Hot new podcasts for summer

I wouldn't call myself a hardcore Star Wars fan. I don't get into arguments about the movies and I've never done Star Wars cosplay, if you don't count my Darth Maul Halloween costume in Grade 3. But I've seen all of the movies at some point, and I played with Star Wars toys as a kid. And yes, OK, I did buy the most recent Star Wars video game to pass the time in lockdown.

So for me it's kind of hard to imagine never having seen a single Star Wars movie. That's why it's so enjoyable to listen to Newcomers: Star Wars. Nicole Byer and Lauren Lapkus are complete Star Wars neophytes, so to listen to them as they watch the series with fresh eyes is a delight. 

The two hosts have great chemistry, and from their questions about plot holes to confusion over character names — in fairness, "Hans Olo" does sound like a more realistic name than "Han Solo" — there's always something to laugh along about. Whether or not you've seen the movies, Newcomers: Star Wars is a fun listen, and a welcome diversion from pandemic news. That's why it's my pick of the week.

 — Julian Uzielli, Producer, Podcast Playlist

Podcasts featured this week:

This American Life: In 2020, for the first time ever, a Pulitzer Prize was awarded for audio journalism, and This American Life became the first-ever podcast to win. This award-winning episode takes listeners to a migrant camp at the Mexico-U.S. border, giving us an up-close look at the consequences of the Trump administration's immigration policies. Listener discretion is advised.

Newcomers: Star Wars: Nicole Byer and Lauren Lapkus have never seen any of the Star Wars movies. In the first episode of their podcast Newcomers, they talk to Star Wars lover John Gemberling after watching the very first film in the series — and they have a lot of questions.

Unlocking Bryson's Brain: Bryson is a happy and loving teenager. But because of a rare genetic condition, he's only developed to the level of a one-year-old. But his parents have not given up hope of "unlocking" his brain."

Against The Rules: In the first season of Against The Rules, host Michael Lewis examined society's relationship with referees. In season two, he's turning his attention to coaches, both real and metaphorical. In this episode we meet Jason, who has accidentally found himself in the position of financial coach.

Plus, what's the tea on Quibi? Streamiverse used to be a fan podcast about Quibi. But when Quibi sent them a cease and desist, they pivoted to podcasting about streaming content. Except now the creators say the podcast is driven by spite! Our producer Julian Uzielli spoke with Rob Dezendorf and Danielle Gibson (the folks behind the delightful Steamiverse podcast) to find out what really happened and how they got away with calling Quibi founder Jeffrey Katzenberg "Shrek Daddy" to his face.

Which podcasts are on your recommendation list? Email, tweet us @PodcastPlaylist, or find us on Facebook.

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