My Favourite Podcast
My foray into the world of podcasts was deliberately cautious. I was never a fan of audiobooks mainly due to their inability to hold my attention the same way words on paper or screen could- perhaps I loved the sound and pacing of my inner voice much more than Stephen Fry’s, who seemed to be narrating everything. Over time, i started finding some podcasts which I enjoyed enough to seek out previous episodes and anticipate future instalments. The topics ranged from pop culture to history and even finance.
Earn Your Leisure introduced me to the concept of Index Funds which got me started on my investment journey. The Jordan Peterson podcast was a huge source of solace during the COVID lockdown - the series on biblical stories was so fascinating at the time. My renewed interest in Dostoevsky and the great classic novels - Count of Monte Cristo, Frankenstein, Dr Jekyll and Hyde, The Time Machine etc - was also because of this podcast. As a lover of music, the Dissect podcast seasons on Childish Gambino’s Because the Internet and Kanye West’s Yeezus made me appreciate the creative depth of these artistes and how the smallest details often have subtle but lasting impact on the listener.
These days, life permits even fewer podcasts but some have stood the test of time forcing their way into my routine. Bishop Robert Barron has become my unofficial Spiritual Guide - he is brilliant, concise and faithful - I really enjoy his bite-sized sermons. Osagz, Steve and AOT2 on Loosetalk remind me of simpler times on the hostel corridors in Uni, arguing about any and everything. Dominic and Tom on The Rest is History are hilarious in that old-fashioned, british-presenter way but their ability to convey both ancient and contemporary history with manageable bias to their audience is what keeps them ahead of the game.
My favourite podcast, however, surpasses all of these in every way imaginable. The episodes are frequent but not regular or scheduled. The host prefers a much more radical approach: get inspiration, investigate idea and share immediately. This host is brilliant, composed and imaginative. She always begins an episode with “guess what I just learned?” - an invitation into the her world of chaotic curiosities, which she will then slowly build into a lucid picture, savouring your shock at every turn. The host also casually demonstrates knowledge in a plethora of fields including philosophy, theology, economics, pop culture, art, fashion, consumer behaviour and psychology.
The first time this host took me on such adventure, I enjoyed what I believed would be a one-off affair. Many adventures later, I look forward to that phrase “guess what I just learned” as I know I’m about to get detailed knowledge on some niche or mundane topic. Her eyes bright with child-like excitement; her gestures wild and carefree; her voice surprisingly measured as she waxes lyrical about her topic du jour, or orders you to immediately confirm any one of her many references. Sometimes, we take long, meandering walks as she deconstructs her ideas without losing her breath while I steal awe-filled glances at her.
My dearest Z, your unimpeded stream of consciousness has found a very willing perpetual and happy sink in me.