Cool Podcasts & Shows I'm Loving

Time to check in again with links to things I've been loving lately! I've found some good episodes on my favorite podcasts and several amazing shows to watch on streaming to boot. By the by, I find and listen to my podcasts via the PlayerFM app, though you can also play them in a web browser or find them wherever you listen to podcasts.

So, if you're on the hunt for a good listen or watch, keep reading!

Cool Podcasts I'm Loving

Comic Wanda Sykes. The Aug. 1 episode of Fresh Air starts with one of my all-time favorite comedians, Wanda Sykes. She talks about her latest Netflix special, "Not Normal," (which I also highly recommend) as well as insight into how she formed its jokes and a look at her life in general.

Veronica Mars season 4 discussion. If you've already finished the new season of Veronica Mars on Hulu, drop by the Aug. 8 episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour for a chat about the good and bad of it, spoilers and all.

We Spoil Avengers: Endgame. I didn't watch this movie until it came out on digital, so I had to avoid all spoilers and this June 25 episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour like the plague! They analyze the film, going in-depth and into details. It's loads of fun to mull it over, but of course only listen if you've seen the film or if you don't mind spoilers!

Cool Shows I'm Loving

The Boys on Amazon. I didn't see this show coming! I read right over it on the list of shows coming to Amazon for July. It just didn't register with me – until I started reading all the praise online. My husband and I gave it a go and were hooked from episode one. A darker look at superheros and what they might really be like, this show ain't for the kiddies. There is violence but it's not especially realistic for those of us troubled by such things (like me!). Excellent plot and character development as well.



Sex Education on Netflix. This British show about a teenage boy struggling with some issues has a lot of heart. His mom's a sex therapist, and with the help of a friend, he ends up becoming one as well to classmates. It's about friendships and uncertainty and finding your way. And a fair bit of sex as well.

Derry Girls Season 2 on Netflix. This excellent show portrays the odd rhythm of life in Northern Ireland during the tail end of the Troubles, mingled with teenage life and family strife. It's irreverent, hilarious, and hopeful. If you're a newbie, you can catch up on season 1 of this brilliant show on Netflix as well.

What We Do in the Shadows Season 1 on Hulu. We watched this outrageous show about a nest of vampires sharing a house on Staten Island when it aired on FX. It was developed by Jemaine Clement (of Flight of the Conchords) and Taika Waititi (director, actor, Korg) from their 2014 movie of the same name (available on Hoopla and Kanopy, fyi). The movie was good but the series is even better – it's not quite as dark, you get more time with the characters over the 10 episodes, and the addition of a female vampire played by the delightfully funny Natasia Demetriou adds a lot to the story. You will literally LOL. Repeatedly. And now you can catch it on Hulu! Bonus prize: It's been picked up for season 2.

This Way Up on Hulu. I've only seen the first episode so far, but I'm all in! It features the darkly funny look at life that executive producer and co-star Sharon Horgan's known for (if you've seen Catastrophe, you'll get similar vibes from this show). Here's an article with a deeper look. The only downside is the show's title – it's blandly forgettable. We just refer to it as Sharon Horgan's new show.