It’s impressive how much media one can consume over the course of a single quarantine. From TV shows to ebooks, we’re all doing our best to fill the hours and give our brains a break from the news cycle. One of physical distancing’s unsung heroes is the podcast, which allows listeners to be entertained while feeling productive, be it by folding laundry, scrubbing down high-traffic surfaces, or alphabetizing… something (anything). To that end, we’ve put together a selection of our favourites. Tune in anytime with a simple click.
Marilyn Denis Does A Podcast
Marilyn DenisJoin
Marilyn at home (virtually, of course) as she podcasts her way through physical distancing, pulling in her regular roster of beloved on-air guests like
RuPaul's Drag Race judge Carson Kressley, interior decorating whiz Debbie Travis, fashion guru Joe Zee and therapist Joe Rich. The 30-minute podcast launched April 1, with a chat about the topic occupying everyone's minds, COVID-19, and new episodes will be available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Canadaland
Jesse BrownCanadaland first made media waves when they began breaking major news stories about Jian Ghomeshi. Since then, the current affairs and politics podcast has hosted Canadian icons like Margaret Atwood and Robin Doolittle, and done deep dives into Canada-specific subjects like Nardwuar. Whatever the topic, it’s never boring.
Where to listen: iHeartRadio
The Jann Arden Podcast
Jann ArdenCanadian treasure Jann Arden plays host to a wide and eclectic selection of politicians, artists, actors, and sports stars in this sweet, sharp, and funny podcast. Arden’s ability to craft an interview that is both intimate and relatable is her superpower.
Where to listen: iHeartRadio
The Happy Times
Joey KidneyYes, this is a podcast that tackles mental health issues like anxiety and depression, but here’s the thing: host Joey Kidney approaches the topic with the kind of humour and self-deprecation and sensitivity that makes it accessible and enjoyable to any listener. Topics range from the lighthearted (see: Instagram influencers) to the heavy (see: the intersection of heartbreak and mental health).
Where to listen: iHeartRadio
The Jay & Dan Podcast
Jay Onrait and Dan O’TooleFor every armchair athlete out there going through a serious sports withdrawal, TSN’s Jay and Dan are here to ease the pain. Each week, the sports-obsessed pair interview players, coaches and analysts while chatting about current events and munching McDonalds. It’s probably the most down-to-earth, enjoyable sports podcast out there.
Where to listen: iHeartRadio
Grownups Read Things They Wrote As Kids
Dan and JennaHindsight is 20/20. Also, it’s hilarious. The theme of this podcast is exactly what the title describes: a bunch of adults stand up in front of a bunch of other adults and read essays, diary entries, letters, and notes they penned when they were young. It’s comforting to know that as kids, we were all equally embarrassing, naive, and adorable. Laughs are guaranteed.
Where to listen: iHeartRadio
Spittin’ Chiclets
Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette and Rear AdmiralHelloooooo, hockey! While only one-third of this the trio behind this twice-weekly hockey-centric show is Canadian (shout-out to Welland, Ontario’s favourite NHL’er, Paul Bissonnette) the subject matter is 100% Can-con. Hockey, our national sport, is the heart and soul of every episode. Even with the NHL on pause right now, these three never run out of things to talk about.
Where to listen: iHeartRadio
Mike on Much
Mike VeermanThis extremely well-produced podcast from media veteran Mike Veerman spotlights long chats with entertainment-world names you’re sure to recognize (think: Bill Hader or Jason Mraz or Margaret Cho). Interspersed between these more official episodes, Mike and pals Max Kerman (from Arkells) and Shane Cunningham shoot the breeze about everything from Super Tuesday to Gal Gadot’s ‘Imagine’ video.
Where to listen: iHeartRadio
Super Awesome Science Show
Jason TetroTo put it mildly, science is having a bit of a moment right now. Our news feeds are dominated by science-related stories about the coronavirus pandemic. To help make all that a little easier to understand, check out SASS — or skip the COVID episodes and nerd out on another science topic instead. May we suggest armpits or UFOs?
Where to listen: CuriousCast
Killed to Death
Griffin Toplitsky and Steve CookeIf true crime podcasts are just a bit too much for you right now, get your mystery-solving fix with Killed to Death, a weekly podcast that dissects completely made up murder cases, solving each one with the help of a special guest.
Where to listen: Sonar
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