The Best Podcasts Of All Time
Ever find yourself with a few spare minutes and no idea what to do with them? Maybe you're on a long commute, doing chores, or just chilling on the couch. Well, let me tell you, there's a whole world of amazing audio waiting for you: podcasts!
Think of podcasts like radio shows, but way cooler. You can listen to them whenever you want, on pretty much anything that plays audio. And the best part? There's a podcast out there for literally everyone. Seriously, whatever you're into, there's a show about it.
But with so many out there, how do you find the good stuff? Don't worry, I've got your back. I've been diving deep into the podcast universe, and I've stumbled upon some absolute gems. These aren't just good; they're the kind of shows that stick with you, make you laugh, make you think, and maybe even change the way you see things a little.
Let's start with a classic, a show that pretty much set the gold standard for storytelling: This American Life. Ira Glass is the host, and he's got this way of finding the most ordinary people doing the most extraordinary things. Each week, they pick a theme, and then they tell these incredible, true stories that are funny, sad, surprising, and always, always human. You'll hear about everything from secret lives to awkward encounters, and by the end, you'll feel like you know these people. It’s like eavesdropping on the most fascinating conversations happening all around us.
If you're into true crime, but want something that goes a bit deeper than just the shocking details, then you have to check out Serial. The first season completely blew my mind. Sarah Koenig investigates old cases, and she doesn't just present facts; she explores the questions, the doubts, and the complexities. It's like a detective novel you can listen to, and it'll have you hooked from the very first episode. You’ll find yourself staying up late, just needing to know what happens next.
Now, for something completely different, let's talk about humor. If you want to laugh until your sides hurt, then My Dad Wrote a Porno is your go-to. Yes, you read that right. Jamie Morton's dad wrote a truly terrible erotic novel, and Jamie, along with his two friends, James and Alice, reads it out loud, chapter by chapter, and reacts. Their reactions are priceless! They're not mean-spirited, they're just genuinely, hilariously baffled by the ridiculousness of the writing. It’s pure, unadulterated silliness, and it’s infectious. You’ll be snorting with laughter, I promise.
For a dose of pure curiosity and wonder, Radiolab is out of this world. Hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich (and now Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser) explore science, philosophy, and everything in between in the most creative ways. They take complex ideas and make them accessible and fascinating. You’ll learn about everything from the nature of time to the secrets of the human brain, all wrapped up in amazing sound design and engaging narratives. It’s like a science lesson you actually want to listen to.
If you’re interested in history, but find textbooks a bit dry, try Hardcore History by Dan Carlin. Now, Dan is not one for short episodes. His episodes can be hours long, but trust me, they are worth every minute. He dives into historical events with such passion and detail that you feel like you're right there. He doesn't just tell you what happened; he explains why it happened and what the ripple effects were. It’s like getting a masterclass from the most engaging history professor you’ve ever had.
For a show that’s both informative and incredibly fun, check out Stuff You Should Know. Josh and Chuck (and all their friends) tackle a different topic every episode, from how tacos work to the history of the Mafia. They break down complicated subjects into easy-to-understand explanations, and they do it with a friendly, approachable vibe. It’s the perfect podcast for when you’re just feeling generally curious about the world.
The beauty of podcasts is that you can tailor your listening experience perfectly to your mood. Feeling philosophical? There's a show for that. Want to get lost in a fictional world? There's one for that too. Need a good laugh? Oh, you bet there's one for that!
The 10 Best Podcasts of 2021 | TIME
Another one that’s really special is Welcome to Night Vale. This is a fictional podcast presented as a community radio show from a strange desert town where every conspiracy theory is true. Cecil Baldwin narrates the nightly news, and it’s filled with bizarre occurrences, glowing clouds, mysterious dog parks, and a secret police. It's eerie, funny, and has this wonderfully unique, cult following. It’s the kind of show that creates its own universe, and you’ll get happily sucked into it.
And if you’re looking for a more personal, intimate experience, shows like Anna Faris Is Unqualified are fantastic. Anna interviews guests, and the whole premise is that she's not qualified to give advice, but she does anyway, often with hilarious results. It’s candid, funny, and often surprisingly insightful. You feel like you’re just hanging out with friends, swapping stories and jokes.
These are just a few of my all-time favorites, and the really exciting thing is that there are always new shows popping up. So next time you’ve got that quiet moment, don’t just stare at your phone. Open up your podcast app, type in one of these names, and let the magic happen. You might just find your new favorite obsession.