For many of us, TV shows and movies are our go-tos for a night in with marijuana. But sometimes, it feels just like you’ve seen it all—or maybe looking at moving pictures is a little too overwhelming for you when you’ve consumed cannabis.
Whatever the case, have you ever considered listening to a podcast? Using your ears is a great way to take advantage of your heightened senses while under the influence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Those of us familiar with cannabis know that it can slow down our perception of time, leading to enhanced focus and attention. This is why listening to music while high can be so enjoyable.
So, why not apply the same principles to a podcast?
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM
Podcasts have come a long way since the early 2000s. You no longer have to limit yourself to the powerhouses like "Radiolab" and the "Joe Rogan Experience." Podcasts these days span a wide range of interests, and many of them are well thought out with high production values.
Whether you’re looking for an in-depth analysis of past scandals, entertaining interviews with celebrities, or a good story with biting sociopolitical commentary, there’s definitely a podcast out there to suit your taste and needs.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a diverse selection of podcasts that you’re likely to enjoy—both during your daily commute and while laying blissfully high on your couch at home.
RELATED: TOP CANNABIS PAIRINGS FOR YOUR NEXT LIVE MUSIC EVENT
1. “Slow Burn”
If you can’t get enough of past scandals with wide-ranging consequences that we’re still processing many years later, you’ll dig Slate’s “Slow Burn” podcast. This dense but totally binge-worthy listen would pair well with a mellow, thoughtful cannabis strain like Jack Herer.
Season one of “Slow Burn” tackled Watergate, while season two covered the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky affair. This podcast aims to give the listener a new perspective on popular but often misunderstood events. In addition to meticulous research and planning, “Slow Burn” also features archival tapes from these eras that give the listener a sense of what it was like to live through these scandals.
If you’re looking to travel back in time and think deeply about historical events and how they relate to today, give this podcast a listen.
2. “Inside Trader Joes”
Yes, that’s right: Trader Joe’s has a podcast. Arguably the best place to buy both healthy and indulgent, munchie-worthy snacks, Trader Joe’s has gained a cult following, and its podcast, “Inside Trader Joe’s,” is no different. Pair this light-hearted series with an equally fun and frivolous strain like Pineapple Express.
With similar vibes to a show on the Travel Channel, you’ll hear all about secret tasting panels and a woman who has one of the best jobs ever: traveling the world in search of flavors and cuisines to meet the needs of Trader Joe’s loyal customers.
You’ll also learn the answers to questions like: Why are Trader Joe’s bananas 19 cents? And how did that famous Mandarin orange chicken come to be? If you like fun but useless facts and kicking it at the end of the day with fluff shows like the “Great British Bake Off,” then “Inside Trader Joe’s” is worthy of your time.
3. “Bubble”
A sitcom in podcast form, “Bubble” is a sci-fi comedy series chock full o’ cutting one-liners and dark but hilarious observations on today’s tech world.
The setting of this podcast is the city of Fairhaven, described by the podcast’s website as “a literal Bubble of corporate utopia set amid the wild, imp-infested Brush.” The series follows a band of monster hunters who attempt to “make ends meet and find love in a nightmarish version of the gig economy.”
Overall, the series feels like a blend of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Silicon Valley” with the comedic sensibilities of shows like “Portlandia” and “Broad City.” If you’re into intelligently written comedies and biting satire, “Bubble” may be just up your alley. Pair this imaginative series with a giggly strain like Space Queen.
4. “2 Dope Queens”
“2 Dope Queens” is an ultra-popular podcast that boasts a simple formula: stand-up sets and special guest appearances by celebrities. But what sets it apart from similar podcasts of the past are its hosts who have real chemistry and its emphasis on featuring comedians from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.
“2 Dope Queens” has met with much success due to its hosts: Jessica Williams, who you may recognize from her time on “The Daily Show” and writer, actress, comedian and serial podcaster Phoebe Robinson. The two work well together and cover topics like sex, romance and race with smarts and sensitivity.
Their podcast has been such a hit that HBO ordered a series by the same name. Pair “2 Dope Queens” with an equally fun and playful strain like Candyland.
5. “Everything Is Alive”
Get ready. This podcast is weird—high concept, if you will. Each episode of “Everything is Alive” features long-form interviews with inanimate objects. Ever wonder what an elevator or pillow would say if it could talk? Well, wonder no more—producer Ian Chillag has done that for you.
For a podcast about inanimate objects, “Everything Is Alive” oozes with humanity—you’ll never look at a can of Go2 cola the same way again. Plus, each episode features some bizarrely interesting anecdotes. For example, did you know that strawberry Fanta is popular in Thailand, where it serves as an offering to ghosts?
Original, quirky, melancholic and thoughtful, “Everything Is Alive” will make you appreciate human creativity. And it’ll give you hope for the future of the arts—someone out there was willing to fund this bizarre concept, after all. Pair this podcast with an equally cerebral and emotional strain like Northern Lights.
Photo credit: burst.shopify.com
If you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 index of articles. HelloMD can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it’s easy, private and 100% online.
