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Molly McCaig & Isla McLellan

Editors in Chief Spotlight #3

What have the Editors in Chief been thinking about this week?



Well, hello again! Thanks for joining us this week. Recently, myself and Molly have been hurling podcast suggestions at each other so we thought to take you all along for the ride and give you a run-down of what we’re listening to at the moment. What better way to beat the autumn blues than to dive into a new podcast! We’ve ended up with a variety of suggestions, so surely there will be something for you in the list below. We’d love to hear what recommendations our dearest gentle readers have (yes, I have watched Bridgerton recently). So, please send us a message on Instagram, and we’ll give it a listen whilst procrastinating our deadlines.


Isla’s Picks:

I’ve only started listening to podcasts over the summer, following several suggestions from friends, so welcome to my podcast era. I’ve come to enjoy a podcast when I’m cooking or doing some of those boring everyday chores like cleaning or grocery shopping. It makes me feel much more productive if I can tick off another episode of something whilst I’m making dinner or sorting out my laundry. As an avid reader, I often find it hard to carry on reading whilst at uni due to all of the articles and chapters I have to read for my History course. I always love to add another book to my Goodreads reading goal of the year, so listening to the odd episode of a podcast here or there makes me feel like I’m achieving something (especially as I am very far from up-to-date on podcast episodes!) Here are my top picks at the moment:


  1. More Better with Stephanie and Melissa

For the Brooklyn 99 fans out there, this podcast is a must! Melissa Fumero and Stephanie Beatriz (or Amy Santigao and Rosa Diaz) share their personal experiences as they muddle through life just like everyone else in More Better. Their hilarious anecdotes mixed with moments of vulnerability and honesty make a perfect combination which makes you feel less alone and reassured that everyone else out there has similar experiences, whether they’re a celebrity or a student. Throughout the episodes, Melissa and Stephanie cover a different topic every week, from embracing your heritage, figuring out sex and relationships, understanding wine pairings, or trying to remember to floss. I find the podcast to be very relatable as both Stephanie and Melissa have experienced different ups and downs throughout their lives, both personally and professionally. The two self-proclaimed ‘amigas’ share embarrassing stories, regrets or successes they’ve experienced, such as finding time for self care whilst at the hairdressers or regretting not standing up for themselves in a previous relationship or job. Each episode is filled with fun and laughter no matter the topic, even after just one episode I always have something to think about in my own life, making me reflect on certain things. The episodes can be calming, thought-provoking, high-energy or reflective but regardless, I know that I will always feel more better. Listen to their latest episode, “Eh Whatever, I’ll Do It Later: Motivation” here


  1. Murder They Wrote

Brought to you by the new true crime power couple Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling, Murder They Wrote takes listeners on a journey through a selection of cases from murder to extortion, robbery to kidnapping alongside some wacky confectionary heists. This dynamic duo have certainly hacked the true crime genre. Whether you watched Iain (with two Is) and Hacker the Dog as a kid or had an unhealthy obsession with Love Island, this podcast brings out the best from both Laura and Iain, whether it’s Laura’s love of a backstory or Iain’s accents and impressions. A few weekly highlights include messages from the show’s fans or ‘living legends’ especially the demand for pictures of listeners’ dogs and the personal anecdotes shared (particularly Iain’s embarrassing stories about his parents), which make the show a true joy to listen to. The couple have a unique take on choosing their cases each week, with a mixture of cases involving darker themes and crimes with shocking stupidity or stunning smarts. Their cases span from the 19th-century to the 21st-century so there’s a bit of something for everyone alongside a plethora of dramatic pauses. So, if you want to add a bit of humour to your regular true crime playlist, you should definitely give this one a try. You can listen to their first episode, A Deadly Honeymoon, here.


  1. Betwixt the Sheets

Of course the history student in me had to put a history podcast on the list. Betwixt the Sheets talks about all things scandalous throughout history, from episodes on the femme fatale, corsets, misogyny in medicine, and the history of the bra. Be warned, there are SO MANY episodes and you will get hooked very easily, so get ready for a lifelong commitment! Brought to you by renowned sex historian Kate Lister and History Hit, featuring guest experts during each episode to dive into the fascinating history of sex, scandal and society. Lister’s brilliant skill of cultivating a light-hearted and relaxed conversation with their guests whilst maintaining a certain sensitivity when dealing with the less cheerful elements of history. If you hadn’t already guessed, the topics can be quite scandalous (evidenced by the next episode for me being about the history of BDSM), so maybe listen with headphones unless you want some weird looks from strangers. Exploring a wide range of topics and time periods, Lister has somehow managed to get me interested in medieval history - for those who know me, this is quite a glowing endorsement! Betwixt the Sheets will certainly expand your knowledge whether you’re a history student or simply a history fanatic, and should give you some interesting fun facts to share (although maybe not ones suitable for a dinner party!) Listen to their episode, BDSM, here


Molly’s picks: 

When I’m not listening to music first thing in the morning, I’ll usually put a motivational podcast on to ensure I’m feeling ready for the day. I typically like podcasts that fall into the self-help/educational categories or ones that have more of a conversational tone. I find these kinds of podcasts help me feel inspired before I get on with my day. Particularly as we enter the late autumn/winter season, and with it the onset of the seasonal blues, that extra spark of early morning motivation is an absolute must. I’d love to share with you a few of my favourites:


  1. Get Up and Glow with Madison Haynes

With episodes dedicated to being your best self, organizing your day, feeling more put together, and all together “levelling up” into a new era of life, Madison’s podcast is the perfect antidote to feeling overwhelmed in your early twenties. On the podcast, Madison hosts an “It Girl” series with episodes featuring characters from television and movies such as Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf and Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods. Each episode provides “glow up tips” recommending life-style swaps, organizational apps for your phone, and ways to get out of a slump. In each episode of Get Up and Glow you can expect multiple “action steps” which are tips to improve your life in small, manageable ways. With her upbeat narration, Madison’s podcast is a great one to listen to while getting ready for the day. If you like self-help content or are looking for ways to elevate your day-to-day life, I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen. You can check out the most recent episode of Get Up and Glow: “It Girl Winter Arc Guide” here


  1. I’m On Your Side with Sierra Brittany Boudreaux

Sierra Boudreaux hosts I’m On Your Side, a podcast which feels like receiving advice from a wise older sister. Sierra’s philosophy is: “Mindful living doesn’t need to be a mystery,” and with each episode she provides a personal life story in order to communicate advice relating to mental health, self-confidence, and navigating major life changes. From episodes such as “The Art of the Pivot” and “Listen Before You Impulse Shop”, Sierra’s podcast has something for everyone. While also a great podcast for early mornings, I personally find it’s best to listen to as you wind down for the evening. Maybe while doing your evening skincare routine or some evening chores. If you’re looking for some reassuring advice and need a calm voice amidst the chaos of the midterm season, I highly recommend listening to I’m On Your Side. You can check out her episode, “The S(tress) Word” here


  1. Gilmore to Say: A Gilmore Girls Podcast 

Would a Molly podcast recommendation list be complete if I didn’t mention Gilmore to Say? While this will really only be applicable if you’re a fan of the show, Gilmore Girls, as we’re still in the autumnal season, what a great time to start watching one of the quintessential fall shows. As a result, you’ll then be able to tune-in to the amazing podcast, Gilmore to Say! In this podcast, the hosts Tara Llewellyn and Hayley McIntosh, deep dive into each episode, explore fan theories, and share their favourite moments from each season. Haley and Tara’s conversational approach allows you as the listener to feel like you’re with friends talking about a show you love. If you’re wanting to explore plot holes in Gilmore Girls, debate Jess vs Logan, or learn more about the show’s creation, this is definitely the podcast for you. Check out their episode, “Logan is the new and improved Lorelai” here


Thanks again for tuning into another EIC Spotlight. Isla and I hope you’ve enjoyed our recommendations. Our challenge to you this week (other than checking out a new podcast) is to beat the midterm stress and do one thing especially for yourself today. Whether that’s getting your favourite snack (chocolate or other) during a study break, ordering in dinner for the night, or taking an afternoon break from the library to explore a part of Edinburgh you haven’t yet, we hope you have a lovely week. See you again next time!


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