Haute Online

Looking for a new internet obssession? Whether you want to listen to podcasts or watch some videos, we’ve got you covered virtually.

PHOTO CREDIT: CHARTABLE

“BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL”

Some might recognize the name Charlotte D’Alessio from Instagram or the modeling world, but what people may not know is that she is a podcaster on the side. Titled, “Between Good and Evil,” D’Alessio brings guest stars like Kelsey Kreppel, Cindy Kimberly, and Devon Lee Carlson onto her show where they discuss topics ranging from their career to advice for their listeners. D’Alessio will also sometimes post by herself and give her advice and thoughts on topics that listeners want to hear or that she relates to. D’Alessio originally ran a blog on Tumblr that was also called “Between Good and Evil,” where many users would comment for advice and she would offer her thoughts. After a few years, she created her podcast which I happen to really enjoy. I would say fans of Emma Chamberlain’s podcast would enjoy D’Alessio’s. Her podcast is calming and something I tend to listen to in the background or if I want to relax. For anyone who is looking for a lifestyle or advice podcast (which you can also watch on YouTube as well) I highly suggest “Between Good and Evil.”

As a true crime podcast lover, one might think I have no shortage of options for entertainment. However, true crime dives into the most horrifying realities of real peoples’ lives, so I am incredibly picky as to who explains true crime cases to me. Until recently, I exclusively listened to one podcaster but have finally found a second source: “Morbid.”

“Morbid” is everything I need in a true crime podcast. I began my journey into the true crime world with “Crime Junkie,” and because that was all I listened to for months, the podcast has carefully molded my expectations. I need conscious podcasts that respect victims, try to help cases, and select stories I am unfamiliar with. More specifically, I prefer co-hosted podcasts that do not try to make the story sound creepy on purpose by masking their voice. Finally, the two hosts should have a relationship outside of the podcast because this makes the podcast all the better to listen to. After months of searching, these weirdly specific podcasting needs have been met with “Morbid.” Ash and Alaina, the hosts, are practically sisters (despite technically being an aunt and niece duo). Their chemistry comes alive as they keep listeners in the loop with their own lives in brief updates before each episode and throughout the show as they feed off one another.

Their best work, of course, is the actual true crime reporting. The pair always cites their sources and encourages listeners to explore the materials they used for their research. The pair are also incredibly conscious of victims and dedicate the majority of episodes to making those hurt or lost come alive to really stress the weight of the loss. Family members of victims they have covered have gone on to promote the show as a positive example of reporting on a lost loved one.

For those interested in true crime, “Morbid” is a must-listen. Their well-researched episodes range from 45 minutes to two hours, and they release multiple a week so fans are always satiated. They combine hard work with personal expertise (Alaina being an autopsy technician) for a fantastic and respectful podcast.

- KATIE MILLARD

For someone into psychological thrillers, “Severance” on Apple TV is definitely worth checking out. The show follows Mark, played by Adam Scott, and his severed life. In this dystopian world, people can choose to have an implant put into their brain that “severs” their home and work life. One will not have any memory of the other. The work self, or “innie,” knows nothing about a person’s personal life, friendships, and hardships, while the home self, or “outtie,” knows nothing about what happens at work and only knows about a person’s personal life. Essentially, every character in this show has two different personalities based on whether they are in or out of the office. When a curious new employee is added into the mix, a lot of questions arise for everyone working in the office. A sense of discomfort grows as the show progresses and the audience learns more about what is really going on behind the scenes. The twists and turns along with the beautiful camera work and set design really made this show one of my favorites of the year. This show will leave your jaw on the floor.

- MEG REES

PHOTO CREDIT: CALLA KESSLER

BEREAL

BeReal is an amazing photo-sharing application designed to eliminate the stigma of perfection on social media. The app will randomly alert users at any time throughout the day when the time comes to “be real,” and users will take a frontfacing and rear-facing photo to capture what they are up to in real time. There are no filters, no editing, and no follower counts. I really love this application because of the simplicity and the way that the app encourages users to be true and share their lives. The app also only notifies users once daily, so they do not feel overwhelmed when looking at their feed. Users also have the option to leave a realmoji or a comment on all of their friends’ posts and are able to interact with them in a special way. Realmojis are actual reactionary pictures of your face you can take before posting or take on the spot to share how awesome you think your friends’ posts are. Overall, I have found BeReal to provide an incredibly positive online environment, and I believe that BeReal is the start of an amazing movement to eliminate the standards for perfection in our media.