The Pod Squad

Have you joined the podcast craze? Podcasts have been rising steadily in popularity for a while now, which means there’s no better time to start listening. There are podcasts for every interest, from podcasts created specifically for caregivers or volunteers to trivia shows you can play from home. All you need is a phone, tablet or computer and a bit of tech savvy!

Podcasts offer listeners an opportunity to enjoy entertainment, education and encouragement at home or on the go. You can listen to a podcast made in New York, California or recorded fifty years ago. Most podcasts are available online or through apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Stitcher. Whether you’re a podcast newbie or a pod pro, we have a handful of podcasts we’d like to share.

For Seniors

The Lux Radio Theater Podcast

Did you know you can listen to the classic show, The Lux Radio Theater, over fifty years after it went off the air? The dramatic, hour-long stories are presented by the Radio Nostalgia Network. In the show, Hollywood stars from the early to mid 1900’s perform hour-long renditions of classic films with a full orchestra and sound effects. The original shows were performed for a live studio audience. Take a trip back in time by listening with Apple Podcasts or PlayerFM.

You Must Remember This 

The You Must Remember This podcast is another trip down memory lane into the early days of Hollywood. Producer and host Karina Longworth explores the forgotten (and secret) history of Hollywood’s first century. The show often includes guest stars who help dive deep into the Hollywood gossip you might have missed. The show is extensively researched and is perfect for history, film and celebrity buffs. You can listen on the You Must Remember This website and Apple Podcasts.

For Volunteers

Good News Shared

The Good News Shared podcast celebrates positive, optimistic stories of people doing good work throughout the world. It’s perfect for a rainy day or whenever you need a little inspiration to go out and do some good of your own. You can take a stroll around their website for stories about animals, community, food security and inspirational individuals or you can enjoy listening to one of the 44 podcast episodes available on the Good News Shared website. 

Big Vision Podcast

This podcast finished recording in 2013, but it’s still worth your time for the heart-warming episodes featuring interviews of inspiring people from around the world. The host, Britt Bravo, a positivity life coach, spoke with over 70 people who are working towards building a better world. The activists, nonprofit leaders, authors and academics who share their work will have you motivated to play your part in building a better world. At the very least, it’ll warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Enjoy listening on the Big Vision Podcast website. 

For Caregivers

AARP Care-Full Conversations

AARP Colorado produces this podcast series, which focuses on confronting mortality as a caregiver. Although the topic is a heavy one, this podcast can be an important resource for caregivers or anyone struggling with mortality. You can listen on SoundCloud or Apple Podcasts.

People With Parents Podcast

If you’re a caregiver or someone who has seniors in your life who sometimes drive you a little bonkers, this is the podcast for you. Host Leighann Lord was blindsided by the role reversal that followed a turn in her parents’ health. While struggling to balance taking care of her parents with living her own life, Lord created the People with Parents Podcast as a way to share bite-sized stories of all the crazy antics that come with caregiving. Take a listen on the People With Parents website, Stitcher or Google Play.

AGEWYZ Podcast 

Hosted by caregiving expert Jana Panarites, AGEWYZ talks to caregivers, aging professionals and other guests to explore the world of caregiving. You can pick episodes that are relevant to your caregiving journey or go through one-by-one to soak up all the wisdom AGEWYZ has to offer. Listen on the AGEWYZ website.

To Learn Something New

This American Life

Hailed as the most popular podcast in America, this NPR produced show is hosted by Ira Glass and has over 600 episodes. The show centers on stories from across the country and the people whose lives make up the American experience we know today. You can find this podcast everywhere podcasts are available (including through your radio) or you can listen on the This American Life website.

Stuff You Missed in History Class

This podcast is a must-listen for history buffs or anyone with an interest in the forgotten parts of our past. It’s an exploration in under an hour. Episodes span the globe and weave their way throughout centuries. Listen on the Stuff You Missed website. 

Good Job, Brain! 

Who doesn’t love trivia? Turns out you don’t have to watch Jeopardy or go to the local Geeks Who Drink trivia night for the chance to test your knowledge of random information. This podcast combines fun trivia with quirky news stories. It’s the best of both worlds! Test your quiz skills with almost 200 episodes to choose from. Listen on the Good Job, Brain! website or on Stitcher.

Do you have a favorite podcast that we didn’t mention? Let us know with a comment below!