Five Podcasts You Should Be Listening To
Published on November 20, 2017, at 7:55 a.m.
by Brooke Bailey.
Have you always wanted to be one of those “podcast people” but have never known how to get started? Do you get a little bored listening to music in your car, and you’re looking to make a change? Are you wanting to keep up with news and trends, but you’re tired of reading?
Look no further.
I’ve got podcast recommendations for beginners and skeptics alike and, while not all of these are public relations focused, they’ve each taught me something about working in the industry. Whether they’re history- or food-centered, you can find takeaways in almost every episode that are applicable to the full spectrum of jobs in the communications world.
1. “Stuff You Missed in History Class”
This is one of the first-ever podcasts that I listened to, and it’s a great place to start if you’re new to the game. Over the years, the hosts have covered a wide variety of topics, ranging from royal families to the American Civil War to how Crayola Crayons became such a juggernaut. (phenomenon)
Where to start: “SYMHC Classics: Building Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion,” part 1 + part 2
This series of classic episodes from the early days of the podcast delve deep into the conception of Disneyland and the arduous journey that led to opening the Haunted Mansion. Walt Disney and the others involved in creating and conceptualizing had to battle public opinion and too many creative voices in the mix, which are things PR practitioners must deal with often.
Other recommendations: “The Crayola Crayon Story” and “Frederic Tudor, the Ice King”
2. “Pop Culture Happy Hour”
If you’re a pop culture fiend (look up) like me, PCHH is the perfect podcast for you. Each week, NPR releases two 30-minute(ish) episodes of this long-running podcast, covering topics from TV and movies to music and award shows. I listen to this show as a way to catch up on the TV shows and movies I don’t have time to watch and to hear different perspectives on current topics in the entertainment industry.
Where to start: This one is more based off of what you like, but one of my recent favorites is the “Fall Movie Preview”
Other recommendations: “Shark Tank” and “LEGO Batman And Kids Who Cook On TV”
3. “Goal Digger”
I’m only recommending one actual industry-related podcast here because I honestly find most business-y podcasts to be extremely boring. For me, podcasts are a way to relax or to learn about other industries and stories. “Goal Digger,” however, is one I don’t mind recommending because I do enjoy listening to the show. Jenna Kutcher, the host, presents a wide range of topics that focus on both small businesses and larger brands and how they can communicate better with their communities, so you can definitely find something interesting to you.
Where to start: If you, like I, struggle with creating fun social media content calendars each month, this episode will give you all the inspiration you need: “10 Ways to Create a Content Calendar”
Other recommendations: “How to Make Sure Your Business is too Legit (and Legal) to Quit” and “Everything You Need to Know About Changing Careers”
4. “Food Stuff”
This podcast, from the same producers as “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” is all about food, drinks and your favorite chefs. If you have even the slightest inkling to work in food PR, this show is a must-listen for learning about the history, science and even the development of culinary communications techniques over the centuries. Though “Food Stuff” only started this year, there’s already a pretty sizable catalog of episodes for you to dive into.
Where to start: My best recommendation is to go back to the beginning and start with the very first episode “Champagne (and Sparkling Wine)”
Other recommendations: “Yogurt: More Than Just Bacteria Poop” and “The Julia Child Episode”
5. “How I Built This”
If you’re interested in entrepreneurship or you want to know how your favorite company got its start, NPR’s “How I Built This” is for you. Each episode, host Guy Raz sits down with an entrepreneur (or two) to get the story behind their business and learn how they’ve made it successful. “How I Built This” has only been around for a little over a year, but it’s already covered game-changers like Instagram, Southwest and Airbnb.
Where to start: I’ve personally always wondered how TOMS shoes got its start, and I was not disappointed by this episode: “TOMS: Blake Mycoskie”
Other recommendations: “Teach For America: Wendy Kopp” and “Southwest Airlines: Herb Kelleher”
Do you listen to a podcast that you want the world to know about? Tweet us at @platformmag with your recommendations or leave us a comment below!
