Favorite Podcasts in my Early 20s
I used to hate podcasts. They were always something I asked my parents to turn off so that I could sing any Kelly Clarkson song. Why would anyone want to learn outside of school? Why would anyone want to listen to someone else talk for an hour or more? To be fair, podcasts when I was a child were not the major entertainment source they are today. Podcasts back then were NPR, were news, were “boring” stuff that I never paid attention to.
It wasn’t until college that I started exploring the podcast world. I was exhausted from the lecture learning environment. I loved listening to music on my walks, but sometimes it still wasn’t enough. I was like a child - needing engagement and stimulation. I had listened to a few podcasts here and there over the years, but nothing ever really stuck. It wasn’t until one of my best friends, whom I admired her creative and productive mind, recommended a couple podcasts to me to listen to. One of them really stuck out to me, and through that one seed, I found a whole world of podcasts that have helped me grow, given me laughs, and made me question significant things in society. They also keep me from spiraling and ruminating often, which is necessary! I have listed a few of my favorites here that have given me comfort and guidance in my early 20s. I’m sure many of you will recognize these recommendations, and if you don’t, go take a listen!
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
This was the podcast that my friend recommended to me that actually stuck. Dax and Monica interview celebrities to leaders in science, arts, politics, and more. The guests on this show are incomparable - being able to dive into the lives and minds of each without the pretense of it being an “interview.” I think that largely has to do with the fact that Dax and Monica are embedded in the celebrity world themselves, and can talk to most of their guests without the pretense of “Oh my god they are celebrities,” which brings a humanization-like perspective to the people we typically only see through social media or news. Although some interviews can seem PR-focused to promote a celebrity’s new skincare line, one of my favorite parts about this podcast is that I have been able to listen to the stories of Asian American celebrities and leaders that I would not have been able to in any other setting. I remember listening to an episode with Roy Choi, and hearing his passion to bring Korean food as something to be celebrated in Western culture was inspiring and empowering. You will find many interviews like Roy’s where you will relate, admire, and maybe even tear up a little.
Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain
Yes, the influencer of our generation. This podcast is a girl best friend in a nutshell. She talks about, well anything, but usually falls in the theme of lessons growing up, questioning societal norms, and giving fashion or lifestyle advice. She articulates her opinions with humor and candidness so well - something that I think is hard to master with a podcast. She’ll talk about seasonal depression all the way to her experience with weed. She questions the celebrity/influencer norms that she experiences. If you ever just want to have some girl talk in your ear, this podcast is a go to.
I have loved Ali Abdaal on YouTube for quite some time, and his podcast is no different. He scratches the entrepreneur/side hustle portion of my brain and provides an even more interesting perspective due to his background as a doctor and content creator. This podcast has inspired me to start not only this blog but my own podcast as well. If you ever feel like you have this potential that’s waiting to be unlocked, or maybe you don’t even know you have this potential but are curious, this podcast is for you. Ali talks in a way that makes you believe in yourself, and the people he interviews will also do the same. Two of my favorite interviews was with Rupy Aujla and Vee Kativhu. Rupy was also a doctor but now focuses his energy on bringing accessibility to good, nutritional foods and food education to his followers and hospitals. This interview singlehandedly inspired me to continue my path down medicine with my global sustainability background. Vee Kativhu is an absolute ray of sunshine and inspirational leader of girl education, and the fact that she’s close to my age and has already accomplished so much in this world with her positive attitude pushes me forward as well. If you ever want to feel inspired, this podcast will do it.
This podcast has been essential to my understanding of money and my relationship with money in my early 20s. I understand how it affects pretty much everything in my life and our society. This podcast has humbled me and taught me so much about mindful spending, unethical components of money, and building wealth. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the idea of managing money, this podcast can be a start to understanding it.
And to end this post, I wanted to highlight some newer favorites. I’ve only listened to a couple episodes thus far for each but have been instantly hooked. Take a listen!
Newer favorites:
