Admissions Blog

The Books, Podcasts, and Resources that shaped my SIPA experience

By Pooja Tanjore '25
Posted Feb 04 2025
Morningside Campus

 

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I have always been reliant on books to help me make sense of the world. Whether writing them or reading them, books provide me with the language I need to understand who I want to be in this world. Despite the heavy volume of academic reading at SIPA, this remains true. I have, however, also added podcasts to my media list. With all the walking I do, it helps me pass time while learning new things. 

Here are the books that shaped my time at SIPA:

  1. Personhood by Leo Buscaglia: I love Leo Buscaglia. I have been reading him for a few years, and he is the only author I really reread. His books change meaning as I age, as all good books should. Personhood is a great intro book from him. 
  2. Love by Leo Buscaglia: Ah yes, dating in NYC in your 20s. While I won’t disclose my adventures on a blog, I can say that I have learned a lot about what my needs are, how I love, and how I show love in these two years. I have grown from all the wonderful people I have met through the pursuit of love, and Leo Buscaglia’s Love helps me understand it all. 
  3. My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Otessa Moshfegh: This book is very popular for good reason. You’ll either love it or you’ll hate it, mainly because the protagonist is so unlikeable. I loved it. Given that the protagonist went to Columbia and lives on the Upper East Side, it was so fun to see little parts of the university in this story. More than that, this story is a wonderful read for your 20s about a desire we sometimes have: to sleep for a year. 
  4. Bunny by Mona Awad: This book is so unhinged- which I love. It is set in a faux Ivy League institution, many parts of which are reminiscent of the relentless academic dedication I have seen on campus. While SIPA doesn’t contain cults- as far as I know- this story emphasizes what a descent into experiential learning can look like. 

Here are the podcasts that shaped my time at SIPA:

  1. Huberman Lab by Andrew Huberman: Okay, I know Andrew Huberman is controversial. However, something must be said about the quality of guests he brings to his podcasts. I love hearing his conversations, and it has been good practice to check his facts as he makes mistakes in his advice. He has enormously impacted my wellness perspective, pushing me to do things like get morning sunlight!
  2. The Psychology of your 20s by Iheart Radio: It's a great little podcast that will have you feeling inspired and excited to get older. This podcast is simple, digestible, and great for days where your focus is inviting ease into your life. 

As many of you prepare to submit your application to SIPA this fall, consider one of these books or podcasts to help ease your mind!