Picture me in 2020, a mere 14-year-old, as the pandemic began. I wanted to go back to school more than anything, and yet I had no choice but to stay home and listen to my own thoughts. That was until I discovered podcasts.
My first podcast encounter was “All Things Internet” with mother-daughter-duo Gwen and Rachel Ballinger. They talked about everything from international news to what Gwen’s chickens and grandkids were doing during the pandemic. They were always uplifting and made me feel less alone and they informed me about the news around me.
This first podcast experience shaped the way I listen. Since I didn’t have to watch a screen in order to follow along, I was able to do tasks around the house and even work on my schoolwork while being entertained.
This podcast also taught me about becoming more politically aware. It showed me the dangers of misinformation and brought up conversations about politics that I could not have at home or at school.
Last spring I discovered a podcast called the “Chosen Family”, which consists of three lesbian comedians who chat each week about how their weeks went. The hosts Ashley Gavin, Mak Ingemi and Alayna Joy each bring a different perspective to the table and invite their listeners to join their chosen family.
This podcast taught me a great deal about the world outside of my own bubble where there are plenty of queer folks to answer your questions. I continue to keep up with the episodes as they drop and will often listen during my Sunday room resets.
Another podcast that is an automatic listen for me is “Digital Diary with Hannah Elise.” Hannah Elise began her social media career on YouTube, and I binge-watched her complete collection of videos during the beginning of the pandemic. When she released her podcast in January 2023, I was ecstatic.
Her podcast consists of more random thoughts than a developed order. These episodes tend to have a theme and often offer advice to listeners. Hannah is a recent college graduate, which makes her advice even more valuable to me.
My most recent podcast discovery is “Conversations,” which is hosted by Leo Wolters Tejera, a local to the Olean, NY area. They are non-binary and on each episode, they interview a person who is familiar to the queer space.
One of the most recent episodes of the podcast was with Brandilyne Mangum-Dear, a queer and spiritual activist. This episode focuses on the way that Brandilyne has lived in southern America as a queer woman and how she continues to advocate for those in similar positions.
I highly recommend giving one of these podcasts a shot, especially if you are looking to hear new perspectives on some serious issues!