Mare’s Top Ten Podcasts

I like to listen to podcasts when I’m doing chores around the house, driving or a cat picks me to be their cat bed and I can’t reach a book (my phone is always within reach-that may need a blog post of its own, ha ha!).  Some of them are writing related, some are about authors and some are just random.  Here are my top 10:

Lit Service

Caitlin Sangster, Kristen Evans, Cameron Harris and Aliah Eberting are all writers who are “Fans of fiction and purveyors of dodgy writing advice”, as their tagline goes.  Their short, fun podcast usually features a guest author.  The first part discusses a particular writing topic and the second part critiques the first chapter of a book submitted by an audience member.  They’re fun to listen to and even though I’m not familiar with most of the books or authors they feature, their discussions always leave me thinking about my own writing.  Since this podcast started in 2017, I’m looking forward to catching up!

The Cozy Corner

Hosted by cozy mystery writer and medical doctor Alexia Gordon, whose Gethsemane Brown books I discovered and devoured last year, this podcast centers on, naturally, cozy mystery writers. These are fun conversations that delve into how the writer came to create their lead characters and other details of place and time, that I find fascinating. The worst part of listening to this podcast is that my TBR pile keeps growing because I want to read all the books I’m being introduced to! And she just did a special series of Holiday episodes.

I Am All In

All things Gilmore Girls with Luke Danes himself, Scott Patterson.  He and his team are devoting a podcast to each episode of the show.  Guests have ranged from the hilarious Sally Struthers, who played Babette, to day players only seen in the background of shots.  What’s interesting is that Patterson didn’t watch the show when it aired, so now we’re getting his honest reactions to the storylines 20 years on.    Most episodes also have a Pop Culture review, listing some of the references to literature, movies, books, etc. within the dialog of that episode.

Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown

Actress Mayim Bialik is putting her PhD to good use in this podcast that centers on mental health, which she cohosts with her significant other, Jonathan Cohen.  Each podcast has a guest, made up of a mix of mental health or neurology professionals and celebrities revealing their struggles with the issues they deal with.  Lots of information is packed into these episodes that have had me alternately laughing and crying.

Clear and Vivid

Alan Alda hosts this podcast that delves into communication.  Alda has always been interested in medical communication, so some of his guests come from scientific fields but he also talks to authors and actors about the mechanics of communicating.  I remember listening to Dr. Anthony Fauci explaining the corona virus in late February of 2020.  I love Alda’s engagement with his guests and he always ends each interview with a lightning round of questions that’s usually pretty revealing.

The Write Mindset

Racquel Henry, a writer, editor and educator from Florida, hosts this podcast that concentrates on the writing mindset.  She often calls her experiences in keeping herself motivated and writing ‘woo woo’ and I totally relate!  Shoring up our self-confidence and keeping ourselves motivated is hard and sometimes we just depend on the universe to give us signs and nudges.  She also runs the Writer’s Atelier in Winter Park, FL.  Wish it was closer!!

About the Journey

This is a newer entry in the Podcast world, presented by Marriott Bonvoy Traveler and hosted by Oneika Raymond. She takes a road trip, stopping at attractions and restaurants to interview residents and business owners. It may sound boring without visuals but it’s actually fun—my favorite is probably the school bus graveyard that became a popular art site when an artist asked to use one as a canvas, turning trash into treasure. A few places have already gone on my travel bucket list. The episodes are mostly under 20 minutes and end at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel (they are underwriting it, after all!).

Embrace Your Weird

You might recognize Lisa Jakub from Mrs. Doubtfire and Independence Day.  She’s now retired from acting and giving her energy to yoga and mental health issues as a facilitator and author.  Her podcasts were originally recorded in her bedroom closet with her sweet rescue dog, Olive, by her side (and they may still be).  Most episodes deal with trying to thrive in a world many of us aren’t made for.  I connected with so much of what she talked about in her first season (I need to catch up!).  Her calm voice and humor are truly a balm for an introvert like me.

The Happy Writer

Marissa Meyer is one of my favorite YA writers. She’s been doing this podcast since just before the pandemic started, so it was a bright light in my “bunker”, her phrase for staying at home. Interviews with other YA authors range from their newest books to the nitty gritty of writing and publishing. Another danger to be TBR pile(s)! I love her bubbly personality and, just FYI, the cute ukulele intro was performed by her, too.

A Lot to Learn with Austin Rogers

Austin Rogers is one of the most fun Jeopardy winners of recent years.  He’s a bartender in NYC and had such a refreshing, casual approach to his Jeopardy run.  His podcast (which I think he’s stopped producing) did deep dives into random subjects, from the longest sea voyage ever to boxing and art, from medical myths to zoological medicine and sake.  And, of course, all things Jeopardy, including interviews with Buzzy Cohen and beloved host Alex Trebeck.

I hope some of these podcasts might have resonated with you and you’ll give them a listen.  And let me know in the comments what podcasts I might want to try!