A funny thing happened back in 2020. Somehow, between marathoning streaming content, stockpiling disinfecting wipes, dancing nights away in Club Quarantine, and buying things I’m just now getting around to wearing, I got into podcasts.
Despite having guest starred on a friend’s a couple of years prior, the podcast bug didn’t seem to really bite me until I actually had time to listen and really appreciate the variety of the auditory landscape. Before long, I was trying to solve cold cases while doing the dishes, reliving some of my favorite TV shows through recaps, finding a sense of community during my commute, and unpacking my emotions while packing my apartment.
In honor of International Podcast Day, I’m sharing four of my favorite regular listens. Not only do I love them, but I’m not-so-secretly counting the days until I get to lend my voice — and expertise — as a guest star.
Extra Hot Great: This Week in TV
Hosted by longtime friends and Television Without Pity founders Tara Ariano, Sarah D. Bunting, and David T. Cole, EHG is my weekly go to for all things network and streaming. With more than a decade of podcasting experience, and a universe filled with podcast spinoffs and offshoots, this trio and their cadre of knowledgeable friends, colleagues, and guests really know their stuff. Not only has this pick helped me discover some of my new favorite shows (and inspired me to rethink a few others), but it’s taught me to watch television more intentionally — taking me from casual viewer between texting and doom scrolling to armchair critic.
Even better, each episode’s Game Time trivia segment has helped me beef up my knowledge of some of the medium’s most memorable series and characters. After all of these years of listening, maybe it’s time to finally join the crew for that Canon presentation or see if they need a Stranger Things fan to talk about this upcoming final season.
Fun fact: Also professional television show recappers, Ariano and Bunting’s Again With This podcast expertly guided me through a pandemic rewatch of Beverly Hills 90210 and inspired me to watch the entire series runs of both Melrose Place in 2022 and Dawson’s Creek earlier this year.
History of the 90s
One of my more recent favorites, History of the 90s smartly blends nostalgia, research, and pop culture in well structured, concise biweekly episodes. Twice a month, podcaster and journalist Kathy Kenzora guides listeners through some of the stories, events, scandals, fads, and WTF? moments that made the 1990s a decade like no other. Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan? Aaliyah’s debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number? The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? So far, Kenzora has covered them all on her award-winning podcast, and it’s been a joy to revisit so many of these cultural touchstones as a thirtysomething.
Considering my fandom and my love of pop culture, I’d love to be featured as an episode expert or talking head. I mean, who’s more qualified to offer insight than a ’90s kid with a pretty sharp memory, right?
Gettin’ Grown
When it comes to Gettin’ Grown, the only thing I wish is that I found it sooner. Hosted by Chef Jade and Dr. Keia, this pick has truly helped me navigate adulthood (truly the worst ‘hood imaginable), and recognize that I’m not alone on the journey. From daddy issues to neurodivergence to imposter syndrome and everything in between, these ladies have tackled a variety of subject matter while always keeping it real. To me, they’re two of my generation’s most authentic voices, and my weeks just don’t feel right if I don’t spend my Tuesdays with them.
After hilariously getting called out in a 2023 episode, I think it might be time for redemption by way of a formal apology to the hosts and some quality conversation at the Kitchen Table. Trust me, I promise NOT to mention the song stylings of A Different World’s Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor.
Express Yourself Black Man
If Chef Jade and Dr. Keia of Gettin’ Grown are the companions helping me navigate adulthood, then I’d consider Kizzle of Express Yourself Black Man the brother sporadically leaning over and asking me “You good?” along the way. Created by Black men for Black men as part of a larger healing and mental health movement, this podcast dives into topics like attachment styles, spirituality, single parenthood, co-parenting, vulnerability, and Black love in ways I’m just starting to hear Black men outside of my friend group discuss. Each Monday, Kizzle and his guests get honest about the issues plaguing Black men in modern society and don’t shy away from offering thoughtful and insightful tips to make life for guys like me just a little easier.
Please believe, if (and when) I ever get my moment on the mic, my intro will be one big outpouring of gratitude and support.
All of these podcasts are available via Apple Music, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts. I’m always open to suggestions to add to my weekly playlist, so drop your favorite podcast(s) in the comments!