Analissa Nunez
Contributing Writer

As Gauchos around the world practice social distancing, the amount of free time that some students have has increased dramatically. Without the regular face-to-face interactions that come with commuting to campus, it seems that our days may be filled with more silence than normal. Thankfully, we live in the age of podcasting, where a good story can provide virtual companionship — and perhaps even the chance to gain new knowledge. Listed below are some prime listening material recommendations for your days of social distancing. 

4. “Crime Junkie”

The first podcast on this list is “Crime Junkie,” made for those who can’t get enough of true crime content. From famous murders, kidnappings, serial killers, to cold cases, this podcast uses unique storytelling methods that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Aside from famous cases, the show appreciates sharing lesser-known cases to help bring justice to victims and their families. New episodes are released every Monday and can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher.com. 

Recommended Episode: “Amy Lynn Bradley” — Twenty years after going missing during a cruise, credible sightings suggest that Amy Lynn Bradley is actually alive and being held captive.

3. “The Moth”

The next notable podcast is “The Moth,” an organization that hosts live storytelling events around the world. For those who can’t travel, the weekly podcast features the organization’s best stories. Each story is limited to five minutes, making it the perfect show for those who may be in a hurry. “The Moth” is unique because it portrays a range of emotions in each episode, which makes the show compelling to listeners. Weekly episodes, released every Tuesday and Friday, can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and their website.

Recommended Episode: “Wake Up Call” — An actress discovers something sinister about her partner and decides to get sweet, glorious revenge on him.

2. “Terrible, Thanks for Asking”

Another podcast worth mentioning is “Terrible, Thanks for Asking,” which examines honest answers to the question, “How are you?” Host Nora McInerny was inspired to create the show after losing her husband to cancer and having a miscarriage in the same year. For those who are currently dealing with grief, this show will help you process your feelings. New episodes are released every Wednesday and can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or on Stitcher. 

Recommended Episode: “Emily and Chanel” — A sexual assault survivor speaks in detail about the worst night of her life and her struggle with living two identities ― the one before the incident, and the one after. 

1. “Supernatural with Ashley Flowers”

The last show is “Supernatural with Ashley Flowers.” This series aims to uncover the truth about mysterious and bizarre occurrences. For those who are interested in unexplained events, this show is a great choice to binge. Each story is told clearly and logically enough to keep listeners enticed throughout the episode. Every Wednesday on Spotify, Apple Music, and Parcast, listeners are treated to a different mysterious occurrence ― where everything is not as it may seem. 

Recommended Episode: “THE UNKNOWN: Dyatlov Pass” — Nine mountaineers are found dead with unexplainable injuries outside of their tent. To this day, no one knows what happened that night in Russia.

The shows listed have a wide range of topics: crime, thought-provoking stories, grief management, and solving the unknown. Although all different, each podcast provides an outlet for those who are searching for a story with twists and turns. Let these podcasts set your mind at ease and let your imagination drift to a new world.