We're excited to welcome our new host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to Podcast Playlist!

If you're a fan of CBC's political talk show Party Lines, an avid reader of Buzzfeed News, or a follower of his fire Twitter account, you might know Elamin already.

If not, in this episode you can get to know him through his favourite podcasts.

For Elamin, listening to great podcasts feels like eavesdropping on some of the most interesting people out there. From country stars talking politics to comedians discussing race and identity, here are the conversations that have stuck with him.

Dolly Parton's America – "Dolly Parton and politics have always had an interesting relationship. Dolly doesn't take a position because she knows half her fans are on the right, half are on the left. In this moment in history, how should we think of this kind of fiercely apolitical stance? Is it desirable, or even possible?"

On Being – Writer Rebecca Solnit speaks to host Krista Tippett about the light side of navigating disasters, and how they can start movements. "A singular writer and thinker, Solnit celebrates the unpredictable and incalculable events that so often redeem our lives, both solitary and public. She searches for the hidden, transformative histories inside and after events we chronicle as disasters in places like post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans."

Code Switch – Hosts Shereen Marisol Meraji and Gene Demby speak to comedian Hari Kondabolu about what happens when POC creators have to explain their content for white audiences. Should they explain their references? Should their target audience be broad and mainstream, or smaller in order for them to use a more authentic voice? Kondabolu deals with these questions regularly, both in his stand-up routine and on his co-hosted podcast Politically Re-Active.

Broken Record – "Brandi Carlile and Tanya Tucker sit with Rick Rubin to discuss creating an album together and Tanya's many road stories."

Slate Culture Gabfest – Doreen St. Félix, a staff writer at the New Yorker joins co-hosts Dana Stevens, Julia Turner and Stephen Metcalf to discuss the series I May Destroy You. Together, they take a look at how the show breaks conventions when it comes to telling stories about sexual assault on TV.

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

For more great podcasts, check out CBC's podcast portal, subscribe in Apple Podcasts.