Well, not really. “I love to cook” is something I loved to put on an online dating profile in the days when such boasts mattered.

But I do love cooking shows. You know, podcasts about food. And, during the interminable months of lockdown, I did develop a begrudging respect for cooking.

There are only so many chicken nuggets a grown man can eat. At least before his family steps in to remind him that the hospital system is taxed. And he should be flattening the curve.

So my queue has been stocked with more home cooking shows than would be usual. If I’m being honest, I didn’t know cooking podcasts existed. When I think of cooking, “hearing” isn’t one of the senses I associate with it. In fact, it was the only sense that didn’t fit.

Wait… Cooking Audio?

But cooking shows are more than just enjoying a meal. The food we eat is a window into who we are. The royal we. We are what we eat right? That’s the cliché? I don’t care how many times my doctor tells me that, it’s still cliché.

But in a time of profound disconnection, “we” doesn’t only refer to the “royal we.” Food is how we connect to one another. A shared meal. A shared culture. A shared experience. All of that was ripped from us.

As the year ground along, these pods began to fill some of the cultural appreciation gap. That chasm left by an inability to travel, to see friends, to experience… anything outside your four walls.

Audio. Sound. Hearing. That’s a sense I never associated with food, or with cooking before. And it allowed all of us to claw back a bit of what we were missing.

Our favorite home cooking shows gave us comfort, and necessitated sharing with friends. Here are some of my favorite “not just for quarantine” podcasts about food. Throw them on your smart speaker whilst slaving over a hot toaster.

Read more: 10 Food Podcasts To Sink Your Teeth Into

Gastropod – Taking a Deep Dive

We tend to stuff quite a bit into our maw without really knowing anything about what we are shoveling in. Organic is good… right? On Gastropod, hosts Cynthia and Nicola take a deep dive into the food we don’t give a second thought to.

A blend of interviews, science, archeology, and anthropology, Gastropod is the perfect way to learn as you burn… dinner.

Start Here: The Magic Cube

When the pandemic first started and food was flying off the shelves was the first time in my life I bought bouillon cubes. They were cheap and plentiful at the local shop in a way broth wasn’t. The history of this little meal saving cube is magical.

Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

Spilled Milk – Podcasts About Food and Laughter

Food anchors this weekly pod from hosts Molly and Matthew. The premise is they are going to cook something scrumptious and devour it completely by the end of the show. And, being comedians, they’re going to riff wildly on a number of other subjects tangentially related to food.

Start Here: Cinnamon Toast

How could something as simple and delicious as cinnamon toast go wrong? Well, if you keep your butter in the fridge, you’re looking at a solid 90 minutes from desire for toast to broiled toast. It’s the minutiae of what goes awry that makes this show so relatable and enjoyable.

Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

Toasted Sister Podcast – The Ingenious Indigenous Food Pod

I got into the idea of Native American food around Thanksgiving last year during lockdown. I realized that I didn’t really know anything about the food that was the way of life for the indigenous people in North America. What they ate before European colonizers came over with all manner of boiled dishes. That’s when I found Andi Murphy’s podcast wherein she explores the foods integral to indigenous cultures.

Start Here: The Thanksgiving Episode

Start where I did. How could you not begin your education about Native food without touching on the big lie? Andi talks to three Wampanoag chefs about their ventures and efforts to educate about the history of Thanksgiving.

Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

Queer The Table – Food as Community

Host Nico Wisler’s podcast is all about building a stronger queer community through food. Every culture and subculture has its own distinct food traditions. When explored, those traditions give greater insight into the lives of that community. The ways which the LGBTQ community has enriched the larger culinary landscape is utterly fascinating. It is Nico’s journey to illuminate those contributions.

As we circled the wagons during quarantine, it was too easy to lose sight of entire communities. All in the name of emergency. This simple podcast about food helps mitigate that loss in around 40 minutes.

Read more: 10 Podcasts for the Queer Community and Their Allies

Start Here: Rest + Resilience With Ianne Fields Stewart

Ianne founded The Okra Project. It’s devoted to hiring chefs who identify as black and trans to cook a meal in the homes of other people that identify with that community. They bring people together with immaculately cooked food shared at a kitchen table. That’s a level of intimacy last year was lacking.

Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

Item 13 – Food Culture From the Cradle of Humanity

There’s a little Ethiopian restaurant that serves street food I can’t wait to get back to once everything is fully open. Item 13, and host Yorm Ackuaku, opened my eyes to a food and a food culture I didn’t know anything about. Other than it was delicious. Every two weeks she tackles a new subject within the African food community. The pod covers cuisines, restaurants, and general education about food that doesn’t get enough exposure. If you’re looking for a new podcast about food, give this one a listen.

Start Here: Exploring African Coffees with Amani Kiflemariam

Most coffee drank by Americans comes from South America. But Africa has a rich tradition in the coffee belt that we aren’t often exposed to. Eritrea and Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. In this episode, Yorm discusses that tradition with Amani Kiflemariam and her brand, Amatte Coffee.

Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

The Nightcap – Late Night Kitchen Chicanery

Each episode features Simon Alexander and Paul Foster enjoying an 8-course taster menu with a guest chef followed by a nightcap. This podcast felt like having dinner with people again… at a restaurant. The bonus is you’re getting a behind the scenes pass to world-class fare in a highly competitive industry. It’s entertaining and enthralling. The act of listening to this podcast improved the flavor of my Prego spaghetti sauce by at least a star.

It tapered off during COVID-19, but should be back for a full season 3.

Start Here: Daniel Clifford

There’s enough inside baseball (cricket I guess?) between the hosts and guest chef Daniel Clifford to make this an enjoyable episode from the word go.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Local Mouthful – The People’s Podcast About Food

I’ve picked up three meal ideas from this show. True story. That’s the beauty of this podcast, hosted by home cooks Joy Manning and Marisa McClellan, is that it’s completely accessible. I might not be able to pick up any useful tips from a three Michelin star chef, but I can glean something from the brilliant home cooks they interview. At just 30 minutes a week this is a perfect pod to throw on while getting ready for your own meal prep.

Start Here: White Bean Soup, Seitan, and Home Cooking Changes

Episode 347 is one of the shows recorded during quarantine. The format’s a bit different from the normal show. But the discussion topic seemed relevant. What COVID inspired home cooking changes are going to outlast the pandemic itself?

Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

Conclusion

We grew tired of canned goods. The year just kept pouring it on. We lost human connection. Human connection that sharing a meal provides. And podcasts, as they so often are, were there to fill the void.

You don’t immediately think of hearing when you think of food. Taste, touch, smell, and sight top that list. But podcasts about food brought us together when making real connections was difficult.

Thanks to the creators of these specific podcasts. There are hundreds more podcasts about food out there and this is not an exhaustive list. What culinary audio delights got you through quarantine?

Let us know on Twitter (@discover_pods, @jamesjgriffin) or in the comments.

The post The Best 7 Quarantine Escape Podcasts About Food 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.

Talking about supply chains, climate change and bees dying can often be dull and/or depressing. But, there is a whole world of podcasts that are using audio to tell the stories behind your food in fun and compelling. There are incredible shows covering things from what organic really means to how to eat grasshoppers (bonus recs, you’re welcome). Here is a list of the six best indie podcasts about food and farming.

Sourceress

When I first found this podcast, I was floored. Sourceress looks at supply chains through an intersectional feminist lens, and if that’s not cool enough they use music to tell that story. Colleen King and Carolyn Kissick have heaps experience in the industry and that shines through as they thoughtfully explore the pathways that speciality crops such as tea, oysters, and cannabis take to market.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

Toasted Sister

Toasted Sister boasts of being the only indigenous food podcast, but it is also the best. Andi Murphy — a brilliant Dine’ (Navajo) journalist working in Albuquerque, New Mexico — brings passion and care to her exploration of the food culture of indigenous peoples. Telling the stories of chefs, farmers, students, and business owners, Murphy’s work shines a light on the unique beauty and hardships of indigenous cuisine.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

Gastropod

What you don’t know about your food can’t hurt you. Or can it? Gastropod looks at food through the lens of science and history and will blow your mind every single episode. Hosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley are funny, smart, and will go far for the pod (like the time they volunteered as subjects in a scientific study or the time they went invasive species foraging).

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

Female Farmer Project

Of the shows on this list, this one is definitely a bit more ‘inside baseball.’ The Female Farmer Project is working to document the unseen work of women in agriculture; in addition to a fabulous podcast, they have a documentary and ongoing photography project. The podcast features interviews with women farmers (hey, no kidding), as well as scientists, authors, social media influencers, and many more women who have a lot to say about food.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

Hothouse

For the green thumbs, Hothouse is a podcast about gardening through climate change. Leah Churner is a landscape designer from Austin, Texas and tackles the existentialism and politics tied up with houseplants, gardening, and urban farming. How is gardening political? How does conservancy intersect with race and inequity? Why do humans talk to their plants? As a bonus, Churner just started a new podcast with fellow landscape designer Colleen Dieter, Horticulturati.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

There is a whole world of podcasts exploring food and farming. To find more, you can search #ListentoYourFood on social media, or scroll through @FoodFarmPod on instagram and twitter.

The post Five Best Podcasts About Your Food appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

1. Gastropod

Put on your bibs because we are starting this science journey through your stomach. Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley celebrated their podversary recently and it is easy to see (and virtually taste) why their podcast has stood the test of podtime. Like many Pod CoHosting duos, one person had an idea for a podcast (Cynthia) and their friend said “not without me you’re not” (Nicola). Their idea of combining food, science and history into an audio experience was born and has flourished for five years. In this time they have covered aspects of this trifecta like how gold spoons make food taste creamier, a visit to a sourdough museum of over 100 samples and the history of Jack Daniels. Their September 2019 five year anniversary episode is the perfect way to start your trip to this science-food-history podtriangle of yumminess.  

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

2. Generic Drift

Moving up the food chain, it’s time to talk dinosaurs with British Biologists Harvey Broadhurst & Adam Bakewell. They also cover astrobiology, neanderthals and whatever other sciencey type topics come into their inquisitive periphery. Although this dynamic duo is serious about their research, they are down to earth and rather silly in their discussions. Their episodes include science news like the fungus that was introduced into concrete to organically plug future cracks in the material, personal moments like when Harvey’s niece was born (and named Thea), meta updates on how their podcasting experience is going and much, much more. Harvey and Adam are two intelligent, quirky Researchers with a passion for sharing and learning. There is nothing generic about that. Note: the “generic” podcast name and the last sentence “generic” have totally different meanings.     

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

3. Spark Science

Like Generic Drift, Spark Science casts a wide science net but there is definitely an influence from Host Dr. Regina Barber DeGraaf’s areas of expertise of Astronomy, Physics and Science Communication. Episodes on the Mars Rover, The Difficulties and Triumphs of Space Travel and Life on Other Worlds are some prime examples. Regina is a no nonsense, intellectually interested person who asks intriguing questions and not only listens but engages with her guests on a deeper level than expected. Our starting episode recommendation demonstrates this connectivity perfectly, in fact. It is the Ken Liu: Talking Science & Fiction episode. During their conversation we can feel the gravitational and emotional pull already existing between them. 

Listen: Apple Podcasts

4. Climactic Podcast

But not all planetary bodies are experiencing joy. “We live in Climactic times” as Mark Spencer and Rich Bowden of the Climactic Podcast warn. Although Mark, a podcast listener since the age of 13, and Rich, his frequent Co-Host cover needed Australia and globally serious climate related topics, the overall tone of this science podcast is informative, caring, nurturing and friendly. From early episodes they have advocated for many people to share their climate stories and the response has been strong. The array of topics and guests are varied and impressive like NASA Geobiologist Dr. Darlene Lim and Director of New York City’s Climate Museum Miranda Massie and members of the international movement Extinction Rebellion. Essentially, they will have conversations with anyone, anywhere about any and all aspects of climate change, how it affects us and how we can change things. Mark and his climate crew are not defeatists. They are hopeful, practical and inviting. In fact, a great first episode to listen to is the Sci-Fight-Are Humans Worth Saving? Science Comedy Debates where Science Comedy Debates were held in the Science Gallery Melbourne to explore our hilarious but needing changing addiction to disposable things. 

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

5. Brain Science Podcasts

Let’s move on now from tickling your climate funny bone to scratching your brain. There is no one better for this task than the Host of the Brain Science Podcast, Dr. Ginger Campbell, an emergency physician with a strong mind-body connection interest. Campbell started this science podcast in 2006 and as such you can imagine how many topics she has covered in that time period. To name a few: neurobiology, exercise and the brain, animal emotions, and vaccines. If this list of topics seems too nerdy for you then be assured that Campbell takes a very big picture approach to interviewing her guests. Although some of the science jargon they use is unavoidable, the explanations that come after them is extremely easy to follow. So much so that there are numerous reviews of the podcast from students, teachers and health practitioners who claim that this science podcast is what keeps them up to date in neuroscience, even though it is not their specialty. And if that isn’t reassuring enough, Campbell’s voice should be. Her soothing southern drawl adds an extra softening to the brainy content. There really isn’t an area of neuroscience that she hasn’t covered but thanks to our changing technological world, new areas have arisen organically, such as artificial intelligence (AI). In fact, episode 155 on AI is a good place to start your brain science podcast listening since this a blazing hot topic these days.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

6. AI Australia

Speaking of AI, this newer podcast from Australia with James Wilson and Nigel Dalton is also a must listen. It is tempting with new technology to focus solely on the business potential and shy away from the tough ethical questions that need addressing but James and Nigel face them head on. What’s refreshing about this podcast is that there is a strong ethical thread through all of the episodes and it feels like James and Nigel have our best interests and futures in mind when they talk to their guests. This is an interview podcast with global experts in many aspects of Artificial Intelligence helping us understand exactly what AI is, how it is currently affecting us and how it will continue to shape our lives in the future. Automation, privacy, healthcare, chatbots, crispr, and biohacking are some of the topics they have covered so far in the podcast. As with previous science podcasts AI Australia conversations are informative and understandable for the layman. A good listening starting point is the More Than Chatbots episode because chatbots are already a large part of our daily lives. 

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

7. Tiny Vampires

Another pervasive part of our daily lives are blood sucking insects and Science Communicator Raven Forrest Fruscalzo wants to make sure we have all the information on these potentially dangerous creatures. We and Nosotros because Raven publishes this science podcast in English and Spanish. Get ready for your skin to crawl because here is a list of some of the creatures she shares research about: fleas, ticks, mosquitos, carpenter ants, parasitic worms, and kissing bugs. Raven explains academic research on these creatures, diseases or harm they may inflict and the populations that are most affected by them. In fact, she spends quite a bit of time making us aware that many diseases that we do not know about transmitted by these creatures are not widely shared precisely because the population they effect are in poor regions of the world.And she wants that to change. The tsetse fly in Africa and the kissing bug in Latin America being two prime examples. But Raven is anything but pushy or judgemental, she is 100% intelligent, articulate and informed. A good starter episode is episode 7, where she explores if the situation that happened in the movie Outbreak could actually happen in real life. Be afraid or be informed, it’s your choice. 

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

8. ZSL Wild Science Podcast

ZSL, with “z” pronounced “zed”, from the Zoological Society of London moves us onto larger creatures in this podcast list. Research Fellow Dr. Monni Böhm helps us explore the Conservation Science side of the animal kingdom. Topics such as plastic’s impact on the animal kingdom, how electric animal tracking can help us protect endangered species, the impact of the urban environment on animals and what we can learn from indiginous communities are explored when Böhm interviews many other Researchers in varying parts of the Conservation Science space. This may sound terribly serious but the pangolins episode displays Böhm’s sense of humor by pairing a chat about pangolins with international wine day festivities. What’s a pangolin? Her guest describes it as an animal that looks like a combination of a dinosaur and a pine cone. When you Google pangolin you will understand why this is a great episode to start listening to ZSL Wild Science Podcast. 

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

9. A Life in Ruins

We have spent quite a bit of time above ground so far in this list so let’s go underground with the help of this archeological trio. Former classmates from the University of Wyoming: Carlton Gover, Connor Johnen, and David Howe dig into this topic with vigor and humor. In fact, this science podcast almost deserves a comedy category it’s that funny. They are all clearly confident, intelligent and very good friends, as their archeological jargon and friendly but teasing banter suggests. And yet we can easily learn heaps about the field through their, as they say, ‘ridiculous stories’. A perfect starting episode is episode 6- Eat, Dig, Love: A Summer in the Ukraine. It will ruin you.   

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher

10. Dope Labs

Science classes in high school should be like Dope Labs. Scientists and best friends Titi and Zakiya are so comfortable in their science skin that they move from playful to deeply thought provoking and intelligent without batting an eyelash. “Science is for errybody” is their tagline and they mean it. They take viral conversations from the Internet and connect them to science. That’s it. It’s so simple, so beautifully simple. They have guests, ask interesting questions and keep the conversation flowing and funny. Lab 005: Wakanda Forever (they call episodes “labs”) is where they chat with Dr. James Kakilos about science for superheroes. The movie Black Panther and the element of power in it, vibranium, is extensively discussed in this episode, among other aspects of science and super heroes. Start listening here but be warned, don’t listen on the metro because you will be laughing too hard and people will look at you weird. 

Listen: Spotify

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The post 10 Science Podcasts You Haven’t Heard of (Yet)! appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

If so you’re certainly not alone. I don’t have 6 hours of driving to do, but for those of you who do (or if you just want some entertainment while you prep) I have put together 7 podcasts to achieve the perfect state of mind for Thanksgiving.

1. Poulty Slam 2011 – This American Life

This American Life is a treasure, an iconic radio program, perfect for bridging the gap between your urban bubble and the bucolic landscapes of the American countryside. It’s not quite Aaron Copland, but Ira Glass’ voice still belongs in the Smithsonian. This particular episode has it all, and I believe it’s some of the best stories ever told about birds, and by way of birds, us. Note – This episode no longer exists on iTunes so you will have to play it from the TAL app or the mobile site.

2. Dialogue and Exchange – TED Radio Hour

If you had to make a bingo board for Thanksgiving dinner, I think the ‘free’ space could be “Someone says ‘We live in a divided country'”. It seems to be all I hear, and division is really the opposite of a family gathering. But did you know that do what different groups value effect how they communicate with one another? This episode includes some tips for getting past the anger to have a real conversations. Even if your Mom told you to try to avoid politics altogether, give this a listen for some tips for when you’re feeling a little feisty off that third glass of wine.

3. The Big Thanksgiving Dinner – Bon Appétit Foodcast

Hungry yet? If you’re like me the first part of this week is a fast. I drink water and coffee and maybe snack on some healthy stuff. Knowing the gluttony in which I’ll soon be partaking, this practice prepares me. However it made listening to this episode all about new and old Thanksgiving dishes rather… difficult.

4. A.J. Jacobs on Thanks a Thousand – EconTalk

AJ Jacobs, an author and podcast darling (he even had his own short-lived show on Gimlet for a time) joins EconTalk for an episode all about his book and showing gratitude. This episode was touching in a way I hadn’t expected, and made me miss the members of my family I’ll never get to properly thank. Typically this show is dry, but like a properly brined bird, this conversation is anything but.

5. Crantastic – Gastropod

I’m a huge Gastropod fan and the two hosts are veteran feature writers and really take the time to craft an incredible show. This episode is about a topic I didn’t think it was possible to care less about, but after listening I felt wonder at how this little fruit ever made it to the table, and a strange tingle pride for the tenacity and spirit of the American settlers.

6. Shmanners – Conversation

I’m no master conversationalist by any means and I still feel awkward butting into a group. But especially at big dinner parties or even family get-togethers, you may find yourself alone, drink in hand, scanning a room full of small groups wondering “What do I do now?” This episode offers some helpful tips, like making eye contact (but not too much), and having conversation starters on deck if things fizzle out. What are podcasts for is not starting conversation anyway, right?

7. Dina – Heavyweight

You’re returning to your family home, and it’s been too long. Your life has changed significantly, and you just know something your parents do will annoy you, or scare off your new partner, or keep your new baby awake all night. If any anxiety is nagging at you over the Holidays, you’re not alone. In this episode the host turns the focus onto himself and overcomes something with his Mother he should have done years ago, now who can’t relate to that?

Hopefully this gets you safely to your destination with a few more ready-made conversation starters. For even more Thanksgiving themed streams, check out another list of Turkey Day episodes on Discover Pods!

The post 7 Thanksgiving Travel Podcasts appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.