Need an Escape? These Are the Movies, Podcasts, and Series Making Us Swoon (and Laugh and Cry) This Holiday Season
written by the Liberty Road Team
We're only at the very very beginning of the holidays and already feeling the season's bigness. Anyone else? It's a good thing and one we're grateful for. Still, this season can be a lot—which is why a good book, juicy podcast, or favorite movie can swoop you up in a time of in-law overdrive.
So here it is, Team Liberty Road's favorite podcasts, movies, and series that make us hiccup-laugh, cry, swoon, and feel the reprieve we all need, even just for a beat.
Nada Jones
My favorite podcast at the moment: "My go-tos are 'On Being,' 'How I Built This' (for obvious reasons), and 'Pulling the Thread,' but I am diving deep into 'Everything Happens with Kate Bowler' and loving it. It’s a great mix of culture, faith, and asking deep questions.
What I’m Watching: “I love a good story, but lately my mini escapes are docu-style. I love food, travel and people’s stories so Chef’s Table (on repeat), Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, and even the quirky Somebody Feed Phil series are doing the trick lately. I also just finished the Blue Zone series and Smartless: On the Road.”
Excited to watch this holiday season: "Anything from the Duplass brothers and anything my family of five can agree on–with two home from college, I just want to be in the same room together."
Emily Pearson
Favorite podcast at the moment: ‘Radio Headspace’ by Headspace Studios. I've listend to this podcast for years. It’s a daily podcast, only 3-5 minutes long, with short pieces of reflection and inspiration. The perfect way to start off my day."
What I’m Watching: "I’ve been in a bit of a TV rut lately, but whenever I don’t know what to watch, I always revert to Friends or The West Wing – a few of my favorite classics."
Excited to watch this holiday season: "AH, holiday movies are the BEST! Home Alone, The Grinch, Elf, and of course, Charlie Brown Christmas."
Julia Windom
Favorite podcast at the moment: "'Missed Connections.' Because one, Elizabeth is amazing. And two, I know I need to learn about creating connections with others."
What I’m Watching: "Growing Floret” I had previously bought one of Floret’s books because I thought I could become an expert gardener over the course of a single summer (spoiler, I did not). But I am thoroughly enjoying the show. It is so fun to see how Erin and her team approach the business and flowers."
Excited to watch this holiday season: "ALL the Hallmark Christmas Movies. The cringier the better."
Stacey Lindsay
Favorite podcast at the moment: 'Thank you, Mama.' I have immense respect for journalist and professor Ana Tajder, so naturally, I love her podcast. She talks with women across the globe about the lessons they've learned—big and small, complex and happy, joyful and painful—from their mothers.
What I’m Watching: “Starstruck. I'm a bit late getting on the fan bus of this British gem—but I'm so glad I found it, regardless. Rose Matafeo is pure joy and utter hilarity. But amidst all the humor are honest, real-life lessons."
Excited to watch this season: “Elf, always and forever. I worked with the late Jimmy Caan, my former mentor and best friend, for many years. Any reason to get close to him again, I take! Plus, he and Will Farrell together are incredible.
Caleena Sugiharto
Favorite podcast at the moment: "I haven’t been listening to podcasts lately but these ladies have some great recommendations I’ll definitely be looking into! Plus, you can never go wrong with 'The Liberty Road Podcast’.”
What I’m Watching: "Kim’s Convenience. A friend recommended it and now I’m obsessed! Each episode is about 20 minutes long, and I’ve definitely found myself both laughing out loud and tearing up all in one episode. I’ve related to so many characters on the show and love watching their character arcs develop.
Excited to watch this holiday season: "I love watching competition shows that have a holiday special. Anything from cooking and baking to building and decorating will do!"
Tami Carey
Favorite podcast at the moment: "Creative Pep Talk by Andy J. Pizza is my new favorite podcast when I feel stuck or lost in my creative work. He blends inspiring stories from a whole range of creatives with actionable strategies to apply to your own process in a way that feels empowering and accessible…like a, well, a good pep talk."
What I’m Watching: "I just finished a full rewatch through the final season of Sex Education on Netflix. I can’t figure out why more people aren’t talking about this show! It is such a lovely celebration of curiosity and self-discovery (for both teenagers and adults) through a cast of characters you will fall in love with. It’s honest and charming and heartwarming and heartbreaking. It tackles complicated subjects and weaves together nuanced stories in a beautiful and artful and easy-to-watch way."
Excited to watch this holiday season: "My new favorite thing is finding screenings of classic holiday movies played with a live orchestra. Last year, my husband and I saw Home Alone at the Disney Concert Hall, and it felt so fun and festive. I’m not sure what this year’s movie will be, but I’m looking forward to continuing our new tradition."
Elizabeth Windom
Favorite podcast at the moment: “‘Missed Connections’ (shameless plug), my new podcast that explores our longing to connect and the circumstances that stand in our way. Each episode we’ll bring listeners a true missed connection story, as well as an expert guest to help us unpack it so that we can all get better at making the real, meaningful connections that feel good to us.”
What I’m Watching: "I’m fully in my Real Housewives Era. Late to the game, but slowly making my way through multiple series. I started with the reboot of #RHONY because Jenna f*cking Lyons is the best. Now I’m watching #RHOBH from the beginning. It’s friendship. It’s fantasy. It’s conflict and resolution. It’s fun.”
Excited to watch this holiday season (movie): “Of course, Hallmark and Netflix Christmas movies, but I also love to bring out the classics Little Women and Family Stone.”
Trish Ursettie
Favorite podcast at the moment: “'The Popcast,' a weekly pop culture update. The hosts have the best banter and without fail always make me belly laugh! Also, I love 'The Ultimate Health Podcast.' It’s heady and explains all kinds of health topics in great detail, the kind of stuff I nerd-out over! :)”
What I’m Watching: “Lessons in Chemistry. This is about a woman born in the 1950’s who follows an unlikely career as a Chemist and is trying to change the status quo for women. Also, I love stand up comedian Michelle Wolfe, who is labeled “the voice that comedy needs right now” and former writer/contributor for SNL. So good! So funny!"
Excited to watch this holiday season: "All the classics! Cuddling up with my kids, drinking coca and watching all the fun ones: The Grinch, Elf, and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation are some of our favs!”
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