Keeping up with the Current: News Podcast Recommendations
December 14, 2022
Writer: Hannah Tiller
Editor: Carolyn Berryman
We’ve all seen the classic 1980’s movie trope. The analog alarm clock goes off and a groggy arm swings over to bump the top and turn it off. Naturally, the news report plays out of the clock’s speakers, giving the weather, traffic, or current events report as the character gets ready for their day. But what’s happened to this routine news report now that most of us wake up to the sound of wind chimes from our phones?
While we live in a world where news is beyond just newspaper or radio form, it can be challenging to get information efficiently in an engaging way. Recently, I’ve explored the world of podcast news in order to make a morning routine of staying knowledgeable. I listen to these podcasts when I brush my teeth and do my skincare in the morning. Perhaps, I’ll even listen in on a long morning walk to grab coffee.
Here are some of the news podcasts I recommend for you so you can keep up with the current:
NPR Up First (4.8 stars on Spotify):
Released each morning at 6:00am, this podcast highlights the three main news stories you need to know in just 10 to fifteen minutes. Reporters like Rachel Martin or Steve Inskeep bring a thoughtful and engaging analysis to the news, incorporating short interviews or sound clips.
NYTimes’ the Daily (4.8 stars on Spotify):
This podcast goes more in depth on one big news story for approximately 30 minutes each morning, released at 6:00am. Though it is more serious and in depth, it covers topics such as race, politics, and policy with a magnifying glass.
The Guardian’s Today in Focus (4.9 stars on Spotify):
“Today in Focus” goes more in depth on a headline you may see in the news today by developing a deeper analysis. Particularly involved in more international news, this podcast connects you with some of the more polarizing issues the world experiences in episodes that are approximately 30 minutes.
The Daily Wire’s Morning Wire (4.9 stars on Spotify):
A groovy music theme opens this podcast focused on illuminating the truth in the news you need to know. It covers a variety of topics from sports, politics, culture, and even education. Frequently recorded as an interview, you feel like you are a part of the short conversation of the day.
Spotify’s Daily Drive:
Spotify utilizes a great feature in which they create a playlist based on your interests of news and music- all designed to be listened to when you’re starting your day.
With all the resources we need for news being right at our fingertips, we have a duty to stay knowledgeable about what is happening in the world. For me, I’ve begun to appreciate having the ability to discuss foreign affairs or updates on the pandemic beyond a baseline level. Listening to my favorite reporters makes me feel interconnected with the world. After all, it only takes the quick tap of a button to play to catch up with the world’s current affairs.
