alternative. Chilling to music definitely has its pluses and minuses. Podcasts do as well, and they’re a great alternative to music when you want to unwind with an intriguing story or interview. There’s even many podcasts to literally help you chill out, relax, and sleep.
• Conversations. Many podcasts are really just conversations between people. It makes it seem like you’re listening in, which is a fun and interesting means to learn or reflect. They’re perfect companions for long walks or entertainment when you’re mopping the floor.
• Variety of Topics. What interests you? Or is there a topic you’ve been interested in exploring? Need some counseling but cannot affor a therapist? Wonder how this or that got made? Craving a crash course in a history subject? There’s a podcast for everyone and every subject these days.

Now, more than ever before, is a terrific time to explore the world of podcasts. It is a medium that truly offers something for everyone — even to enhance the way you “Eat. Drink. Work. Play.” Here’s an addendum to the recommendations submitted a few months ago to whet your appetite for podcasts. They might just even make you a podcast-lover like me! Look out! They are addictive!

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[Eat]

Eater’s Digest. Eater is one of my favorite food-related websites. It updates me on food and restaurant trends in all of the major cities across the U.S. Now, during the age of COVID-19, Eater’s Digest is providing a ton of great information on the intersection of the pandemic and food. Recent episodes include: “How Cities Dependent on Tourism are Dealing with the Pandemic” and “Should We Be Eating at Restaurants Right Now.”

The Sporkful. The James Beard Awards aren’t just limited to restaurants any longer; they’re into podcasts too. And “The Sporkful” is a fun and informative podcast for “eaters.” Whant to know what makes seltzers sparkle? Or how to make foolproof cookies from one of the nation’s top dessert chefs? There’s a sporkful of fantastic episodes to enjoy!

Smart Mouth. In a lot of ways – for better or for worse – food defines us. Healthy food approaches keep us aligned with proper nutrition. The restaurants we enjoy most share some of our own personality traits. “Smart Mouth” knows this and interviews some really interesting foodies about their favorite dishes and what makes them tick.

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[Drink]

The Wine Enthusiast Podcast. Here’s an entertaining podcast about everything you ever wanted to know about beer, wine, and spirits as told from the educated and “spirited” minds of the editors of The Wine Enthusiast magazine. As they say, “Inside ever bottle is a story.” And who doesn’t love a good glass of wine and a scintillating story?!

Wine & Dandy. Have fun with wine and these two zany females who host a morning radio show in North Carolina. Their approach is robust, spicy and expressive – all great ingredients for an enjoyable bottle of wine and podcast. Just wine and dandy!

Bring a Bottle. Brought to you from the award-winning series on Amazon Prime, the three hosts bring you a spirited sip of something in each of their 20-minute podcast episodes. You never know what bottle they’re going to open, and trust me, you’ll have fun with each of them! After all, who wouldn’t have fun with a job like theirs!

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[Work]

Transform Your Workplace. If you’re a leader or a manager, or even an entry-level associate who wants to contribute positively to their team, this podcast will offer something for you. Listen in on discussions ranging from the thorniest HR topics to workplace trends and communication methods. It’s everything you need to know for building a stronger workplace.

Harvard Business Review (HBR) Ideacast. Every week, the Harvard Business Review brings a new podcast from their editorial staff. There are some incredibly poignant and interesting series that anyone in or out of the workplace can relate to. Some of my favorites include: “Women at Work” which discusses the roles of women in the workplace, and “The Anxious Achiever,” which delves into the intersection of work and mental health from the viewpoints of some business leaders who have lived it, which is very relevant during this pandemic age.

The Happiness Lab. Once upon a time, Yale University started an elective class called “Psychology and the Good Life.” It didn’t take any time at all before it was the most popular class on campus, which beget this ever more successful podcast. Be inspired in ways you’ve never thought of to change our perspective and bring a ray of happiness into your life and the lives of others around you. Happiness is infectious!

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[Play]

Song Exploder. If you love exploring new music — or even rekindling your love for older songs — look no further than Song Explorer. These 20-minute tidbits, where musicians deconstruct their famous songs, is truly fascinating. And if you only listen to one episode, listen to this one where Lindsey Buckingham discusses Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.”

Literally! With Rob Lowe. Literally, who can reinvent themselves better than Rob Lowe? Enter Rob Lowe as a podcaster who brings in some of his favorite people for real and honest conversations. It’s a podcast that only has a few episodes under their belt, and they’ve been doozies with guests like Demi Moore, Mike Myers and Gwyneth Paltrow. It’s fun and engaging and playful. Literally.

But Why? A Podcast for Curious Kids. Yes, there’s even a podcast for kids, by kids. In this one, kids ask questions and the hosts find the answers. No question is too large or too small. “How Do You Make Ice Cream?” “Why Do Ladybugs Have Spots?” “The Latest on the Coronavirus: Vaccines, Masks and Handwashing.” Parents, this will take the hard work out of all of those questions you get everyday! And you may have just as much fun listening in.