Activity Resource Booklet

“... a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.”
― George R.R. Marti

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Created March 2020 in response to the need to socially distance and self -isolate.
This resource is intended to be a “Grab and Go” link to several printable resources that
you can use. Utilize this booklet with your clients.
Print in whole or in part, however, to ensure use of the additional resources within this
document (most of which are printable PDFs), share digitally when able in order to utilize
the embedded links.
Contributions and ideas from my fellow professionals greatly influenced this document
and I would like to thank them for their hard work in these uncertain times.
Feel free to share with anyone you feel appropriate.
by Jennifer Jorgensen
Recreation Therapist, CTRS
Comments, suggestions, or questions can be sent to jennifer.jorgensen@ahs.ca.

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Covid-19 Information
 COVID-19 and Your Mental Health (AHS)
 COVID-19 Mental Health Podcasts (AHS)
 Help in Tough Times (AHS)
 Manage Anxiety & Stress (CDC)

Goals for Activity Resource Booklet

 Reducing anxiety, stress, and depression
 Providing opportunities to acquire and develop varying knowledge and skills
 Preventing decline in mental and physical health status
 Improving or maintaining physical and cognitive fitness
 Increasing independence
 Decreasing social isolation
 Decreasing focus on pain and increasing focus on control
 Providing opportunities for fun and social inclusion

Things for Everyone

1. Film a “Newscast” - The technology that exists today is awesome. Smartphones come equipped to make
videos. If you can’t beat ‘em; join ‘em! We can’t escape the news, but we can create our own! Set up
and make a newscast of events that are going on locally or events that are taking place.

 How to Make a News-Style Video (YouTube)

 To create an entire program with this activity in mind, check out this PDF lesson plan on Video
Production of a Newscast!

2. Have an Indoor/Outdoor Scavenger Hunt - Everyone loves hunting for hidden things. Type up a list of
things that need to be found and give everyone a list. The things can be inside your home or even
outdoors around the yard. Put a time limit on how long they have to locate the articles.

Using technology? Check out Goose Chase.

Using paper? Check out these printable hunts! Indoor Treasure Hunt and Printable Treasure Hunts,
Riddles, Clues, and Party Games.

3. Plant Seedlings - Planting seedlings and watching their growth is rewarding, as well as educational. You
would need to do a bit of research as to what would be the best time to plant. The time frame fluctuates
between various types of plants. Most plants take 3-15 weeks to mature to a level to be transplanted

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 into a garden. You would want to know what type of plants you are planting and the time needed. It
brings great joy to watch them develop and bloom once they are transplanted into a garden.

Guidelines for Starting Healthy Seedlings: Tips & Troubleshooting Advice

4. Host a Movie Night - There are many movies that have sequels. Pick a genre that everyone would enjoy.
Plan for a whole evening of back-to-back viewing of the movies. Make sure you have plenty of popcorn
and snacks on hand! If you want to be really creative, find props that go with the movie and set them
out. You can even make a dessert that matches the movie theme.

1. Put it on the big screen!

2. Make it cozy!
3. Get snacks!
4. Encourage Voting!

Popcorn Recipes:

Sushi Popcorn: Whisk 1 1/2 tablespoons each vegetable oil and soy sauce with 2 teaspoons each toasted
sesame oil and rice vinegar; drizzle over 16 cups hot popcorn. Toss with 2 cups torn roasted seaweed
snacks and 1 cup wasabi peas.

Maple Pecan Popcorn: Heat 2 cups sugar, 1 cup maple syrup and 1/2 cup light corn syrup in a large pot
until it reaches 260 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 12 minutes. Add 3 cups pecans and cook 2
minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons butter until melted, then pour over 16 cups hot popcorn; toss to coat.
Spread on baking sheets and let cool.

Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn: Drizzle 6 tablespoons melted butter over 12 cups hot popcorn; toss with 4
cups cinnamon cereal (such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch), 1/3 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1
teaspoon kosher salt.

5. Play Games - Board games are an excellent way to have fun at home. There are so many options to
choose from.

6. Have a Karaoke Night - Plan an evening of karaoke! This is a great way to spend time together. From
experience, this is an evening of lots of laughter and joy! Everyone loves to sing… even those who might
not have a singing voice like to bust out at karaoke.

 How to setup Karaoke at Home using YouTube

 Karaoke Catalog of Songs
 Large Print Version of 1000 Songs

7. 30 Second Dance Parties - Dancing improves one’s lung and heart condition, while improving one’s self
confidence and overall psychological well-being, even if for just 30 seconds. Put on some music and
engage others and invite them to dance with you!

8. Do a Puzzle - Puzzle-making is a calming way to spend time at home. Hours can be spent finding just the
right pieces to add to the puzzle. The best part is when you see the finished product.

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 9. Host a Tea Party - Host an English Tea Party. There are guidelines, recipes, and even games to play on
the internet. Do a bit of exploring and planning, then host the perfect tea party at home for your family.

10. Learn Yoga - Yoga is so beneficial for every age group.

 Gentle Yoga in the Chair (YouTube)

 Chair Yoga Routine
 Chair Yoga for Your Mind, Body and Spirit

11. Fitness & Exercise – 150mins per week; are we getting enough?

 YouTube – Endless amounts of videos

 Darebee.com – a non-profit free global fitness resource, printable PDF workouts.

15 FREE FUN VIRTUAL WORKOUTS TO GET YOUR EXERCISE IN

Good Morning Workout Get you up and moving first thing in the morning
Sun Salutation Wake up with this quick Yoga workout.
Dance Workouts
Fitness Marshall Caleb Marshall takes the cardio dance workout to the NEXT LEVEL.
Move With Colour These are short 10-minute dances, but you will learn how to dance like
Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Disco Funk, and more. You will love it!
305 Fitness This hip hop dance routine workout promises to be “lit” Ha!
Fun For Everyone
Sweatin’ to the Oldies So cheesy, it’s fun! Gather a group and get to sweatin’ together. Sing the
songs out LOUD as you workout!
Country Music Hoedown
Dance Off The Inches – An easy, lower intensity workout to fun country music.
Country – Line Dance
Party
Zumba Country For all my country babies out there. This is a fast paced, country dance
Zumba style workout.
Disney Workout

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Disney’s Mousercise TV It’s really retro, really Disney, and really fun.
episode pt 1 of 3
Bethany Foutz Disney This one isn’t cardio, but it’s still Disney, and fun!
Inspired Workout
Zumba
Zumba with Dovydas He makes Zumba feel like a party! There are both adult and kid videos on
this site! So Fun.
JECA – Zumba Pilates These are super fun Zumba style workouts for adults and kids alike!
Aerobics
KPop Workouts
KPop Fitness Where my KPop lovers at? This one’s for you. These 15-minute workouts
make you feel like you’re a KPop backup dancer.
Guardian of the This is more intense version of a KPop Workout. You can do it!
Universe
Emi Wong, KPop This is an easy KPop workout that anyone should be able to do.
Workout

12. Meditation:

 YouTube – Endless amounts of videos

 Everything you need to start meditating
 How to Meditate: A Primer for Beginners

13. Breathing Exercises - Paying attention to how we breathe can often be overlooked because it’s
completely automatic. However, becoming aware of and incorporating breathing exercises into our daily
routine has many benefits, including promoting calmness, increasing focus, and performing your best;
Printable PDF.

14. Have a Spa/Self-Care Day - Plan an at-home spa or self-care day. Put on relaxing music and make your
atmosphere resemble a spa. You can do facials, manicures, and pedicures. You also can have bubble
baths. Schedule it so that each person is doing a different thing and rotate the process. You will enjoy
this time of pampering and relaxing.

Treat Yo’ Self… for Pennies: 24 Spa Treatments You Can Do at Home

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15. Play Charades - This game has existed for such a long time and yet it never grows old.

 Charades Rules
 Reverse Charades Rules
 Word List for Charades or Reverse Charades
 Online Word Generator for Games

16. Tell Jokes – We could all use some positivity and humour!

 The World’s Greatest Collection of Clean Jokes

 1001 Jokes
 Dad Jokes
 101 Humorous One-liners

17. Play a game of Would You Rather! If you have a Smart TV, put this on the big screen!

18. Play Minute to Win It Games!

 Printable Minute to Win It – 1

 Printable Minute to Win It - 2

19. Learn to Knit or Crochet – It’s not just for old ladies anymore! Find some yarn and needles/hook and get
started!

 Crocheting: The 4H Crocheting Handbook, How to Crochet

 Popular Websites for Crocheting: Crochet Guild of America, Crochet ‘n’ More
 Knitting: Essential Guide to Crochet, How to Knit for Beginners, Knitting 101 for Beginners, How
to Cast On
 Popular Websites for Knitting: Interweave Knits Magazine, Knit ‘n’ Style Magazine Online, Vogue
Knitting International, Knitting Now, ChicKnits, The Knit List, Baa Baa Knits & Needleworks
 Popular Websites for Both: Craft Yarn Council of America, The National Needle Arts Association,
Needle Pointers.

20. Journaling, Poetry, and Creative Writing

 Journaling: Therapeutic Journaling - Clinical Tool, Calm Mindfulness Journal, The 5 Minute
Journal
 Poetry: Poem in Your Pocket, An Introduction to Poetry, Poetry Activities
 Creative Writing: 500 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing

21. Learn a New Language - Download Duolingo, or a similar app, and teach yourself a foreign language.

22. Use Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or Marco Polo to video chat with your long-distance friends.

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 23. Write to Someone - Homemade cards are unique and special. Use your creative skills and have an
evening where you all come together and make cards to send to your loved ones or thank you cards to
those that have gone out of their way for you.

24. Planning Your Day – When there is a New Normal, sometimes we need assistance with creating that,
here is a great day planner for AMH clients. You do have to enter your details to ‘order’ the printables
from this website. The items listed as free are in fact free, simply complete their order form and the
downloadable content will be emailed to you.

25. Fortune Tellers – Not just for kids! Printable template.

26. Make and fly Paper Airplanes!

 Guinness World Record Paper Airplanes

 Printable Paper Airplane instructions and templates
 Paper Airplane Instructions
 Best Ever Paper Airplanes that Really Fly

27. Learn Origami:

 Printable Origami Instructions

 Easy Origami Instructions

28. Take a Free Course or Class:

 University of the People - the first non-profit, American-accredited, tuition-free online university
dedicated to opening access to higher education globally
 edX – Access 2500+ Online Courses from 140 Top Institutions. Start Today!
 Harvard University – Browse the latest free online courses from Harvard University
 Open Culture – Get 1,500 free online courses from the world's leading universities -- Stanford,
Yale, MIT, Harvard, Berkeley, Oxford and more.

29. Arts & Crafts:

 100 Art Therapy Exercises
 15 Art Therapy Activities, Exercises & Ideas
 Cheap & Easy Crafts
 The Guided Sketchbook

30. Sleep, encourage sleep in those that would benefit from it.

 Sleep Needs
 Sleep Hygiene

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Brain Teasers and Puzzles
 More printable Brain Teasers and Puzzles
 Critical Thinking Worksheets
 Printable Maze booklet 1
 Printable Maze booklet 2
 More printable puzzles, mazes, and more!
 Kingdom of Mazes
 More printable paper games
 More printable I Spy games

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How to play S.O.S.
1. S.O.S. is a two-player game played in a grid.
2. The players have the option to put either S or O at an empty square.
3. Each turn plays one player.
4. If a player makes an SOS sequence (horizontal, vertical or diagonal) that player plays another
turn.

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More Brain Teasers
By SharpBrains

Fun teasers on how our brains and minds work:

1. You think you know the colors? Try the Stroop Test
2. You say you can count? Check out this brief attention experiment
3. Test your stress level
4. Guess: Are there more connections in one human brain or leaves in the whole Amazon?

Challenge your cognitive abilities with these brain teaser games:

5. Quick brain teasers to flex two key mental muscles
6. Count the Fs in this sentence
7. Can you identify Apple’s logo?

Visual illusions:
8. Ten classic optical illusions to trick your mind
9. What do you see?
10. Fun Mental Rotation challenge
11. What is going on with these pictures?

Language and logic mind teasers:

12. Which way is the bus heading?
13. Where do words go?
14. Join this party for polyglots
15. Fun & Brainy Haikus. Yours?

A few visual workouts to challenge your mind:

16. Is a circle a circle?
17. Less obvious than it may appear
18. How many…

How’s your pattern recognition?

19. Proverbs to exercise your memory and reasoning
20. Find the missing number in The Empty Triangle
21. Good puzzle for the whole brain: The Blind Beggar
22. Find the the Really, Really, Really Big Number

Fun brain teasers for the workplace:

23. Please consider Linda’s job prospects
24. A few guesstimations often used in consulting and tech interviews
25. How many golf balls can fit in a school bus?

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Colouring Activities
 Colouring bookmarks within this resource (below) were created using built-in Microsoft Word
templates; you can also create colouring books using Word templates: Shapes and Mandalas!
 Super Coloring – Thousands of colouring pages for all ages to download in PDF to print or colour online!
 Just Color - Discover our 1,500+ Free Adult Coloring pages to download in PDF or to print: various
themes, artists, difficulty levels and styles.
 New York Academy of Medicine Library Coloring Book 2020
 Getty Research Institute Coloring Book 2020
 Printable Mandala Colouring Book
 Printable Mindful Coloring

Colouring Pages

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 TEA & BOOKS
MAKE THE WORLD
LOVEAND I THINK
THEREFORE
KEEPCALM
BRIGHTER POSITIVITY I READ &READON

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Arts & Culture
These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch (Video):

 Experience the best museums from London to Seoul in the comfort of your own home.
According to Fast Company, Google Arts & Culture teamed up with over 2500 museums
and galleries around the world to bring anyone and everyone virtual tours and online
exhibits of some of the most famous museums around the world.
 British Museum, London - This iconic museum located in the heart of London allows
virtual visitors to tour the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and
Egyptian mummies. You can also find hundreds of artifacts on the museum’s virtual
tour.
 Guggenheim Museum, New York - Google’s Street View feature lets visitors tour the
Guggenheim’s famous spiral staircase without ever leaving home. From there, you can
discover incredible works of art from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and
Contemporary eras.
 National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. - This famous American art museum features two
online exhibits through Google. The first is an exhibit of American fashion from 1740 to
1895, including many renderings of clothes from the colonial and Revolutionary eras.
The second is a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.
 Musée d’Orsay, Paris - You can virtually walk through this popular gallery that houses
dozens of famous works from French artists who worked and lived between 1848 and
1914. Get a peek at artworks from Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among others.
 National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul - One of Korea’s popular
museums can be accessed from anywhere around the world. Google’s virtual tour takes
you through six floors of Contemporary art from Korea and all over the globe.
 Pergamon Museum, Berlin - As one of Germany’s largest museums, Pergamon has a lot to
offer – even if you can’t physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of
ancient artifacts including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course, the Pergamon
Altar.
 Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam - Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age,
including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this
iconic museum, so you can feel as if you’re actually wandering its halls.
 Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam - Anyone who is a fan of this tragic, ingenious painter can
see his works up close (or, almost up close) by virtually visiting this museum – the
largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500
drawings, and over 750 personal letters.
 The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles - European artworks from as far back as the 8th
Century can be found in this California art museum. Take a Street View tour to discover
a huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs.
 Uffizi Gallery, Florence - This less well-known gallery houses the art collection of one of
Florence, Italy’s most famous families, the de'Medicis. The building was designed by

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 Giorgio Vasari in 1560 specifically for Cosimo I de'Medici, but anyone can wander its
halls from anywhere in the world.
 MASP, São Paulo - The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a non-profit and Brazil’s first
modern museum. Artworks placed on clear perspex frames make it seem like the
artwork is hovering in midair. Take a virtual tour to experience the wondrous display for
yourself.
 National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City - Built in 1964, this museum is dedicated to
the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage. There are 23 exhibit
rooms filled with ancient artifacts, including some from the Mayan civilization.

Sadly, not all popular art museums and galleries could be includ ed on Google Arts & Culture’s
collection, but some museums are taking it upon themselves to offer online visits. According to
Fast Company, the Louvre also offers virtual tours on its website.

To see more of Google Arts & Culture’s collection of museums, visit the collection’s website.
There are thousands of museum Street Views on Google as well. Google Arts & Culture also has
an online experience for exploring famous historic and cultural heritage sites.

New York's Metropolitan Opera will be offering free digital shows every night
at 7:30 p.m. from March 16 through March 22.

 Monday, March 16: Bizet’s “Carmen” - Conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, starring Elīna Garanča and
Roberto Alagna. Transmitted live on Jan. 16, 2010.

 Tuesday, March 17: Puccini’s “La Bohème” - Conducted by Nicola Luisotti, starring Angela Gheorghiu
and Ramón Vargas. Transmitted live on April 5, 2008.

 Wednesday, March 18: Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” - Conducted by Marco Armiliato, starring Anna Netrebko,
Dolora Zajick, Yonghoon Lee, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky. Transmitted live on Oct. 3, 2015.

 Thursday, March 19: Verdi’s “La Traviata” - Conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, starring Diana Damrau,
Juan Diego Flórez, and Quinn Kelsey. Transmitted live on Dec. 15, 2018.

 Friday, March 20: Donizetti’s “La Fille du Régiment” - Conducted by Marco Armiliato, starring Natalie
Dessay and Juan Diego Flórez. Transmitted live on April 26, 2008.

 Saturday, March 21: Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” - Conducted by Marco Armiliato, starring Anna
Netrebko, Piotr Beczała, and Mariusz Kwiecien. Transmitted live on Feb. 7, 2009.

 Sunday, March 22: Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” - Conducted by Valery Gergiev, starring Renée
Fleming, Ramón Vargas, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky. Transmitted live on Feb. 24, 2007.

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Reading & Audiobooks
The art of reading aloud has lost its popularity. Pick out a book that would interest your family and have an
evening each week that you read the story aloud. Take turns reading out loud. Interact about what is going on in
the story line. This can be your own family book club.

The 20 Best Books of 2020 to Add to Your Reading List (so far…)

Print and colour the bookmarks above, or if you prefer print and go, see below.

By LIZZ SCHUMER

1. Long Bright River by LIZ MOORE

2. Topics of Conversation by MIRANDA POPKEY
3. Darling Rose Gold by STEPHANIE WROBEL
4. Recollections of My Nonexistence by REBECCA SOLNIT
5. A Long Petal of the Sea by ISABEL ALLENDE
6. Writers & Lovers by LILY KING
7. It's Not All Downhill from Here by TERRY MCMILLAN
8. The Mercies by KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE
9. Weather by JENNY OFFILL
10. Dreamland by NANCY BILYEAU
11. Such a Fun Age by KILEY REID
12. Little Gods by MENG JIN
13. My Dark Vanessa by KATE ELIZABETH RUSSELL
14. Uncanny Valley by ANNA WIENER
15. Wandering in Strange Lands: A Daughter of the Great Migration Reclaims Her Roots by MORGAN
JERKINS

Here are some self-help books and here are is a list of books for fiction lovers.

 50 Classic Poems Read By 12 Celebrities: Morgan Freeman, Jodie Foster, Gary Sinise & more
 Celebrities Read Mean Tweets

Music
 Spotify - Access and listen to music or podcasts. Option to create a playlists to save for later. Paid
version available.
 TuneIn Radio - Access any radio station from around the world.
 Music and Memory - website dedicated to the therapeutic benefits of personalized music when working
with people with neurocognitive decline.
 Lux Radio - Lux Radio Theatre was a radio show running from 1934 – 1955 and featured by iconic stars
like Judy Garland and John Wayne. Provides a throwback to another time.

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  Google Play - Google Play is the Android version of iTunes. Here the recreation therapist can safely
download music, podcasts, apps, or audiobooks onto the smart device.
 YouTube - Search music, video, podcasts or related media. Able to stream live content when connected
to internet.
 Shazam - Can’t remember the name of that song? Shazam helps to identify music that is playing.

Podcasts
 Stitcher - Podcast data base. Just search any topic and play!
 Stuff You Missed in History Class - The podcast covers a range of topics, including important social,
cultural, political and historical events.
 Slow Road to Better - Hosted by people who experience aphasia. The show aims to inspire others and to
connect people on the road to recovery.
 Good Job, Brain! - Podcast for all trivia buffs! An interactive quiz show on a wide range of topics.
 “As Maple As” by Ron Maclean - Hosted by Canadian sportscaster Ron Mclean, known best for being
the host of Hockey Night in Canada.
 CBC Comedy Factory - CBC Radio shares jokes, stories, skits and commentaries.
 CBC Podcasts - CBC podcasts – a variety of podcasts that can be searched for topics of interest for all.

Virtual Tours
 Skyline - Experience worldly destinations by watching these live HD webcams. Visit New York
City and Africa in the same day! For example, click here to view Italy’s Trevi Fountain.
 AirPano - View panoramic videos from exotic places around the world.
 360 Degree Access - Visit all 7 Wonders of the World! Google offers a 360 degree virtual tour of
each of these amazing landmarks.
 ArmChair Tourist: Where in the World? - Explore cities around the world and play “guess the
location” with your participants.
 Buckingham Palace - Experience a virtual tour of the Buckingham Palace.

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 DO
WHAT
YOU
LOVE
AND
SLEEP T R AVEL T HE
DO IT
IS GOOD… WORLD
BOOKS OFTEN R EAD A
ARE BETTER BOOK

WORK
HARD
DREAM
BIG

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Video Games
by the Verge Staff

1. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield

2. Sunset Overdrive
3. Stardew Valley
4. Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
5. Kentucky Route Zero
6. GranBlue Fantasy
7. Persona 5
8. Visage
9. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Podcasts
By Lian Brooks

Best True Crime Podcasts

The Dating Game Killer - LISTEN NOW The Last Days of August - LISTEN NOW
The brief: The notorious serial killer you’ve never The brief: Captivating investigation into the
heard of death of an adult actress
Frequency: Six-part series Frequency: Seven episodes
Average run time: 45 minutes Average time: 30 minutes
The Missing Cryptoqueen - LISTEN NOW Redhanded - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Unsolved mystery, tech edition The brief: Two Brits cover whodunits, mysteries and
Frequency: Eight episode series other curious crimes
Average time: 35 minutes Frequency: Weekly
Average time: 50 minutes
The Dropout - LISTEN NOW To Live and Die in LA - LISTEN NOW
The brief: An exploration of the lies that built the The brief: Real life Hollywood mystery with no
youngest self-made female billionaire shortage of twists and turns
Frequency: Six episode series Frequency: 12 episode series
Average time: 45 minutes Average time: 30 minutes
Truth and Lies: Jeffrey Epstein - LISTEN NOW Casefile - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Giving voices to the women who survived The brief: The answer to your true crime addiction
his crimes Frequency: Every Saturday
Frequency: Eight episode series Average time: One hour
Average time: Roughly 45 minutes
Best Interview Podcasts
Dolly Parton’s America - LISTEN NOW Awards Chatter - LISTEN NOW
The brief: A look into the Dolly-verse The brief: Hollywood heavyweights talk through their
Frequency: Nine part series careers
Average time: 50 minutes

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 Frequency: Weekly
Average time: One hour
Table Manners - LISTEN NOW How I Built This - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Dinner table discussions The brief: Innovators share the stories behind their
Frequency: Every Wednesday brands
Average time: 50 minutes Frequency: Typically every Monday
Average time: 50 minutes
Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness - LISTEN How to Fail - LISTEN NOW
NOW The brief: Reassuring anecdotes of failure from the
The brief: Cosy chats with our favourite feel good people who seem to have it all
qween Frequency: Every Wednesday
Frequency: Every Wednesday Average time: 50 minutes
Average time: Roughly 50 minutes each
Happy Place - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Uplifting and inspiring people explain how
they navigate life
Frequency: Every Monday
Average time: Around 40 minutes each
Best Comedy Podcasts
Dear Joan and Jericha - LISTEN NOW GOSSIPMONGERS - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Mercilessly sardonic agony aunts The brief: Ridiculous rumour reading from British
Frequency: Two seasons, 8 episodes each comedians
Average time: 20 minutes Frequency: Two seasons, 17 total episodes
Average time: 30-40 minutes
Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster - Sh**ged Married Annoyed - LISTEN NOW
LISTEN NOW The brief: Giggles, gripes and grossness
The brief: Where food and comedy meet Frequency: Every Friday
Frequency: Every Wednesday Average time: One hour
Average time: One hour
Mortified - LISTEN NOW Sooo Many White Guys - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Adults read out hysterical, honest and The brief: Hilarious, candid discussions with a diverse
heartwarming relics of their childhood line-up of innovators
Frequency: Twice a month Frequency: Four seasons, between 10-15 episodes
Average time: 30 minutes each
Average time: 40 minutes
If I Were You - LISTEN NOW My Dad Wrote a Porno - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Comedy duo give their two cents on The brief: What it says on the tin - excruciating yet
listeners’ tribulations hilarious
Frequency: Every Monday Frequency: Every Monday
Average time: 45 minutes Average time: 40 minutes each
Comedy Bang Bang - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Amazingly absurd improv-come-chat
Frequency: Every Monday
Average time: Between one to two hours
Best music podcasts

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 Song Exploder - LISTEN NOW Popcast - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Musicians explain the stories behind their The brief: A music critic dissects the charts
hits Frequency: Generally weekly, differing days
Frequency: Every other Wednesday Average time: One hour
Average time: 20 minutes
Best podcasts for learning something new
99% Invisible - LISTEN NOW Something Rhymes with Purple - LISTEN NOW
The brief: The design podcast you didn’t know you The brief: Your fresh vocab fix
needed in your life Frequency: Every Tuesday
Frequency: Every Tuesday or Wednesday Average time: 20 minutes
Average time: 30 minutes
You're Dead to Me - LISTEN NOW No Such Thing as a Fish - LISTEN NOW
The brief: History meets comedy The brief: A curated round up of facts that seem too
Frequency: Weekly ludicrous to be true
Average time: 45 minutes Frequency: Every Friday
Average time: 45 minutes
Revisionist History - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Intricate deep dives into things of the past
Frequency: Four seasons, 10 or 11 episodes each
Average time: 40 minute
Best culture podcasts
Revisiting - LISTEN NOW Your Broccoli Weekly - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Your 2010s nostalgia fix The brief: Engaging, easy to digest news
Frequency: Weekly Frequency: Every Sunday
Average run time: 30 minutes Average time: 50 minutes
Homo Sapiens - LISTEN NOW The Guilty Feminist - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Eclectic and energetic discussions around The brief: Validation you’re not a “bad” feminist
LGBTQ+ themes Frequency: Twice a week, often Mondays and
Frequency: 35 episodes as well as a handful of Wednesdays
shorter bonus clips Average time: 50 to 70 minutes
Average time: 50 minutes
Best fashion and beauty podcasts
The Business of Fashion podcast - LISTEN NOW Fashion No Filter - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Compulsory listening for fashion followers The brief: Intimate, easy to digest industry insights
Frequency: Every Friday Frequency: Irregular episodes, 25 and counting
Average time: 40 minutes Average time: 45 minutes
The Beauty Brains - LISTEN NOW Fat Mascara - LISTEN NOW
The brief: Experts explain the science behind beauty The brief: Your go-to for all things beauty
Frequency: Generally weekly Frequency: Every Tuesday
Average time: 40 minutes Average time: 40-60 minutes

Shout out resource: Senior’s Centre without Walls – for seniors aged 55+ who find it
difficult to go to regular community centres or programming in person. Fun; Building of Skills; Health and
Wellness. Call 780-395-2626 (press ‘0’); Check their website for the program schedule.