As you can see on the virtual pages of Style Weekly right now, there is a barrage of entertainment choices available this time of year. But one of the unique things about podcasts is that they can be enjoyed when you’re on the go, whether roaming department stores looking for deals or squished into an economy seat on an airplane heading out of town to celebrate with family.

That portability is key to the appeal of this month’s first recommendation. If you don’t have time to park in front of the TV to watch the seasonal classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Ashland’s Whistle Stop Theater Company has given you an on-the-go option.

Spearheaded by recent “Top 40 Under 40” honoree Louise Keeton, the company has been doling out weekly episodes of an audio adaptation of the Frank Capra movie since Nov. 26. The show cleverly takes a “Rashomon” approach with each installment telling the same story of uber-honorable George Bailey from a different character’s perspective.

With each telling, additional details are revealed related to the undermining of George’s dreams to leave town because of crises facing the family business. The third episode narrated by rapacious capitalist, Mr. Potter (voiced by Keeton’s father, Craig), is a highlight, with fine work by Dean Knight as George and Keeton herself as George’s wife, Mary.

Even if a tad precious, this well-produced show makes for a great group listen on a family drive to gramma’s house. Episodes are only available on the company’s website, an annoyance for those tied to their favorite podcatcher, but streaming from the site works well in my experience.

There is also the option to see the final episode acted out live (see details below).

Health / Wellness

There is a tendency during this busy time of year for regular wellness routines to fall by the wayside. One locally-produced podcast can keep your mind on potential New Year’s resolutions when you can’t make it to the gym or when you sense your stress levels rising in the weeks ahead.

Local educator and entrepreneur Holly Zajur has developed wellness workshops for individuals as well as Fortune 500 companies through her business, Connect Wellness. Since 2022, she has also produced the podcast “How The Wise One Grows,” which is focused on helping listeners live with intention and authenticity.

While I approached the show wary of the overly esoteric, Zajur keeps the conversation resolutely practical. Some episodes are helpful with big issue problem-solving, like whether to move to a new city or have a child, while others are simply interesting stories, like the emotional journey guest Gabby Wadsworth went on in leaving the Mormon church.

Even when tackling a topic like understanding tarot, Zajur’s guests rarely veer into mysticism. Her expert tarot reader, for instance, talks about the cards offering something like a weather report rather than telling someone’s fortune. With a back catalog of over 100 episodes, scrolling through the “Wise One” feed is sure to reveal a title you’ll want to dive into.

“America’s Healthiest City” (AHC) takes a more civically-minded look at wellness, with another “Top 40” honoree, Will Melton, leading this effort to make our city healthier. A podcast version of his weekly radio show on ESPN Richmond, 106.1, AHC features Melton interviewing a wide variety of locals all nominally working toward improving the lives of Richmonders.

Though it can be very fact-based (read: dry), Melton gets a great cross-section of guests who always offer interesting insights. The conversation can be very policy-oriented, like Reggie Gordon from the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation explaining social determinants of health, to only vaguely so, like the recent winner of the Richmond marathon, Rob Mazzanti, talking about his training regimen.

At 30 minutes, each episode gives a satisfying quick hit of hope for a better Richmond.

Dating / relationships

Even if you won’t be starting 2025 looking for love, Dating While Gray provides an entertaining look at the unique challenges of the matchmaking world of today, particularly for older adults. The key to the appeal of the show is producer and host Laura Stassi’s skill as a writer. Each episode is well-constructed to economically deliver insight, advice and dynamic conversation.

A recent two-parter about building relationships across political divides is also a good example of how the show can be useful for anyone, regardless of age or partnership status.

I can’t leave the dating world without a brief shout-out to Hang Up, a clever podcast reworking of the classic “Bachelor”-style dating show. The first season followed a cohort of six Richmonders vying for the love of a local bartender. It’s fun, sassy and gloriously LGBTQ-forward.

Listening will make you happy that you’re securely partnered or relieved that you’re single and don’t have to make a better impression than five other people over the phone to get a date.

The live performance of “It’s A Wonderful Life: The Podcast” will be performed at the Ashland Theatre, 205 England St. in Ashland, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets and information available at https://whistlestoptheatre.weebly.com/its-a-wonderful-life.html