Best of 2019

Another 365 days down, another year of life in the past. In the year 2019, Rachel and I continued our wedding ways, traveled across the country and across the world. I attended concerts every single month once again, returned to the final four with the varsity cats, and spent time listening to podcasts, watching movies, TV shows, and YouTube videos. Another slower year on the blogging end, I only blogged only 11 times, and have zero vlogs out so far from 2019 (although I filmed for the year and released one 2018 vlog). Here are my “best” lists from 2019.

You can find my best lists from the previous 5 years here: 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014

Best Moment: 3rd in state for lacrosse. We made it to the semi-finals for the second time in three years. We once again faced off against New Trier, and ended up losing a very close game 6-8, but now that lacrosse is a state sanctioned sport, there was a 3rd place game. On the other side of the bracket, Glenbard West had lost to Warren, so we ended up playing Glenbard West on June 1st in the 3rd place game. We played a great game and won 16-7 to claim 3rd place. We received a trophy and medals and everything. Very cool. On top of that we finished the year with a record setting: 3 all-state players, 2 Academic All-Americans, and our first All-American in school history. What a year! Read all about it on my blog all about the 2019 semi-final cats.

Best Vacation: Rachel planned a trip to London and Croatia for us in August. We flew from Chicago to London, spent 2 1/2 days there, exploring the whole city by foot, and then spent 12 days in Croatia. We rented a car and toured throughout the whole country, staying in 4 cities. Zagreb (the capital), Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik. An absolutely beautiful country and amazing two-week vacation.

Runner up: A trip we took to Northern California for a wedding in late June. We also spent a couple days in San Francisco. I walked among the giant redwood trees, explored the pacific coast, rode across the Golden Gate bridge, and chilled at a local park with a view of San Fran.

Best TV Show: Rachel and I watched more movies together this year than TV shows, but here are my top 4 TV shows that were new to me in 2019. Kidding, End of the F***ing World, Atypical & Bandersnatch - Black Mirror.

Best Movie (Theaters): I only saw two movies in theaters this year, both with Rachel. While Joker was good in it’s own right, I have to give the top movie to Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse, for its creativity, storyline, and unique editing to make it look like a comic book. We saw this action packed film back in January.

Best New Movie I Saw: I watched a bunch of movies in 2019, including 60 in October for Spooky Movie Season. All three of my top new movies actually came out in 2018, but I did not see them until 2019. All three movies kept me on the edge of my seat and I highly recommend them if you are looking for a sci-fi thriller. Bird Box, Annihilation, A Quiet Place.

Best Documentaries: In 2019 I saw a bunch of documentaries including: Finding Vivian Maier, Ted Bundy Tapes, Fyre Fest, Oasis: Supersonic, Woodstock, Travis Scott Astroworld, & Tickled. But my top documentaries in 2019 go to Free Solo and Won’t You Be My Neighbor.

Free Solo - is about Alex Honnold, the first person to ever free solo climb El Capitan. It was shot by photographer Jimmy Chin. This documentary be found via Nat Geo or DVD.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? - is a documentary on Mr. Rogers, the neighbor he was to everyone and the things he had to overcome in his life. This can be found on HBO or DVD. See the trailers for these below.

Best Album: My best album of the year goes to Robert Ellis and his album Texas Piano Man. I was able to catch his show in Chicago at Old Town School of Folk Music back in March. Ian O’Neil, who opened for the Texas Piano Man takes home honorable mention for his album Ten Years of It. I also had a great time listening to Deer Tick’s new album Mayonnaise and Cage the Elephant’s Social Cues. I was able to catch all of these artists live in 2019! Click the photo of the album below if you want to hear great music.

Best Songs: Just like in 2018, I went big with songs in 2019. This year I nearly doubled the songs from 2018 and pulled 119 songs by 119 artists for the Year 2019. You can listen to them all now in a row by checking out the Spotify Playlist below.
Spotify Playlist

If you don’t have spotify, here are 16 of my favorite of the 119 songs I included:

thank u, next - Ariana Grande
Not - Big Thief
bury a friend, Billie Eilish
Ready to Let Go - Cage the Elephant
Let Love Run the Game - Daniel Norgren
Bluesboy - Deer Tick
Our Debt is Sealed, True Love Knows Fear - Ian O’Neil

Uh Huh - Jade Bird
Jubilee - Jake Xerxes Fussell
Truth Hurts - Lizzo
Gloria - The Lumineers
Green Fuzz - Naked Giants
Nobody Smokes Anymore - Robert Ellis
Seventeen - Sharon Van Etten
Oh Mama - Twin Peaks
Might Be Right - White Reaper

Best Music Video: of the year goes to Ariana Grande’s thank u, next. Loved the creativity of basing the video on four classic rom-com movies. This music video includes scenes re-enacted from: Mean Girls, Bring It On, Legally Blonde, and my favorite, 13 Going on 30.

Best Concert: Another year of making it out to at least one concert every month in 2019. Taking me to 25 straight months of concerts and 34 of the last 36. Concerts in 2019 totaled 18 shows. You can read all about my 2019 concert experience here. The show that topped them all this year was from my favorite band, Deer Tick. A legendary show with a front row view. Experience this Deer Tick show by clicking the photo below.

Best Podcasts: I went all in on podcasts in 2019. I came out with four blog posts about 40 new podcasts that I got in to this year. Taking me to 80 podcasts I listen to regularly. I took my top podcast from the four blog posts I made this year for my top of 2019. Check them out here: Dr. Death, Joe Rogan, Happy Face, Spittin’ Chiclets.

Best Jcubed Video: Just like last year, most videos I made this year were music related. I didn’t get to any old Jcubed videos like I wanted…. so I guess we’ll go with Vlog 21 I guess? Not sure it even counts but let’s roll with it.

Best Lacrosse Video: Flashback to first ever Adrian College NCAA lacrosse game…. Go Cats 2019 coming soon…

Best YouTube Channel: I give the best YouTube channel in 2019 to Nelk. A group of 25 year olds from Canada. They make hilarious prank videos every Monday and have really stepped up the quality of their edits lately. Steve Will Do It, 9-0 Shooter (RIP), Jessie, and Kyle. Their prank videos have become pretty long, almost like a TV show, but each video is worth a watch. Check out a couple of my favorites below.

Philip DeFranco, a news channel I’ve watched daily for the last few years takes our runner up this year.

Best Video: PewDiePie makes a “congratulations” video for large Indian company, T-Series, who nearly beat him to the 100 million subscribe punch. It is satire, sarcastic and amazing.

Runner Up: The Polar Vortex on January 29th. The 2nd coldest day ever in Chicago, getting down to -21 degrees, and windchills down to negative 50 degrees. I ventured out. Check out the awesome video I found below on Arctic Chicago.

That concludes my 2019 and all the “best” things from it. Let’s make 2020 an awesome year!

See ya then

Josh

Another Year of Music (2019 Concerts)

Another year, another 12 month of concerts. I went to a concert every single month again in 2019. January through December. That makes me 24/24 and 34/36 for concerts attended / month in the past 3 years. Even though I went to less concerts this year than in 2018 and in 2017, 2019 brought me a year full of fun memories attending many free concerts with good company. 18 concerts at 12 different venues, containing 35 bands and 1 fest. Check them out now:

January

In January I made it to one show in the middle of the month. My buddy Grant invited me to a free show at Old Town School of Folk Music. I walked to the show from our place in Ravenswood and saw the Andre Mehmari Trio for a classical Brazilian jazz show.

Artists: Andre Mehmari Trio
Venue: Old Town School of Folk Music
Date: January 16, 2019

February

Continued my music ways in February, where I ended up attending two different shows. The first show I won tickets to, was Interpol at the Chicago Theatre. Grant joined me for this one again. Seats were in the back of the theatre on the first floor. I just had my foot blasted that day and hobbled to the show from the “L”, but luckily I brought my glasses so I could see Sunflower Bean open up and Interpol put on a great light show. Then just 2 days later on February 9th, Johnny and I saw The Evening Attraction, Twen, and Naked Giants at Empty Bottle. We drove to the show and I pulled off a miracle parallel park in Jmon’s new whip. Rock and Roll with some pain relievers for the toe. The song Green Fuzz had me seeing green goblin face melting solos.

Artists: Interpol, Sunflower Bean
Venue: The Chicago Theatre
Date: February 7, 2019

Artists: Naked Giants, Twen, The Evening Attraction
Venue: Empty Bottle
Date: February 9, 2019

March

I saw another two shows in March. The first was Twin Peaks and Rookie band at Lincoln Hall on 312 day. Both Chicago bands, Jmon joined me again and we celebrated with some 312s, but this time we took the “L” to the show. Damen to Fullerton (the old stomping grounds). Twin Peaks rocked out. Then about two weeks later, Rachel and I met up for a beer at Half Acre brewing company and then hit up Old Town School of Folk Music for a concert. Ian O’Neil of Deer Tick was opening up for Robert Ellis and it was a top notch show. Set in a side room at Old Town School of Folk with stadium seating, I was able to record the full show. Funny thing is I had originally bought tickets to see JS Ondara at Schubas the same night, but Robert Ellis, The Texas Piano Man and Ian O’Neil of my favorite band Deer Tick took precedence. We were able to meet Ian after the show and talked about the possibilities of Deer Tick making a fourth condiment themed record “Relish” with Robert Ellis. Rachel and I enjoyed a quick walk home after the show.

Artists: Twin Peaks, Rookie
Venue: Lincoln Hall
Date: March 12, 2019

Artists: Robert Ellis, Ian O’Neil
Venue: Old Town School of Folk Music
Date: March 28, 2019

April

Johnny and I made it to a show together for a third straight month (my fourth overall) by driving out to The Forge (formerly MoJoes) in Joliet to catch Black Stone Cherry, Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown, and the Josephines. Suburb concerts have a different vibe to them…. Rocking show regardless.

Artists: Black Stone Cherry, Tyler Bryant and the Shake Down, The Josephines
Venue: The Forge (Joliet)
Date: April 11, 2019

May

May was my busiest month of the year when it came to concerts. 4 total concerts with 2 of them being free shows. It started off at Lincoln Hall on May 3rd. Adam was in town and we were all hanging out at Brian and Megan’s down the street on Fullerton. I asked if anyone wanted to go to the Strand of Oaks show with me and Adam jumped on the opportunity. We drove a mile down Fullerton to the show and arrived just as Timothy Showalter was in the middle of his first song. We stayed the rest of the show, caught some classic Strand of Oaks jams, and went home with a nice poster.

Next up was the concert of the year, Deer Tick at Thalia Hall. Beth, Rachel, Johnny, and I headed out to the show early and managed to get second row. We met up with John’s friend Kenny and peeped the merch before the show as well. A mom and son duo in front of us had clearly drank too much and had to leave even before Deer Tick came on. The sea had parted and the front row opened up to us. We settled in next to a guy who was seeing Deer Tick for the first time, but was super friendly. Courtney Marie Andrews opened the show and then Deer Tick put on a legendary show at Thalia Hall that night. Jmon almost got in a fight near the end of the show. Some guy kept bumping him and then they got in a shoving match. Johnny threw down 2 dudes to the ground, luckily it didn’t escalate past that. It was amazing to be in the front row and not have to look past any heads to catch a glimpse of John, Ian, Dennis and Chris. We were even lucky enough to go home with 2 of the set lists from the stage! This was my 10th time seeing Deer Tick and I can’t wait for them to come back to Chicago!

The month of May continued just 3 days later with Matthew Logan Vasquez, lead singer of the band Delta Spirit, who has been doing solo albums for the last few years. I once again won tickets to the show. Grant met me at Schubas for the show and we snagged a drink while the opener was on and chatted with two nice ladies who were there for the cat raffle, not for the concert. We entered the sold out show and were able to snag a couple drinks and enjoyed the standing room in the back. After MLV finished up his rocking set, I had drove to the show after work, so Grant and I stopped for some tacos on the way home. The month closed out a couple weeks after that with a concert at Bottom Lounge. I met Jmon, Dino and their buddy at Bottom Lounge after work one day for the Sum 41 show. We actually saw one of the members, Brown Sound eating lunch right outside the venue. The band Assuming We Survive opened up. There was a couple with a child who couldn’t have been more than 5 years old. The band was more a scream-o type of band, but sang happy birthday to the little girl which was fun. My first ever Sum 41 show and it was awesome! Tons of moshing, singing and dancing around. They played all the classics and rocked out. Johnny almost lost his new phone as it got blasted out of his pocket during the mosh, but luckily someone found it and returned it to one of the merch tables where he picked up the phone. It was a super sweaty show in a small and packed bottom lounge room. I drove home shirtless after the show. Check out the pics from the shows below.

Artists: Strand of Oaks
Venue: Lincoln Hall
Date: May 3, 2019

Artists: Deer Tick, Courtney Marie Andrews
Venue: Thalia Hall
Date: May 7, 2019

Artists: Matthew Logan Vasquez
Venue: Schubas
Date: May 10, 2019

Artists: Sum 41, Assuming We Survive
Venue: Bottom Lounge
Date: May 26, 2019

June

In June, I only made it to one show with Rachel. Another show that I won tickets to. Man am I on a hot streak this year with the concert wins. A couple days after our anniversary, Rachel and I drove over to Schubas and caught the two person band Luluc all the way from Australia. Great set.

Artists: Luluc
Venue: Schubas
Date: June 12, 2019

July

With the summer officially here, Chicago fest season was in full force. We decided to check out Square Roots Fest this year. Rachel, Beth and I caught The Wild Reeds, Los Vicios De Papa, and Son Volt play at the fest. Son Volt is headed by Jay Farrar, lead singer and member of former alt-country band Uncle Tupelo. It was nice to be able to stand back and enjoy the music on a beautiful summer day. We walked to and from the show, being down the street at Lincoln Square.

Artists: Son Volt, The Wild Reeds, Los Vicios De Papa
Venue: Square Roots Fest
Date: July 14, 2019

August

Another month, another free concert thanks to Lincoln Hall + Schubas. I won tickets to see Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Danielle Durack. CYHSY played my favorite song of theirs, The Skin of My Yellow Teeth, listen to it below! Rachel and I drove to the show and enjoyed a night of drinks and jamming.

Artists: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Danielle Durack
Venue: Schubas
Date: August 26, 2019

September

I’m sure you’ll be shocked, but in September, I was able to attend another free concert. Daniel Norgren and Jake Xerxes Fussell came to Lincoln Hall to play a show. After work I drove to Lincoln Hall and met Grant at the show. Daniel Norgren, all the way from Sweden, put on another awesome show. We had seen him 2 years ago at Schubas and this was his second ever show in Chicago. Although he didn’t play his new single Let Love Run The Game, he did play the classic Moonshine Got Me. Check it out below. Jake Xerxes Fussell opened up and has an awesome song Jubilee. Find it on my Top songs of 2019.

Artists: Daniel Norgren, Jake Xerxes Fussell
Venue: Lincoln Hall
Date: September 18, 2019

October

In the month of October I made it to 2 shows. One was free again! Insane right? That makes 9 free shows on the year. Johnny joined me at Lincoln Hall for a show with one of my favorite bands, The Weeks. Spendtime palace and The Vernes opened up for them. It was actually really funny because Jmon got lost while trying to park and had no idea where he was. I was running all over the streets trying to find where he was at. Eventually he made it and we got in to catch a bumping Weeks concert. Three days later, after a weekend of camping in New Glarus, I took the “L” and met up with Johnny at The Vic Theatre with Dino, Nina, Marissa and their friend to see Sum 41 for the second time in 2019. We waited a song or two in the back, then I led the group forward into the pit and it got wild. Jamming show that got a bit sweaty once again.

Artists: The Weeks, Spendtime Palace, The Vernes
Venue: Lincoln Hall
Date: October 3, 2019

Artists: Sum 41
Venue: The Vic Theatre
Date: October 6, 2019

November

It seems that every November I have to squeak in a show. This year, on November 26th, I made it to the Elbo Room one day after work. This was actually one of the last shows ever at the Elbo Room as they sold the property and the building will most likely be knocked down. Instrumental Jazz may not be my thing, but the old folks wearing glow sticks and with blow up aliens supporting their kids were so sweet… or maybe just a bunch of stoner old folks enjoying their night. This show was hosted by a DJ dressed up as an astronaut and oh, I also saw a quick set in the cocktail room upstairs before the Not of This Earth show… Goodbye Elbo Room. Solid venue for up and coming artists! Would loved to have seen more shows here. PS: This was the only show I saw solo in 2019. What a year of attending shows with other people!

Artists: Galaxxu, Absolute Terror Field
Venue: Elbo Room (basement)
Date: November 26, 2019

Artists: Sarah Van Hecke
Venue: Elbo Room (cocktail lounge)
Date: November 26, 2019

December

That takes us to the twelfth month of the year, December. I ended the year with Cage the Elephant and Angles and Airwaves at the Aragon for night one of the 101 WKQX Nights We Stole Christmas. I took an Uber to the show with Rachel. Randomly ran into Aly & Ryan while in line for security. We ended up hanging with them for the show. It was a pretty sick show, but hot as usual in the Aragon. Rachel and I decided to walk home after the show since we were so hot. Just a straight shot down Lawrence for about 20 minutes. Classic Aragon Ballroom though, venue is fine, but just one level, so when a tall SOB stands in front of you, you don’t have much of a choice, but to try and lean around him. We were closer for AVA, but then had to go to the bathroom and got stuck farther away for CTE. Still a good show and good sound. CTE is sick! The lead singer Matt Shultz is a wild man. I love his energy and stage presence, probably the best I’ve ever seen. They had me jumping and singing all night long. What a way to end the year! Thanks for attending shows with me everyone (mostly Rachel, Johnny & Grant).

Artists: Cage The Elephant, Angels and Airwaves
Venue: Aragon Ballroom
Date: December 11, 2019

And that concludes my music concerts for 2019. Don’t forget to look at my 2018 concerts and check out my 2017 experience if you haven’t already! 9 out of 18 concerts in 2019 were free to me, which is super amazing. Let’s hope for more free shows in 2020.

Although a goal of mine for 2019 was to film less at shows, and I feel I did that, I still want to do less in the future. I just get caught up in wanting to capture the action… So maybe no videos in 2020? We shall see though, I always get the itch when I am there!

Also I have less than a year left in Chicago most likely. So I want to finish off hitting up every venue I can. I have been to a show at 29/42 venues on our Chicago music venue map (we got in summer of 2017). These are the venues I want to get to in the first half of 2020 that I have never been to before: Buddy Guy’s, Cobra Lounge , Fitzgeralds, Green Mill, Logan Square Auditorium , Martyrs, Mayne Stage, Radius, The Township, The Whistler, UIC, Uncommon Ground, Underground Lounge & the United Center.

HMU if you know a show at one of these venues and let’s make it 42/42 venues in the next 9 months.

See my MUSIC page to see my vinyl collection and all the concerts I have been to.

Who should I go see in 2020?? I already have a few shows lines up, but am always ready to go to more… let me know and let’s go to a show!

Josh

Let's Talk 10 More Podcasts #8

Helllloooo everybodyyyyy…. with the holidays coming up, and either long car rides, or the need to drown out those elongated Trump impeachment conversations at the dinner table, I’ve decided to give you a bonus gift of 10 more podcasts to listen to. I know a lot of you are driving, running, cooking, working, or sitting around for the holidays and need something to occupy the silence; I have the podcasts just for you. I’ve done this seven times before, so feel free to check out my other 70 podcasts I listen to here:

True Crime Podcasts #7 - November 2019
Let’s Talk 10 Podcasts #6 - September 2019
10 of my Favorite Singular Story Podcasts (#5) - February 2019
Up (4) Another 10 Podcasts To Check Out In 2018 - October 2018
10 Podcasts (X3) To Listen To In 2018 - February 2018
10 More Podcasts You Should Listen to Today - October 2017
Top 10 Podcasts To Listen To Today - April 2017

Similar to my sixth rendition of this thing, all of the podcasts on this blog are talk radio podcasts. People sitting down and recording their conversations with microphones. Most episodes last for an hour or two and the topics covered vary, so let’s avoid the political conversations and dive into another 10 podcasts I listen to.

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10. Sofa King Podcast

“The Sofa King Podcast is a weekly podcast dedicated to whatever topics the hosts find interesting. From conspiracy theories and technology to the mass media and the future, this podcast explores two interesting topics per week in a way that is simultaneously informative, critical, and humorous. The podcast hosts have big ideas, big opinions, big mouths, and give their take on weekly topics in a way that is both cynical and educational. Adult content, themes, and language.”

Three guys sitting around giving their “R” rated opinion on topics. Shout out to my assistant coach Chris for the suggestion on this one. Most episodes come in around 90 minutes long and can ramble on a little, but are pretty funny and informative. They dive deep into random topics that will make you think and laugh! Their website is super convenient and groups the episodes by topic which is a nice change of pace. This is the first time I’ve seen a podcast do something besides list episodes in chronological order.

9. Straight Up With Stassi

“Love her or hate her, but you can’t ignore the sassy, quick-witted Stassi Schroeder, star of Bravo’s “Vanderpump Rules.” Never one to hold back on any topic, Stassi is here with a weekly podcast, “Straight Up with Stassi’, a biting and hilarious look at the world and everyone in it, according to the Queen Bee herself.”

Dracarys, Bitches! You may be shocked, but Rachel let me know about this one. Nothing like a little girl gossip with Stassi from Vanderpump Rules. Although this podcast doesn’t live up to the hype of Vanderpump Rules, it comes close. It has even become so large that she went on a “live” podcast tour for it. Episodes come in weekly around 45 minutes and usually involve newly engaged Stassi and another co-host, or guest talking the latest in her life, Hollywood gossip, and more.

8. Fresh Air

“Fresh Air from WHYY, the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programs. Hosted by Terry Gross, the show features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.”

This is a NPR podcast that comes out nearly every weekday. Episodes come in right at 50 minutes and often include interviews with famous actors, musicians, or other celebrities. There are some episodes that are news and political based, which I usually skip. It is a very professional and scripted podcast that reads like the news or a TV show about a historic place or event. It reminds me of those old documentaries we used to watch in elementary school about different countries or the history of an event. I find the interviewer and host, Terry Gross, a little stiff at times, almost too professional. She doesn’t seem to have any actual feelings or personal connection that I find on a lot of the other podcasts… maybe it is because it is more of a “professional” interview type of show. Regardless, good interviews and details about pop culture and other current events.

7. Blink-155

“Blink-182 have 155 songs. Josiah and Sam are going to talk about all of them.”

My friend Bobby suggested this one awhile back and I finally got around to it. Two Canadian fellas give their honest opinion on every single one of Blink-182’s songs, and they go in deeeeeep. Episodes can be a little long, ranging from 90 to 150 minutes, so unless you are a diehard fan, definitely search out your favorite songs and listen to the boys talk about them. They will play some demos, covers, and go over the details of each song. Good background discussion to have on if you don’t need to focus too closely on the podcast. As of this blog, they are only 128 songs in. The first episode is about Dumpweed and some other classic episodes I’ve listened to include What’s My Age Again, All The Small Things, and Adam’s Song.

6. KFC Radio

“Featuring all of the regular Barstool personalities, KFC Radio is the quintessential bar conversation brought to podcast form. Listener interaction is the name of the game as Barstool readers and listeners contribute their Stoolie Voicemails to drive the conversation to strange places including embarrassing personal stories, bizarre hypothetical questions, and more.”

A few of my lacrosse boys told me to check out this one. Another Barstool sports talk podcast. Comes out about four times a week, I only get around to listening once every two weeks or so, but good conversation usually about sports, the life of Kevin Clancy aka KFC Barstool and his divorce, and occasional interviews of guests. Episodes can range from an hour all the way up to three, so try to find one with a good guest or interesting headline.

5. Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

“Hi, I’m Dax Shepard, and I love talking to people. I am endlessly fascinated by the messiness of being human, and I find people who are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and shortcomings to be incredibly sexy. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment.”

Dax Shepard hosts this podcast (obviously) and does a great job interviewing his guests. Dax has been sober for more than a decade and has a degree in Anthropology, as well as four years of improv training which lead to these impressive interviews. Dax is very personable and honest, as he tries to connect emotionally with each guest. Most of the guests that I have listened to are Dax’s friends in real life and they often discuss topics like parenthood, relationships, substance use, being in the film industry, and more. The episodes can be a bit lengthy, usually coming in over two hours, but will cover a large variety of topics throughout. Find a guest you are interested in learning more about and get comfy in your armchair.

4. Oprah’s Master Class

“Hear the greatest life lessons of some of the most respected and renowned actors, musicians, public figures and athletes. Handpicked by Oprah, these luminaries reveal their lives with candor and insight — in their own words. Listen as Jay -Z, Justin Timberlake, Ellen Degeneres, Shaquille O’Neal, Reba McEntire, Dwayne Johnson and Jane Fonda, (just to name a few), share what they’ve learned about life and their own insights into their personal stories.”

No ads on this podcast, just story telling by the guest. Oprah almost never talks as well, as we just hear from the “master” of each episode. These episodes are quick, only 30 minutes and often involve untold stories from celebrities on how they got to where they are today. Not much more needed to say other than look up a guest you want to know more about!

3. KEXP’s Sound and Vision

“The Sound & Vision podcast from KEXP features interviews, panels, reporting and commentary that digs into the stories behind the music, with in-depth discussion of the most important issues facing music and arts communities. Sound & Vision is hosted by Emily Fox and John Richards.”

KEXP is a radio station based out of Seattle that I have featured on a few of my other blog podcasts. KEXP does amazing things, I love music and this podcast. If you enjoy music and want to learn about some insight behind songs and movements, definitely give this one a listen. This is a newer podcast, and they only have 25 episodes out right now that range from 30 minutes to an hour, so get listening.

2. Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

“After 25 years at the Late Night desk, Conan realized that the only people at his holiday party are the men and women who work for him. Over the years and despite thousands of interviews, Conan has never made a real and lasting friendship with any of his celebrity guests. So, he started a podcast to do just that.”

I’m sure you know the host, so let’s get to the details. My mother-in-law let me know about this weekly podcast where Conan sits down with the people he hopes will call him a friend. A few ads at the beginning and end of each episode, along with some random talk at the beginning I skip each time. Episodes come in right around an hour each week and include popular guests like Adam Sandler, Paul Rudd, Mila Kunis, Tina Fey, and Dana Carvey. Sometimes you need to know more about the person that is being interviewed, as they don’t go into the general details of the story. They will do a deep dive of each story which is awesome if you know the background of the story. Lots of conversations about SNL, Lorne Michaels, and 30 Rock where the Conan O’Brien show is filmed. Enjoy!

1. Spittin’ Chiclets

“Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette and Rear Admiral team up to bring their outspoken and irreverent opinions to the masses. Focusing on the NHL but also touching on pop culture and stories from their days in the show. New episodes air Monday and Thursday on Barstool Sports.”

It all starts with the name. Spittin’ Chiclets. What a great name for a podcast that is all about hockey and happens to be my number one talk show podcast for this blog. My co-worker Alek got me into this podcast, and it involves hockey talk with basically no rules, amazing stories, hilarious hosts and commentary. This is a Barstool podcast that comes out two to three times a week during the hockey season and once a week during the offseason. Episodes can be pretty lengthy (2+ hours), with ads throughout, but if you want to just hear the interviews, skip ahead about 40 minutes. Lots of current hockey game and trade talk at the start and end of each episode and some really great interviews in between. The past month included Chicago Blackhawk interviews from players Duncan Keith, Scott Darling, Brent Sopel, Chris Chelios, & Jeremy Roenick (he got in trouble and indefinitely suspended from his job because of the stories he told!). The untold stories and discussions about what goes on in the hockey world, along with the commentary from the hosts (especially BizNasty), is what hooked me on this one. To add a cherry on top, Spittin’ Chiclets is presented by Pink Whitney (New Amsterdam vodka influenced by host Ryan Whitney). Pick up a bottle today, no mixer needed! Spittin’ Chiclets is over 230 episodes in, so scroll through and find a hockey legend you would want to hear.

That takes us to 80 podcasts, with 20 of those being talk radio pods. No need to feel anxious about the holidays anymore if you have one of these podcasts by your side. Enjoy!

You can get all podcasts for free by downloading on itunes, listening on the websites (links provided above), stream on spotify, or use the podcast app on your phone like me.

Are there any other talk radio podcasts that you suggest I listen to?

Happy Holidays

Josh