As you already know, podcasts are my favorite way to consume media. Often when I’m curious about a topic, I’ll search for it on iTunes to see if there’s a podcast about it.
Throughout this global pandemic we are in, I’ve been seeking out podcasts that tell the story of COVID-19’s impact on our society. Like all of you probably are, I’m curious (and anxious) as to what’s ahead for us. We are certainly living through a time that will not only serve as a turning point in our own lives but will undoubtedly impact our society as a whole and how we function moving forward.
That sounds heavy, but I’m actually quite optimistic about it. However, I’m trying not to bury my head in the clouds (like usual). I want to understand the impact of this pandemic on families and communities that may differ from mine. I think that’s an important perspective to seek out.
1. Reveal: Home School
{open in iTunes}
This is a powerful account of what it’s like to be schooling at home during COVID-19 from several different angles: what it’s like trying to participate in distance learning without reliable access to high speed internet, what it’s like to be a teenager taking care of younger siblings because your only parent in the home is an essential worker, and what it’s like to be a teacher trying to serve students with inconsistent resources and building classroom culture through a screen.
Not only is it enlightening to step into the shoes of students / parents / teachers struggling to keep up with the new virtual learning initiatives amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s quite informative about policies and structures in place that have led to the “digital divide” and how that’s impacting the current educational situation of many families.
2. Fresh Air: How Meditation Can Ease Pandemic Anxiety
{open in iTunes}
I really appreciate how Dan Harris talks about meditation. Specifically he talks about rightful fear vs. panic as it relates to the current pandemic we’re in and how meditation can help with the latter.
I was intrigued by his explanation of the Yerkes-Dodson curve and how a certain level of anxiety can be beneficial (until you reach the top of the curve where you then slope into panic). He mentioned a recent interview on his podcast (10 Percent Happier) called How to Handle Coronavirus Anxiety {open in iTunes} where he interviews Dr. Luana Marques who introduced him to this research.
I really like the idea he shared about using hand-washing as a meditative experience by silently chanting a mantra – like this one.
3. Armchair Expert: David Chang
{open in iTunes}
After the initial panic of the pandemic settled (ever-so-slightly) and the realization that staying home was going to be the “new norm” at least for a while, my mind jumped to small businesses – especially restaurants – and how these shifts would impact them.
This interview was more than just a glimpse into the impact on restaurants, but it was more about the importance of mental health. David talked very honestly about his struggles with self-medicating, seeking therapy, and how tough it is to ask for help when your culture views that as weakness.
4. Self-Created: Meditation/Breathing Exercise for Centering and Setting an Intention
{open in iTunes}
This is a short episode – just 6 minutes, but I have been listening to it every morning for the past week! Shanika guides you through a quick breathing exercise that is perfect for dipping your toes into meditation. It’s also a great technique to learn so you can lean on it when you need it (and right now there are plenty of stressful scenarios that could benefit from your best breathing 😉 ).
5. Stuff Mom Never Told You: Who Are The Essential Workers?
{open in iTunes}
There has been a lot of gratitude shared for the “essential workers” but who are they? This podcast shares the undeniable truth that women make up the majority of essential workers. They also discuss the historical expectation for women to volunteer during times of crisis.
What are you listening to right now? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
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