10. Akimbo: The Hype Cycle
Seth Godin’s breakdown of how ideas get popular, how things go from obscura to the mainstream, and how products need to adapt over time is sheer brilliance.
9. Rough Translation: American Surrogates
So many of Rough Translation’s episodes could’ve made this list, but this one actually does because it’s the one most seared into my memory.
8. Serial: Episode 01 – The Alibi
Season One’s magic could never quite be repeated, but this episode was the one that started it on such a strong note. Sarah Koenig came out swinging.
7. This American Life: In Defense of Ignorance
This was the podcast episode so interesting that Lulu Wang’s story eventually was adapted into a movie– The Farewell with Akwafina. The original source material is worth a listen, too.
6. The Dave Chang Show: What Hip-Hop Can Tell Us About Food, With Shad
I believe that so much of creativity comes from making connections. Hearing Chef Dave Chang go back and forth with rapper Shad about parallels between their arts made my mind explode.
5. Ear Hustle: Bittersweet
Ear Hustle- a podcast produced inside San Quentin State Prison, was one of the most innovative and empathetic shows made on the medium. This was their best episode.
4. The Sporkful: Searching for the Aleppo Sandwich, Parts 1 & 2
I often tell people that most of the podcasts I listen to are food podcasts. They either get it or wonder how food could be that interesting. This episode is my response to the latter reaction.
3. The Liturgists: The Enneagram (Episode 37)
I feel like my wife and I have been having a never-ending Enneagram convo for about three years. This episode is still one of the best introductions to the Enneagram world I’ve seen.
2. Creative Pep Talk: 217 – Finding Your Style, Tricks For Getting Stuff Done, Imposter Syndrome, & More
I could’ve put one of many Creative Pep Talk episodes here, but this was one I found especially helpful. Plus it’s a good example of how packed with goodies a typical episode is.
1. Radiolab: 23 Weeks, 6 Days
To date, the only podcast episode to ever get me to tear up a little bit. Not only is Juniper’s story powerfully moving, but it was super helpful when our own journey to have kids got tough.