Podcasts That Make Me Smile

I look forward to my time listening to podcasts.  I spend much of that time in the car when I am traveling and a good podcast seems to keep me engaged, entertained, and really helps to make the best of my time too.  I listen to a variety of different types of podcasts that rank among my favorites.  Often, I look in my podcast library the day before I plan on listening to one or two to see which ones have been updated.  I made a list of what I am listening to right now & maybe you will find a new one to add to your list.  Before we begin, I do want to point out that my husband has two podcasts (and potentially another one the two of us are working on together) these are, of course, my very favorites.  The Mason & Remy podcast, this is where Mason talks with his radio show co-host Remy to catch up the listeners on what is going on with the show and more personal things going on in our lives.  There is also the Gamers Guide podcast, this is the podcast Mason has with our son, Keaton.  The two discuss what is new in the gaming world.  If you are a gamer and you are interested in that sort of thing, I highly recommend it.  These two are very committed to gaming and they are both pretty good at it too.  Mason and I are working on a new podcast where I will be his co-host.  We hope to release it soon but we have to work on a few things, content-wise, before getting it going.  Our podcast will be about food.  This will not surprise anyone who knows me.  We hope to review restaurants in the St. Louis area and beyond to provide unique perspectives on our experiences and give you some perspective on why I take so many pictures when we go out to dinner. So, that said, let us consider all the podcasts we do to already be recommended to you.  Since that is the case, here are five others where I am not involved and/or have zero family members taking part.

Beautiful/Anonymous
Host, Comedian, All-Around Awesome guy, Chris Gethard is the  host of the ‘Beautiful/Anonymous podcast.  Mason and I saw Chris Gethard do his standup show in Chicago and met him after the show so, I can honestly say he is an awesome guy.  I’ve been a fan of Chris Gethard for a while now and I am proud of all the things he does.  For this podcast, the premise is as follows: These are ‘beautiful stores from anonymous people.’  Chris spends an hour talking to a random person about anything that person would like to talk about.  ‘No names, no holds barred.’ The topics could be just about anything and have been.  I have listened to the podcast now for about 3 years and I find it to be incredibly fascinating practically every time.  Chris Gethard has a way of talking with others that is warm, caring, non-judgmental and often, quite hilarious.  He knows the right questions to ask and has a knack for good conversation.  I have wanted to call the show myself and sometimes worry I won’t be half as interesting as some of the callers of the past so I’m not sure I could make it work.  He has talked to some very fun, brave, and unapologetic people who could make you change your mind about an opinion you thought you had or a lifestyle you know very little about.  I find myself learning something new with each episode.  I look forward to Tuesdays when new episodes are released.  There is also an online community dedicated to the fans of the show, the Beautiful/Anonymous community on Facebook, where community members can comment on each show.  I am also a part of that community and feel good about promoting the group and the podcast.  It is a punk rock podcast, to me, it’s something unique and I don’t know of anything else even close to being like it.

Dr. Gameshow
When I need to smile and get in a better mood, I listen to Dr. Gameshow.  I can’t think of an episode where I’m not laughing.  It is so funny.  The podcast uses games created and submitted by listeners.  The games are played, as host Jo Firestone says, ,’regardless of content.’  The games can be absolutely ridiculous and that is part of the fun.  Jo Firestone is joined by Manolo, a guy who makes up the game show theme songs on the spot using a casio keyboard and his ‘always on the verge of laughing’ singing voice.  The improvisational nature of the show is part of its charm.  Jo Firestone and Manolo are funny just being themselves.  It is endearing and I have become a fast fan.  There are guests on the shows.  The guests are comic writers, comedians, musician friends and sometimes kids of the comedian/writer/musician friends.  The guests play along as Jo Firestone explains the games and rules of the games that are submitted for play.  The podcast runs about an hour and the group plays 3-4 games per episode.  I’ve had fun listening and even playing along, or attempting to play along.  I would also love to submit a game one day.  I love the creativity of the show.  Each show is so different you truly never know what they will play each time.

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
Everyone loves Jonathan Van Ness right now, I know but I do what to say this, I was super excited about the reboot of Queer Eye way before all the popularity of the show started.  I always liked the show, the original show, and I was interested to see what the new cast would bring.  Jonathan Van Ness, or ‘jvn’ is downright delightful.  I could listen to him read a grocery list and be entertained.  His podcast, ‘Getting Curious’ is 30-50 minutes and includes an interview with one or two people, usually, on a topic that the host, Jonathan, is curious about and that is the premise.  His latest episode was with Reese Witherspoon.  They discuss her show ‘Big Little Lies’ and the Queer Eye cast on the Emmy awards.  Some of his other guests include his co-stars of Queer Eye, other actors and even scientists and figure skaters.  It could be, literally, any topic to that is curious.  I think Jonathan Van Ness has become a new voice of representation for us.  He is smart and funny.  He has a joyful glow around him that I find invigorating.  I love listening to him talk and joke and be real.  All of it.

Doughboys
I listen to a few food-focused podcasts, however; this one is the most fun.  Comedians/Actor team, Nick Wiger and Mike Mitchell host the ‘Doughboys’ podcast.  These two, and a guest, visit a chain restaurant and give it a review.  I’m not even necessarily looking for a restaurant review for chain places but, these guys make it so funny I can’t look away.  The podcast is usually about two hours and keeps my mind happy.  I can safely say I laugh out loud with each listen.  For me as a listener, it is more about the interaction with the guests and the stories than anything else.  The topic of the restaurant they choose seems to fall secondary to the conversations taking place about it.  They have had pizza challenges and other types of food competitions of sorts for reviews as well.  I think the commentary is incredibly relatable as it is clear they truly put in a lot of thought to each review.  They go into some serious detail about what they order and the experience they have for each place they visit.  For someone like me, who loves food, loves going out to dinner, it checks all the boxes.

The Minimalists
I have listened to Joshua Fields Milburn and Ryan Nicodemus, otherwise known as The Minimalists, weekly, for the past three years, possibly longer.  I became a fan of their philosophy while watching their documentary on Netflix and I haven’t strayed from them ever since. There is more to the Minimalists than clean closets and money management.  They have this way of reinforcing living a meaningful life. For me, they help to put things in perspective.  The topics of their show can range from breakups to anxiety to mementos to health problems… the list goes on and on.  They have such a wide range of topics to shed the light of minimalism on.  I think this the podcast that makes many people skeptical thinking it isn’t for them without even known much about it.  The word can be daunting if you don’t understand it.  Joshua and Ryan, however; explain things very clearly and I find comfort in their answers to some listener questions I have experienced, myself.  I really like what they do.  They have helped me to move forward in my life.  They have helped me remain centered or get back to that state.  It feels like something that is good for my health, so I continue to do it.

I listen to a lot of podcasts.  The first two episodes of Serial season 3 just came out and I have started that one as well.  One of my new favorites this year is, ‘Unladylike.’  The more I listen to it, the more I like it.  The podcast is funny and shares topics that girls want to hear more about but without the viewpoint of that we are used to hearing it from.  It is smart and funny and it remains on my favorites list as well.  I hope if you read this list, you were able to find something new that you might be interested in trying out.  I would love to hear what you think.

To Know Lush, Is to Love Lush.

I’ve wanted to be the lead singer in a band since I was very young.  It was the time when I started listening to bands like The Sundays, Rilo Kiley, and Lush that I became truly inspired.  A friend introduced me to Lush via letters and mix tapes.  I became a fast fan of the band.  My life was a lot of letters and music.  So much conversation about music and our favorite songs.  I had never heard anything quite as lovely as the vocal harmonies of Miki Berenyl and Emma Anderson.  There is this beauty within Lush songs that transcends.  Lush was putting out some of their best music in the nineties but they weren’t a rock band you expected from the nineties.  Lush was unique.  They didn’t sound harsh but they had attitude.  They could rock very hard but also soothe and comfort you within the first few bars of their songs.  It was dreamy and you could get lost singing along.

The first band I helped for was in 2003.  As our sound evolved, I would even here, occasionally, that my voice sounded like Miki and Emma from Lush. They had softness with an edge and they had grit with a sweetness I admired.  If anyone asked me about my influences, I would always say, Miki Berenyl, Emma Anderson, Harriet Wheeler, and Jenny Lewis. (Also, Sarah Shannon from Velocity Girl – I was a huge Velocity Girl fan, loved them too.) Lush had something very special.  The music they made enveloped you as you listened.  It was a joyful trance and a blissful memory.  Also, Miki’s hair and overall style was the coolest of the cool.

Record Store Day, 2016, I picked up the Lush box set which includes vinyl albums for Gala, Spooky, Split, Lovelife, and Topolino.  I’m in love with it.  Today, I got the box set out and listened to each album.  I also got out this box of letters from 94 and 96.  The letters given to me at the time I was listening to many of these albums at the same time.  Many were from the friend who adored Lush as much as I did.  It was heartwarming.  I was also moved to tears.  I think the breadth of those moments and those words on the pages I was reading were realized with Lush songs playing in the background.  Still, all of this felt profound as it was, not just a part of my past, but a part of who I was and who I am now.

I made a list of my favorite Lush songs to write about and rank while listening to this amazing box set.  I came up with my favorite 16 songs.  If you are a fan of Lush already, I hope you enjoy the list and it matches up close to your favorite Lush songs.  If you have not ever listened to Lush, consider this your opportunity.

18. I’ve Been Here Before
From the album, ‘Lovelife,’ the song, ‘I’ve Been Here Before’ tackles a breakup and the narration proves that ‘too many vodkas and too many beers’ can lead to a few bad decisions.  The contemplation is paints a picture of a very strong person reflecting on how thankful she is for her friends and the fact that she is aware of the pattern in her past.  I love how relatable the song is.  The song feels triumphant and empowered.  Something I definitely needed at this time when I was experiencing heartbreak.

17. 500 (Shake Baby Shake)
Mid-tempo pop rock song, ‘500 (Shake Baby Shake)’ is a lovely, little melody that is hard to get out of your head.  Don’t fight it.  I watched this video recently and had a grin on my face while watching it.  The band driving around together in a red Fiat, Miki and Emma in the front seats.  The smiles and the swaying back and fourth all equals a feel good song that the sweet sound of happiness

16. Nothing Natural
‘Nothing Natural’ from the album, ‘Gala’ reflects, to me, the signature sound of Lush.  There is an ambient glow around the entire song.  Throughout, as a listener, you are covered with the shimmering sounds pouring out of this one.  The guitars produce a wall of sound that mingles so well with the vocals that it is hypnotizing.  “and don’t you know you’re beautiful.”  Plus, that ending, about four minutes in is completely magical.

15.  Untogether
From the album, ‘Spooky,’  the song ‘Untogether’ pulls together fear and change and the insecurities we face in relationships.  The song feels brave to me.  It feels like a confrontation even though the narrator wishes to be left alone.  I am also really drawn to the word, ‘Untogether.’

14. When I Die
This is one of those song that allow you to cry.  Anyone who has experienced loss can understand and those who haven’t probably can too.  I have a hard time listening to it only because of the emotions it evokes.  At the same time, these emotions are so important to have and to have surface.  The song washes over me when I listen to it and brings me peace and calm.

13. De-Luxe
This song is amazing.  It sounds like it has a million layers of gorgeous.  I watched a live performance at the Vic in Chicago from 2016 and I wish I could’ve been there to see it.  I heard about the reunion around this time and would have loved to see a show.  I missed the Lollapalooza performance by one year.

12. Lit Up
This song is a balloon rising up in the air and taking you with it.  It is so light and breezy.  The tempo rocks you in its arms and comforts you.  It is definitely one of my favorites.  “One day things won’t seem the same way I know.”  The repeated lyrics has stuck with my for years and years.  It is delightful and honest.

11. Ladykillers
The album, ‘Lovelife’ was big for Lush.  The album had these Lush songs that were right in front of your face instead of hanging out in the background.  ‘Ladykillers’ was a single for the band and it was catchy and had a growl to it.  The narrator is telling off these horrible guys in clubs or around that needed to be put in their place.  To me, it represented being badass and not to be taken for a fool.  There is an element of fun to the song and it also rocks.

10. Last Night
It has a drama to it and epic sound, ‘Last Night’ feels like it should be featured at the end of a thriller as the credits roll.  I like how the song feels delicate.  Miki sings in a voice that is lower than usual in the verses, it almost doesn’t sound like her.  Emma’s guitar solo is breathtaking.  I almost melt listening to it again.

9. Heavenly Nobodies
This song rocks hard.  I love the fast-paced motion the song takes throughout.  Some of my favorite lyrics are in this song, ‘I remember when I was younger I thought the answers were locked in people so I admired the ones whose lives were a source of envy to people like me.’  Honestly, the level of talent for as musicians and songwriters was underrated in my opinion.  So many brilliant lines and all with this backdrop of driving guitars and thundering percussion that all work together perfectly.

8. Single Girl
It is a biting song with loud guitars and this sort of misanthrope perspective on being single.  Or… is it a positive perspective?  The song shifts midway through from not wanting to be a single girl to wanting to be a single girl.  I’m not sure I’ve experienced a journey like this one in the course of about 3 minutes.  It is brilliant.

7. Sweetness & Light
The opening song for the album, ‘Gala,’ ‘Sweetness & Light’ truly sets the tone of what Lush is.  The overlapping melodies and the echoing guitars making you feel weightless.  This is a Lush song that grabs you from the very beginning and won’t let go.  I wanted to see how far I could get through the list without using the word ‘shoegaze’ but here it is.  This song is perfect for shoegazing and swaying and getting lost.  ‘Shoegaze’ is not a bad word.  In fact, I think it’s lovely.  I still look for opportunities to shoegaze.

6. Kiss Chase
This song from ‘Split’ is one of my favorites, for sure.  It holds together so tightly through the verses and breaks apart into these melodies far too beautiful to define.  The story isn’t a happy one but one that feels very real.  I believe this song is truly personal.  I admire the writing and the story being told.

5. Undertow
The bass is the backbone in this song and it is steady and quite a groove.  The vocals changing from low to high as the verse begins.  The guitars are so crunchy that you feel the emotion in it.  “Let me try to pull you free” are the repeated lyrics, especially at the end, that stands out and as the music ascends and descends around the lyrics as if you are being pulled free.  the song is smart and nothing a typical rock song brings you.

4. Lovelife
I was addicted to ‘Split’ and I listened to it, pretty much, non-stop when it came out.  I love the line ‘we blow around like tiny leaves in a big storm.’  Lush created imagery that was blissful.  This song reminds me of autumn and change.  I love everything about this song and always will.  From the days I listened to it driving into campus and getting ready for classes to now watching the seasons change.

3. Hypocrite
Lush was one of my favorite bands to unleash a song to just have to out with a former lover or friend.  In this specific instance, the hypocrite.  Everyone has felt this way at one time or another.  It was a huge reason I went into songwriting.  You can express yourself and say things like they do in this song.  “that may be your right but this is my song” as she sings.  It’s so clever and therapeutic for the listener (as well as for the band) I’m certain.  It was written for all of us.

2. Superblast!
I don’t if I knew the lyrics to the song or many of the lyrics.  I still only know some of the lyrics to this song.  What stands out to me about this song, more so, is the luxurious sounds.  This is Lush at the band’s finest hour.  If someone asked me what Lush sounded like, I would play this song.  That is why I place it as second on this list.

1 Blackout
This song comes in swinging and doesn’t stop.  I love how it builds and then continuously goes and goes and goes.  I feel as if it has everything you need in a rock song.  The jarring verses and rocking guitar along with this singalong-able chorus.  The vocals split and join back up as if they are riding the same roller coaster but are on two separate tracks that eventually meet up and split apart again.  This isn’t just my favorite Lush songs but one of my favorite songs of all time. It is perfection.

That is my list.  I realized, while listening to these songs so intensely all over again, how much I truly adore this band.  This list is also written in memory of Chris Acland.  My thoughts are with the band and his family as they experience this loss each day.

I would love to hear your thoughts on my list and what Lush songs are your very favorite and why.  Comment! or drop me a note: ohalchemygirl@gmail.com