Whether you’re sitting on a beach, in a canoe, or at a lake during these dog days of August, chances are you may be looking for something fun and smart to listen to (if you’re not reading a great beach read). So, in our continuing quest to bring you new audio entertainment, we have some podcast recommendations for you to leisurely peruse and hopefully listen to!

Highly recommended series: The lists are already out, with some of the best podcasts (to-date) for 2022, including the following:

-New York Magazine’s Vulture gives you the best so far of 2022, covering topics including true crime, culture, and politics.

-Wired Magazine’s recent list of best podcasts for everyone. The list includes a broad array of topics and trends, including technology, comedy, and pop culture.

-Recommendations from readers of The New York Times: The New York Times newsletter, The Morning, asked its readers for podcast recommendations. You’ll be surprised (and delighted) by the range of topics and programs these readers recommended.

Some podcasts specifically focused on aspects of aging:

-AARP’s The Ethel recommends 7 Mind- and Body-Boosting Podcasts That Promote Healthy Aging, addressing topics such as menopause, brain health, and happiness

–The Final Say, a podcast devoted to conversation with and insights from those who are facing death.

–That’s Not My Age Podcast– From the style and fashion journalist Alyson Walsh, this podcast expands her advice and insights on fashion for older women, observations on aging and happiness, and interesting older women embarking on creative endeavors.

–(B)older: Making The Most of Growing Older With Debbie Weil: A podcast during which writer and coach Debbie Weil speaks with engaging and creative participants including author Hilma Wolitzer, NY Times The New Old Age writer Paula Span, and author Steven Petrow. 

-Finally, while it’s not exactly a podcast, you’ll be missing out if you don’t take a listen to 80 over 80 San Francisco, a project celebrating 80 adults over 80 who live in San Francisco. You’ll be intrigued and engaged by the diverse array of participants and their life stories. Take a listen and see what you think!