Photo by Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

With 2021 coming to a close, it’s time to do some reflection on the news you saw, the discussions you had, and what you are looking for in the next year. 

Whether you are interested in the pitfalls and successes of the Biden presidency, or you're wondering what stories you glossed over, you won’t want to miss these podcast episodes.

The AllSides team spends a lot of time curating content from across the internet. So why not make special recommendations for the best and most balanced work we see? If you’re searching for a great new podcast to follow or just looking for a quality listen during your commute, we’ve got you covered with these podcast suggestions.

A Special Left, Right & Center for The End of 2021

KCRW's Left, Right & Center

Length: 51 Minutes

Topic: The best and worst of the last year under President Biden. 

Especially Recommended For: Those interested in a broad reflection of Biden’s first year as president.  

Summary: It went by incredibly fast, and now 2021 is officially coming to a close. This year marks the end to Biden’s first year as President, and everyone has an opinion on it. In this episode, host Josh Barro is joined by his panel of Lanhee Chen, Christine Emba, and Gustavo Arellano for a discussion on the past year. Each person has a different viewpoint about what they liked and what was disappointing. From COVID to United States-China relations, the panelist's discussions make you ponder the ups and downs we faced as a country. 

With 2022 starting in just a few days, many are questioning what this year will look like. Are you worried about the economy, or the possibly rocky midterm elections the Democrats will face? Wherever you stand, this episode will guide you through a realistic look back at the last 12 months and some goals to look for in the future.


Aside from this, here are a few other podcast episodes to check out this week.

Our Best of 2021

Pantsuit Politics 

Length: 68 minutes 

Topic: Free speech in corporate America, bodily autonomy, and Olivia Rodrigo. 

Especially Recommended For: Those wanting a deeper understanding of difficult topics and who want to critically challenge their own beliefs. 

Summary: For those unfamiliar with Pantsuit Politics, it is hosted by friends Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, who come from opposing sides of the political spectrum. In every episode, the two put forth kindness and mutual respect, which is often lacking in political talks. In this episode, the two revisit their favorite three segments of the year. 

First, Beth and Sarah replay their discussion on free speech in corporate America. Second, the two dive deeply into bodily autonomy surrounding the debates of mask mandates and abortions. And finally, in a light-hearted and much needed segment, a discussion of Olivia Rodrigo’s album Sour. This episode will help you reflect on how to have political discussions, think critically about your own opinions, and sing along to the latest musical star. 

Big News. The Stories You Missed in 2021: Jim & Richard

How Do We Fix It?

Length: 28 minutes 

Topic: What news stories were under-reported in 2021?  

Especially Recommended For: Those who feel they may have missed the quiet stories 

Summary: It is hard to keep news balanced between the positives and the negatives. In this episode of How Do We Fix It, hosts Richard Davies and Jim Meigs explore what we may have missed in the mainstream media reporting. They explore both the good, like vaccine rollout and space travel, and the bad concerning national debt and world hunger. 

If you want to leave the year on a good note, take a quick listen to this conversation. You will feel more informed about a wide range of topics, and have a good foundation for what you may want to focus on next year, and what issues you hope are left behind in 2021. 

See more podcasts from across the spectrum on our Podcasts page.

Aidanne DePoy is a research intern for AllSides. She has a Left bias.

This piece was reviewed by Managing Editor Henry A. Brechter (Center bias).