you're missing out: podcasts

If you're like me, I'm always looking for ways to improve the commute to work, cooking, cleaning, etc.

Introducing: Podcasts.

​They've literally changed my life. Who knew cooking for an hour would fly by, and that I wouldn't mind cleaning the kitchen after? I've been alternating between podcasts and audio books (I use Audible) because there don't seem to be enough high-quality true-crime podcasts out there that actually solve the crime in the end. I personally don't want to invest hours upon hours of a season where there is no resolution. I need everything wrapped and tied up with a bow. I'm all about the true crime podcasts, or anything with mystery, however I'm not opposed to other genres. Here are my favourites from the past couple of years. I'll be adding to this list as I find more and more. 

1. bear brook

Bear Brook is by far my favourite podcast from this year. It has everything you want from a true crime story: mystery, a cold case, and new technologies that helped solve this gruesome crime. Personally, I don't like investing in true crime podcasts that don't wrap everything up with a perfect bow...because I need to know! 

2. serial 

The podcast that wrangled me into this world of episodic digital documentaries. I loved the story of Adnan Syed, but more importantly, because Sarah Koenig hosts it. She is superb at showing both sides of the case, without appearing biased. 

3. up and vanished: season 1
'what happened to tara grinstead?'

The story of Tara Grinstead is complicated and confusing. This story starts at point A, and suddenly veers you of the course you think you're taking. It's exciting, exhilarating, and one incredible investigative true crime story. It's hosted by Payne Lindsey, who is easy to listen to, and the episodes fly by (there are a lot).  

4. missing richard simmons

Missing Richard Simmons is not a true crime story, but it is a mystery that I couldn't stop listening to. When my friend first recommended this story, my initial thought was 'that eccentric fitness instructor from the 80's???' I downloaded the first episode and never listened to it for 3 months. What a mistake that was. This is still one of my all time favourites. It's like falling down a rabbit hole to another world. 

5. uncover: season 1
'escaping NXIVM'

Who would have thought all of this was happening right where we live? A huge part of this story takes place in Vancouver, BC. It's an incredible story about a cult, masking as a multi-level marketing company. This is dark and not for the faint of heart. 

6. the teacher's pet

An Australian true crime podcast from last year, that looks at the disappearance of Lynette Dawson. This story is peculiar. Long story short - her husband moves his teenage mistress/student into their family home. It's all levels of creepy and disturbing. 

7. dirty john 

The Netflix story that took the world by storm, is first told through a podcast. I really enjoyed listening to this one, and although the daughters voices are almost unbearable, and the mothers frame of mind antagonized me, you'll thoroughly enjoy this California family drama.

8. the shrink next door 

My sister and I both found this story to be devastating. When the doctors who are supposed to help you, end up taking advantage of your mental state, and abuse that relationship. The whole time I was shocked and enraged over what these people went through. 

9. to live and die in LA

I'm only on episode 3, but so far so good. It's the story of a missing actress from LA.