Listening to a podcast during a long drive can create a comfortable silence between us, allowing for a shared topic of conversation later on. My family and I tend to embrace our inner nerds, which is reflected in our podcast choices. Here are twelve podcasts that I highly recommend for listening with your teenager (or even on your own, with your partner, or anyone you enjoy spending time with).
- Serial: If you haven’t tuned into this yet, you’re really missing out. This deep dive into high school dynamics, the legal system, and the nature of memory and truth is essential listening. It’s suitable for older teens, though it does touch on themes like sex and drugs. Recent updates to the story provide a perfect excuse for a re-listen. For those keen on exploring different perspectives, you can find various websites and podcasts discussing whether or not Adnan is guilty.
- This American Life: Often cited as a pioneer in the podcasting world. Each hour-long episode revolves around a specific theme and shares first-person stories that resonate deeply.
- Ask Me Another: This NPR game show is a family favorite, blending word challenges, music, and current events. Expect to be shouting answers at the windshield, illustrating just how geeky we are!
- Invisibilia: Another captivating NPR show that uncovers the unseen forces influencing human behavior. The episode featuring a blind man who uses echolocation to navigate his city is utterly fascinating.
- Radiolab: A science podcast that approaches topics in unexpected ways. Their episode on colors was particularly memorable, while another about a man intentionally getting hookworm for allergy relief was grossly intriguing.
- Welcome to Night Vale: A quirky radio show set in the eerie town of Night Vale, reminiscent of a mix between Twin Peaks and Gravity Falls. It’s hilarious, creepy, and filled with inside jokes that will have you laughing out loud.
- The Vinyl Cafe: Host Mark Benson shares delightful stories about the fictional couple Dave and Morley. With a blend of humor and poignant moments, this Canadian classic will appeal to younger listeners as well.
- No Such Thing as a Fish: A group of researchers from Stephen Fry’s show QI share the most fascinating facts they’ve learned each week. It’s a rapid-fire trivia session that feeds a teen’s love for impressing friends and teachers.
- Hardcore History: My daughter puts it perfectly: it’s like having a history teacher you actually want to listen to. Dan Carlin presents historical events from fresh perspectives, making history feel alive.
- Stuff to Blow Your Mind: An offshoot of How Stuff Works, this podcast explores intriguing questions, such as why short naps leave you refreshed but long ones leave you groggy.
- The Sporkful and Spilled Milk: The Sporkful dives into food culture, tackling essential debates like what makes a pizza and how to eat spaghetti without making a mess. Spilled Milk, hosted by Molly Wizenberg and Matthew Amster-Burton, offers a fun take on cooking and snacking, perfect for food enthusiasts.
- Getting Started with Podcasts: If you’re unsure how to access podcasts, just ask your teen! Alternatively, you can check out this helpful video from Ira Glass of This American Life; it’s straightforward, I promise.
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In summary, these podcasts not only provide entertainment but also foster engaging discussions that can deepen your relationship with your teen. Whether you listen together or separately, you’ll find plenty of conversation starters in these intriguing audio journeys.
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