If you’re like the average person stuck quarantining in the pandemic, you are probably on the hunt for fresh content to keep your mind engaged. Especially when living in NYC, self-isolation can be difficult. Whether you have hit a Netflix overdose, or simply need fresh perspectives to get you back in tune with the vibrancy and bustle of New York City— look no further. Podcasts are here for the win!
In case you are new to the world of podcasts, they can be a wonderful source of information, humor, advice and everything else in between. Think of it like reading or conversing with your eyes closed. (Or open, we can’t tell you what to do!)
As a matter of fact, 3 out of 4 podcast listeners shared that they specifically enjoy tuning into podcasts to learn new things and gain new perspectives.
In the world, there are currently 1,750,000 ongoing audio podcasts with nearly 43 million episodes available to stream. So if you’re just starting your journey, there is no doubt that you will be spoilt for choice.
Luckily, we have compiled a list of the quirkiest podcasts that remind you why living in NYC is worth the trouble. Read on for the ultimate New York Guide to podcast listening, curated for you by your favorites at Roomi –
1. Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics radio is the brainchild of New York economist Steven D. Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner, authors of a best-selling book series and film of the same name. Join the hosts each week as they make you put on your thinking caps by telling you “things you never thought you wanted to know (but do)”. Topics range from “How the Supermarket Helped America Win the Cold War” to “An Astronaut, a Catalan, and Two Linguists Walk Into a Bar…. Follow along the mind-bending discussions to help you see living in NYC in a brand new, contemplative light.
2. The New Yorker Podcasts
No New York Guide would be complete without a mention of the beloved magazine “The New Yorker” and its host of podcasts. The talk radio segments run along selected topics ranging from the best of literature, news, and politics to poetry. For the literature lovers living in NYC, “ The New Yorker Fiction” segment digs into the archives of the magazine to find selected stories from legendary authors, followed by a discussion with an expert guest. You can find the latest episode featuring a short story by Steven Millhouser here.
3. Modern Love Podcast
The Modern Love Podcast is based on the popular New York Times column “Modern Love”. The episodes feature the best of the real, raw, and complicated love stories from writers living in NYC and beyond. Many submissions span over the 16-year existence of the featured column, read by notable personalities, and even include updates from the original essayists themselves. Consider the show a New Yorker’s guide to dating and unconventional love, with true stories that tug at your heartstrings.
After hitting the 200 episode mark, the podcast got a revamp with hosts Daniel Jones, the editor and creator of the Modern Love series, and Miya Lee, the editor of Tiny Love Stories and Modern Love projects. Don’t know where to start your journey through the plethora of rom-com content that awaits you? Try this curated list from NYT to get started: The Modern Love Podcast: 10 Episodes to Binge Through the Holidays.
P.S. The series has also been turned into a TV show!
Fall in love at first sight here:
You may also like: Top 6 2020 Podcast Picks for The Pandemic
4. Dissect
Take your love for music to another level through the Dissect podcast, which analyzes contemporary music from your favorite artists. The show is venerated as “the best podcast of 2018” by the New York Times and received honorable mentions from both TIME and The Guardian. The seven-season strong podcast features in-depth views into DAMN. by Kendrick Lamar (Season 5), Beyonce’s Lemonade (Season 6).
Hosted by Cole Cuchna, the podcast is currently dissecting masterpieces from Childish Gambino’s repertoire. Cuchna has a degree in Music Composition and aims to give the genre of hip hop the academic analysis it deserves. Add the talk show to listen along on your subway rides and walks to make living in NYC even more musical.
5. Rationally Speaking
Recorded in heart of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, Rationally Speaking brands itself as the New York Guide for skeptics, supported by an actual non-profit called “New York City Skeptics ” that promotes science and critical thinking. Host Julia Galef challenges her guests to explore the borders of sense, dissecting each topic with humor, reason, and with a healthy skeptical eye. Recent episodes tackle questions like “Is screen time bad for you?” and “Why consciousness is an illusion”.
See also: 7 Things New Yorkers Wish They Knew Before Moving To NYC
6. The Read
Bloggers Kid Fury and Crissle are here to give you the weekly scoop, throwing all tea and all shade towards pop culture stars and hip hop legends. Allegedly, no one is safe besides queen Beyoncé herself. The podcast also serves as chicken soup for those adjusting to living in NYC and the subway rats. Both hosts are NYC transplants that talk about their experiences with fitting into the Big Apple scene. The new kid’s New York Guide to survival, interspersed with celebrity gossip makes the podcast a must-listen.
Happy listening from the team at Roomi! ?
If you liked this, you might also like: Living In NYC: Debunking 5 Common Myths & Stereotypes
Need some more Roomi in your life? Have your pick from Roomi’s endless recommendations crafted to your needs. Doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a room to call home, a couch to call your bed or a mate to share these with! Download the app here — and get surfin’
