Having only recently entered into the world of smartphone technology, I have only very recently been able to enter the realm of podcasts. My source has been Podbean. Through exploring Podbean and friends’ recommendations, I have compiled a list of favorites that allow me to learn about new things, be entertained, or listen to discussions on my favorite hobbies. Here are a few that I have enjoyed.
The Tolkien Professor
This is a podcast run by Corey Olsen who is a bona fide professor and lectures on..you guessed it, Tolkien and his works. This is one of my all-time favorites. Complete and utter Nerd-dom. He discusses Tolkien’s works in-depth and provides invaluable insight into the people and events, from The Silmarillion to The Hobbit to the shorter works like Leaf by Niggle. What’s even more awesome is his website and the fact that he teaches courses for Mythgard Institute, an online source of higher education specifically in sci-fi/fantasy literature. All of this is cool.
Fluffy Fibers
Another of my favorites, this podcast is hosted by Isabelle. She is French, though the podcast is in English. She seems to be a very warm and friendly person and hosts bits of knitting, sewing, crocheting, spinning, reading, and sometimes green living tips. She has her own blog as well as being on Ravelry. Her episodes tell about what she has been up to in her various crafts, she occasionally hosts giveaways or contests, and she usually does a bit on what she is reading and, since her specialty is English lit, it usually entails some of my favorites or things that I should read later.
Lore
This is a very recent discovery for me. This is hosted by author Aaron Mahnke and focuses on the mysterious, bizarre, and scary. What I really like about this podcast is the focus on stories behind folklore and superstitions. Mahnke tells stories of the unexplained that really happened like the history of the Danvers State Hospital or the story of Mercy Brown. He also delves into the murky world of superstition and folklore like the Huldufolk from Iceland. Sometimes, they are just good, old-fashioned ghost stories. Every episode is sure to entertain and mystify.
Wartime
This is a history podcast, focusing on war, empire, and politics. It appeals to my history nerd and my enjoyment of learning. I’m still only on Season One which covers the French and Indian/Seven Year’s War, an era I know very little about. The host, Brady Crytzer, presents the information in a pleasant and accessible way. It may be helpful to note that this does require a bit more active listening than ones that focus on entertainment because a lot of information is presented in an episode but I think it is worth it.
Tea or Books?
I have only just discovered this podcast. Hosted by Rachel of Book Snob and Simon of Stuck in a Book, each episode pits two general reading things (for example, long vs. short books) and two specific things (Emily vs. Charlotte Bronte) against each other. I’ve only listened to a few but they are funny and, as a book lover, it is always wonderful to get a new perspective on these matters and to pick up reading recommendations. A very enjoyable listen.
Mastering the Knits
This is hosted by two friends, Natalie and Lish, about knitting, spinning, pets, and the Master Knit program. It’s a fun listen and, as someone who hopes to one day complete that same program, valuable insight. Sometimes is also nice to discover that crafts like knitting are truly a learning process and that everyone comes at it from a different angle. I’ve only heard a few episodes but they are very entertaining and mention other podcasts, yarn, and fiber to check out.
These are just a few that I have discovered thus far and, I must admit, podcasts are my new obsession. It’s so awesome being able to learn new things and hear real people’s opinions on things that matter to me. I promise, there is something out there for everyone.
