Friend-Curated Podcasts Cut Through Decision Fatigue

Resources

Resources & Recommendations

Books

• "Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World" by Cal Newport - This book was referenced indirectly through a listener's experience with the Life Kit episode on phone usage, where they decided against buying a cell phone after reflecting on digital minimalism.

Podcasts

• It's Been a Minute - An episode exploring women's health after a certain age, specifically focusing on the topic of menopause and perimenopause in the US.
• Life Kit - An episode providing tips and tricks for reducing phone usage and breaking digital habits.
• Close All Tabs (from KQED) - A tech show that explores how technology influences our lives and the world, covering topics like AI, online communities, and the impact of tech on global events.
• Spooked (from KQED) - A podcast for those interested in the paranormal and unexplained, featuring strong storytelling. The episode "The Thin Place" is specifically recommended, which tells the story of a paramedic who can see dead people.
• Throughline - An episode delving into the history and evolution of Captain America, examining what the superhero has symbolized throughout different periods of American culture, particularly since World War II.
• Operation Nightcat (from New Hampshire Public Radio) - A podcast that investigates one of New England's largest poaching cases, which includes a surprising connection to violence within the New Hampshire prison system.
• A Whole Other Country (from Marfa Public Radio) - A story about a Midwesterner from the 1990s who moves south and attempts to establish his own republic in Texas.
• Our Common Nature (from WNYC) - Hosted by Yo-Yo Ma, this series follows him on a cross-country journey where he connects with local leaders focused on environmental care and performs music that resonates with their stories and conversations, including an episode with Wabanaki musicians in Acadia, Maine.

People Mentioned

• Lauren Gonzalez (Writer for NPR's Pod Club newsletter) - Interviewed about the Pod Club newsletter and provided podcast recommendations.
• Yo-Yo Ma (Host of "Our Common Nature" podcast) - Mentioned as the host of a podcast exploring the natural world and playing music.

Organizations & Institutions

• NPR - The organization behind the "Up First" podcast and the "Pod Club" newsletter.
• KQED - A member station of NPR that produces the podcasts "Close All Tabs" and "Spooked."
• New Hampshire Public Radio - Producer of the podcast "Operation Nightcat."
• Marfa Public Radio - Producer of the podcast "A Whole Other Country."
• WNYC - Producer of the podcast "Our Common Nature."

Websites & Online Resources

• NPR's Pod Club newsletter (npr.org/podclub) - A newsletter dedicated to providing hand-picked podcast recommendations.