More Podcasts, Less Netflix; Top 10 podcasts you should be listening to if you're anything like me.

I love having noise on in the background of my life. Whether its music or TV (it's usually TV) something is always on while I'm doing anything. One of my new year's resolutions was to spend my time more wisely, and one of the ways I plan on doing that is to listen to more podcasts... instead of just watching Netflix (or any other similar streaming service).

Claire, why are podcasts better than TV? Isn't TV just like podcasts you can actually watch? Okay yeah maybe, but I know myself and when I put on Netflix I tend to get so distracted that I'm not doing anything productive at the same time. Also when I'm putting on something to watch, I try to start something new and possibly educational, but I always end up just re-watching something mindless like The Office or New Girl.

When I listen to a podcast I am easily able to do other things and stay productive. For example when I'm listening to a podcast I am cooking, cleaning, driving, working out, or maybe sometimes even getting work done. This way I can stay entertained, productive, and sometimes even learn something new.

Anyways here are some of my favorite podcasts (in no particular order) that you should probably start listening to if you wanna be a cool nerd like me :)

1. Armchair Expert- Dax Shepard

Actor/ Comedian and Michigan native, Dax Shepard and his rather calming dad voice does a great podcast where he interviews celebrities and occasionally random experts. He really does an excellent job of captivating listeners by asking usually weird questions to interesting people and I just really can't speak highly enough about his podcast!

2. Unqualified- Anna Faris

One of my favorite actresses Anna Faris interview celebrities and gives callers relationship advice. Along with casual interview questions, Anna asks her guests dating deal breakers and makes them super uncomfortable with some funny improv sessions. Anna also has such a fun dynamic with her partner/producer Sim Sarna and I just adore listening to this!

3. How did this get made?- Paul Sheer

Paul Sheer, his wife June Diane Raphael, and the ever so funny Jason Mantzoukas and a random celeb guest watch terrible movies and analyze them. They don't just roast the movies, but truly analyze them and it is so fun because they tell you what to watch the week before and then you can actually understand what they reference. So good, so funny, I love bad movies and all of these funny people.

4. Unhappy Hour- Matt Bellassai

Love to complain? Same! Former Buzzfeed "Wine About It" star Matt Bellassai. On this podcast, he complains about crappy things going on in the world and he's hilarious and funny I promise.

5. Literally anything from NPR

Okay I am a NPR junkie and everything they do is great. Some are funny, some are informative, regardless you'll probably learn something cool and have a good time listening. Here are some of my favs by NPR: Up first, Wait wait don't tell me!, Hidden Brain, TED radio hour, Fresh Air. I could go on... I love you NPR.

6. My Favorite Murderer- Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

Murder itself- bad, learning about crazy serial killers- good. Karen and Georgia are a funny dynamic duo that talk about the craziest murder cases and serial killers. It's funny, it's creepy, and informative. 10/10 recommend My favorite murderer... but maybe not at night by yourself.

7. American Diplomat- Ambassador Pete Romero

This one is definitely on the learning side of podcasts. If you are someone interested in international relations and foreign service, this podcast is for you! This podcast discusses careers in foreign service and different operations that Foreign Service Officers and Diplomats are up to around the world.

8. Why won't you date me?- Nicole Byer

Nicole Byer is HILARIOUS and as someone who has never really been the "relationship type" I relate to her like none other. She's a kween, I'm a kween, you are all kweens... give this a listen for a good time.

9. Tiny Meat Gang- Cody Ko and Noel Miller

I think Cody and Noel are sooo funny and this podcast is kind of just them talking, but together they vibe really well and are hilarious. I liked Cody Ko back on Vine and then saw some of his YouTube videos and it just made sense to listen to this podcast.

10. PR Hangover- Grand Valley State University PRSSA

Shameless plug for my PRSSA club's podcast, but it's really good okay?! Public relations is really interesting and so is this podcast. This podcast does interviews really cool PR professionals from around West Michigan. You can really learn a lot and get insight about the field of public relations. This is a great podcast to follow if you are an overzealous public relations major like me :)

All of these podcasts can be found on any platform you listen to podcasts on (Spotify, Apple, Stitcher, Soundcloud, etc.)