1.Dr. Death – You might notice a gruesome motif in many of the podcasts I recommend, but, let’s be honest, those topics often make for the most riveting material. This series follows Christopher Duntsch, an incompetent, yet arrogant, neurosurgeon who severely crippled multiple patients in the operating room until he was finally brought to justice. As a physician, I found it hard to accept how the medical system failed to stop this fraud earlier, but I was contented to hear from those doctors who helped bring Duntsch down. (Thanks to Dad on the Walk who commented on one of my previous blog entries, reminding me about this great podcast.)
2.Slow Burn, season 2 – No matter what your politics, Slow Burn season 2 sizzles. This podcast chronicles Bill Clinton’s impeachment saga with details you’ve never heard and almost can’t believe. You’ll learn the fascinating backstory of Whitewater, Vince Foster’s suicide, and Monica Lewinsky’s romantic relationship with Clinton. Linda Tripp is interviewed and, perhaps surprisingly, demonstrates a little remorse. (She died in April of this year.) You’ll also see how some current political personalities were curiously enmeshed in the trouble back then. This titillating podcast makes it impossible to stop listening to the train wreck that became our nation’s history.
3.Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me – This news quiz show is an oldie but goody. I listen to it weekly because it allows me to chuckle – not just cry – at current events. It’s witty and smart and fun. Guest comedians and call-in audience members are tested on the week’s news through a variety of amusing means – limericks, two-lies and a truth, etc. My favorite comedian-participants include Paula Poundstone, Mo Rocca, Alonzo Bodden, Peter Grosz, and Tom Papa, to name a few. A different celebrity guest makes an appearance each week. (Even Bill Clinton has been on the show, speaking of Slow Burn.)
Since you’re taking requests from DotW now, I’ll add my next recommendation: Where Should We Begin with Esther Perel. [for adults!]. Esther is a couples therapist and each episode features a real session with a different couple. I enjoy hearing about the struggles others go through with their mates, which reminds me that no relationship is perfect (regardless of how it appears from the outside) and that all require serious work and commitment. And the voyeur in me simply enjoys being a fly on the wall and the feeling that I’m getting to witness something intense and personal that I probably shouldn’t be allowed to witness. Great stuff.
DotW, I heard Esther Perel interviewed on NPR’s Fresh Air, and I found what she said intriguing. I am downloading a few episodes of Where Should We Begin Now on your recommendation. Thank you!