Have you noticed that all your favourite entertainers, comedians, actors, moms, and even friends have started a podcast? Podcasting and creating a podcast has taken a considerable rise in the last two years and especially in the past couple of months (hint: quarantine gave us nothing but time). It’s the new radio listen, except we can listen to a podcast readily anywhere and everywhere because of our smartphones. There’s great potential in podcasts, and I’m noticing it a lot more. For some people, it is the next step to their career to pass along their knowledge and form a feedback loop with listeners and fans. It’s also easier to have conversations and easy for listeners to multitask. Because you can listen to a podcast while doing chores, going for a walk, on the bus, in the car, on the toilet absolutely anytime, you are free and have earphones!

So I have some podcast recommendations, some of which I was recommended, there are plenty of options. Below are some of my favourites and other Shakespeare’s Hunnies readers’ favourite Canadian podcasts as well. They’re inspiring, some are funny, others are about the acting industry, money and controversial/essential discourses in our society.

1. Colour Code, National Theatre Podcast

National Theatre Podcast

If all the world’s a stage, we’re the programme notes.The National Theatre Podcast explored how theatre connects to the big issues of our time: sex, death, politics, and everything in between. Go behind the scenes to investigate the artists and the ideas behind some of the most interesting, recent productions, and go out into the world to find theatre at play in our everyday lives.

It’s a show about theatre, without the drama.

Colour Code

If there’s one thing Canadians avoid, it’s talking about race. This podcast is here to change that. Join hosts Denise Balkissoon and Hannah Sung for a new conversation on race in Canada. We won’t have all the answers but we do ask bold questions.Denise Balkissoon is a columnist and editor for The Globe’s Life section. Hannah Sung is a video producer at The Globe.

If you are like me and reading countless of books can difficult to find the time but also still necessary to pick a few up. This podcast breaks down Race relations in Canada very well and in a way that only has me having more questions and quick to click the next episode eager to learn more.

2. Life is Short, Off Camera

OffCamera with Sam Jones

Off Camera is an American interview-based television series, magazine and podcast created and hosted by photographer/director Sam Jones. He interviews actors, directors in the industry you can find the videos on youtube/netflix!

Life is Short with Justin Long

“Is it just me, or is time flying by? How do we make the most out of our short time here on Earth? That’s what we’re here to find out.- Justin Long”. His podcast focuses the everyday life questions with humour and joy. Justin Long and his brother have conversations about finding the meaning to life and understanding people. Take a listen on Spotify,apple music, and some clips are on youtube!

3. Debt Free, Planet Money

Anthony O’neal Podcast (Debt Free)

Anthony O’Neal helps students make smart decisions with their money, relationships and education. Anthony is passionate about helping students pursue their passions while living a well‑balanced life. His youtube channel Anthony O’neal and book debt free discuss practical ways youth can become smarter with their finances. Also take a listen to their new podcast “Borrowed Future” where they unpack is University worth it?

Recommend: This is for anyone of any age on how to become financially independent or stable. I found his conversations with other speakers to be enlightening and informative.

Planet Money (NPR)

Planet Money is an American podcast and blog produced by NPR. Using “creative and entertaining” dialogue and narrative, Planet Money claims to be “The Economy Explained”.

Recommend: If you want to understand the global economy in an easy and informative way this podcast is your friend.

4. The Michelle Obama, Triggernometry

Triggernometry

TRIGGERnometry is a free speech YouTube show and podcast. They believe in open, fact-based discussion of important and controversial issues.

Comedians Konstantin Kisin and Francis Foster create fun-but-serious conversations with fascinating guests, including former Presidential advisors and political experts, leading economists, psychologists, journalists, social and cultural commentators, YouTubers and others. They give their guests a chance to say what they think and explain why.

The Michelle Obama Podcast

There’s no introduction needed for Ms.Obama she’s a phenomenal human being, and now she has a podcast streaming on Spotify! This podcast focuses initially on rebuilding communities as Michelle Obama embarks on topics regarding community, the love that powers our relationships. And answering questions about how we all fit in social movements and dynamics.

5. Let’s Grab Coffee, Black Tea

Black Tea

Writers Andray Domise and Melayna Williams are here to have the tough but important conversations right out in the open, and have some laughs while doing it. Join them each week for insightful and uncomfortable discussions; about issues that matter to Canada’s Black communities. Again another great podcasts on artist’s industry for Black actors, performers, musicians etc…. Also these two crack me up and put a smile on my face!

Let’s Grab Coffee

Let’s Grab Coffee Tyler Check The podcast for anyone interested in theatre in Canada and the people who make it happen. This podcast is hosted by Tyler Check with new episodes every week. I am giving Canadian podcasts here on this blog! Tyler Check’s podcast is a great listen for actors to tune in he speaks with a wide range of people in this industry and it’s fun!

OOPS did I say five reasons to listen to podcasts I meant eight! All of which are great to tune in now and then and get enlightened on some exciting topics. Many of them are on Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud or Youtube!