Story by Anna-JO Stuart, Opinion Editor
Photo courtesy Pexels.com

Podcasts seem to be all the rage these days. In the past few years, the market for them has blown up. You can find a podcast on nearly every topic, curated to nearly every type of person. Do you like history? There’s a podcast for that. Do you want to improve your finances? There’s a podcast for that. Are you obsessed with everything royal? There’s a podcast for that.

The number of podcasts available can be overwhelming, but don’t let that scare you away. They are a great, free way to relax and get information about things that you care about, or just think you should know more about.

Personally, I enjoy listening to podcasts when I want some entertainment (and don’t feel like listening to music,)  but need to get other stuff done. I often listen to podcasts while showering, getting ready for the day, walking to class, doing homework, and I actually listened to one while I wrote this article. It is a great way to get your fill of entertainment, with less commitment than sitting down to watch a show or movie. Below are a few of my favorites, each from a different genre.

Stuff You Missed in History Class: iHeart Radio & How Stuff Works
“Stuff You Missed in History Class” is a podcast about, well… stuff you missed in history class. Each episode covers a different interesting event from history, from “The Invention of Aspirin” to “The Rise of the Traffic Light” and countless other topics about people and events. If you enjoy learning about interesting events in history this is definitely a podcast for you. It is easily digestible and they keep it light with bits of humor.

Keep It!: Crooked Media
“Keep It!” is a great podcast for getting everything you need to know about pop culture for the week in an hour and a half long episode. The three hosts comically take on whatever is hot in pop culture, from awards shows, the royals, new television and movies, and even some light politics. They often interview people related to the hot topics of the week as well. It’s a great podcast to get your fix on pop culture news and the hosts provide a good laugh alongside their sometimes serious discussions of culture.

RISE Podcast: Rachel Hollis
Rachel Hollis is known as an inspirational, self-help guru. She is a successful, self-made businesswoman who hosts motivational conferences throughout the year, and runs a website that aims to motivate women to reach their goals, whatever this may be. This podcast offers listeners helpful advice and insight for reaching their personal goals. She hosts a multitude of different successful people, and in some episodes talks about things that she believes will help people better their professional, romantic, family, and personal lives. I suggest this podcast to anyone that is looking to do some self-improvement or even just needs a little bit of motivation. Rachel Hollis is the QUEEN of motivation.

Up First: NPR
I listen to this podcast almost every day, and it is the program that originally got me hooked on podcasts. When I was in high school, I used to watch the evening news every night with my dad, but after coming to Aquinas I found that, because I was no longer doing this, I was becoming disconnected to the world and what was going on. I missed being informed. This podcast helps me to stay connected. It is done by NPR and every morning, except Sundays, they put out a fifteen minute episode that has all the important news events from the past 24 hours. I love “Up First” because I can listen to it in the morning as I get ready for the day and it allows me to stay informed. Definitely look into this podcast if you are looking for an easy way to keep up with the news.

This is only a small glimpse into not only some of the specific podcasts that exist, but also the different genres of podcasts. I love podcasts, as they allow me to learn, be entertained, and stay informed all within my busy schedule. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect program for you. So don’t be afraid to do some exploring in the podcast universe, you are sure to find the perfect match.