This is the first newsletter of a potential new series called PodSnacks Picks!
The plan is to share my Top 5 podcast episodes on Fridays with my commentary on why they are worth listening to over the weekend.
If you found this email valuable and would like PodSnacks Picks to become a weekly series, let me know in the comments or via email.
Snack Queen
📰 News
Podcast: The Daily - A New York Times Podcast
Episode: “A Murderous Rampage in Georgia”
Host: Michael Barbaro
Guest: Nicole Hong, Law Enforcement Reporter, The New York Times
Apple | Spotify | 🕰️ 26 min | 🗓️ 03/18/2021
This New York Times podcast covers the rise of anti-Asian violence in the US in the light of another horrible attack in Georgia. Where this episode differentiates itself from other news reporting is the deep dive into the difficulty of classifying attacks against Asian-Americans as hate crimes. I highly recommend this episode to everyone, who intends to get a more profound education on the racist violence issue in the United States.
🗳️ Politics
Podcast: Worldly
Episode: “Europe’s Vaccine Disaster”
Hosts: Zack Beauchamp, Jennifer Williams & Alex Ward
Apple | Spotify | 🕰️ 55 min | 🗓️ 03/18/2021
This “Wordly” episode is an interesting discussion about Europe’s current vaccine rollout struggles. I appreciate the extensive background information on topics including why the EU pays less for vaccines, the AstraZeneca blood clots investigations, and the functioning of the EU as a political institution. The two American and one European host share their different perspectives on the issue, which makes this episode especially insightful.
🚀 Biz & Tech
Podcast: Pivot
Episode: “The Future of Travel and a Friend of Pivot on Telehealth”
Hosts: Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway
Guest: Andrew Dudum, CEO, Hims/Hers
Apple | Spotify | 🕰️ 1 hr 1 min | 🗓️ 03/16/2021
Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway are undoubtedly my favorite podcast duo. In this episode they talk about the future of travel and telehealth, as the pandemic restrictions in the US gradually get lifted. I also enjoy the discussion with their guest Hims/Hers CEO Andrew Dudum, because they don’t shy away from asking tough questions. If you appreciate bold statements and unfiltered opinions, this is the podcast to listen to.
💬 Culture & Society
Podcast: The goop Podcast
Episode: “Being a Recovering People-Pleaser”
Host: Gwyneth Paltrow
Guest: Cara Delevingne, Model/ Actress/ Entrepreneur/ Activist
Apple | Spotify | 🕰️ 51 min | 🗓️ 03/16/2021
Gwyneth Paltrow excels at creating an intimate atmosphere that leads to Cara Delevingne opening up and showing her side of being an activist in the LGBTQIA community. This episode feels like a light, yet serious conversation between friends.
🌍 Environment
Podcast: How to Save a Planet
Episode: “Is Your Carbon Footprint BS?”
Hosts: Alex Blumberg & Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Guest: Dr. Katharine Wilkinson, Writer/ Climate Change Activist
Apple | Spotify | 🕰️ 46 min | 🗓️ 03/18/2021
“Do your individual actions matter when it comes to climate change? Or is it all about big, systemic change?” In this episode, the hosts discuss both sides of the argument and rethink everyone’s individual role in climate change. I believe this is one of the most important discussions of our time and recommend this “How to Save a Planet” episode as a reminder of each individual’s responsibility in climate change.
