It’s created and hosted by Peter J. Kim, the former founding director of the Museum of Food and Drink and current Food Content Lead at Pinterest. Each episode focuses on one cultural identity, discussing its cuisine and featuring music by artists from the community. Peter and producer Coral Lee have rounded up a wide-ranging and impressive lineup of guests, which have included Kelis, Margaret Cho and Jarobi White, to name a few. Counterjam is the latest show to join Food52’s Podcast Network, and it’s breathing new life into a genre that has historically failed to center diverse perspectives and voices. While discussions can take delightfully unexpected turns, what you can prepare for is consistently entertaining, tender and unapologetically frank discussions. Oh, and some damn-good music, too. 

I caught up with Peter to talk about the genesis of the show, why food and music are so fundamental to informing cultural identity and the one dish he’d bring to a desert island. 

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ARIELLE VETRO: Could you tell readers a little bit about who you are? 

PETER J. KIM: I am a long-standing food nerd. I started cooking from the age of 10 when I could first reach the stove top and I developed a deep interest in food culture, history and science in college. Then I had the good fortune after college of being able to live in a lot of different cultures. Everywhere I went I immersed myself in the food culture of that place; I found it was one of the best ways that I could bridge the gap. And even when language would fail we always had food and drink to connect over.

I think one of the things I realized is that food is culture and it is really fundamental to who we are, how we define ourselves and how we connect with other people. Anyway, all of that’s to say that food is a deep passion of mine. The other thing that I love is music. I’ve been a musician my whole life. I grew up in a classic Korean-American household where I was forced to play violin and piano, but later in life I chose the guitar and then I started singing and later dabbling in music production, hip hop, electronic music.

I started MCing and then producing beats and DJing. I also just have a voracious interest in understanding cultures through music. And I would say music is the other thing that is really definitional of who we are. I had on the one hand this track of working in food, and on the other hand, this interest in music. And at a certain point I was like, “There’s got to be a way to meld this together.” And that was really the genesis of this podcast. 

VETRO: Food as you well know is such a powerful prism through which to share personal histories and make sense of one’s self and community. Music is similarly – as you said – so fundamental to defining and reaffirming identity. But there are surprisingly few podcasts out there looking at the intersection of food and music. Why did you decide to zero in on those two areas? 

KIM: If I really had to boil down the two things that people go to first if asked to describe their culture, I genuinely think that a lot of people – if not most people – would start with talking about what they eat, and would also talk about the music that they listen to. When you think about the really big, important moments in our lives: when we get married, when we are celebrating becoming an adult, when we are mourning the loss of a loved one, the rituals that we observe to mark those moments always involve food and music. That really transcends any cultural boundaries. So to me, food and music act as really powerful lenses for understanding cultural identity. And ultimately that’s what Counterjam is about. The way in which we do that is by talking to people about their food and then listening to music by people from that community. 

As far as why there aren’t so many food and music podcasts – well there just aren’t that many music podcasts. And that’s actually because of the minefield that is licensing music for podcasts. I just decided I will actually go through the work to get the music licenses and the way I make that easier is by focusing on independent artists who fully own their music. It’s only three songs we feature excerpts of in each episode, but a weirdly lot of work has to go into making that possible. 

VETRO: You have a really exciting slate of guests on the show. Was there any one interview that stands out?

KIM: Absolutely! We have a forthcoming episode on Nigerian food culture and I always start with, “Who’s the dream guest?” And the dream guest for music is Fela Kuti and his family.

Fela passed a while ago, but Femi Kuti [Fela’s son] is the standard bearer for the Kuti legacy. And for those who don’t know, there’s a music form that originated out of Nigeria called Afrobeats and Fela was the pioneer of that. It’s an amazing music form that weaves together political activism, deep grooves and compelling horn hooks. I sent an email on a lark and I heard back this enthusiastic response because Femi doesn’t get invited to talk about food very much. And he said that he wanted to have his son on – Made Kuti – and they just released a father-son album together. So we did the interview, and they’re just outside Lagos and the internet was not-so-great, and the power went out once, and they had to fire up a back-up generator, and then their back-up generator went out so they had to fire up a second back-up generator. And that happens on the show.

I think Femi and Made got into an argument over whether plantains or yams are better, and then they talk about how they collaborate on music and then have this beautiful moment where Femi’s talking about how Made has surpassed him in skill and how they both inspire each other. So that episode features the two of them and the music of both of them and that was just a dream come true. I feel like I can die happy now. 

VETRO: You like to ask your guests what dish they’d bring to a desert island, so what would yours be?

KIM: This can change from day to day, but one that I keep coming back to is a very simple dish. It is a bowl of white rice, it is my mom’s cucumber kimchi – which is so garlicky you will exude garlic afterwards – and it would have hotdog and a sunny side-up egg. I grew up eating a lot of hotdogs with rice as a kid. So it’s a flavor combination that takes me back.

VETRO: Finally, what do you hope listeners will gain from Counterjam?

KIM: I hope that Counterjam is entertaining. I hope they find it a nice outlet to be able to listen to stories, listen to music and not think about whatever might be ailing [them] in other ways. In terms of take-aways, I want to be a finger on the scale of human connection. This podcast is not the silver bullet, but I think we can all work together to try to understand each other a little bit better. And with each episode taking on a different cultural identity and talking to people from those cultures, I hope every listener can put themselves in their shoes and understand that perspective a little bit more than they might have before.

Being a part of that general arc toward connection and empathy. The last thing is representation and making sure that diverse voices are being heard in the podcast. In my cursory survey of food podcasts I actually felt that it wasn’t as inclusive as it should be. I think generally shows are thinking more and more about that, but for this show this is very much the heart and soul of it and so it’s baked into the DNA of Counterjam. We’re going culture by culture so inherently there’s going to be a level of diversity and inclusion to the show that I hope is helpful to making sure that people know that the podcasting world is not just for one particular perspective, but can be inclusive of everybody. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity

The post An Interview with Counterjam’s Peter J. Kim appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

The events of this year have forced many of us to renegotiate our relationship with food. I’ve spent far more time than usual cooking in the kitchen, which has proven to be a lifeline these past nine months. It gives my days a sense of structure when I feel anchorless, keeps my mind and hands occupied when I’m in need of distraction and provides comfort in the moments that I crave connection (it’s also offered a convenient excuse to make and eat a chocolate cake at 10am on a Wednesday, you know, in the name of “comfort”). 

For all of its restorative properties, food can also be a source of enormous tension, a reality that has been brought into even sharper focus in 2020. From panic stockpiling and broken supply chains to restaurant closures and increased food bank use, it’s been a tumultuous year, not only at the individual level but at broader political, economic and environmental scales as well. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of ten podcasts that capture the complex and varying dimensions of food. You’ll find an eclectic mix of shows that tackle a whole host of topics, whether that be deep dives into the history and science behind certain ingredients, explorations of the ways our food systems contribute to climate change, or simply the primal pleasure of sharing a meal with friends and family. Some of these podcasts strike a serious tone and others are downright silly, but choose any one of these shows and I have no doubt you’ll be reflecting, laughing, sometimes crying (sorry), definitely eating and perhaps joining me on team “food makes us feel”. 

1. Home Cooking

This show is pure joy, plain and simple. Cook and writer Samin Nostrat (author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat) and the (suspiciously) prolific podcaster and composer Hrishikesh Hirway (from Song Exploder) team up for what is arguably one of the best podcasts to come out of this trying year. Listeners send in their quarantine cooking questions and dilemmas and Samin and Hrishi answer them with their signature wit and charm. The pair covers everything from the culinary basics (how long do you need to soak dried beans for?) to the obscure (what are alternative, non-crunchy breakfast ideas for someone who has recently had dental surgery and must avoid all food that “makes noise when you eat it”?). While past episodes have featured a handful of notable guests, the real star is Hrishi’s dad, who makes a few unforgettable appearances that will have you wishing you could join the Hirway family. Although chock-full of practical tips, this show really is the definition of easy listening. The duo’s endearing banter will make you feel like you’re right there with them, and Samin’s infectious laughter is truly the tonic of 2020. Each episode will leave you with a smile, and hopefully a little cooking inspiration, too. 

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

2. Point of Origin

If you live in a country with year-round access to what feels like every ingredient under the sun, it’s easy to lose sight of seasonality, and indeed, not even know how the food on your plate got there. Enter Point of Origin, the extraordinarily informative and in-depth podcast about where our food and drink comes from. Hosted by Whetstone Magazine co-founder Stephen Satterfield, the show features food stories from across the globe and provides listeners with the historical, cultural and political context of various ingredients and dishes. The podcast rigorously and sensitively explores the source of various foods and drinks, from avocados in Mexico to arak in Palestine. What makes Point of Origin so unique is not only its dedication to prioritizing the voices of women and people of colour, but it’s ability to do so with nuance and empathy. Food media – like many other sectors – has come under intense scrutiny for its endemic racism and profound failure to meaningfully address it. Point of Origin is a refreshing and rare standout in this space as it centers stories that are so often silenced within food media. Feel free to jump in at any season, but I’d especially recommend the episodes “Spoiled Milk” and “Food Apartheid,” which I think should be required listening for all.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

3. Spicy Eyes

Spicy Eyes is a podcast about the food scene in Las Vegas. Now, I’ll admit that this sounds niche (okay, really niche), but hear me out! Whatever assumptions you might have about Sin City, prepare to be delighted by these vignettes that zero in on some of the voices and communities that go largely unheard in the chaos of competing stereotypes about Las Vegas. Inquisitive co-hosts Kristy Totten and Sonja Swanson are committed to telling diverse, off-the-strip food stories, proving that there’s more to the city than shrimp cocktails and lobster buffets (although there is a great episode on buffets that raises critical questions about sustainability). From tracking where to find Halal meals in the city to exploring the popularity of Hawaiian food in town, Totten and Swanson consistently deliver factual and thoughtful stories. While there isn’t a large catalogue of episodes for you to dig into, the ones that are available are sweet, fun and well worth a listen. If we’re being honest with each other, Spicy Eyes is probably the closest many of us will come to traveling this year, unless you count the journey from the couch to the fridge (which in 2020, I do). 

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

4. Radio Cherry Bombe

For anyone interested in the intersections of food and feminism, this is the show for you. Radio Cherry Bombe is a podcast dedicated to spotlighting women of the food world, from chefs and bakers to cookbook authors and food stylists. Hosted by Kerry Diamond, episode topics range widely, though the commitment to championing and celebrating women in the discussions never wavers. While past guests have included household names like Samin Nosrat and Nadiya Hussain, Radio Cherry Bombe also features the perhaps lesser known – though equally remarkable – makers and writers changing the food world in their own right. Select any episode and you’ll be sure to land on something interesting, whether that be candid conversations about the difficulties of juggling childcare with the demands of restaurant hours, the complicated relationship between climate change and food, or the bold steps being taken to transform toxic kitchen culture. You don’t have to work in the food space to gain something from Radio Cherry Bombe, the stories and sentiments are engaging, relatable and hugely inspiring. 

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

5. Extra Spicy

Earlier this summer the San Francisco Chronicle released Extra Spicy, a new show co-hosted by food writers and columnists Soleil Ho and Justin Phillips. In each episode, Ho and Phillips chat with interesting folks from the Bay Area and across the country about the weird and wonderful world of food. That’s probably the best summary I can offer, as the breadth and diversity of topics they address defy simple categorization. You’ll never be able to predict what they will discuss next: one week might be about diet culture, another about the commonalities between the hospitality and sex work industries. Regardless of how unexpected the subjects might be, the show is always relevant to the current moment, particularly as it offers ongoing assessments of the restaurant industry and the various ways it has had to adapt during the pandemic. Extra Spicy might still be in its infancy, but Ho and Phillips have already hit a homerun with their ability to discuss both heavy and hilarious topics with extraordinary clarity and razor-sharp wit. Everything I’ve listened to so far has been stellar, but I really enjoyed the episodes “Can Vegan Soul Food Tackle Meat’s Masculinity Problem?” and “Drama at the Dinner Table,” which truly had me laughing out loud. 

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

6. Take a Bao

Another exciting food podcast that has emerged in 2020 is Take a Bao. It’s hosted and produced by Loh Yi Jun, or Jun, who is a food writer and recipe developer from Malaysia. In Jun’s own words, Take a Bao is a show “exploring anything and everything around Asian food” that “aims to give voice to the intriguing food stories of Asia.” The series casts a wide net in terms of the communities and cultures it discusses, and includes a satisfying mix of on-the-ground reporting and narrative storytelling. In each episode, Jun takes on a new topic, whether that be unpacking the colonial history of kopitiams (a type of Malaysian coffee shop that is older than the country itself) or charting the origins and recent popularization of social media’s latest drink trend, Dalgona coffee. Given that Take a Bao is a one-person operation, the catalogue of available episodes is understandably small, but I’d say that “Tracing the Way of Kueh” and “The Disappearing Coffee Houses of Malaysia” are a couple of gems from the season.  

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

7. The Racist Sandwich Podcast

If you enjoy your food with a side of critical thinking, then I’d like to formally introduce you to your new favorite show. The Racist Sandwich is an outstanding podcast about food, race, gender and class. It was originally co-hosted by Soleil Ho (yes, from Extra Spicy!) and Zahir Janmohamed, but has now changed hands with journalists and producers Stephanie Kuo and Juan Ramirez leading the charge. Since its launch in 2016, The Racist Sandwich has been committed to centering people of colour and zeroing in on the issues and stories that get little airtime in traditional food media. There are countless reasons why this show is powerful, but chief among them is that it refuses to strip food of its political context. Instead, it offers an unapologetically political perspective that is critical and compassionate in equal measure. There are over 70 episodes for you to explore, but if you’re in need of guidance on where to start I’d suggest the James Beard award-winning piece, “Erasing Black Barbecue”.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

8. Gastropod

Gastropod is a well-loved and widely respected podcast that explores food through the prism of science and history. Helmed by writer Nicola Twilley and reporter-producer Cynthia Grabber, the quality of the show is obvious from the get-go. It’s thoroughly researched and features a variety of knowledgeable experts (and involves some entertaining field trips, too). The range of topics tackled is, in a word, vast. Twilley and Grabber cover everything from the origin story of mac and cheese to an in-depth exploration of the history and production process of olive oil. Each episode is jam-packed with surprising facts, and it’s safe to say that it will get you thinking a little bit more about the food you’re eating, where it came from, and the story behind it. With over 100 episodes available, there are plenty of subjects for you to choose from, but if you need something to get you started, I’d say “The United States of McDonald’s” is an absolute must listen.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

9. Copper & Heat

If you’re on the hunt for a candid and uncensored take on the realities of the restaurant industry, then Copper & Heat is the perfect place to start. This is a James Beard award-winning podcast that interrogates the “unspoken rules and traditions of restaurant kitchens”. Speaking to colleagues and friends, host and former cook Katy Osuna unpacks the inequalities rife within the industry. The first season offers striking portraits of what it’s like to be a woman working in fine dining, while season two focuses on the economic struggles that the restaurant industry is up against. You’ll hear from cooks, chefs and restaurant owners about the financial challenges they’re faced with, and learn about the people who are daring to do things differently. The underlying problems with food delivery apps, chronic insecurity for undocumented workers and the widespread lack of health insurance and paid sick leave are just a few of the topics addressed this season. And while the majority of the episodes dropped months before the pandemic began to decimate the restaurant industry, the series remains hugely relevant given that many of the issues discussed have only been further exacerbated by Covid-19. Overall, Copper & Heat is an informative, engaging and undoubtedly timely show. 

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

10. The Sporkful

The Sporkful is a long-running classic – a staple in any food podcast lover’s diet. As host Dan Pashman reminds listeners in every episode, The Sporkful is not for foodies, but for eaters. The crux of the show is to “obsess about food to learn more about people,” and it does just that. By using food as the entry point to discuss each and every topic – no matter how serious or hilarious it may be – it always feels heartfelt and accessible. Pashman’s ever-changing roster of guests has led to a number of surprising and delightful discussions, although my personal favourite is the two-part interview with chef Kwame Onwuachi, titled, “Notes From A Young Black Chef” Pt 1 and 2. While you’ll need a Stitcher Premium account to access the entirety of the podcast’s archives, the episodes that are freely available will certainly be enough to get you thinking about the obscure wonders of the food world, and the human stories that accompany them. 

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

——

So, there you have it, 10 food podcasts to sink your teeth into! If I’ve done my job well, these will satisfy your appetite and get you exploring possibilities beyond the “food is fuel” philosophy. As I’m sure you’ll soon learn from these shows, food isn’t just fuel. Food is nostalgia, politics, comfort, history, pleasure, pain and everything in between. I’m not saying that after listening to the podcasts on this list you’re going to start crying at the sight of freshly made pasta (though if you do: welcome to the club). But I do hope that they will encourage you to think a little bit more critically and thoughtfully when you go in for your next bite! 

The post 10 Food Podcasts To Sink Your Teeth Into appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

What Makes Up The Best Educational Podcasts List?

I’ve included a few well-loved classics but in some cases have also (gently) pushed the boundaries of what we might consider a traditional educational podcast. I’ve tried to include enough variety to suit different tastes: design, climate change, LGBTQ+ history. And while the content of these shows varies drastically, I like to think that all are united in their ability to teach listeners something new in an engaging and accessible way. 

The best educational podcasts need to push the listener’s mental envelope a bit while remaining engaging. There’s no need to ram an idea into the listener’s ear. The idea is they adopt new ways of thinking.

I’ve done the heavy lifting on this list of the best educational podcasts, now all you have to do is sit back, press play and bask in that glorious glow of smugness.

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1. Revisionist History 

I would be remiss if I didn’t include Malcom Gladwell’s Revisionist History on my list. It’s one of the best educational podcasts available. Listen to the man himself.

In his own words, Gladwell describes it as a podcast about “things overlooked and misunderstood.” I continually find myself surprised by each episode’s topic. One week he might be turning the story of the Boston Tea Party on its head, and the next, deep-diving into the infamous hug between Richard Nixon and Sammy Davis Jr.

In each episode Gladwell skillfully weaves seemingly disparate threads together to produce a unique, compelling thesis. He has the uncanny ability to take a specific historical moment and use it as an opportunity to teach listeners so much more about the human experience.

Prepare for the niche and the obscure, but prepare to be captivated.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

2. Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know (SYSK) has been running for over a decade and it continues to dominate the charts. One of the most popular educational podcasts in the world, SYSK covers, well, everything. It doesn’t matter what your areas of interests are: science, pop culture, history, they’ve probably got an episode on it.

The show is co-hosted by Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark, two men who are by no means experts in these fields, and never claim to be. The episodes are undoubtedly informative, but there are some stumbles along the way: ham-fisted remarks in moments that perhaps required delicacy, factually inaccurate (albeit hilarious) statements expressed with utter conviction.

Blunders aside, the sheer breadth of topics they address makes the show undeniably interesting and their accessible approach to explaining topics makes for easy listening. Bryant and Clark have a comfortable, endearing rapport, no doubt established after creating over one thousand episodes together. It’s like listening in on the conversation of your close friends – not always accurate, but entertaining just the same.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

3. Encyclopedia Womannica

Encyclopedia Wommanica is a series of vignettes about remarkable women throughout history. Cutting across different cultures, countries and centuries, the show shines a spotlight on women whose stories have often been eclipsed by dominant historical narratives.

It covers the trials, triumphs and contributions of incredible women from all different walks of life, including mathematicians, poets and civil rights activists, to name a few. While each episode features a different woman, each month is attributed a new theme ranging from dreamers and pioneers to villainesses and STEMinists.

New episodes are published every weekday and are only 5 minutes long, but trust me when I say that these bite-size episodes pack a punch and will no doubt leave you feeling inspired.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

4. Climate Cast

Minnesota Public Radio’s (MPR) Climate Cast is a great way to learn more about climate change and its widespread impacts. The show is hosted by MPR’s Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner, who is often accompanied by knowledgeable and impressive guests, including political figures such as Al Gore as well as experienced researchers and academics.

While episodes can cover anything from the nuts and bolts of Hurricane Dorian to the lessons Indigenous communities can teach about tackling climate change, Huttner sticks to the science of it all and approaches each topic in a clear, factual manner.

With episodes varying from brief 4 minute breakdowns to lengthier 40-minute discussions, Climate Cast suits any schedule (and attention span). The show is precise, timely and a great way to keep abreast of climate change research and developments.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

5. Ear Hustle

This is not your typical educational podcast, but let me explain. Ear Hustle is a show that addresses the daily realities of the people inside California’s San Quentin State Prison. For many, prisons are a mystery, with any knowledge of them limited to sensationalized movies and TV shows.

The best educational podcasts are myth dispelling machines. And Ear Hustle delivers in this regard.

By teaching listeners about what life is like for the people incarcerated in San Quentin, you begin to feel some empathy that you may not have known was there. It’s not about the particulars of any one crime, it’s about life. About the complexities of parenting while incarcerated, of the frustrations and tensions of sharing a cell, of finding a job once on the outside.

The show is heartbreaking and hilarious in equal measure, and the mix of incarcerated and non-incarcerated hosts offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into their world – authored by the people who are living in it. It’s not only an education in the day-to-day realities of the people in this prison, but an education in America’s criminal justice system at large. Pure genius.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

6. 99% Invisible

99% Invisible is a hugely popular show that explores “the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world.” It’s hosted by Roman Mars, whose rich, mellow voice has the inexplicable power to soothe even the most irritable of listeners. Informative, engaging and expertly produced, 99% Invisible has the kind of compelling narratives and high production value that can capture the attention of nearly anyone – design-minded or otherwise. As the best educational podcasts should.

The show sparks curiosity and reflection through the innovative topics it explores: the McMansion phenomenon, unpleasant design and the origin story of curb cuts are but a few of the niche yet nuanced subjects tackled.

Regardless of the topic, there’s always something interesting to be learned, and the quality of the show –  along with Mars’ dulcet tones – will be sure to keep you listening.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

7. Overheard at National Geographic

This is the perfect show for any restless souls out there eagerly awaiting their next adventure. Wonderfully random and playfully delivered, this is a show about the outlandish stories overheard from staff at National Geographic’s head office.

No one theme ties the episodes together; the randomness stretches across a variety of topics, like the truth behind Thailand’s elephant tourism industry or an underwater archaeologist’s journey scuba diving beneath a pyramid. After each episode you’ll discover new, unusual insights into topics you might never have considered.

Episodes generally hover under half an hour, making the perfect companion for those early morning commutes or Sunday afternoon chores. These stories will teach you a little bit more about this wild and complex world we live in, and will supply you with an abundance of peculiar facts to whip out at your next dinner party.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

8. Monocle 24: The Urbanist

Any city lovers out there? This is my go-to recommendation for 99% Invisible lovers looking for a new fix. With Monocle editor Andrew Tuck at the helm, The Urbanist explores the subject of creating better cities. Episodes are dynamic and ever-changing, some zeroing in on topics such as Moscow’s trolleybuses, others looking at larger themes like the impacts of private development on public spaces.

As a listener, you will be transported across the globe – often multiple times in a single episode – but will always remain in the capable hands of one of Monocle’s internationally-based correspondents or local experts. Stories alternate between longer, detail-heavy episodes and brief, poetic city portraits.

It’s an informative and thoughtful show that will have you looking at cities a little bit differently.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

9. Making Gay History 

The best educational podcasts push you to think harder. They’re an epistemic challenge.

Making Gay History is a moving collection of stories documenting the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement through archival interviews. It’s hosted by Eric Marcus, a journalist who set out to write a book about the movement in the 1980s.

As part of his research, Marcus recorded 100 interviews with different queer activists and advocates from across the country. Three decades later, he decided to breathe new life into the cassette tapes and turn the recordings into a podcast.

Episodes feature the voices of prominent figures such as Marsha P. Johnson, as well as the lesser-known though equally powerful stories of activists like that of Wendell Sayers. These aren’t polished, scripted narratives.

The interviews take place in the intimate spaces of people’s homes, at their kitchen tables and in their living rooms. They are unfiltered, raw and imperfect, yet undeniably compelling. Hearing this history – directly from those who lived it – is both poignant and powerful.

These are not the stories you came across in your high school history textbook, but they’re ones that deserve to be heard and need to be learned.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

10. Radiolab

Well-seasoned podcast listeners might be rolling their eyes at this perhaps (painfully) obvious choice. Much like Freakonomics Radio or NPR’s Ted Radio Hour, Radiolab is one of the quintessential educational podcasts, but I thought it was important to flag for anyone new to the podcasting world (also it would be downright disrespectful not to mention it because the show is just that good).

Radiolab is a nationally syndicated radio program and podcast hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich. The show investigates a range of scientific and philosophical topics in a wonderfully accessible way. The show is masterfully produced and its rhythm and style – in large part due to the strong narrative focus and creative sound design – make it entirely unique.

You’ll never be able to predict what the next episode might cover; standouts have explored how we see colour and an unpacking of the concept of blame. The quirkiness of the topics, combined with Abumrad and Krulwich’s magic touch, make for an immersive, educational and unforgettable experience.

Related reading: best Radiolab episodes

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

Well there you have it! Some of the best educational podcast around. Hopefully at least one of the shows from this list has piqued your curiosity and has your finger hovering above the download button as we speak. I think I’ve supplied enough recommendations to last you a few months, meaning you’ll be able to ride that wave of smugness all the way into the New Year.

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The post 10 Educational Podcasts (You Need To Listen To) appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.