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150+ Best Podcasts For Any Category, Person & Interest

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Maybe you keep hearing your friends talking about their favorite podcasts and want to know where to listen to podcasts, or you’ve exhausted all your favorite shows and need more content!

Either way, this list has you covered.

No matter your interests, there is a podcast out there that you will thoroughly enjoy.

We rounded up over 150 best podcasts for you to consider listening to!

Best Podcasts: 150 Examples

If you’re wondering how to listen to podcasts, the answer is to pick one and start!

But where do you start? How do you pick one?

Peruse this massive list of the best podcasts and see what appeals to you.

Choose where you’d like to listen to your podcast, whether on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your browser.

Then, press the play button and enjoy!

How Many Podcasts Are There?

People make new types of podcasts every day, and people stop podcasting every day, so the number constantly changes.

As of June 2022, there are more than 2.4 million podcasts and more than 66 million podcast episodes.

Podcasts are a relatively new form of blogging, so the number is still growing.

The Best Podcasts for Women

If you want podcasts for women, below are some recommendations.

Anyone can enjoy and appreciate these podcasts, but their audience mainly consists of women, and the narrative speaks to the female experience.

Whether you want a podcast that discusses women’s issues or wants a female-forward show, you’ll like one of the options below.

Womanica

Womanica is a history podcast that offers bite-sized episodes covering incredible women in history.

Some episodes discuss female activists who changed the landscape of politics, while others talk about rebel robbers who challenged societal norms and expectations.

Terrible, Thanks for Asking

For the women who are sick of being told to smile or say, “I’m fine,” when they’re not, this is the podcast for you.

Terrible, Thanks for Asking is about letting people be honest about how their life is going.

It also focuses on women’s struggles and the many masks and pleasantries they use to hide the terrible times.

The History Chicks

The History Chicks is similar to Womanica, but instead of bite-sized episodes, you get full-fleshed stories of some fascinating women in history who you probably haven’t heard of.

Learn about some bad-to-the-bone ladies who shaped history with the two fun hosts.

Tell Me With Ellen Pompeo

Celebrity Ellen Pompeo, best known for her role as Meredith Grey on Grey’s Anatomy, sits down with a range of guests and friends to discuss important issues and activism on Tell Me with Ellen Pompeo.

Ellen is an outspoken activist, and nothing is off-topic on this podcast.

Book Club Girl

Book Club Girl is hosted by Tavia Kowalchuk and Bianca Flores, two women who discuss a different book every week and invite special guests to join the conversation.

If you’re an avid reader, you can enjoy the discussions of your favorite books or find new novels to check out.

The Best Podcasts for Men

Podcasts for men often revolve around politics or self-improvement topics like fitness.

We rounded up five of the most popular podcasts that men listen to for you to explore.

Anyone can enjoy these podcasts, but they tend to have masculine energy and focus on male-centric topics.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience is one of the most well-known podcasts and has a broad fanbase of men.

The podcast has long episodes, conversations between Rogan and various guests, discussing current topics and debates with a tinge of comedy.

Good Beer Hunting

For the men passionate about craft beer and the brewing process, this podcast features award-winning interviews with a range of people in the beer industry, from brewers to marketers and everything in between.

Good Beer Hunting discusses everything from tasting notes to the chemistry behind brewing!

The Art of Manliness

The Art of Manliness podcast focuses on helping all men become the best man they can be! It discusses male interests and different lifestyles.

The show’s goal is to help men in various areas of their life, from mental health to hygiene to male mysteries.

The Unapologetic Man Podcast

This podcast is hosted by Mark Sing and covers health and fitness topics while encouraging men to have confidence.

He offers relationship advice, health and fitness tips, and much more.

Any man looking for general life advice will likely find it on The Unapologetic Man.

Knowledge for Men

Hosted by Andrew Ferebee, Knowledge for Men empowers men to live better by dishing advice concerning health, wealth, personal growth, and relationships.

The show consists of interviews and conversations meant to uplift men and helps them live to the fullest.

The Best Podcasts for Teens

Many people don’t realize that there are several excellent podcasts for teens.

Here’s a look at some of the top ones.

Teenager Therapy

Teenagers go through a lot of emotional and social turmoil.

While these things may seem trivial in hindsight, it can feel like a teen’s world is crashing down, and adults don’t understand.

Teenager Therapy features five stressed-out teens who gab about the struggles of being a teenager in the modern world.

She Persisted

She Persisted is a mental health podcast for teenagers featuring relatable conversations, hot topics, and a lot of comforting insight.

It’s hosted by a teen girl, Sadie, who hosts inspirational interviews that show teens that there is a light at the end of every dark tunnel and they’re not alone.

Teen Girl Talk

Teen Girl Talk focuses on media and content made for teens!

Teenagers can find the best books, movies, music, TV shows, and other podcasts that will engage them and teach them something useful.

You’ll laugh and cry along with the personable sibling hosts who churn out exciting content.

Mostly Mindful for Teens and Tweens

Mostly Mindful for Teens and Tweens provides teens with mindfulness tips and tricks along with strategies for being a confident and resilient person.

Many adults struggle with mindfulness, so teens can enhance their perspective on life and become compassionate and healthy adults.

Stuff You Missed in History Class

Stuff You Missed in History Class can be an informative and intriguing podcast for teens.

Most teenagers and children are restricted to the history lessons taught in their schools, but this podcast can broaden their horizons and help them understand that they don’t always get the whole truth and nothing but the truth from formal education.

The Best Podcasts for Kids

Podcasts for kids can be perfect for family car rides or restless children who struggle to fall asleep to the sound of silence.

Below are five of our favorite podcasts for the kiddos.

Tumble

Tumble is a science podcast for kids, ideal for curious and clever children who are always asking questions and soaking up knowledge.

Kids can listen to scientific stories and interviews and learn about old and new significant discoveries.

The Story Seeds Podcast

This Webby Award-nominated podcast is ideal for creative and artistic kids.

It celebrates children’s imagination and explores the creative process of young kids.

You can listen to master storytellers transform a child’s ideas into a complete short story for your entertainment on The Story Seeds Podcast.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

Based on a successful book series, the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls podcast tells the stories of impactful women and girls in history in an easily digestible and captivating manner.

Learn about famous women and girls like Mary Shelley, Greta Thunberg, and many more.

Warrior Kids Podcast

The podcast highlights indigenous struggles and stories in a way that kids can understand and enjoy.

Warrior Kids Podcast teaches children to be strong and compassionate so they stick up for themselves and others.

For parents looking to share a podcast with their children that can make a difference in their life and character, Warrior Kids is a stellar show.

Timestorm

If you read the Magic Tree House books as a kid, you’ll love this podcast series that follows time-traveling twins.

Kids can learn about history, friendship, and life lessons with the Ventura twins on Timestorm, who visit different cultures while still navigating typical kid problems at school and home.

The Best Funny Podcasts

If you’re looking for a good laugh, look no further than the funny podcasts below!

From spooky comedy to rewatches of your favorite hilarious sitcoms, you can make the day go by faster with these shows that will have you doubled over with glee.

That’s Spooky

That’s Spooky is a conversational podcast where a Canadian couple share spooky stories, talk about queer news and crack jokes about anything and everything.

If you love a bit of true crime or paranormal happenings but you want to belly laugh too, Johnny and Tyler deliver a spectacularly hilarious podcast.

Obitchuary

Obitchuary (not a typo) is a rather morbid comedy podcast where two hosts who are best friends read some scathing obituaries and speculate about the deceased’s lives.

These obituaries will have you rolling and laughing while also hoping you get a better send-off when it’s your time to kick the bucket, so remember to be kind!

SmartLess

SmartLess is hosted by comedic geniuses Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes.

One host brings a mystery guest to every episode, where they hold thoughtful conversations and tackle contemporary issues without breaking their comedic stride.

Funny Cuz It’s True

Elyse Myers became a viral TikTok sensation only a few years ago but struck a chord with many viewers because of her raw honesty and hilarious commentary.

She holds no punches when making fun of herself without making anyone uncomfortable.

She delivers relatable and comforting conversations with waves of comedy on Funny Cuz It’s True.

Office Ladies

If you obsess over the TV show The Office, you’ll love listening to this podcast.

The hosts of Office Ladies are Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, who played Pam and Angela on the show.

You can rewatch the show with them or listen to them chat, joke, and give behind-the-scenes stories about The Office.

The Best True Crime Podcasts

True crime podcasts are insanely popular right now, so if you’re looking for some grim and spooky stories about real-life happenings, there is an endless supply of content.

But some shows are more captivating than others, so consider listening to the five best ones below.

Morbid

Morbid combines true crime with sensitive comedy, giving you an enriching glimpse into some of the most fascinating and complex cases worldwide.

The two hosts are an aunt and niece, but they talk like sisters and best friends, injecting some feel-good vibes into otherwise grim stories.

CrimeJunkie

This weekly true-crime podcast is hosted by crime-fanatic Ashley Flowers and features her friend Brit.

Ashley tells bone-chilling true crime stories on CrimeJunkie that will leave you haunted and curious about the unsolved ones.

My Favorite Murder

One of the most popular true crime podcasts is My Favorite Murder, where the two hosts swap creepy true crime stories and speculate on unsolved murders.

They also read hometown crime stories from their loyal fans.

Anatomy of Murder

This podcast takes an analytical and scientific approach to murder and other true crime cases.

They pick apart real cases, laying out the details and involved parties, so you can try to solve some of these cases!

If you want a deep dive into these cases in a structured format, you’ll love Anatomy of Murder.

Dateline

The ever-popular true crime shows Dateline is now also a podcast where you can hear about brutal and close-to-home true crime cases.

This show is the reason so many people carry pepper spray or lock their windows, and the podcast keeps you hooked through every episode.

The Best History Podcasts

Fictional stories are fun, but the world has such a long and complex history that many people love to listen to history podcasts where they can learn all there is to know.

Dark History With Bailey Sarian

For something on the spooky side, check out Dark History with Bailey Sarian!

Bailey is a Youtuber and Podcast who loves to talk about the weird and morbid, and she has done some digging to find out about the darker side of some well-known historic people and incidents.

You Must Remember This

This podcast blends mysterious history with celebrity culture.

You Must Remember This is a storytelling show that talks about the secret or forgotten accounts of some Hollywood elite from the olden days.

Learn behind-the-scenes info about your favorite movies or the hidden tragic lives of classic celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, or Joan Crawford.

The British History Podcast

Whether you live in the UK or not, you can enjoy The British History Podcast, which focuses on Britain’s robust and complicated history.

It takes a unique approach, retelling events through various perspectives and rewriting history to account for the little people.

American History Tellers

Do you wish you had paid more attention in your high school history class?

American History Tellers podcast has you covered as they go through every notable historical event and shower you with fascinating and new information you likely didn’t know.

Slow Burn

Slow Burn is a short-form podcast that discusses the intricate and puzzling circumstances surrounding the Watergate scandal.

This deep dive will captivate and scare you, showing how dark the American political scene can go and discussing the possible conspiracies surrounding these events.

The Best Christian Podcasts

There is a wealth of educational and conversational Christian podcasts for people who want to learn more about their faith or find comfort in listening to other Christians.

Some of these podcasts also welcome skeptics, hoping to spread the Christian faith and values discussed in the Bible.

The BibleProject

The BibleProject podcast is all about interpreting and reading the Bible.

The hosts explore key themes, characters, and tales from the Bible, discussing what they mean and how they relate to modern faith.

The conversations are thoughtful and often analytical, diving into the nitty-gritty of theology and the Bible.

The Good Christian Podcast

The Good Christian Podcast is about encouraging and caring for fellow Christians, even when they stray from the Lord’s teachings.

People who follow Jesus do not always take the same path, but this supportive podcast can help Christians navigate their faith and be the best Christina they can be.

Good Christian Fun

The Good Christian Fun podcast is a light-hearted show focused on Christian pop culture, from music to celebrities to shows!

The podcast will guide you through the strange and entertaining world of faith-based content.

It’s suitable for those who follow the Christian faith or skeptics looking to learn more about the religion.

The Holy Post

This fast-paced Christian podcast with a beautiful sense of humor is hosted by Phil Vischer (the creator of Veggie Tales) and Skye Jethani.

They discuss everything related to Christianity on The Holy Post, from Bible verses to Christian rock and everything in between.

Science, Scripture, and Salvation

This fascinating podcast shows Christians and skeptics where the Bible and science converge, strengthening the argument for the Christian faith.

The purpose of Science, Scripture, and Salvation is to build confidence in people’s faith by showing them that theology and scientific fact are not mutually exclusive.

The Best Motivational Podcasts

There are plenty of motivational podcasts for folks who need encouragement to live life and take bold chances.

Listen to these podcasts to get inspired!

The Daily Motivation

The Daily Motivation is hosted by best-selling author Lewis Howes, the king of motivation.

On this podcast, you’ll hear from industry leaders and inspiring individuals who want to share their proven principles and life-changing habits with you.

This podcast can help you get motivated and stay motivated!

Happy Habit

The Happy Habit podcast explores all topics, including health, fitness, mental wellness, science, and more.

The show looks at happiness and the habits of humans from a variety of angles, giving you a healthy perspective on your life that motivates you to be your best.

The One You Feed

The One You Feed is a motivational podcast that encourages you to only give attention and effort to the things in your life that matter to you and make you happy.

The show is loaded with practical wisdom and solid advice to help you live well and dispel negative energy from your life.

Unlocking Us With Brené Brown

Unlocking Us helps people regain their power by learning to say no, assessing their self-worth, and tackling life steps that can be scary and stifling.

The podcast is motivational for people of all ages but particularly helpful for 20-somethings trying to find their way.

Side Hustle Pro

One of the best motivational podcasts is Side Hustle Pro, which helps motivate entrepreneurs and business owners who want to find success.

It shines a spotlight on inspirational black women who have transformed a small side hustle into a lucrative business.

The Best Interesting Podcasts

Interesting podcasts like those listed below appeal to a wide audience, so they’re ideal if you want to find a fun podcast to listen to with others, like your spouse, family, or friends.

Say Why to Drugs

The host, Dr. Suzi Gage, talks about illegal and legal recreational drugs and the misinformation surrounding many of them.

The general view of certain drugs is often derived from stigmas or false information, but Dr. Suzi will debunk the myths and get to the truth on Say Why to Drugs!

Reply All

If you’re fascinated by modern technology, this podcast is about the internet.

Reply All discusses the technological journey that brought us here and what the future of technology looks like, no matter how optimistic or terrifying it may be.

Lore

Lore touches on true crime, spooky stories, real history, and so much more.

The podcast has even been turned into a TV show, where you can watch visuals to go along with the narrative.

This podcast will be your new favorite if you love weird stories and strange folklore.

The Strange and Unusual Podcast

Hosted by Alyson Horrocks, this frightening series discusses all things strange and unusual, from fairy folklore to Halloween traditions to accidental burials.

The Strange and Unusual Podcast will leave you tingling, and Alyson employs masterful storytelling techniques to keep you hooked on her every word.

Family Ghosts

Family Ghosts is a podcast that explores strange family histories and hidden secrets.

Every family has its skeletons, and the show begins with the host diving into mysteries within his family, but the later episodes follow him helping other people dig into their family’s past.

The Best Sexual Podcasts

Sex sells, and everyone knows it! Sex will always be a hot and prominent topic, so it’s easy to find engaging and juicy sexual podcasts.

Whether you want sex advice, erotic stories, or a more scientific and therapeutic approach to the dirty deed, there are some stellar podcasts you can listen to.

Call Her Daddy

One of the most listened-to Spotify podcasts is Call Her Daddy, a female-focused podcast that discusses the nitty-gritty of modern sex and how women navigate this world.

Some episodes are funny and raunchy, while others cover sensitive and meaningful sex topics, giving you everything you could want in a sex podcast.

Sex With Emily

The Sex With Emily podcast is hosted by Dr. Emily Morse, an expert on sex and relationships.

Listeners can submit questions to Emily, and she’ll answer them on her show with special guests in a judgment-free zone.

She talks about taboo sex topics, sex in relationships, and how to maintain a healthy sex life with a personable and fun tone.

Erotic Short Stories: Read by Mia Hart

Erotic Short Stories: Read by Mia Hart is a collection of sexy short stories you can dive into for a fun and sensual experience.

The stories are generally works of fiction written by Mia Hart, but listeners can also submit stories!

The purpose of the podcast is to give people a place to indulge in their wildest fantasies!

Is It in Yet?

Is It in Yet is hosted by three girls who talk candidly about their sex lives with one another.

Grace, Lucy, and Dee pop open a bottle of Prosecco each week and shamelessly divulge hot happenings and embarrassing events for your pleasure and to maybe put your unpleasant sex stories to shame.

Shameless Sex

The Shameless Sex podcast is an inspiring and comforting sexual podcast that aims to make everyone feel comfortable enjoying sex and asking for what they want.

It’s hosted by a sex and relationship coach alongside a sex toy mogul and motivational speaker.

The Best Conservative Podcasts

Whether you want to listen to conservative podcasts to keep up with your favorite politicians or see what the other side is talking about, there are several shows to choose from.

The Ben Shapiro Show

Ben Shapiro is known as a polarizing figure with many controversial opinions, and you can get them all straight from the horse’s mouth on his podcast.

Nothing is off limits, as he discusses his thoughts on everything and invites guests who may agree or disagree with his views to spark lively conversations on The Ben Shapiro Show.

The Conservative Review With Daniel Horowitz

Daniel Horowitz started The Conservative Review to help people cut through what he believes to be lies and confusion embedded in American politics.

Every episode covers the most recent political movements and what they mean for the conservative party, helping people stay current on politics.

Guy Benson Show

The Guy Benson Show is a fast-paced political podcast that delivers information straight from Fox News.

He often hosts Fox News anchors or conservative politicians, offering first-hand information and conversations on the most important topics.

Guy Benson is passionate and knowledgeable, making him one of the best conservative hosts.

Verdict With Ted Cruz

Verdict With Ted Cruz is ideal for the conservative politician’s fans, as he breaks down current news and hot political topics with his co-host Ben Ferguson, another popular conservative figure.

This podcast gives you a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most intense political debates and events so you get all the dirty details.

Townhall Review

The Townhall Review hosted by High Hewitt is one of the most listened-to conservative podcasts, as he discusses current news through the conservative lens.

It delivers all current and relevant news to listeners and intelligently analyzes what is going on and what it means for the future.

The Best Podcasts for Musicians

Podcasts for musicians are a fantastic way to dive deeper into your favorite genres, artists, and songs.

The music-related podcasts below can give musicians insight into finding musical success and spark inspiration, but music lovers will also enjoy these shows!

The Joe Budden Podcast

A popular podcast for musicians is The Joe Budden Podcast, where the former rapper and personality talks about the newest music and trends with friends in the industry.

If you love hip-hop and current music, this podcast will keep you up-to-date on everything happening, and the conversations are pretty amusing.

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs discusses one rock song per episode, exploring this genre that led to many of the sounds we hear today.

It covers rock music from 1938, when rock came about, to 1999, looking at 500 different songs.

If you love rock music, this podcast is an educational journey through the history of the genre.

60 Songs That Explain the 90s

The 90s is a fascinating decade filled with stellar music and questionable fashion.

To better understand the sounds of this decade and the impact the music had on today’s trends, explore 60 Songs That Explain the 90s for a glimpse into the 90s culture.

Music critic Rob Harvilla hosts in-depth conversations about each song and its influences.

Broken Record

Broken Record is a casual and amusing podcast where the hosts discuss various artists, diving into their life and musical inspirations.

Learn about how different musicians found their signature sound and honed their craft, from icons who have long been dead to up-and-coming artists just stepping on the scene.

Every Single Album

If you’re more interested in the current music scene, listen to the Every Single Album podcast!

Two pop music fanatics break down whole albums, song by song and line by line, giving you insight into the process behind pop legends like Adele, Taylor Swift, and Olivia Rodrigo.

The Best Podcasts for Artists

Podcasts for artists can offer inspiration and keep those in the art industry informed on trends, exhibits, and popular artists stepping on the scene.

Listen to interviews with people in the art industry and learn more about this exciting world.

Bad at Sports

Bad at Sports is a weekly podcast that discusses contemporary art.

It features interviews with popular artists and discusses current art exhibits and growing trends.

Artists can learn a lot from this podcast and stay informed about the modern art scene.

The Art History Babes

The Art History Babes is a podcast hosted by a group of ladies who love to talk about art history.

They discuss how different styles came about and highlight various cultures’ distinct types of artwork.

The Modern Art Notes Podcast

Hosted by Tyler Green, The Modern Art Notes Podcast consists of hour-long interviews with the top people in the art industry, including historians, curators, authors, and artists.

It’s highly educational, but the conversations are engaging and easy to follow.

A Piece of Work

Hosted by actress and comedian Abbi Jacobsen, A Piece of Work is a podcast focused on contemporary art, and there are no stupid questions.

Take an artful journey with Abbi as she explores different genres and talks with people in the industry.

Abbi keeps it fun and light at all times, so you’ll be laughing along with her and the guests.

The Week in Art

This award-winning podcast offers breaking news from the art world, and it’s the best resource to keep you informed on new artists and exhibits worldwide.

Every episode of The Week in Art breaks down the most significant topics in the art world today.

The Best Political Podcasts

Political podcasts not only help you understand what’s happening with current politics, but the shows can break down the intricacies of politics, which can be very perplexing at times.

If you feel lost during certain political discussions or just want to understand more about American democracy, these podcasts are a great place to start.

Civics 101

If you never took a civic class, the Civics 101 podcast is here to help fill in the gaps in your political knowledge.

Learn about the basics of American politics so you can understand how our democracy works!

How To Citizen

The How To Citizen podcast offers listeners new perspectives and meaningful discussions surrounding the American political system.

Hosted by a comedian, the show is light-hearted and hilarious but still informative.

Pantsuit Politics Podcast

The Pantsuit Politics Podcast is hosted by two women who want to explore and dissect current political conversations.

They take an analytical approach to politics and maintain a curious and accepting attitude throughout the show.

They never speak down to the listeners and always break down complex issues.

The Road to Now

The Road to Now podcast discusses how the political system has evolved to be what it is today and highlights the people and events that shaped the culture.

The show helps listeners understand the journey our political system has taken via conversations with experts.

Left, Right, and Center

Conservative or liberal podcasts can heavily skew information, but the Left, Right, and Center podcast gives you political information head-on.

This podcast allows you to weigh political topics fairly and decide for yourself.

The Best Relationship Podcasts

Whether you just want to listen to stories about love and strife or are looking for advice, check out some of the best relationship podcasts.

Modern Love

Based on the weekly NYT column, Modern Love tells stories of all kinds of romantic relationships, whether just beginning or ending.

The stories are thoughtfully written and evoke strong emotions.

Dear Sugars

Dear Sugars is a relationship advice podcast where the two hosts give listeners advice and help people navigate the complexity and beauty of relationships.

The tone is casual and sometimes humorous, touching on taboo topics you may be afraid to ask about.

Lasting Love

The Lasting Love podcast dishes out advice and tips for making love last and flourish.

Relationships take work and effort, and this podcast breaks down some of the most complex romantic situations and helps people navigate them.

Love Letters

Love Letters is a simple podcast that reads enchanting love letters, giving you that warm, fuzzy feeling in your tummy.

If you want some good old-fashioned mushy love, this podcast is comforting and moving.

Keep tissues handy!

Food 4 Thot

Food 4 Thot is a queer-centric podcast that discusses queer relationships, sex, and many other topics.

For the LGBTQ+ community, this is one of the most welcoming and inclusive relationship podcasts.

Many relationship podcasts side-step queer romance and issues, but this is an all-inclusive and progressive relationship podcast.

The Best Self-Help Podcasts

Self-help podcasts can help encourage you to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and live the life you’ve always wanted.

The Habit Coach With Ashdin Doctor

As the name implies, this podcast is about changing your habits to improve your life.

If you feel unmotivated and struggle to focus, the tips and tricks on The Habit Coach with Ashdin Doctor can help you build healthy habits and get on the right track.

How To Fail

This podcast celebrates failure beautifully. Failing means you tried, and that’s something to be proud of in itself.

Listen to How To Fail to motivate yourself to keep trying and not be too hard on yourself when you fail.

The Happiness Lab

The Happiness Lab podcast aims to help listeners lead happy lives and let go of stress.

It takes a psychological approach to be content with your life and choose to be happy!

Learn about the scientific research that can help you find joy.

Routines and Ruts

This podcast helps people break out of their monotonous routines and jump out of their rut, whether it’s a job, location, or relationship.

Routines and Ruts shares conversations about how debilitating a bland routine can be and how to shake things up!

Help Me Be Me

If you struggle with anxiety, stress, or depression, the Help Me Be Me podcast can be a brilliant resource.

The host shares practical tools that can help you overcome emotional hurdles and manage your feelings appropriately.

The Best Story Podcasts

Story podcasts can keep you entertained for hours on end. Some stories are short and captivating, while others are long-form and take some commitment.

Welcome to Night Vale

If you love conspiracy theories, you’ll enjoy this spooky podcast that tells the story of the town of Night Vale.

There are tons of characters and intertwining plots on Welcome to Night Vale to keep you hooked and wondering what will happen next.

Serial

The Serial podcast offers high-quality stories told in an engaging and entertaining format.

The podcast is made with the help of the NYT and contains a mix of short stories with lengthy tales.

The show features scary stories, hilarious anecdotes, and everything in between.

LeVar Burton Reads

If you loved LeVar Burton’s soothing voice as a kid, you can listen to him on this fun and light-hearted story podcast.

On LeVar Burton Reads, you’ll hear him read many stories with his comforting and captivating voice, perfect for falling asleep or relaxing.

Selected Shorts

On Selected Shorts, you can listen to the best actors of our time read exciting short stories with enthusiasm and artfulness.

The episodes often include multiple stories, so you’ll never run out of interesting content.

First Person

First Person meshes storytelling with newscasting, reading first-person stories that involve current issues and topics shaping our world.

Listen to real-life stories that may change the way you think about a subject or strengthen your beliefs.

The Best Science Podcasts

Science podcasts are some of the most educational and engaging shows you can listen to.

They often debunk strange myths and give you helpful information.

60-Second Science

People who don’t have hours to listen to podcasts can get bite-size science episodes with this podcast.

Top journalists in science cover important and fascinating topics on 60-Second Science, explaining foundational science and discussing breakthroughs in the world of science.

From cancer to napping to nature, this podcast touches on everything.

The Naked Scientists

The Naked Scientists podcast is a little quirky, as they keep the tone casual and humorous while delivering news about science and the latest news.

They do hands-on science experiments, sometimes on the show, helping to debunk false information and spread knowledge to everyone.

Even people who don’t enjoy science will find this podcast intriguing.

Science Vs

On Science Vs, the hosts use scientific explanations to call out misinformation, especially misinformation spreading on social media platforms.

They dispel diet fads and denounce blogs spreading advice not backed by science.

The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe

This podcast keeps you updated on the most recent science news and promotes critical thinking.

If you’re a skeptic and you love to probe ideas and pose questions, The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe will be your new not-so-guilty pleasure.

Ologies

Hosted by Alie Ward, the Ologies podcast explores some of the most random scientific topics you never thought to ask about.

From the science behind beauty standards to social norms to bee hierarchy to intoxicated butterflies, you’ll be blown away by the peculiar information discussed on this show.

The Best Fiction Podcasts

If you love stories, whether TV shows, books, or movies, you’ll likely enjoy fiction podcasts that take you on exciting and fantastical stories.

Some fictional podcasts are long series that you can listen to over weeks, while other or snack-sized stories you can digest in minutes.

The Bright Sessions

One of the most fascinating and innovative fiction podcasts is The Bright Sessions.

Each episode is like a recorded therapy session, where you feel like you’re listening to private and mysterious conversations.

Hello From the Magic Tavern

The main character of this fictional podcast, Arnie Niekamp, fell into a portal, winding up in a different dimension.

He reports his adventures and paints this fantastical land by uploading weekly podcast episodes to Hello From the Magic Tavern.

Small Town Horror

Small Town Horror tells the story of Ryan Jennings, the main character who fled from his creepy hometown.

But now he’s returned to solve some dark mysteries and get to the bottom of this horrifying small town.

Alice Isn’t Dead

A twisting tale of crime, romance, fantasy, and conspiracies, the Alice Isn’t Dead podcast follows a truck driver searching for her missing wife.

Along the way, she encounters horrifying serial killers who aren’t always human.

Flash Pulp

If you don’t want a long-form or serial fiction podcast, check out Flash Pulp, where you can listen to quick fiction stories.

Most of the stories are creepy and mysterious, giving you bite-size mysteries to chew on but get the resolution in less than ten minutes.

The Best Educational Podcasts

Are you looking to learn something new?

Educational podcasts are entertaining and informative without being dry and boring.

Philosophize This!

Philosophy is one of the greatest topics humankind has ever conceptualized, but the ins and outs of these theories and the impressive minds behind them can be confusing for many.

Philosophy is often not a massive part of standard education.

If you want to better understand influential thinkers like Plato and Socrates, Philosophy This! can take you on a profound journey.

Stuff You Should Know

One of the most listened-to podcasts, Stuff You Should Know, covers everything from chaos theory to Rosa Parks.

Learn fun facts about everyday things and the history behind anything and everything!

If you love trivia or want to impress friends with fun facts, this is the show for you.

TED Talks Daily

If you want to entertain new ideas and have your perspective challenged, the TED Talks Daily podcast is informative and fascinating.

The episodes are usually under 30 minutes but will spark your imagination and give you a glimpse into practically every subject, from AI to morality.

This American Life

This American Life has millions of listeners who love to hear Ira Glass tackle various themes that relate to every American’s life.

Every week focuses on a different theme and tells real stories related to the topic, providing a unique style of journalism built around plots and genuine people.

99% Invisible

If you have a special interest in design and architecture, 99% Invisible will open your eyes to how integral these things are to our lives in ways we likely never noticed.

The podcast exposes the design and architecture behind pop culture phenomena and the foundations of the world we know today.

The Best Leadership Podcasts

Managing a team and leading a business is a challenging job.

Most people are not born great leaders, and they have to learn the best way to approach management situations.

If you want to improve your leadership skills, check out some helpful leadership podcasts.

At the Table

Hosted by Patrick Lencioni, At The Table is a conversational show that dishes out genuine advice to people in leadership positions.

The show is full of wisdom with tinges of humor that make it easy to listen to and enjoy.

The podcast aims to help leaders build solid teams and hone their management techniques.

Coaching for Leaders

Coaching for Leaders can be comforting and supportive for leaders who feel like they aren’t succeeding in their roles.

Through insightful conversations, the host David Stachowiak offers sound advice to help your team thrive and help you build confidence in yourself as a leader.

The EntreLeadership Podcast

The EntreLeadership Podcast combines advice for being a great leader with tips and tricks for growing your business and harnessing your entrepreneurial spirit.

Listen to interviews with titans of the industry like Mark Cuban and Simon Sinek, who offer insight into how they found success and what makes or breaks an inspirational leader.

Masters of Scale

The Masters of Scale focuses on leaders in the tech industry, helping them improve their management tactics to increase performance and productivity.

The episodes detail how a business grows and thrives.

The Go-Giver Podcast

The Go-Giver Podcast uses the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success from the bestseller The Go-Giver, to help leaders manage their teams better and follow a formula for success and happiness.

The show highlights strategies for making your business lucrative without stressing you or your team out, as prosperity and satisfaction should go hand in hand.

The Best Investing Podcasts

Are you intimidated by the world of investment, where you need to make big decisions but might feel as if you’re not clued up enough?

Investing podcasts can help the average Joe navigate the complexity of the stock market so they can benefit from it too!

The Investing for Beginners Podcast

The Investing for Beginners Podcast is the best show to listen to if you want to start investing your money and growing a portfolio but have no idea where to begin or how.

This show breaks down some of the most complex topics, making investing accessible for everyone!

Money for the Rest of Us

This personal finance and investing podcast is geared toward people who aren’t investing millions and might not know everything there is to know about stocks and investments.

Hosted by a former chief investment strategist, Money for the Rest of Us teaches people how to handle their money and investments wisely.

Mad Money With Jim Cramer

Mad Money is a popular TV show where a very enthusiastic and sometimes aggressive host tells you what the bigwigs on Wall Street are doing and what they don’t want you to know.

Mad Money with Jim Cramer seeks to help people understand what is happening with their investments.

Fresh Invest

Fresh Invest explains the most complex and current financial topics, helping people understand the investing climate.

This podcast is full of useful advice concerning how to create a successful investment portfolio and actionable steps to take when setting yourself up for financial stability.

The Coffee House Investor

If you hate long-winded investment conversations and shows, check out The Coffee House Investor.

The episodes are no more than five minutes long and quickly but comprehensively give you advice on managing investments and making money moves.

The Best News Podcasts

Some people read articles on their phones or rely on social media, but a large population turn to news podcasts.

Getting your news update from podcasts keeps you informed on current events without having to watch or listen to hours of news and commercials.

The Daily

The Daily podcast from The New York Times is undoubtedly one of the most popular podcasts, as new episodes often hold the top spot on Apple Podcast rankings.

Every day a 20-minute episode is released covering the most recent and important news topics.

NPR News Now

If you once loved listening to NPR but want to consume the news on your schedule, check out the NPR News Now podcast.

It gives you all the information and raw opinions you get on the radio, but you can press play or pause anytime you want!

5 Things

One of the shortest and most digestible news podcasts is 5 Things, which gives you 10-minute bites of the top five things going on in the world today.

If you want to stay on top of current events but don’t want to spend your day submerged in news, this podcast is the perfect solution.

Today, Explained

The Today, Explained episodes are usually just under 30 minutes, ideal for a standard commute to work or an office break.

You get five episodes a week touching upon the most prominent news topics casually, giving you a down-to-earth news podcast.

The Journal

The Journal podcast delivers all the business news you could want, focusing on topics like crypto, stocks, interest rates, the real estate market, and other related topics.

If you’re an investor or like to stay up-to-date on what those large corporations are up to, this is one of the best resources for information.

The Best Movie Podcasts

If you want to listen to other film lovers discuss movies, check out some of the best movie podcasts below!

Some rip movies apart, others praise new releases, and some have hosts who strongly disagree about what makes a film superior.

We Hate Movies

Are you a glutton for punishment?

Then watch some of the worst movies ever made with the hosts of We Hate Movies.

They cover one movie a week and rip it apart, which is equally hilarious and captivating.

For movie lovers who love to rag on bad movies, this is a super fun podcast.

The Rewatchables

The Rewatchables podcast is a discussion of films the hosts can’t seem to stop watching over and over!

If you have certain movies that you love to rewatch as they only seem to get better upon every viewing, you’ll love this fun and relatable podcast!

How Did This Get Made?

Another podcast that makes fun of and tears apart some of the worst movies ever produced is How Did This Get Made?

Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, some true comedic talent, watch horrible movies together so they can ponder and debate who signed off and paid for such an awful film.

Cinema Clash

Cinema Clash has two hosts with conflicting opinions on movies.

The podcast is a free-flowing, unedited conversation between one host who loves mainstream blockbusters and the other host who fancies themself a more refined movie watcher who enjoys deep and obscure films.

They’re Just Movies

This movie podcast is straightforward, as friends sit down and discuss new movies, old movies, blockbusters, and hidden gems.

Be warned, They’re Just Movies has plenty of spoilers, but it’s fun to hear how other people reacted to movies you loved, hated, or contemplated watching.

The Best Health Podcasts

Health and wellness is an ever-growing topic and industry that people are fascinated with.

From meditation to fitness hacks to eating habits, health podcasts cover it all and can help you make positive changes in your life.

Maintenance Phase

Today, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction, especially concerning healthy habits.

The Maintenace Phase podcasts help drunk myths put out by ignorant influencers or dispel dangerous fads.

This podcast will help you weed through the garbage on social media so you can truly understand how to be healthy.

2 Docs Talk

The 2 Docs Talk podcast is a light-hearted health podcast covering everything from healthcare policies to the chemistry of medicine to healthy lifestyle habits.

Doctors, nurses, patients, and everyone else can appreciate the informational content and digestible tone.

Ten Percent Happier

The Ten Percent Happier podcast with Dan Harris promotes the benefits of meditation and other mindful health practices that can help your mental and physical wellness.

The show explores science-based techniques for handling stress, anxiety, and panic attacks, featuring interviews with everyone from celebrities to scientists.

The Doctor’s Farmacy

This podcast primarily discusses how the food we eat impacts our health and what small changes can make all the difference.

The Doctor’s Farmacy features deep and meaningful conversations surrounding our current food system, consumption habits, and how food affects climate change, giving listeners the big picture.

The Model Health Show

The Model Health Show offers an enlightening and entertaining look at health, wellness, and fitness.

Author and nutritionist Shawn Stevenson breaks down every topic, giving listeners insight into what habits could be making their lives harder and their bodies less healthy.

This show is one of the best podcasts if you want to make healthy changes in your life.

The Best Uplifting Podcasts

The world seems to constantly be facing a new disaster, whether it’s political upheaval, deadly diseases, or raging natural disasters.

Uplifting podcasts can help ease the stress and refocus your attention on your life and happiness.

Style Your Mind Podcast

The Style Your Mind Podcast with Cara Alwill is a fun and uplifting podcast that encourages women to empower themselves and drive their success.

The show helps women reinvent themselves and lift their spirits, even when they’re in the darkest places of their lives.

It’s inspirational and dazzling with wit.

The Lively Show

The Lively Show wants to inspire, uplift, and help its listeners with sparkling interviews and positive conversations.

It covers various topics, from self-esteem to relationships and more, helping you navigate life with optimism and joy.

Happier With Gretchen Rubin

One of the most popular uplifting podcasts is Happier with Gretchen Rubin, a show that wants you to be as happy as possible.

Gretchen authored the book The Happiness Project and uses the podcast to spread the same message of the light and love you can have when you take on a few simple habits.

The Michelle Obama Podcast

Michelle Obama is an inspiration to many, and her podcast is just as uplifting and motivational as her book!

She interviews celebrities, loved ones, colleagues, friends, and more on The Michelle Obama Podcast, exploring relationships and careers in a comfortable setting.

Good Life Project

The Good Life Project, hosted by Jonathan Fields, explores the definition of happiness and what it means to be happy and have a fulfilling life.

The podcast discusses how different aspects of your life play into your satisfaction and gives gentle advice for how you can improve your state of mind and enjoy every moment!

The Best Travel Podcasts

Travel podcasts can be entertaining for avid travelers who want to compare their experiences or search for new vacation spots or people who dream of traveling and want to live vicariously through other adventurers.

The Travel Diaries

Hosted by Holly Rubenstein, The Travel Diaries is a weekly interview podcast where Holly asks someone about their travel experiences.

She asks meaningful questions about what cultures moved them, what places were the most memorable, and how traveling has shaped their lives.

Amateur Traveler

The amateur traveler is a lovely travel podcast for all people, whether you’ve been around the world and back or have never left your hometown.

The Amateur Traveler covers a different location in every episode, giving you a glimpse into the culture, architecture, cuisine, and so much more!

Armchair Explorer

One of the most beloved travel podcasts is Armchair Explorer, which is a documentary-style show where brave adventures recount their most epic travels.

The world’s most daring people recount their experiences in an exciting storytelling format that will make you feel like you are right there with them!

The Thoughtful Travel Podcast

The Thoughtful Travel Podcast offers fun and comforting travel stories from a variety of guests and the host.

However, it has a unique perspective where travelers discuss how to respectfully explore the world by using foreign languages, engaging with locals, and learning from cultures different than yours.

Not Lost

Not Lost is refreshing and exciting, as the host makes episodes about his journey around North America throughout the trip while he goes through a tough breakup.

He makes new friends and enjoys the kindness of strangers, sharing his marvelous experiences with his listeners.

The Best Medical Podcasts

Medical podcasts are ideal for staying informed and current on medical news and information.

Whether you want to know about changes in healthcare policies or new experimental drugs, these podcasts will keep you aware of the state of the medical industry.

This Podcast Will Kill You

Don’t worry. The podcast won’t kill you.

But This Podcast Will Kill You will teach about the history of various diseases and conditions you may have heard of.

It covers the history, biology, and severity of known diseases, giving you a glimpse into how these diseases spread and how scared you should be.

The Healthcare Policy Podcast

This podcast explains everything if you want to arm yourself with information about the healthcare system and medical industrial complexities.

The Healthcare Policy Podcast includes interviews with healthcare policy experts on current topics.

This podcast offers a straightforward, analytical look at the world of healthcare and medicine.

The Clinical Problem Solvers

The Clinical Problem Solvers discusses controversies in the medical industry, such as racism, sexism, and classism, that many people don’t want to discuss.

The podcast tells real stories, exploring the root of many of these problems and looking for viable solutions.

New England Journal of Medicine

You can listen to new reports on any new findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine on this podcast.

You can listen to the most recent medical news, review articles, and relevant research to stay up to date.

Symptomatic

Symptomatic is a fascinating podcast about medical mysteries and how fickle human health can be.

You can learn about baffling symptoms and perplexing patient stories that even the best doctors couldn’t solve.

Luckily, many stories have happy endings where you learn the diagnosis and treatment.

The Best Parenting Podcasts

Parenting is no easy feat. As the saying goes, it takes a village.

But if you don’t have a village, you may rely on advice, parenting books, and PBS. But what about parenting podcasts?

One Bad Mother

One Bad Mother is a hilarious show about the ups and downs of motherhood and how strange parenting can be.

If you’ve ever felt like a bad mother (or father), you’ll likely find this podcast incredibly relatable and amusing.

This podcast is a judgment-free zone where “bad” moms can talk about their most embarrassing or terrifying parenting moments.

The Mom Hour

Two moms offer practical tips and genuine encouragement for all parents on The Mom Hour once a week.

The two hosts have been there, as they have a gaggle of children from tiny tots to full-blown adults, so they know what they’re talking about.

They may not be scientific experts, but they can offer you real-life advice and compassion.

Respectful Parenting

Respectful Parenting is hosted by Janet Lansbury, an experienced and learned parent author and consultant.

She has decades of experience helping parents with young children strike the right balance in their parenting method, such as disciplining without shaming or raising mindful humans.

Talking to Teens: Expert Tips for Parenting Teenagers

Kids can’t stay cute and little forever, and many parents find the teenage years the most difficult.

Expert researcher Andy Earle talks to child therapists, writers, and other industry authorities to explore the challenges of parenting teenagers.

Talking to Teens: Expert Tips for Parenting Teenagers focuses on defined strategies and thoughtful approaches to general teen situations.

Good Inside With Dr. Becky

Good Inside is hosted by clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy.

She has three kids of her own and uses her education and real-life experience to answer some of the most challenging parenting questions ranging from physical health to love languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few related questions about the best podcasts.

What is the #1 podcast in the world?

Podcast rankings change regularly, but the Joe Rogan Experience was deemed the highest-earning podcast worldwide in 2021.

What is the most listened-to podcast ever?

The most listened-to and downloaded podcast is Serial.

This award-winning story podcast contains several narratives and tales.

Wrapping Up

You may feel like you are not a podcast person, but if you love to watch TV, read, or hold riveting conversations with people, there is likely a podcast you can fall into and enjoy.

Whether you want something educational, political, sexual, hilarious, or fictional, one of these best podcasts will pique your interest.

So start listening to one of our recommendations and enjoy a fabulous listening experience.

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