Favorite podcasts of 2019

(I posted this on Facebook, and think it would be appropriate to post it in this blog--sorry for the screwy font that doesn't match the rest of the blog):

I thought I'd do another "Favorites of 2019" list, this one about podcasts. I listen to many podcasts (maybe TOO MANY) while working, running, walking, washing dishes, etc. So here are my top 20 of 2019 (listed in the order they appear in my Stitcher favorites):

WTF WITH MARC MARON: The granddaddy of podcasts and still one of the best. No matter the guest, the conversations are almost always engaging.

SLATE CULTURE GABFEST: Dana Stevens, Stephen Metcalf, and Julia Turner discuss the current week's notable films, music, books, etc. Sometimes veers into precious East Coast elitism (perhaps unintentionally) but is always an enjoyable listen and about the smartest podcast out there.

BEST PICK: This is a British podcast that each week randomly selects an Academy Award year and discusses in great detail the nominees and winner--and then decide if the winner was "the best pick" for that year. Lots of dry British humor throughout.

THE PRESS BOX: Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker of The Ringer talk about the week in news from a journalistic perspective, and they are quite funny. Weekly feature is "The Overused Twitter Joke of the Week."

ARMCHAIR EXPERT: The quality of this podcast took me by surprise. Actor Dax Shepherd interviews a different guest each week in discussions that are frequently about 90 minutes to two hours long. Dax is a smart and perceptive guy. In somewhat the same vein as WTF.

THE BIG PICTURE: Another in the Ringer stable of podcasts. The always articulate and congenial Sean Fennessey (often joined by Ringer staffer Amanda Dobbins) talks about recent movies. Often features interviews with actors and directors.

LARRY WILMORE: BLACK ON THE AIR: Comedian, actor and television writer Wilmore talks about whatever is happening in this crazy world. Often venturing into politics, Wilmore is astute and practical in his views. Frequently features guests from all walks of life.

SCREW IT, WE'RE JUST GONNA TALK ABOUT THE BEATLES: Several UCB comedians, who also happen to be Beatles fans, do exactly what the podcast name indicates.

ROCK SOLID: Host Pat Francis takes a humorous approach to music fandom, and features guests (Pat's friends or Patreon donors) to talk about a different subject each week. There are deep dives into artist catalogs (i.e. "The Stones in the '70s," "Nick Lowe," etc.) or shows built on a theme (Songs that mention "rain" in the title).

ROCKIN' THE SUBURBS: One of my absolute favorite podcasts and one that has developed a great online community of music fans/nerds. Jim Lenahan and Patrick Foster post a new episode almost every day on a wide-ranging array of musical topics. Often features guests (musicians, music writers, and Patreon donors who choose a topic).

THE REWATCHABLES: Bill Simmons of The Ringer and a revolving panel (Sean Fennessey, Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, Amanda Dobbins, etc) talk about a different "rewatchable" movie each week. A rewatchable is generally a movie that, if you catch it on cable TV, you will watch no matter what. Each episode plays like a late night dorm room bull session (if the participants were all funny and smart). Each episode also has categories ("What's aged the worst," "Dion Waiters Award" for best performance in limited screen time, "Joey Pants/that guy" award for character actors, "Apex Mountain" for whose career peaked with that film, and a few others).

1001 ALBUM CLUB: A revolving panel discuss each and every album featured in the book "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die." Two albums/two eps per week. Episodes are about 15-20 minutes long.

THE BILL SIMMONS PODCAST: The Ringer's Bill Simmons (unapologetic Boston sports fanboy formerly of ESPN and Grantland) talks sports, culture, movies, politics, being a dad, or whatever is on his mind. Often features famous guests (or his friends). Usually a fun listen.

THE WATCH: The Ringer's Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald talk about current movies and television.

YO, IS THIS RACIST?: Hosts Andrew Ti and Tawny Newsome talk--in an often humorous way--about racism in America. Sadly, they never run out of racism news in the headlines. Often features a special guest host.

THE HUSTLE: Host Jon Lamoreaux takes a different spin on the music podcast, interviewing musicians who maybe have been out of the limelight for awhile but have fascinating stories to tell. Jon is enthusiastic and a good interviewer.

SLATE POLITICAL GABFEST: Hosts Emily Bazelon, David Plotz, and John Dickerson talk about the week in politics--which in the last few years has veered between depressing and crazy (or both). Always an intelligent discussion.

THE LAST PODCAST ON THE LEFT: An uproariously funny podcast about bizarre crimes, murder, UFOs, alien encounters and all manner of weirdness.

SOUND OPINIONS: I think of Chicago's Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot as the Siskel and Ebert of music criticism. This podcast features deep dives into artists and albums, music news, and guest interviews. Jim and Greg disagree more often than they agree on music.

UNSPOOLED: Last but not least, this great movie podcast. Film critic Amy Nicholson and actor Paul Scheer have been methodically going through the AFI 100 films with these incredibly detailed looks at each film.