Tatler Review: 5 Thought-Provoking Podcasts For Millennials
The past year has had most of us try out new things and expand our horizons. God knows we've all rummaged for more shows to watch, books to read, recipes to try, hobbies to get into—you name it. This is only part and parcel of our pandemic life.
In a 2020 article by The Guardian, they mention that it is indeed "boom-time" for podcasts due to the high demand for content and engaging stories. To the unmotivated, podcasts may seem dull and uninteresting but the number of shows available proves otherwise. Sources say that among the generations, millennials are the biggest audience for them, with 80 per cent tuning in from their mobile phones.
So, if you're looking to try them out but don't know where to start, here are a few entertaining shows that will help fill out your day. We share our honest opinions on them and give you the lowdown on the best episodes to check out:
1/5 The Tablo Podcast
You may know Tablo through his music with the ground-breaking hip-hop group, Epik High, but it's high time (pun unfortunately intended) that you check out his uber-interesting podcast. Covering mundane topics like what not to do at a job interview, the best way to cook ramen, what makes for a 'perfect movie', ridiculous K Drama plot twists, and even how to survive a hypothetical apocalypse—the rapper gives his two cents on almost any topic.
This podcast is the perfect show to binge if you're a fan of dry, sarcastic humour or simply enjoy unpopular (or even controversial) opinions. Tablo doesn't filter himself as he speaks to Dive Studios producer Diane, or on occasion, his manager Eddie Nam.
Rating: 100 per cent would recommend but not to your friend who always takes things too seriously.
Episode to check out: Ep. 19 | True Crime: The Sims Killer. In this 55-minute episode, Tablo banters with Eddie and reveals his penchant for murder...ing Sims characters. Not for the faint of heart or those who grow emotionally attached to their computer game avatars.
2/5 Crazy/ Genius by The Atlantic
One of the best things about sharing a cup of coffee (or glass of wine) with a close friend is the potential for endless conversation, which may sometimes lead to inadvertent topics and even philosophical queries. This podcast by The Atlantic offers that kind of armchair banter: honest, engaging, and off-the-cuff.
Host Derek Thompson takes us through interesting questions like "How has Netflix changed entertainment?", "Should we go to Mars?", "Is online dating destroying romance?", and much more. Episodes last around 20 to 30 minutes so it's perfect to listen to in between chores or Zooms.
Would recommend to: Avid fans of Ted Talks, Elon Musk, or Malcolm Gladwell.
Episode to check out: Who Killed Local News? In this episode, Crazy Genius explores the value of small-town journalism and suggests that it may be the bedrock of freedom of speech and consequently, democracy.
3/5 You Must Remember This
You Must Remember This is a storytelling podcast that brings you a dose of life in the 20th century. All about the scandals that surround old Hollywood, this show is a great binge for those looking to understand life before the internet and hyperrealism.
Karina Longworth narrates stories in such a beautiful (and well-researched) way that you'll barely feel an hour go by. The show is composed of mini segments like the MGM Stories, Dead Blondes, The Blacklist, Six Degrees of Joan Crawford and more, so you can listen in parcels or depending on your topic of interest.
Would recommend to: Folks who love old Hollywood, celebrity gossip, or enjoy a nice audiobook.
Notable series: Charles Manson's Hollywood. We've all read about it and shiver at the thought of it but this podcast takes you through the events leading up to the famed Helter Skelter murders in twelve incredibly detailed episodes. Best to listen to during your commute or when you're up for some biographical mystery. Fair warning: this is definitely not light listening.
4/5 Get Real w Peniel, BM, and Ashley Choi
Speaking of something fun and light, Get Real with Peniel, BM, and Ashley Choi is one of the best podcasts out there for millennials. The three hosts talk about topics that matter to young adults through their own personal experiences and insights. Listening to this show feels like you're just hanging out with friends and catching up.
Casual, fun, and occasionally heartfelt, topics discussed include how to stay healthy, the value of family, managing haters, the real deal about cheaters, MBTIs, and even high school drama.
Rating: Five stars only, as Peniel would say.
Episode to check out: Being Awkward at Church with pH-1. In this episode, hosts Peniel and BM are joined by rapper pH-1 as they talk about faith and believing in God. I found this episode particularly refreshing as religion is not often talked about, let alone by public figures. A truly great episode to listen to, particularly for young adults who face similar questions about belief and trust.
5/5 Rabbit Hole by The New York Times
We've all come to know and love The New York Times for its hard-hitting journalism and this podcast is no different. In 30-minute bursts, tech columnist Kevin Roose talks about how the internet has changed our lives for good. The show's format is quite different, in that Roose inserts commentary between interviews and sound clips. Thus, it translates more like a reportage rather than a conversation.
Through encounters with different personalities and timely issues, he is able to take us further down the rabbit hole, so to speak, as we discover what exactly the internet is doing to all of us.
Would recommend to: Friends who enjoy conspiracy theories, are interested in Wikileaks or had a lot to say about the 2019 documentary, The Great Hack.
Episode to check out: Six: Impasse. Roose speaks to Youtuber PewDiePie aka Felix Kjellberg on the weight of his wide-reaching influence. They confront the devastating New Zealand Christchurch mass murder which was live-streamed by the shooter who said, "Remember lads, subscribe to PewDiePie". The tragedy cost 49 lives, which netizens have since held the Youtuber accountable for.