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The best podcasts for learning something fascinating!

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Who am I?

Hi! I'm a New York Times bestselling author and (loud) mental health advocate. I co-host the popular podcast Just Between Us and created the scripted podcast Gossip. I love dogs, Clorox wipes and sharing too much on the Internet. I love to walk away from a podcast episode having learned something interesting that will either change my perspective or make for an fun tidbit to share at a party. I think one of the best parts of being an adult is (finally) having an appreciation for learning in a way I didn't as a kid. I love diving into totally new topics or learning more about something I only had a small understanding of before.

My Show

What is my podcast about and/or how does it relate to the playlist topic you chose?

Just Between Us is a comedic variety show where me and my cohosts openly discuss everything from mental health to sex and all the stuff in-between. Each week, we answer a question from a listener seeking advice, interview someone fascinating, participate in a rarely winnable game show and discuss a random topic affecting the world. One of my favorite parts of Just Between Us is how wide ranging the guests are. As long as you are an expert on a topic that interests us, we want to pick your brain. This means we have covered a wide range of topics on the show from bats to housing discrimination. I always walk away from a recording a little bit more knowledgeable about the world.

What is my podcast playlist about?

My playlist highlights shows that have stuck with me because I learned something new while listening to them. They enriched my life not just through entertainment but by changing how I think about things.

The podcasts I picked and why

1. Cover Story

Why this podcast?

Cover Story: Power Trip The first season of New York Magazine’s investigative podcast is not to be missed. Lily Kay Ross takes the listener into the dangerous underground scene of psychedelics while also exposing the unethical practices being used in clinical trials. This show does an excellent job of exploring a complex topic and makes a great case for why we need better practices and regulation before unleashing these powerful drugs into the mental health field.

Cover Story

Cover Story

New York Magazine

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What can a billionaire get away with these days? A secret bat cave? A harem of women? An international spy operation? Stealing the soul of a small town in Montana? A Silicon Valley venture capitalist was accused of running a massive sex-trafficking operation by his best bro friend. And we unravel the truth about both of them - their business, their break-up, their lies, and their embarrassing text messages. The story of a billionaire with a hero complex, the ex-spy who turned his life inside out, and us, the reporters who got caught up in their macho drama. Cover Story is an investigative podcast series featuring original reporting from New York Magazine. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. New episodes every Tuesday.

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38 Listeners

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2. Very Presidential with Ashley Flowers

Why this podcast?

This limited series gives the true crime treatment to some of the most notorious men to hold highest office. Each episode deep dives into a former American president, exposing bad behavior and state secrets all in one. Well produced and engaging, my only wish is that there were more episodes!

Very Presidential with Ashley Flowers
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Commander-in-Chief. Head of State. Chief Executive. The most powerful title in the world can come with hidden secrets. Audiochuck presents Very Presidential with Ashley Flowers, a podcast that shines a light on the dark side of presidential legacies, including shocking corruption and true crime in the Oval Office. Take a jaw-dropping trip through time with Ashley as she exposes the personal and professional controversies of the presidency you won’t find in textbooks or the headlines.

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6 Listeners

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3. The Lost Kids

Why this podcast?

This serialized, investigative show skillfully uncovers the dangers and insidiousness of “tough love” programs for troubled teens through the lens of one missing kid. It’s an enlightening (and often infuriating) listen that stays with you after you finish all six episodes.

The Lost Kids

The Lost Kids

USG Audio

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Hosted by journalist Josh Bloch (“Uncover: Escaping NXIVM”), THE LOST KIDS dives deep into the search for a missing teen, uncovering the dark and twisted business of tough-love programs for “troubled teens” and their ties to one of America's most dangerous cults.

Credits:

Jessica Grimshaw- For USG Audio

Jennifer Sears- For USG Audio

Josh Bloch- Executive Producer, Host, Producer

Kathleen Goldhar- Executive Producer, Producer

Amanda McPhillips- Executive Producer

Stuart Coxe- Executive Producer

Nathan Ament- Executive Producer

David McDougall- Producer

Medium Anonymous- Producer

Todd Nilssen- Producer

Max Miller- Associate Producer

Mitchell Stuart- Editor

Beth Karas- Researcher

Arik Martin- Transcriber

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16 Listeners

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4. Unraveled

Why this podcast?

While most seasons of Unraveled dive into a specific true crime case, season three breaks format to take on faulty forensics, “expert” testimonies and wrongful incarceration. They break down why so much of what we believe to be true in court cases just…isn’t. It’s a thoughtful examination of a widespread problem making it a must listen.

Unraveled
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Unraveled is hosted by journalist Alexis Linkletter. Each season features a deep dive investigation into a case or issue. Season 1 covers the case of the Long Island Serial Killer.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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15 Listeners

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5. If Books Could Kill

Why this podcast?

As a Michael Hobbes super fan, it’s not shocking that I love his new podcast. With co-host Peter Shamshiri, Michael takes down and breaks down a different best-selling book in each episode flawlessly exposing how easy it is to fall for something with a shiny cover. The show also gets to explore all sorts of fascinating topics while sticking to a tried-and-true format.

If Books Could Kill

If Books Could Kill

Michael Hobbes & Peter Shamshiri

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The airport bestsellers that captured our hearts and ruined our minds

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70 Listeners

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7 Comments

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