12. Franklin D. Roosevelt: Through Eleanor’s Eyes, Presidential

Washington Post

Many of us (well, maybe half of us, depending on your politics) appreciate FDR for his voice and his guidance through the Great Depression and World War II, with the calm in his Fireside Chats and sweeping policies of the New Deal. And many of appreciate Eleanor — many of us, but maybe it should be more of us. Eleanor was the conscience of FDR; she knew Japanese internment was morally and politically wrong from the start, she knew she could be more help in homeless camps than as Lady of the House, and sometimes openly opposed the President in her magazine columns. She devoted herself to kindness and activism, and in turn devoted herself to America, and to the success of FDR’s presidency.

Chosen by: Dana, editor at Bello Collective

13. The Political Thicket, Radiolab Presents: More Perfect

WNYC

The story of the Supreme Court taking on redistricting and gerrymandering was very compelling. The case of Baker vs Carr changed the way the court operated and set up our modern court, but the stress of it cost Justice Charles Whittaker his health. Every decision that is made in the highest court comes at a cost to someone. This time, it was one of its members. This is excellent storytelling.

Chosen by: Calen, writer at Bello Collective

14. The Day After, Keepin’ It 1600

The Ringer

Keepin’ It 1600 is arguably the most popular political podcasts of the year; with sold-out shows and live videos, listeners often referred to it as ‘therapy’. They were also along the many experts who were way off about their predictions for the election results. Their day-after podcast episode is a fascinating listen — especially in contrast to prior episodes.

Chosen by: Brittany, editor at Bello Collective

15. Sandra Fluke On Her Run for State Senate, Candidate Confessional

The Huffington Post

Sandra Fluke came into public light when she testified before Democratic representatives on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee when discussing whether Obama’s new health care plan violated religious freedom. For speaking up for women’s rights, Rush Limbaugh publicly called her a slut. A slut, for wanting women’s health to be accurately represented in the government. This incident, meant to push her down, instead brought her out even more, and she jumped from law student straight into politics. She also really helps support Sam Stein’s poor ego.

Chosen by: Dana, editor at Bello Collective

16. Galileo: Stellar Soldier, Giants of History

Independent: JT Fusco

Galileo’s life is absolutely fascinating and both parts of this series are excellent, but for me,the best part of this episode is Fusco’s introduction, which lasts for nearly ten minutes. In it, he puts into our place within the cosmos and sets up the arguments that would mark Galileo’s life as great.

Chosen by: Calen, writer at Bello Collective

17. The History of Haiti, Revolutions

Independent: Mike Duncan

The nineteenth and last episode of the Haitian Revolution series in Mike Duncan’s Revolutions podcast, this covers the history of newly-minted State of Haiti after its people rose up to overthrow the French-colonized Empire of Haiti. The entire arc of the Haitian Revolution is well worth a listen; Duncan is, in my opinion, the master of history podcasts. (He’s currently working his way through Simon Bolivar and the Spanish American wars of independence.)

Chosen by: Dana, editor at Bello Collective

18. The Gettysburg Address: Short and Sweet, Stuff You Should Know

How Stuff Works

Hosts Chuck and Josh have amazing chemistry throughout the hundreds of episodes they have done together. There is something about their banter and the way they approach topics that helps me actually recall something weeks later (which is unusual for my terrible memory). I’ll always remember the way they describe Lincoln’s voice and how strongly they drive home how much a game changer this speech was for American political rhetoric.

Chosen by: Erik, writer at Bello Collective

19. Paul Cezanne’s “Fruit and Jug on a Table,” The Lonely Palette

Independent: Tamar Avishai

The Lonely Palette is one of my most delightful discoveries of 2016 and I could have picked any of the episodes. I just love the way Tamar bring art to life by describing the artists and their lives surrounding the artwork that they make. This is a relatively simple painting with an excellent story around it.

Chosen by: Calen, writer at Bello Collective

20. Below, from Above, The Memory Palace

Radiotopia

Done it again, Nate DiMeo has: a powerful, rich, and poetic account of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. This episode started while I was cleaning up my kitchen, thinking about my headache, worrying about the rest of the day, and then I slowed down, and stopped, and listened to the beautiful and terrible description of the labor our country was built upon. I had only goosebumps & gratitude by the end.

Chosen by: Dana, editor at Bello Collective

21. Bastille Day, The Land of Desire

Independent: Diana Stegall

This is perhaps the best first episode of a podcast that I have ever heard. It helps highlight the conditions in France and Europe that led to the French War, how important bread is to the French, the impact of volcanos on the weather of the world and how all of these fit together to create chaos and political mayhem.

Chosen by: Calen, writer at Bello Collective

22. The Secret History of Nauru, Radio National

ABC

If you’re not from Australia, you’ve probably never heard of Nauru (except perhaps on a This American Life story a few years ago). I highly recommend this episode as a quick history of the mega-complicated island.

Chosen by: Brittany, editor at Bello Collective

23. The Duel, History on Fire

Dark Myths: Daniele Bolelli

The story of the Hamilton/Burr duel has fascinated me since I learned about it in that Got Milk commercial. But the story of the two men is so much more complicated and interesting than that little bit of trivia. Bolelli dives deep into both men’s lives and gives us all of their flaws and cracks. This is one of his best episodes.

Chosen by: Calen, writer at Bello Collective

WNYC

Anna Sale is a gift to the world. With the 2016 show United States of Anxiety, Sale takes part in a call-in special asking Americans to call in with what they would like other Americans to know about him/her/them. This election was very painful for me, and this episode was soothing, heartfelt, and sincere.

Chosen by: Dana, editor at Bello Collective

Radiotopia

This is one of the most evocative pieces of audio that I have ever heard. It took me to a place that I have never been, the Vietnam War Draft of 1968. The uncertainty of the night, the fate of those men whose birthdays were chosen, gave my heart a jolt and I was a little worried that my birthday was going to be called next.

Chosen by: Calen, writer at Bello Collective