There was a point in my career when I cried every morning at the thought of the traffic that awaited me on EDSA. I wish I’m exaggerating. I also went through a road rage phase when I rolled down my window and literally hit buses that get too near my car (yep, traffic can get that bad along EDSA) with my bare hands. I knew that was no way to live, so I tried out ways to keep myself calm and occupied while in traffic. I had a Keep Calm playlist — slow inspirational, mostly worship, songs that I could sing to. I kept a stash of snacks in the car. Then I finally found that listening to podcasts helps keep me sane in the hours I spend trying to get to various points in Metro Manila. They not only keep me entertained, but I learn a lot too. It makes for a more enriching driving experience than yelling at other drivers and pedestrians on the road.
Here are the podcasts I currently subscribe to that you might want to check out for your next foray into traffic:
I can’t recommend this podcast enough to people. It is one of the most excellent ones out there. I’ve been listening to it since 2015 and the quality of the stories and storytelling shows no signs of flagging. Criminal is a true crime podcast that delves into the myriad facets of various criminal acts (and it’s amazing just how many of them there are). Host Phoebe Judge (who has a beautiful soothing voice) interviews experts, witnesses, victims, perpetrators, enforcers, authors, lawyers, and other people to tell the story and to offer its listeners a better understanding of that particular crime.
New episodes come out twice a month on Fridays.
My fave episodes: He’s Neutral (Ep. 15) and Just Mercy (Ep. 45).
If you’re my friend and we’ve talked recently, I’ve probably already told you about this podcast. Its premise is simple: Hollywood actors and celebrity personalities reading essays submitted to the Modern Love column at the New York Times plus updates from the essayists themselves. The essays are not exclusively about romantic love, some of them are about family, friends, and loving one’s self. The episodes have alternatively made me laugh and cry out loud. The best ones stay with me long after I have listened to them.
They have a new episode out every week on Thursdays.
My fave episodes: One Last Swirl (Ep. 2) and Out from Under the Influence (the featured performance at the Modern Love Live at Town Hall Oct. 27, 2016).
Frankly, I don’t know why I still listen to Lore. I have been following this podcast every week since I discovered it two years ago. I have a lot to criticize about Aaron Mahnke’s writing and reading style — he uses the passive voice, he’s pretty verbose, and his reading rhythm reminds me of the voice from my Macbook’s keyboard (try it! It’s strange). BUT, once you get past all that and the meandering introductions, Mahnke tells fascinating stories and some of them even verge on being creepy. Whether I admit it or not — fine, I’ll admit it — Lore feeds my inner supernatural history nerd and I’ll keep on listening to this podcast for as long as Mahnke is producing it.
A new episode comes out every two weeks.
My fave episodes: Unboxed (Ep. 15) and Quarantine (Ep. 57)
This new podcast is produced by the same people behind Criminal. And it’s one of the best ones out there right now. It takes the same investigative approach of Criminal but applies it to the more beautiful and heartfelt side of life. I consumed its first season in just three drives into the city and season two is out!
A new episode comes out twice a month on Wednesdays.
My fave episodes: Something Large and Wild (Ep. 2), Eight Thousand Miles (Ep. 4). Actually, every episode is special.
You Must Remember This is a podcast about the “secret and forgotten histories of Hollywood.” Confession: I haven’t listened to all of the episodes yet, nor do I intend to catch up on my backlog. I just pick and choose from its extensive repertoire. However, I still recommend this podcast because it’s just so darn interesting, well-made, extensively researched, and you come out smarter after every episode. Also, the host, Karina Longworth, is a film critic and historian who also has a gorgeous voice to go with her savory Hollywood stories (she’s in a relationship with Rian Johnson, you know, the director of The Last Jedi).
A new episode comes out every week.
My fave episodes: The Jean and Jane series (Eps. 107-114)
I’m not really sure what makes me enjoy this podcast so much. Maybe it’s because it’s a paranormal and true crime podcast with wine and milkshakes. The hosts are two best friends who spend the first fifteen minutes just catching us up with what’s happening in their lives. Then they each give us a paranormal story and a true crime story (interspersed with entertaining asides and funny reactions). It’s not as highbrow as my previous recommendations, but Em and Kristine make for great company while I’m stuck in traffic any day.
A new episode comes out every week.
My fave episodes: Their Listener stories and The Haunted Doll Market and 420 Zodiac (Ep. 86)
I actually listen to more podcasts, I might have to make a second post, but these are my top shows. Do you listen to podcasts too? What do you recommend?
Tita Stef in Real Life 
Leave a comment