From crime to sports, we have a range of exciting shows for you to listen to.

Have you had those times when you really don’t know what to listen to? Sometimes, you’ve heard all the possible playlists, white noises on YouTube and even TV becomes repetitive. Well, enter the thrilling world of podcasts.

Platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts offer a wide variety of episodes to suit different tastes. Whether you’re working out, on the bus or tackling assignments, podcasts provide the perfect audio companion.

For true crime lovers

Picture of a person holding an iPhone with a podcast playing.
Picture by Nathalie Gomez

Almost everyone enjoys a little dose of adrenaline every now and then. For some podcast lovers, true crime stories provide that thrill through tales of serial killers, murders and suspenseful events.

Hefziba Mancilla, a public relations student, shared that her favourite true crime podcast is Rotten Mango, a podcast that digs deep into the spookiest stories with all the meticulous details.

“You get all the juicy gossip from the crime story,” Mancilla said. Podcasts like Rotten Mango not only tell stories about the darkest crimes but also analyze the psychology behind criminal behaviour.

Comedy & celebrity talk shows

Picture of James Connolly holding an iPhone and showing a podcast he listens to.
Picture by Nathalie Gomez

If you prefer humour and stories that won’t give you a scare, comedy podcasts might be your perfect fit. Comedy and talk shows featuring celebrities can provide the endorphin boost you need to stay happy on gloomy winter days.

James Connolly, a first-year film student, said his favourite comedy podcasts are Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, hosted by the acclaimed comedian Conan O’Brien, and SmartLess, hosted by celebrities Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes.

Both podcasts offer listeners weekly, entertaining, casual interviews with renowned celebrities guaranteed to make you laugh. Conan O’Brien’s show also brings attention to real-life struggles, such as depression and anxiety, which make the podcast more intimate and relatable.

Are you a sports or media fan?

Picture of students Jackson Sparks, Molly Syms-Wilson and another one holding iPhones and showing podcasts they listen to.
Picture by Nathalie Gomez

For sports enthusiasts, there is something for you. Many talk shows, such as Numbers on the Board, recommended by public relations student Jackson Sparks, cover everything related to the NBA. This podcast breaks down statistics, predictions, game analyses and opinions that will get you on top of your sports game.

Sports podcasts are perfect for staying on top of sports news and what is happening in the lives of the most acclaimed athletes. Beyond Numbers on the Board, you can find podcasts tailored to your favourite sport. Whether it’s soccer, tennis or any other sport, there are countless options to get your weekly sports culture content.

Media and news podcasts are available in more than just sports formats. For anyone interested in daily news, World Report, hosted by journalists Marcia Young and John Northcott — a Humber Polytechnic and University of Guelph-Humber professor himself — by CBC, is an excellent source for top stories and headline news. Molly Syms-Wilson, a final-year student, recommends this podcast to stay updated about global events.

Podcasts for getting through hard times

Pictures by Nathalie Gomez
Students Pola Caparas and Julian Smadhin holding iPhones and showing podcasts they listen to.

We all need words of encouragement from time to time; self-help podcasts are a great way to find them. These podcasts boost your mood and teach you how to navigate life, change and unwanted emotions.

Pola Caparas, an early childhood development student, said that her go-to podcast is Let’s Pretend It’s 2AM by Ria Ramz, which “talks about different issues with the self, family or relationships.” Caparas adds that she feels deeply connected to the podcast because the host is from her home country, the Philippines.

Student Julian Smadhin is also a fan of podcasts that inspire personal growth and shift mindsets. His preferred choice is Modern Wisdom, hosted by Chris Williamson. This podcast features authors, athletes and some of the greatest thinkers in today’s world; they share their stories and insights about life. Some of the most popular episodes include conversations with athletes like David Goggins and Travis Kelce and comedian Sam Morril.

Career oriented shows

Picture of Kc Cojaungco Asube holding an iPhone and showing a podcast she listens to.
Picture by Nathalie Gomez.

In case you’re more career-oriented, there are plenty of podcast options tailored to your passions, whether they involve finance, real estate, marketing or any other interest.

Third-year digital business management student KC Cojaungco Asube recommends The Digital Marketing Podcast, which she describes as “a great way to stay updated on what is happening in the marketing industry and get a podcast that is ad-free.” You can find podcasts like this to stay informed about the latest industry trends related to your program or job.

A woman from season four of the show "The Good Place" saying, "You know what I just discovered? Podcasts."
Via GIPHY

Ready to dive into one of these podcasts? If you’re looking for one more recommendation, my go-to podcast is Goes Without Saying by Persephone Deacon and Erin Mirali. This podcast is the perfect mix of mental health motivation and a funny approach to everyday struggles and spiralling in your twenties.

Let us know which podcast you’re listening to on our socials @shareignite!

If you’re someone who would rather dive into a 1,000-page book than breeze through a 10-minute podcast, you’re in good company. Join us on Thursday, Nov. 21, at the IGNITE Zen Zone, located at building K, basement level, for the IGNITE Pop-Up Library event.

In collaboration with Humber Library, Humber Idea Lab and Humber Archives, we’re turning the Zen Zone into the ultimate sanctuary for book lovers — a place to recharge your energies, explore new reads and unwind. Don’t miss out!

Feature image courtesy of Jonathan Velasquez via Unsplash.


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