This is typically the time of year for the “best of” recaps, but if you’re like me and need a break from the toxic news feeds, these series and audiobooks will lighten your mood. No true crime, cringey news, wrongful convictions or doom and gloom (for now) in this wrap up. Here’s a warm hug for your ears to help ease you into the New Year.
Podcasts
The Wonder Of Stevie
This is an audio companion of Stevie Wonder’s “classic” period from 1972-1976. A behind-the-music audio documentary hosted by the terrific Wesley Morris. Listeners dive into conversations with people like Questlove, Michele and Barack Obama (who also produced the series), Smokey Robinson, Janelle Monae and others. They share what Stevie’s music means to them and the cultural importance of the lyrics. Studio musicians like Ray Parker Jr. break down how the songs were made, note by note. There are so many tasty nuggets that you’ll never listen to Stevie Wonder the same way again. If you loved Dolly Parton’s America (didn’t listen?! You must!) this is a perfect series for you.
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Conan O’Brien was one of the first celebrities to embrace the podcast medium, and it’s really paid off. Between this show, his MAX series “Conan O’Brien Must Go” and his epic appearance on Hot Ones, Conan is more relevant than ever. There are tons of celebrity interview shows that get too much praise and money (Smartless, Armchair Expert), but this one stands out. He connects with fans from around the world, and A-list guests like Tom Hanks, Quinta Brunson and Al Pacino help too. There’s no way you’ll finish an episode in a bad mood. Even the ads are funny.
America’s Girls
The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders documentary on Netflix was a monster hit and has already been renewed for a second season. I am “Thunderstruck” for this “World Class Team” (IYKYK). If you want to go even deeper into the DCC, look no further than Sarah Hepola’s excellent long-form series with Texas Monthly. You’ll get the origin story from alumni and learn how team director Kelli Finglass is the mastermind behind the excellence. It analyzes why we may have mixed feelings about loving them. It’s great to see that the documentary has brought more attention to this pod.
Animal
New York Times journalist Sam Anderson takes you around the world to learn about majestic creatures far and wide. These are the stories behind the species. Bats, extinct wolves, puffins and hamsters. The chronicles from the ferret convention were my favorite. Just hearing the realness of how humans connect with creatures hits me hard. Anderson is so genuine and so are the people he talks with. Also, everything always comes back to dogs! I could easily listen to another six episodes—so let’s please get a second season.
Who Shat On The Floor At My Wedding? And Other Crimes
When a mystery poop appears in the ladies bathroom at Karen Whitehouse and Helen McLaughlin’s wedding, a full investigation is launched. They return to the scene of the crime, a party boat in Amsterdam. There’s clinical forensic investigations, interviews with party guests and a thorough retracing of the day’s events. It’s all real and hysterical. They bring in their friend, amateur ‘Detective’ Lauren Kilby, to break down the mysterious dropping. Since it was released in 2020, it’s become a viral sensation leading to season 2, “The Case of The Tiny Suit/Case.” It’s also been optioned for a TV series.
Bonus: Feel-Good Audiobooks
Cher, Part 1
The audiobook narration is part Cher and part Tony-winning actress Stephanie J. Block. It recounts her tumultuous childhood, meeting Sonny Bono, and the superstardom of The Sonny & Cher Show. Her marriages to Bono and later Gregg Allman are covered in great detail. It is a glorious throwback in time. My favorite part of this memoir is how Cher remembers everything she was wearing through the decades. Showcasing her fashion innovation is the lead up to the stories about her long-time business relationship with wardrobe designer Bob Mackie. By the end you feel like you really know her. Her life has so much depth, one book simply can’t cover it all. Part 2 will be out in 2025.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel has been wildly popular since it came out in 2022. While the book itself is fantastic, the audio version has the great Michael Urie (Ugly Betty, Shrinking). He plays Marcellus, the cranky but ridiculously smart Octopus. Tova Sullivan, played by Marin Ireland, is a 70-ish widow who lost her son under suspicious circumstances. While working at the local aquarium, Tova gets to know Marcellus and a mysterious relationship is formed. Just go with it. Suspend disbelief. I promise you won’t want this beautiful and original story to end.
Mara Davis is a media personality based in Atlanta. In addition to hosting the VoteHer podcast with Senator Jen Jordan, she also is a senior talent booker for various television networks and podcasts. Follow her on Twitter @MaraDavis.