Long work commutes mean that I’m often listening to a lot of radio and podcasts. I did a small list last year and have an update with my new favorites so far. Some of these podcasts are old and I’ve just reached them slowly. Some of these made me cry, some just wonder. What would we do without stories well told?

Favorite Podcast Episodes of 2018

1. Lost In Translation, Hidden Brain

A few months ago, I heard a language podcast with interest. As a person who has struggled to adapt to multiple languages at different points in time, it was provoking. Languages stretch our brains and can alter how we see the world and ourselves.

At a recent women’s group event, as I introduced ideas to the community, I realized I had become a new version of myself. In Germany, language was often a deterrent in expressing myself in the best way possible. I struggled with the vocabulary of a 4 year old. In English, all the thoughts came alive. My husband often says I become a new person at home. It’s most definitely my switch into Kashmiri which owns me like no other.

2. So, a monkey and a horse walk into a bar, This American Life

All the stories in this episode are crazy. But thinking through our free, animalistic identities is heady. I ended up drawing a horse woman, being taken by the short story so intimately.

Heard the most amazing rendition of an excerpt from ‘The Wrong Heaven’ – from Amy Bonnaffons who inspired this #sketch . What a wild story! Would you want to ever turn into a horse ? . . . . . . . . . . #ifwisheswerehorses #thisamericanlife #thewrongheaven #books #shortstory #artwork #illustration #drawing #womenhorses #feminism #wildwomen

A post shared by Upasna Kakroo (@upasnakakroo) on Apr 1, 2018 at 8:30am PDT

3. What Gets Measured, Gets Managed, Hurry Slowly

There’s an alternate argument that questions this theory of management by measurement. But it blew my mind to think that there are more CEOs named John in the U.S. than women. The conditions are significantly worse for women of color. I had already started working on ideas for the Women Mentorship group with Brandanew, when I heard this podcast. It validated what I was feeling and reminded me that we’re not alone. I feel optimistic that more of us are talking these things through. I loved the idea of core hours. That may solve so many issues!

4. Debbie Millman talking with Kenny Fries about living with, and writing about disability, Design Matters

Sadly, we spend too much time on the latest news, and too little time on things that matter. I did not know much about Kenny Fries and this episode opened up this whole entire world of how the world deals with disability. It’s a very interesting insight into a life where you’re thrown into multiple issues beyond your control, and you come out with a deep understanding of who you are. Kenny is inherently inspiring.

5. On Death And Space Clouds, First Day Back

I have to begin listening to this show, but I am totally intrigued by this personal piece. So close to mother’s day, this is deeply moving. And makes me CRY about the need to document more. How do you keep people alive forever? I wish I knew my grandfathers better. I wish I understood why I begin so many unfinished stories with mothers named Baabi.

What are you listening to these days?

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