It can be hard to bridge the gap between generations nowadays. There’s a lot that divides us: politics, technology, distance, and more. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, let’s use podcasts to close that gap, even if just by a little bit.

By taking a risk with our communication methods, and what we communicate about, we might be able to create stronger bonds with our parents. After listening to several podcasts that push the boundaries, and discussing them with my mom (and dad), I’m convinced that all three of us are better for it, and that we are building a stronger relationship.

Here are the podcasts that I recommend you check out with your mom (or parent figure/role model) on Mother’s Day.

1. Sex Talk with My Mom

This hilarious and out-there show is a twice-weekly adventure between mother, KarenLee, and son, Cam. On Mondays, theydispense sex advice to listeners, chat about their sex lives, play ridiculous voicemails, and more. On Thursdays, they speak with a guest about sexuality and pleasure. Mixed in are sex anecdotes, dating faux pas, and some (non-sexual, obviously) mother-son love.

Listen to this show on Mother’s Day for the ultimate mother-child conversation.

Episode to start: Legendary Virginity Stories with Second City Cast

From the Pleasure Podcasts network

2. Maculate Conception

This podcast explores the heart wrenching truth that many couples face when they’re trying to conceive — that for some, it isn’t easy. The difficulties of conceiving are not often covered in pop culture, so a real couple going through it decided to document their journey. It’s an important topic that more people should be discussing.

Listen to this show on Mother’s Day to discuss an often passed-over topic.

Episode to start: The Meds

From Starburns Audio

3. Red Flag

This podcast explores the Mississippi flag and is produced by a podcast production company in a Jackson, Mississippi. In this show, you’ll learn about the history of the flag, which incorporates  the battle flag of the Confederacy, the arguments surrounding changing the flag, and more.

Listen to this show to explore the history of racism in the South, as well as efforts by many Mississippians to bring about change.

Episode to start: E. 1: Welcome to Mississippi

From Podastery

4. The Brown Girls Guide to Politics

A’shanti Gholar, the Political Director of Emerge America, hosts his show. The organization supports democratic women running for political office. Gholar interviews women of color on their quest to change the face of U.S. politics. It’s about amplifying voices that are often overlooked.

Listen to this show on Mother’s Day to keep the 2020 election at the front of your mind.

Episode to start: Stacey Abrams: “This is about our future.”

From Wonder Media Network

5. Everything is Alive

This podcast comes from Radiotopia  and is a pretty ordinary interview show. Just kidding. Host Ian Chillag interviews inanimate objects such as lamps, bars of soap, bath towels, and more. You’d think this show would be silly. And I admit, at first I was hesitant to listen to it. But it’s actually pretty deep and it can inspire some explorative conversations about life and freedom.

Listen to this show with a parent to explore  how funky podcasts are… and to appreciate that towels can have feelings, too.

Episode to start: Emmy, Pregnancy Test

From Radiotopia