Rediscovering Hobbies Through Podcasts
Since the pandemic lockdowns of 2020 ignited a wave of new interests—think sourdough starters and Zoom drawing lessons—hobbies have made a significant comeback in our lives. Below are seven engaging podcasts that highlight the importance of hobbies, featuring expert insights and interviews with everyday enthusiasts, which may inspire you to explore a new pastime.
‘The Dork Forest’
Jackie Kashian, a seasoned standup comedian, launched this entertaining series in 2006 as a YouTube project, inviting guests to share their most passionate and quirky interests, affectionately referred to as “dorkdoms.” The podcast covers a delightful range of niche hobbies, with recent episodes exploring topics like crop art, fidget toys, and the unique culture of Finnish saunas. Even when the subject matter is more widely recognized, such as films or baseball, it’s the guest’s personal connection to their hobby that truly enriches the conversation. Many of Kashian’s guests are fellow comedians and performers, ensuring a consistently enjoyable dynamic throughout her extensive archive.
- Starter episode: “Jesse Thorn and the Love of the Game”
‘The Beginner’s Garden’
While the mental and physical health benefits of gardening are well established, it can often feel like an intimidating hobby to start. From deciding what to grow to keeping plants alive, the challenges can seem overwhelming, especially for urban dwellers with limited outdoor space. This friendly podcast focuses on the rewarding experience of growing your own food, offering guidance for beginners. Over more than 300 episodes, host Jill McSheehy addresses every novice question imaginable, clarifying gardening jargon and sharing practical tips that empower you to cultivate a thriving garden, regardless of your available space.
- Starter episode: “5 Tips to Help You Decide What to Plant in Your Garden”
‘The Recipe With Kenji and Deb’
Cooking can either be viewed as a mundane chore or embraced as a creative and therapeutic hobby, depending on your mindset. In this delightful series, food writers J. Kenji López-Alt (a columnist for the New York Times) and Deb Perelman promote the latter perspective. Each episode features the duo preparing different variations of the same classic dish—be it stovetop mac and cheese or a traditional Caesar salad—while detailing their recipe development journey. A highlight of “The Recipe” is its non-prescriptive approach; rather than presenting one definitive “perfect” recipe, the chefs share their personal preferences and equip listeners with the knowledge needed to tailor their own versions. By dissecting their recipes ingredient-by-ingredient and explaining the role of each component, they make the science of cooking both accessible and enjoyable.
- Starter episode: “Meatloaf”
‘The Casual Birder’
This podcast invites listeners into the serene world of birdwatching, where host Julie Zickefoose shares her love of birds and the joys of observing them in their natural habitats. Each episode features stories from casual birders and insights on how to start birdwatching, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience level. From identifying different species to appreciating their behaviors, this podcast encourages listeners to connect with nature and find joy in the simple act of observing.
