Podcasts Full Of Wonder
Part of what makes space exploration beautiful is that it involves so many normal things that intersect with this wonder.
Full Credit to Artemis II for Inspiration
I'm currently scribbling away at a bunch of reviews I have slated for the rest of April. I would be lying if I said I wasn't extremely distracted by the Artemis II mission, scheduled to be splashing down the day after I write this.
I have always loved space. To the point where I have a tattoo of the Hubble Space Telescope. It's not just the math and science that are exciting, it's the human element of it all. This level of exploration is based on how humans react to something so overwhelming. Do we cower in fear, or are we stunned into action by the sheer force of awe?
I wanted to give a little list today of podcasts that fill me with wonder, in honor of everyone who gave us the Artemis II mission. We need more wonder, more awe, and more joy. We have to remember the good worth fighting for.
The thing is, wonder doesn't have to come from the vastness of space. Part of what makes space exploration beautiful is that it involves so many normal things that intersect with this wonder. There have to be people who drive telescopes across the country, people who sew the suits for astronauts, people who keep rooms clean, and those who pep tired engineers up by remembering their favorite snacks on long mission days. There's also all of us who have been keeping an eye on our fellow humans in the sky.
Wonder can come from space, from our own Earth, and most importantly - from us.
The Podcasts
Each of the podcasts on this list brings a sense of more through amazing design as well as their content choices. Sometimes it's the big things, sometimes it's the small things. We're all pretty cool, and we live in a really cool place. Let's hold onto that as much as we can.
Future Ecologies
Hands down this is one of my favorite podcasts. It combines incredible sound and storytelling with very important information about our environment and the world we live in. Made with the spirit of wonder radiating through each sound wave, it might be hard to listen to because our world is changing, but it will lift you back up as it tells you how people are doing everything they can to make sure it changes for the better.
Home
The Anthropocene Reviewed
John Green's podcast reviewing things from the human era. It's really calm and relaxing to listen to. It's one of those ones where we kinda go "huh, haven't thought about that".
Twenty Thousand Hertz
A podcast that has made me cry. This one is all about what we see as every day sounds. My favorite episodes are about the Jeopardy Theme, the voices of subway systems, and the one about relearning Bolero.
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The Curious History of Your Home
This one I dip in and out of a lot, but my favorite episode is the history of bread. Yes, bread. The narration is calm, and wonderful, and along the same lines as The Anthropocene Reviewed when it comes to making us think about the simplest things.
Bonus: NASA Has Podcasts.
Once upon a time I went to Podcast Movement, where NASA had a booth. Me, being who I am, went to go get some stickers. How do you not get NASA stickers directly from NASA? Especially when they're free and not at a gift shop?
Well, when I was there, they remembered my review of NASA'S Curious Universe from way back when. I will be riding that specific high of NASA remembered me for literally years. More importantly? Their podcasts are very good. Click the link below for their podcasts.
Let me know if a podcast fills you with wonder, share the love.
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