Water cooler: 5 local and national podcasts worth a listen

The podcast is an increasingly popular medium for the distribution of news and entertainment. From news programs to comedy shows, podcasts have a lot to offer.

They’re ideal for keeping one focused during a long drive or run or while doing the laundry. That said, they can be enjoyed at any time.

Podcasts also can be a great means for education about a new topic of interest or what is happening in the community.

Here are five podcasts – three local to Spokane and two national – that will help listeners learn a thing or two:

Spokane Talks: Local media group Spokane Talks hosts podcasts with local figures covering everything from real estate and politics to cars. Each show has a dedicated host and a series of local sponsors. All these shows are community-oriented and kept up to date, so if you need to catch up on local news on the way to work, “Spokane Talks” is a good place to start. There is a large variety of topics, so there’s something for everyone. Podcasts can be found online at spokanetalksmedia.com. Episode length varies by program.

Spokane Public Radio: Spokane Public Radio is probably best known as a radio station running KPBX/Z and KSFC radios. SPR has been at it for about 40 years and, in keeping up with changing times, the podcast program is growing. Programs include news, studio performances, sketch comedy, movie reviews and more. Check out the “From the Studio” series of music performances by local musicians. Podcasts are available on NPR’s podcast site or at spokanepublicradio.org. Episode length varies by program.

Spokast: Three local friends gather together in a traditional living-room-style round-table discussion. They invite regional and local figures onto the show and talk about what they’re up to, from personal life to community impact. The show is often lighthearted and funny, but it can approach more serious and emotional subjects, as well. Much of the show is about life in Spokane, a city that the three hosts all inhabit and enjoy. Find their podcasts on various streaming platforms or at their website, spokast.com. Episode length varies greatly.

Code Switch: NPR’s “Code Switch” is what a lot of people are looking for right now. It tackles questions of race directly, head on, as a platform run by journalists of color and populated by a series of interviewees. Nonfiction books about race have been flying off the shelves the past few weeks as people strive to educate themselves in light of Black Lives Matter protests. “Code Switch” is another great way to do that, as stories are shared and details of living in America in 2020 are discussed. “Code Switch” says it best: “This podcast makes ALL OF US part of the conversation – because we’re all part of the story.” Visit “Code Switch” at npr.org/podcasts. Episodes are usually about 40 minutes.

In Our Time: The BBC’s “In Our Time” has been running as a radio show since 1998 and is credited as one of the most successful shows of its kind. It is now available as a streaming podcast. Host Melvyn Bragg invites three academics to discuss a historical, literary or philosophical topic for about 40 minutes. They dive deep into the topic of each week, creating a podcast or radio show that is very informative and interesting. While the show is on its summer break now, the archive of more than 800 episodes is available through the BBC website bbc.co.uk. They’ll be back in September. Episodes are about 40 minutes.