Arts and Culture

Hooked: Podcast Recommendations

I remember the first time I heard about podcasts; I was under the perception that podcasts were just about people complaining about life or sharing the popular news. As a person with a hearing impairment, it was difficult to hear the speakers well, so I never saw the appeal. Yet over the years, 2020 in particular, there has been a spike in the popularity of podcasts. I have been able to find podcasts that I just can’t get enough of, so here are my top five favourite podcasts on Spotify!


Photo credit: This American Life

1. Serial

I can’t talk about podcasts without the first one that sparked my love for the medium. Over the course of several seasons, the host, reporter Sarah Koening, points out the flaws of the American Judicial System. The first episode covers the R v. Adnan Case from 1999, where she tries to determine if Adnan was truly the murderer of his ex-girlfriend or the victim of a shoddy justice system. After listening to all 12 episodes, you’ll instantly want to become either a detective as you try to solve this “unsolved” case or a lawyer as you rise to his defence.

Photo credit: SuperCarlinBrothers

2. Popcorn Culture

Are you a fan of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and Harry Potter? You’ll love this podcast hosted by the YouTubers SuperCarlinBrothers, Ben and Johnathon Carlin. These two brothers from Roanoke, Virginia are all about celebrating your fandom. On their channel, they offer fun theories on each fandom. However, recently they just started their new podcast Popcorn Culture, which is an extension of their channel where they talk about current shows and films, plus funny jokes, coyote trivia, personal stories, life hacks, and reflections.

Photo credit: Full Fat Videos

3. The Full Fat Podcast

If you have been watching Marvel’s newest show, WandaVision, on Disney+ and are wondering what in the world you just watched, The Full Fat Podcast, hosted by the Full Fat Videos Crew on YouTube, have been watching each episode and reacting to it while providing some clarity to fans of the show. They not only explain the MCU references for new Marvel fans but also do a deep dive into the comic Easter eggs as well.

Photo credit: Jason Weiser

4. Myths and Legends

Myths and Legends is a podcast where Jason Weiser tells the dramatic tales of folklore, urban legends, and myths across the world. I assure you that after giving it a listen, your childhood will be ruined, but your curiosity will be piqued.

Photo credit: Amelia Arrows

5. Ask Amelia Podcast

Finally, I can’t talk about podcasts without including my own. I know, I know, such shameful promotion! Yet, if you are a new writer or a writer who is eager for some new tips and tricks to strengthen your creative muscle, the Ask Amelia Podcast is for you. After 10 years of writing and a bunch of published stuff under my belt, I answer your writing questions and invite guests to talk about certain issues in writing!