Need something to listen to on your way to class or while you go through your morning routine? These five podcasts break away from typical chart-toppers with something for everyone to perfectly fill the silent gaps of a day.
Second in Command
This podcast pairs as a hilarious antidote to political tension as a great listen in the height of election season. This Veep rewatch podcast, hosted by co-stars Matt Walsh and Timothy Simons, is the perfect blend of comedy and politics. It’s complete with behind-the-scenes stories, famous show guests such as Julia Louis-Dreyfus and co-host banter that will make you laugh out loud.
The most recent episode, “Live from George Washington University,” is a gem. Walsh and Simons travel to George Washington University and spend more than an hour joking about college horrors, such as internships, dorms and budding adult life, with an audience of students. Tony Hale also makes a guest appearance to talk about politics, and his dopey role on the show as personal assistant Gary Walsh. With more than 125 comedic episodes, Second in Command is not only culturally relevant but just plain hilarious.
[The Travis Kelce phenomenon that’s hard to ignore]
The Readheads Book Club
Although there are many book review podcasts to choose from, The Readheads Book Club uniquely covers a wide range of genres from romances such as “The Paradise Problem” to classic novels such as “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
The monthly podcast is hosted by four friends who met in college. Many listeners may recognize Jackie Oshry from her successful pop culture podcast, The Toast. Much like our own college friend groups, the four friends sometimes bicker and other times laugh so hard they cry, all of which is packed into a session perfect for walks to class.
Think of those dorm hangouts where you sit on your bedroom floor with friends, talking and laughing for hours. No matter the book choice, their raw conversations remain funny and relatable. And just because it’s a virtual book club, doesn’t mean you can’t join in. Read along with The Readheads as they announce their next book club pick at the end of each episode, and watch the stressful school year, along with your pages, fly by.
The Sunshine Place
True crime junkies should immediately tune into The Sunshine Place. This limited series podcast relives the story of Synanon, a cult founded in the late 1950s in California. Its dramatic production and gripping interviews transform it into a thrilling listen.
This isn’t your average, cheesy true crime podcast like Dateline, but something much more complex. The podcast dives into the dangerous allure of cults and the charisma of cult leaders by following two former cult members and their descent into Synanon.
[UMD Spook ‘N Slay celebrates LGBTQ+ students’ costume creativity]
Two Hot Takes
Hosted by internet personality Morgan Absher, Two Hot Takes is reminiscent of a 21st century newspaper advice column. Absher reads through the wildest stories from Reddit with comments on everything from dating to friendships to everyday life. As the title reveals, the podcast is most known for its raunchy stories and hot takes, with opinions that seem to divide listeners and spark heated debate in the comment section.
Controversies aside, it’s a very entertaining listen. Tuning into Two Hot Takes will make you feel like you’re having a juicy gossip session with your best friend, but without the guilt after you press play.
Myths and Legends
Think you know your fairytales? Think again.
Listening is like cracking open an old, enchanted storybook. Each episode of Myths and Legends dives into a different fable from cultures around the world. Some episodes unfold over multiple parts that explore the rich meanings and origins of folklore in detail, while others zip along in 30 minutes in snappy explanations of mythological stories.
This modern, quirky approach to fabled storytelling is absolutely delightful, almost like a grown-up bedtime story for adults. For college students, it offers an easy way to pick up on niche history without the headache of a traditional history book.
