7 Podcasts to Help You Get Through the End of Summer

If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you’ll certainly remember LeVar Burton’s voice from Reading Rainbow. Here, he’s reading for adults. And while you may not have much time (or energy) for novels these days, you likely have enough time for a short story. With Burton reading great ones to you, you can indulge in a story while you drive, walk, or get things done.

There’s something so totally engrossing about true crime podcasts. Criminal is a gem within the category, with nuanced storytelling and unusual subjects. The award-winning show, which has been publishing since 2014, has a deep back catalog of episodes for you to binge.

In this funny and relatable show, two moms with six kids between them talk about the challenging parts of parenting, offering advice with a heavy dose of humor. The two hosts, Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables, have different parenting styles, so you get multiple POVs on every tough topic.

If you’re missing your own best friend right now, you might find some comfort in listening to these two BFFs talk about anything and everything, including the ins and outs of adult friendship. They’ll even help callers troubleshoot their own friend dilemmas.

If you (like the rest of us) are sick of turning out quarantine meal after quarantine meal, don’t know what to do with all those beans you bought, or simply need to get out of your cooking rut, look no further than this quarantine project from chef Samin Nosrat and musician and podcaster Hrishikesh Hirway. Fans of her cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat and viewers of her Netflix documentary (of the same name) will instantly recognize Nosrat’s bubbly personality and infectious enthusiasm.

By now, we could all use a little refresher in the self-care department, and in this podcast hosts and writers Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer deliver just that. Covering everything from serums and creams to dry shampoo, and with guests from Emma Straub to Dr. Pimple Popper, the show has cultivated a strong community of listeners.

If that title resonates with you these days, you’ll love Zibby Owens’ podcast for getting you excited about books again. The NYC-based writer mom of four interviews authors about their work and encourages listeners to use small pockets of time for reading, wherever you can find them.