Forever35 – Episode 385: So Many Podcast Recs with Lauren Passell
Release Date: January 19, 2026
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Guest: Lauren Passell (Podcast the Newsletter, Tink Media)
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the vibrant world of podcasts, guided by guest Lauren Passell, acclaimed podcast marketer, curator, super-listener, and the creator behind Podcast the Newsletter. The hosts and Lauren share recommendations across genres, discuss the current state and trends in podcasting, and have fun with personal stories and self-care rituals. The conversation is a friendly, energetic exchange packed with insights for passionate podcast fans and newcomers alike.
Key Topics & Discussion Points
1. Introducing Lauren Passell and the Power of Podcast Recommendations
[00:44–10:35]
- Lauren is celebrated as more than a podcast publicist—she’s a tastemaker and longtime Forever35 listener, with a newsletter and PR company (Tink Media) devoted to podcasts.
- Hosts and Lauren reminisce about their publishing industry crossover and share a funny, cathartic story about a photoshopped smile from their publishing days.
- Lauren reveals her quirky, lifelong self-care ritual: “shower belly”—drawing designs on a soap-lathered belly every morning in the shower.
"Every single day...I lather a layer of soap...onto my belly...and then I draw on it. It never looks right. It's more of a...moment." — Lauren [15:21]
- She cherishes this as a rare time without podcasts.
2. How to Find Great Podcasts in a Saturated Market
[16:28–18:44]
- There are millions of podcasts, but most are inactive; being “top 1%” is common and not always impressive.
- Lauren’s tip: If you love a guest, search their name on Spotify to find their other appearances.
"If you find a guest, just search for them on Spotify." — Lauren [18:25]
- She never ignores sincere recommendations and uses them to understand others.
3. Personal Favorites: Chat Shows & Cozy Conversations
[19:20–22:14]
- Lauren’s chat show picks:
- Text Me Back (Lindy West & Megan, “should be much bigger”)
- Handsome (Tig Notaro & friends, notable for its format inviting celebs to submit questions)
- Amy Poehler's Good Hang (high production, inventive structure)
"I love it when people do...segments. I love stuff like that." — Lauren [21:59]
- Elise recommends If Books Could Kill and The Daily Zeitgeist for deeper dives and humor.
4. Standouts Beyond the Norm: True Crime, Limited Series, and Narrative Podcasts
[24:05–30:03]
- Lauren’s multi-part/narrative essentials:
- In the Dark (investigative reporting that led to real-world justice)
- Wisecrack (blends stand-up and true crime in a unique investigation)
- They reminisce about Dead Eyes (Connor Ratliff’s journey to answer why Tom Hanks rejected him) as a genre-blending standout.
- Alternate Realities (Embedded) — family, conspiracy, and the impact of divisive beliefs.
- Diabolical Lies — ultra-deep dives, smart and funny, recommended for lovers of You're Wrong About and If Books Could Kill.
"I always go in thinking one thing and coming out thinking totally different." — Lauren [29:05]
5. Non-Tropey, Fresh Takes in True Crime & Culture
[30:36–34:24]
- Beyond All Repair (Amory Sivertson): Family, murder accusations, and cliffhanger storytelling.
- Outlaw Ocean: Investigative journalism on crimes in maritime law, including piracy and slave ships.
"This guy is literally going...to slave ships...modern day pirates." — Lauren [32:09]
- Birth Keepers: The “free birth” movement and its extremes (brief mention).
- Sentimental Garbage (Caroline O’Donoghue): Book, movie & pop culture, beloved for its warmth and wit.
6. Trends & What’s Next for Podcasts
[34:26–36:27]
- Celebrities are everywhere—and not always for the better.
- Pivot to video: Many shows now produce video, sometimes at the expense of audio-only listeners.
“I'm starting to notice that podcasters are doing things visually and forgetting that they have listeners there.” — Lauren [34:58]
- Unique interview formats gaining traction:
- Walking About (interviews while walking LA/NY)
- Strangers on a Bench (intimate interviews with strangers)
- Interview-in-bed formats, like Liz Plank’s show
- More shows seek inventive ways of connecting than the “basic chat” model.
7. Where to Find Lauren & Podcast the Newsletter
[36:39–36:59]
- Find her writing/recommendations at Podcast the Newsletter (Substack).
- Learn more about her work at Tink Media.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “There are so, so, so many [podcasts]...but when you hear those numbers, think it's so much less [that are actually active]." — Lauren [16:34]
- “I will always, always listen to something someone recommends me, no matter what, because I think it's telling me something about that person.” — Lauren [18:25]
- On Amy Poehler’s show:
“It's well produced...It's unhinged...they know the rules of podcasting so they know how they can break them.” — Lauren [21:13] - On narrative shows:
"The best true crime of all time is...In the Dark…It’s the best example of investigative reporting.” — Lauren [24:23] - “The one unfortunate [trend]...podcasters are doing things visually and forgetting that they have listeners.” — Lauren [34:58]
- "This was so fun. Thank you, Lauren." — Doree [37:07]
Podcast Recommendations from Lauren (with brief descriptions)
(See show notes at forever35podcast.com for a full, linked list.)
- Text Me Back – Underrated, smart/funny commentary show.
- Handsome – Comedians, big-name guests submit questions.
- Good Hang with Amy Poehler – Celeb chat with format twists.
- Debt Heads – True crime-meets-bank accounts & economics.
- The Daily Zeitgeist – Pop culture/politics with rich inside-joke community.
- In the Dark – Investigative justice.
- Wisecrack – Comedy and crime collide.
- Dead Eyes – Showbiz “true crime” with a comedic twist.
- Alternate Realities – Conspiracy’s impact on families.
- Diabolical Lies – Deep dives, smart humor.
- Beyond All Repair – Non-tropey true crime.
- Outlaw Ocean – Chilling, real-life ocean crimes.
- Birth Keepers – Wild documentary on “free birth” societies.
- Sentimental Garbage – Warm pop culture talk.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:44 – 10:35 | Introduction, Lauren’s background, career, and self-care rituals
- 16:28 – 18:44 | How Lauren chooses what to listen to
- 19:20 – 22:14 | Chat show recommendations & format talk
- 24:05 – 30:03 | Best narrative/limited series
- 30:36 – 34:24 | Non-stereotypical true crime & pop culture podcasts
- 34:26 – 36:27 | Podcasting industry trends & new interview formats
- 36:39 – 36:59 | Where to find Lauren and her newsletter
Closing Vibe
The conversation is lively, full of laughs, quick-fire recommendations, and genuine camaraderie. Listeners walk away with a treasure trove of podcast suggestions, a sense of current audio trends, and a reminder to make space for weird little self-care rituals—even if it's just drawing on your belly in the shower.
For further information, show notes, and every podcast mentioned, visit forever35podcast.com.