My top 10 podcast of the year - Episode 9
"ParentData With Emily Oster
The popular economist-turned-parenting guru Emily Oster relaunched her podcast this fall. In her hit books Expecting Better, Cribsheet, and The Family Firm (with another pregnancy book due next April), Oster has taken a data-driven approach to parenting through different stages of a child's life, focusing on facts over anecdotes and distinguishing causality from correlation. The books have spawned a newsletter, weekly Q&As on social media, and now a series of interviews. In the new version of the podcast, she speaks to some of the experts—researchers, doctors, and academics—conducting studies and offering advice on issues like when to introduce kids to common allergens, whether puberty is starting earlier, and how to talk to children about grief. It's an indispensable tool for parents who want to keep up with the latest research and guidance. ✨🤍
I recently stumbled upon ParentData with Emily Oster on Apple Podcasts, and honestly, it's become my go-to for navigating the wild world of parenting. You know how overwhelming it can be with all the conflicting advice out there? That's where Emily Oster comes in. As an economist, her approach is all about diving deep into the data, sifting through studies, and presenting facts rather than just anecdotes. It's such a breath of fresh air! Instead of just hearing what someone else did, you get to understand the underlying research, which really helps in making informed decisions for your own family. What I particularly love about listening on Apple Podcasts is how easy it is to subscribe, download episodes for offline listening during car rides, and even speed up playback when I'm trying to squeeze in an episode during nap time. The interface is so user-friendly, making it simple to navigate through her extensive back catalog. I often find myself taking screenshots of key takeaways to share with my partner or even to reference later when making decisions about our kids' health or development. The cover art itself, with its distinctive blue background and white crib graphic, is instantly recognizable in my podcast library, making it easy to spot among my other subscriptions. Emily covers such a wide range of topics that are genuinely helpful. Beyond the common discussions on introducing allergens or talking about grief – subjects that are already critical – she's tackled things like screen time guidelines, potty training strategies backed by research, and even the nuances of different schooling options, always bringing in expert perspectives. For example, I distinctly remember a fascinating episode where she broke down the science behind early language development, offering practical tips that I immediately started incorporating with my toddler. It wasn't just 'do this'; it was 'here's why this works according to the data,' which resonates deeply with my desire for evidence-based parenting. Another episode that really stuck with me explored the different approaches to sleep training, demystifying the options and helping me choose what felt right for our family without judgment. For anyone looking for a no-fluff, evidence-based resource, especially if you're an Apple Podcasts user, ParentData with Emily Oster is a must-add to your playlist. It’s not just about what to do, but understanding the ‘why’ behind it all. It truly helps you feel more empowered and less stressed about parenting decisions, replacing anxiety with knowledge. This podcast stands out amongst many others I've tried, offering a unique blend of academic rigor and practical applicability that I haven't found elsewhere. It's definitely in my 'top podcasts of the year' list, right up there with other thought-provoking listens like 'A Life in Lyrics' or investigative series like 'Sold a Story' – though ParentData holds a special place for its direct relevance to daily life as a parent. Give it a listen; you won't regret boosting your parenting confidence with Emily Oster's insights!