I never thought I could like podcasts, because it seems like such a white hipster subculture.
But I do- podcasts are just radio shows which are taped. And radio is so diverse, and so incredibly important to immigrant and marginalized communities. We share our news, music, politics, and celebrations on cultural radio stations. And now, BIPOC people around the world are taping these conversations so that anybody can listen to them again, online, for free. I think that's pretty incredible.
5 more reasons to consider podcasts:
1. You can listen to them while doing a mundane task, as an alternative to music.
2. They offer entertainment without using your eyes (rest your eyes after being on Zoom all day!)
3. If you don't have people in your circle who you can discuss a certain topic with (ex. gender discrimination in architecture) you can bet that there is a podcast of someone sharing their experience- it's almost like being there and talking with the host.
4. Many podcasts are small and local, meaning that you support local artists, activists, and creators.
5. Podcasts offer narratives which remain untold in mainstream media, and even on social media, AND they allow for more in-depth discussion than a twitter thread or Instagram post.
Here are a couple of architecture podcasts to try:
1. The Fubumbulist- offers episodes in both French and English on colonialism, race, and design. Centred on Europe and Africa.
2. Failed Architecture- would recommend starting with How Beyonce Seized the Louvre. It's about art, imperialism, and architecture. You didn't know you needed to know this. but you did.
3. The Archiologist- interviews with students and young architects doing cool work!
4. Architecture is Political- the title says it all. A great chance to hear from a huge variety of Black and Brown folx.
And a couple of my favourite non-architecture podcasts:
1. Boarding Diaspora- started close to home here in Ontario, this podcast includes great music in conjuction with amazing conversations about music, cancel-culture, mental health, and more.
2. All My Relations- I just started this one, but it is about our relationships to land and to one another, and is hosted by two Indigenous femmes.
3. This American Life- I like how this one is just stories. About everything and anything, but it is all about life for Americans from all walks of life. it is radio and journalism at its best.
4. Nice White Parents- explains so much of my experiences with education in the public school system as a Black student and immigrant in a working class neighbourhood. So much stuff made sense.
Leave a comment or send me a message if you have recommendations :)