Podcast. Code Switch

In a diverse country such as the US, sometimes we need to remember to celebrate and learn about that same diversity.

Keep Things Colorful

I've been really enjoying listening to the podcast Code Switch by NPR. In this podcast, journalist of color come together to discuss a wide variety of issues they have faced as journalists of color. Topics covered have included how various minority cultures in the US view outdoor activities, political agendas, and speaking up about racism.

Uncomfortable Conversations Lead to Growth

There are times I've been made uncomfortable while listening to certain topics; however, I think that may be a good thing. At times, hearing these topics discussed in depth has helped me gained a better understanding about where another person is coming from and going toward. I'll continue to listen to Code Switch, with the goal of catching up from the beginnings of this podcast, no mater how difficult the discussions can be.

podcast. I Hope They Hear This

Sometimes, you just have to let your thoughts out. That's exactly why David Shin created the podcast I Hope They Hear This.

Exciting Titles & Calming Monologues
David Shin has a calming voice and a lot of thoughts. When I found his podcast on Podcoin, I expected to be angry, prompted to begin fiery discussions about my thoughts after each episode. With episode names such as I hope Korean Americans Hear This and I Hope Trump Haters Hear This and I Hope People Who Think Hitler Was Evil Hear This, how could this podcast disappoint my want for opposition at times? I was awkwardly surprised at the intellectual monologues that crept through my headphones.

Shin adorably references his wife's critiques of his episodes on occasion, and works to make his episodes easier to follow as he experiments with his new found hobby. His opinions are well formed and often analytical, but need some time to explain. I found myself growing better understanding not only for his points, but also for the many possible sides presented by Shin. This is an amazing listen whether I agreed or disagreed with each point of discussion, and I look forward to hearing the many more episodes.


(Note: My referral code for Podcoin is Alir2jd5, if you feel so inclined. The previous links do not include my referral code.)

Podcast. White Lies

I quite enjoy listening to podcasts that investigate and retell the various angles of a story and how it has evolved both socially and factually. The ever-evolving game of telephone we play as kids can be so harmful as adults in social circles, and so very difficult to unravel when an entire community plays it for over five decades.

A Story of Law & Social Influence

The podcast White Lies by NPR takes two young men from Alabama to the small town of Selma, Alabama to investigate a trial that occurred shortly after, and likely was related to, the Bloody Sunday Massacre after a peaceful march led by Martin Luther King, Jr. in the mid-1960s.

The two podcast hosts search desperately for the trial transcripts for the murder of a white religious leader and northerner who had come to Selma after Bloody Sunday in an attempt to help the turbulent town. Along the way, they interview people alive at the time including trial jurors, discover various media circulated at the time, and unravel stories told down through generations of the stories told socially through the many grapevines. Depth is added to the investigative story by way of current political and historic structures and stories of the town that help paint a picture of how the town may have looked in the 60's.

The White Lies podcast is well written, well executed, and well balanced. I highly recommend it to the podcasts listeners among us.

Podcast. Imagined Life by Wondery

This has by far been my favorite podcast, and it continues to surprise me in the best ways. I truly hope Wondery keeps this podcast coming for many, many episodes.

Get to Know Who You Think You Know

The model of this podcast is that you, the listener, are the main character in a story. After much research, an episode is written to put you in the place of someone you likely know, or at least have heard the name or heard part of the famous story.

You learn all about little known, but very relevant stories of the childhood, adolescence, and adulthood of this person. Each episode focuses on the life, struggles, and triumphs of one person. Along the path of the podcasts, clues are given about who "you" are, and there is so much care taken into making sure the clues are not too obvious.

I highly recommend these podcasts for the entertainment, mystery, and education about another's life. Check out the podcast: Imagined Life by Wondery.

Podcast. Left, Right, Center by KCRW

I recently discovered a podcast called "Left, Right, Center" by KCRW by NPR on my podcoin app. The topics are mostly political, but also include social topics and other things that tend to divide people along conservative/liberal or democrat/republican lines.

The host is the "center" representative. The left and right are mostly consistent, but are occasionally different people. Sometimes a third guest is thrown in just for fun, or as a specialist on a particular topic.

Keeping Discussions Civil

What I like so far about the random episodes I've listened to is that the arguments are kept mostly civil. The majority of guests on the show seem to know and respect each other to some degree, and while things get heated the topic is resolved or changed before a full blown fight emerges.

I really appreciate the host's ability to review facts of difficult topics, ask the hard follow up questions, but also moderate well and know when the discussion is devolving and needs to be switched to a new topic. There are a few times I've heard one side or the other get pretty heated with their opinions, as is to be expected, but they still manage to keep it civil.