Best Small Ship Cruise Podcasts (2025)

1
All About Alaska: Inside Passage Cruises Two Ways – Small Cruise vs. Big Ship Experience 34:20

5d ago34:20

34:20

Considering cruising in Alaska and wondering what you get with a big ship vs. a small ship or vice versa? Join us as we explore the differences between the two for Alaskan cruises, focusing on the Inside Passage. We discuss ship sizes, itineraries, cultural immersion, pricing, and personal preferences, providing insights to help you choose the righ…

1
Why are people on social media mean?; A Beijing traffic jam hack | 49 10:04

1d ago10:04

10:04

Expressing yourself on social media can be a minefield, especially if you don't trust strangers. We chat being nice in public spaces, plus an innovative way to get out of Beijing traffic (if you trust strangers). Futuristic! You Can Hire Someone To Rescue You From Traffic Jam in Beijing? Here’s How (News24 Online) Instagram: @condensedsouppodcast c…

1
Podcasting from a cruise ship; speaking "un peu" French | 48 10:02

2d ago10:02

10:02

This episode was recorded in a bunk bed. I'm recording from sea this week -- join me on my adventure! Plus, a great tip for a first-time cruiser. Instagram: @condensedsouppodcast [email protected] Lulu Picart

1
A dam in China is slowing down the Earth's rotation; when to wash your bed sheets | 47 10:04

3d ago10:04

10:04

Dam, you make the earth stand still. Also: it's definitely time to wash your linens. NASA says this enormous construction in China is slowing down Earth (The Economic Times) Americans’ Beds Are Filthy by Ashley Fike (Vice) This Is How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets, According to MDs by Rachel Sylvester and Leslie Corona (Real Simple) Instagram: …

1
Hockey players' pregame routines; a bus stop that keeps you safe | 46 10:02

4d ago10:02

10:02

What do NHL players and Broadway actors have in common? Pregame (show) routines. And a fantastic idea to keep you company if you're waiting for the bus alone! NHL players are all about pregame routine, whether it’s naps, walking the dog or eating same meal by Pat Graham (AP) Kings serenaded by another national anthem by harmonica chorus from Koreat…

1
Kris Delmhorst: Inching Forward through Sleepless Nights, ep. 310 52:20

4d ago52:20

52:20

Kris Delmhorst is not a good sleeper. The Western Massachusetts songwriter is usually awake from 2 or 3 am to about 4 or 5am. Sometimes it feels nice and floaty, but other times she is wide awake worrying about anything her brain can get a hold of. This is similar to a feeling with which she ended her tenth record, 'Ghosts in the Garden,' with the …

1
Small Modular Nuclear Comes to Canada; Plug 'n' Play Solar Comes to the U.S. 48:37

5d ago48:37

48:37

Canada approves its first Small Modular Reactor (SMR), but critics argue it’s a costly, high-risk distraction from cheaper, proven renewables. Ontario Clean Air Alliance explains the financial and security risks Plug-and-play solar is finally coming to the U.S., launching in Utah this summer with no permits or installers required. EcoFlow’s new mod…

1
Should emojis be legally binding?; John Oliver will rebrand a Minor League Baseball team | 45 10:02

5d ago10:02

10:02

Get ready to second guess every emoji and tapback you send! Plus, an incredible offer for a Minor League Baseball team. Who will get the makeover? Canadian judge rules thumbs-up emoji can represent contract agreement by Leyland Cecco (The Guardian) John Oliver wants to rename a Minor League Baseball team by Benjamin Hill (MLB.com) RiverDogs honor i…

1
Problems at Newark airport; major storms coming; Jon Bon Jovi's charitable cafe | 44 10:02

6d ago10:02

10:02

Booking a flight to NYC soon? Recent problems at Newark airport (EWR) are highlighting bigger issues. Plus, Jon Bon Jovi tries to do something good to heal the community, and ends up in controversy. I guess you could call it... Bad Medicine? Newark Liberty Airport suffers third system outage in less than 2 weeks, impacting hundreds of flights by Na…

1
A restaurant with grandma's recipes; 70,000 Dumdums ordered by mistake; McDonald's isn't for kids anymore | 43 10:02

7d ago10:02

10:02

A NYC restaurant features rotating guest grandmother chefs. No word on whether you have to clean your plate to have dessert. And a little mourning for the lost innocence of the McDonald's playplace... This NYC Restaurant’s Food is Cooked With Love by Grandmas From Around the World by Rachel Chang (Travel + Leisure) Mom speaks out after 8-year-old s…

1
Costco's gold bars; don't be this guy at the Coliseum; pro travel tips | 42 10:02

8d ago10:02

10:02

Costco is looking better and better. Now, you only have to make one trip for your recliner, produce, and gold bars. And some of my pro travel tips right before I head out to Nova Scotia! Costco’s Gold Bars Remain a Hot Commodity by Brenden Rearick (Money) Instagram: @condensedsouppodcast [email protected]…

1
A man's obsession with snake venom; students live free at these assisted living homes | 41 10:02

9d ago10:02

10:02

DO NOT ATTEMPT what Tim Friede has accomplished: making himself immune to snake venom. Plus, a home for seniors (and seniors). Scientists research the blood of a Wisconsin man bitten by snakes hundreds of times (AP) How to Survive a Snakebite in the Wilderness (Asclepius Snakebite Foundation) Dutch nursing home offers rent-free housing to students …

1
Disney's new theme park; Everest sets some rules; DOGE's Golden Visa | 40 10:02

10d ago10:02

10:02

It's a small world after all -- especially if you've summitted all the mountains and can afford a visa in the States. Disney, Miral announce plans for new theme park in Abu Dhabi by Dawn Chmielewski (Reuters) Everest to no longer be anybody’s climb by Sangam Prasain (The Kathmandu Post) Trump Card Visa: Elon Musks’ DOGE Quietly Launches Golden Immi…

1
How does Royal Match afford all those celebrities?; is Find My Friends freaky?; Lighthouse Charities | 39 10:02

11d ago10:02

10:02

You've seen it on your phone -- an A-list celebrity hawking a free game app. Wondering how they afford these expensive endorsements? You may not like the answer (or how much those in-app purchases are costing you). Plus, is it weird to keep your friends around on Find My Friends? This week, Condensed Soup is supporting Lighthouse Charities in Las V…

1
Sara Watkins on I'm With Her's Witchy AF New Record, ep. 309 54:09

11d ago54:09

54:09

Sara Watkins joins Basic Folk to talk about 'Wild and Clear and Blue,' the new album from I'm With Her, her band with Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O'Donovan. The new LP was inspired by looking back on your life in order to move forward, with a very witchy manner of speaking that encompasses the ancient, mysterious, and spiritual. Sara shares insights int…

1
All About Alaska: Sitka's Hidden Treasures 30:30

12d ago30:30

30:30

Come along as we explore the charming city of Sitka, Alaska! Find out why it has a unique character, including its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. We’ll also discuss practical travel tips for your vacation planning, must-see wildlife experiences, and local dining recommendations. Consider this a comprehensive guide to enjoyi…

1
Thorium Dreams, Landfill Solar & EVs That Just Keep Going 52:56

12d ago52:56

52:56

We dive into thorium nuclear reactors — a long-dormant technology with huge safety and environmental potential, now being revived by China. What are they, how do they work, and why aren’t we using them already? Join The Clean Energy Show's CLEAN CLUB on Patreon for exciting perks! Get our monthly bonus podcast and more! Meanwhile in Los Angeles, re…

1
LEGO's MRI machines and the importance of play; a bodega where good grades equal cash | 38 10:02

12d ago10:02

10:02

It takes a village! LEGO comes through for kids with donated MRI playsets and a minidoll that has an ostomy bag. Plus, a Staten Island bodega inspiring kids to work harder in school. The LEGO Foundation to donate LEGO MRI Scanners to hospitals globally (LEGO official) Medical Representation in the World of LEGO Friends by Henry Licklider (BrickNerd…

1
The end of Skype; an honest review of the Sphere (Postcard from Earth) | 37 10:02

13d ago10:02

10:02

It's the end of an era, and I give you a review of Postcard from Earth at the Sphere in Las Vegas. (Not mentioned: the yummy waffle fries.) Skype is shutting down. If you still use it, like I do, here are some alternatives by Michael Grothaus (Fast Company) Postcard from Earth (Wikipedia) Instagram: @condensedsouppodcast [email protected]…

1
Reading library books on your phone; can you smell ants? | 36 10:02

14d ago10:02

10:02

Getting ready for your summer beach read? Then you definitely need Libby and Bookshop.org -- including audiobooks! And I dig into this idea that some of you can smell ants (I still don't buy it). Libby app (official) Bookshop.org (official) What do ants smell like? Science has several (very strange) answers by Helen Pilcher (BBC Science Focus) Inst…

1
A 3D printed train station; a Southwest flight attendant and a communal journal | 35 10:02

15d ago10:02

10:02

We can make train stations overnight, but the real magic still lies in things like a journal passed around on a plane. I compare it with a striking moment in the off-Broadway play In and Of Itself -- it's a lot of faith and trust, with a lot of reward. This 3D-printed train station in Japan took less than 6 hours to build by Hunter Schwarz (Fast Co…

1
Former Disney worker sabotages allergy menus; supporting Vancouver's Filipino population; hand puppet feedings for baby vultures | 34 10:02

16d ago10:02

10:02

A disgruntled ex-employee makes a terrible (and dangerous) choice, and a baby vulture gets fed by a hand puppet. This week, Condensed Soup is supporting a GoFundMe for one of the victims of the tragedy at Vancouver's Lapu-Lapu Festival (Canada). Please join me to help Roland Nulada and his family cover expenses while he heals. Former Disney worker …

1
A dog is found in the Australian wilderness after 529 days; a claim against Big Chicken; a lucky turtle's Lego prosthesis | 33 10:02

17d ago10:02

10:02

Lost your dog? Don't do your laundry. Plus, Big Chicken is in the fryer, and the cutest story about a creative solution for a turtle's problem. Dog found using owner’s t-shirt after 529 days in Australian wilderness by Brandon Drenon (BBC News) Popular chicken distributors to pay class action lawsuit settlement by Dominique Jack (PIX11) Museum buil…

1
The senior cheerleading squad bringing it on; the cost of getting airlifted from a mountain | 32 10:01

18d ago10:01

10:01

A story about a cheerleading squad with a purpose, and your guide to getting rescued on a mountain — if you’re going to need an airlift, at least save money. Man looking for his phone airlifted from Japan’s Mt. Fuji twice in 1 week by Katie Scott (Global News) Rise of the Rah Rah seniors: S’pore’s elderly cheerleaders show off their moves by Sherma…

1
Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris on THE Three Shoes, Alchemy and Weeding out Baddies, ep. 308 57:54

18d ago57:54

57:54

Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris talk to Lizzie and Cindy for Basic Folk on-board the Cayamo cruise in front of a live audience. We get down to business in addressing NICE things by asking Mary what kind of shoes she's wearing – as she has a reputation for enjoying the good stuff, especially on her feet. After that, we asked and Jaimee Harris enthus…

1
All About Alaska: Ketchikan's Must-Do Experiences: Excursions, Food, Drinks, & Top Hotel Choice 28:58

19d ago28:58

28:58

Let’s explore Ketchikan, Alaska! We share our experience visiting multiple times, including overnight stays in this southern Alaskan city, often called the gateway to Alaska. From local dining (do not miss our #1 recommendation for where to dine), cultural experiences, and outdoor activities, by the end of the episode, you’ll have a plethora of val…

1
Electric Vehicle Range May Need to Equal Gas Cars 50:00

19d ago50:00

50:00

A massive blackout brought Spain and Portugal to a standstill this week, reminding us just how deeply modern life depends on electricity. The outage disrupted everything from subways and air traffic to ATMs and elevators, leading to scenes of chaos in Madrid and emergency water deliveries by tractor. We break down the moment-by-moment collapse of d…

1
Getting through TSA without a real ID; tipping: who are the 20%? | 31 10:02

19d ago10:02

10:02

In the U.S., the Real ID deadline is coming up -- are you ready? I let you know how I got through LAX security without a wallet (hint: get there early and smile), plus the constant struggle of an empathetic tipper... Department of Homeland Security Real ID FAQs How do WSJ Readers Tip? (WSJ Instagram) Instagram: @condensedsouppodcast condensedsoup@p…

1
Allergy menus; Chat GPT is my help desk; Chattanooga is a National Park CIty | 30 10:02

20d ago10:02

10:02

Forget turning yourself into a cartoon character -- my favorite use for Chat GPT is as my personal help desk for anything. Plus, a simple ask from a diner with allergies, and Chattanooga's new point of pride as a National Park City! https://chattanooga.gov/stay-informed/latest-news/its-official-chattanooga-becomes-first-national-park-city-north-ame…

1
Support for the arts: how America does it vs Ireland. | 29 10:02

21d ago10:02

10:02

Send this one to your artist friends. And then maybe buy a ticket to a museum? Hundreds of Florida arts groups scramble for funding after DeSantis vetoes grants by Wilkine Brutus (NPR Morning Edition) US marine band forced to cancel concert with students of color after Trump Kennedy Center takeover by Lucy Hicks Beach (Classic FM) Ireland’s Basic I…

1
The Visdeurbel fish doorbell; the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth | 28 10:00

22d ago10:00

10:00

It's fish doorbell season! We can ALL get behind this fish doorbell. Then, I get way too emotional about women's hockey jerseys. Human Nature (official) Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (official) Visdeurbel fish doorbell (official) Instagram: @condensedsouppodcast [email protected] Lulu Picart

1
College rejection celebrations; how to be a good hotel guest; a Nintendo speakeasy in Tokyo | 27 10:01

23d ago10:01

10:01

Just because you didn't get into college doesn't mean you can't have a party. And I let you into a couple more secrets: how to make sure the hotel loves you back, and an under-the-radar gaming paradise bar in Tokyo. Why high school seniors’ ‘rejection cake’ trend is going viral on TikTok by Rachel Hale (USA Today) Are you the world’s worst hotel gu…

1
Forgiveness: how do you get there?; a dog leads a 2-year-old to safety| 26 10:02

24d ago10:02

10:02

This one starts off with a violent story, so use the timestamps to advance to the next one if you're not ready for that. The podcast ends happy, though. Could you forgive someone who did you an ultimate wrong? I find a story of some inspiring and loving people -- and wonder what it takes to get to that point. And since I want to end every episode o…

1
Sam Altman says stop saying please -- save electricity. | 25 10:02

25d ago10:02

10:02

Should we be polite to our AI? What's the actual cost -- and can we just fix it? I go a little deep into the rabbit hole on this one. Please enjoy the wild ride! Thank you. Saying ‘Please’ and “Thank You’ to ChatGPT Costs OpenAI ‘Tens of Millions of Dollars’ by Sherin Shibu (Entrepreneur) Instagram: @condensedsouppodcast [email protected]…

1
Susan Werner on Defining Hard Work, Paid Vacations, and Relaxing as Indie Musician, ep. 307 46:29

25d ago46:29

46:29

The dynamic songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Susan Werner talks to us onboard the Cayamo cruise, which she describes as a "paid vacation." Reflecting on her upbringing on a working farm, Susan discusses the hard work that shaped her, but also how she’s learning to embrace rest and relaxation. With humor and insight, she navigates the balance be…

1
All About Alaska: Discovering the Inside Passage with Alaskan Dream Cruises 34:53

26d ago34:53

34:53

As part of their All About Alaska series, we share our experiences with Alaskan Dream Cruises, focusing on the unique aspects of small ship cruising in the 49th state. We discuss the authentic Alaskan experience, the Baranof Dream ship, daily life onboard, wildlife watching, pricing, dining options, entertainment, itinerary highlights, packing tips…

1
Pope Francis: The First Climate Pope 58:12

26d ago58:12

58:12

Pope Francis had become one of the most influential voices on the moral side of climate change. Back in 2015, he released an encyclical called Laudato Si', where he framed environmental issues not just as scientific or political problems, but as deep moral and spiritual ones. He emphasized that climate change affects everyone—but especially the poo…

1
Oscar voters have to watch the movies?!?; sorry, quicksand is real | 24 10:02

26d ago10:02

10:02

If you watch all the Best Picture nominations every year, you're better than some Academy members. And also -- does it matter? Plus a story of a real-life movie moment that starts with quicksand and ends with a happily ever after (fingers crossed. It's a little too early to tell.). And never fear -- If I mention both quicksand and movies, there wil…

1
Dressing up at the airport; Southwest's new seating policy | 23 10:02

27d ago10:02

10:02

Air travel: does anyone still wear a hat? Do you dress up to fly? Also, I give you a rundown on Southwest's new seating policies and a tip to save on your next ride to the airport. Southwest seating policies (official) Instagram: @condensedsouppodcast [email protected] Lulu Picart

1
Do you wanna build a podcast?; rideshare safety tips | 22 10:02

28d ago10:02

10:02

Condensed Soup is hiring! I'm looking for someone to help me once-in-a-while with post-production work. Listen to the episode for details and please contact me at [email protected] if you have a lead! Plus, tips or rideshare passengers -- even if you use them all the time. Uber, Way launch ‘interest list’ for autonomous rides in Atlanta by Da…

1
Reinstating holidays on Google Calendar; silent reading book clubs; Sir Ian McKellen stars in 14-year-old's directorial debut | 21 10:01

29d ago10:01

10:01

Certain holidays have disappeared from your Google Calendar -- a Canadian YWCA is making sure they're not forgotten. I also discuss silent reading clubs, Ian McKellen's latest acting venture, and the oldest choir in the world. YWCA Metro Vancouver Rebook It app The anti-book club, book club: Why people are loving silent reading events by Clare Mulr…

1
Rally tips and actions for introverts; finding lost pets with facial recognition | 20 10:02

1M ago10:02

10:02

Just like Troy and Gabriella said, "We're all in this together." I chat tips for people in the street, but we still end with a smile -- a use for facial recognition we can all get behind! How AI is using facial recognition to help bring lost pets home by Ash-har Quraishi, Analisa Novak (CBS News) Instagram: @condensedsouppodcast…

1
Ultimate Celebrity Alaska Cruise Guide: Top Ships, Must-See Ports & Insider Tips 16:57

1M ago16:57

16:57

🎙️ Ultimate Celebrity Alaska Cruise Guide: Top Ships, Must-See Ports & Insider Tips Planning an Alaska cruise with Celebrity and not sure where to start? In this episode, I break down everything you need to know—from the best Celebrity ships for exploring Alaska to the top-rated ports and excursions you can’t miss. Whether you're chasing glaciers, …

1
A bucket brigade of books; helping Russian frogs; elephants form 'alert circles' | 19 10:01

1M ago10:01

10:01

Some stories of communities making their world a better place. And donation this week is going to a GoFundMe in my personal circle. Try to support yours whenever possible! See how a Michigan town moved 9,100 books one by one to their new home A Russian bucket brigade helps toads and frogs cross the road to get to a spawning site by Kirill Zarubin (…

1
Food allergies at Epic Universe; Uber's Lost and Found Index; borrowing a dress at the library | 18 10:01

1M ago10:01

10:01

I've got raves for Orlando's newest theme park, Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort -- with a very big safety alert for fellow food allergy sufferers who visit. Then a quick trip through the lost and found lockers at Uber, and a library's unique approach to supporting sustainable fashion. Universal Orlando Resort (official) The 2025 Uber Lost…

1
Jon Muq: Uganda, Cruise Ship Food and His Googly-Eyed Guitar, ep. 306 34:55

1M ago34:55

34:55

Originally from the village of Mutungo, Uganda (near the country's capital of Kampala), Jon Muq's journey to his current life of touring with an Austin, Texas home-base has been unconventional. Onboard the Cayamo cruise earlier this year, we talked to Jon about his childhood experiences, including fetching water with friends and "We Are the World,"…

1
Solar Saving Lives in Emerging Economies (Remixed) 46:26

1M ago46:26

46:26

In Sierra Leone, solar power is saving lives—literally. A neonatal intensive care unit that once faced constant blackouts is now powered by a solar microgrid with lithium-ion batteries. The result? A surge from 10 newborns a month in 2013 to 140 today, with hundreds of lives saved each year thanks to reliable, renewable power. (Sorry, we had to rem…

1
Part 2: Your Complete Guide to Spring Tulip Time River Cruises in The Netherlands & Belgium 27:23

1M ago27:23

27:23

We take a closer look at Keukenhof gardens—one of the most famous gardens in the world and the most world-renowned tulip garden. We discuss the range of destinations often included on tulip river cruise itineraries, from medieval towns like Bruges and Ghent to the charm of Delft to modern cities like Rotterdam. We also discuss how far in advance to…

1
Part 1: Your Complete Guide to Spring Tulip Time River Cruises in The Netherlands & Belgium 22:37

1M ago22:37

22:37

We explore what makes tulip season river cruises so special, including why Amsterdam is the ideal embarkation point, what to expect during spring in The Netherlands & Belgium, and where to see the famous fields in bloom. We also answer the question: Can you see lots of tulips in Amsterdam? Spoiler alert: The answer will surprise you! We also share …

1
Tax extensions; Jacksonville University's ambush cuts; Love on the Spectrum; Galapagos tortoise babies | 17 10:02

1M ago10:02

10:02

Didn't file your taxes on time this year? You may be in luck! Not so lucky? Students and faculty of Jacksonville University. Plus, finding love and making it count. *Special thanks to listener Jon from Orlando for sending the tax info! IRS extends April 15 tax deadline for Florida and at least 8 other states. See the list by Francesco Gariano (Toda…

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Small Ship Cruise Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen