With literally billions of podcasts out there to choose from, how on earth do you decide what’s worthy of your listening time? There are the big-name pods everybody knows, but what about those smaller, quirkier podcasts that go under the radar?
Whether you’re a detective in the making, endlessly curious about science and tech, or just want something to make you laugh, here are the podcasts we’re leaning into in 2024.
Content
- For armchair detectives
- For those who love a laugh
- For history and culture buffs
- For relationship advice
- For self-improvement enthusiasts
- For bookworms and story lovers
- For gamers and movie buffs
- For the endlessly curious
For armchair detectives
The Girlfriends
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For those who loved Netflix’s Dirty John, The Girlfriends is a nine-part true crime series set in 90s Las Vegas that tells the story of successful divorcee Carole Fisher, and her experiences dating Jewish plastic surgeon Bob Bierenbaum. On paper, Bob seems perfect. But then there’s the matter of his missing, presumed dead ex-wife, Gail Katz. Then, other women Bob has dated pop up, each with their own strange stories, and a club is formed. Together, they’ll find out the truth about what happened to Gail Katz, and bring her justice.
Ghost Story
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Ghost Story is an eight-episode part true crime, part supernatural mystery where host Tristan Redman talks about the strange goings on in his teenage bedroom. If you’re anything like me, you might think a journalist who doesn’t believe in ghosts might seem like a strange host for a podcast on the topic, but Redman weaves an intriguing narrative that kicks off years later when he discovers that other occupants of the house were visited by the ghost of a woman with no face. Even stranger, the house he grew up in is next door to the one where his wife’s great-grandmother was murdered in the 1930s. Are the murderer and the ghost connected somehow? You’ll be glued until you find out.
For those who love a laugh
Armchair Expert with Dax Shephard
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If you’ve ever considered yourself a walking encyclopedia who’s endlessly fascinated by, well, everything, then Armchair Expert will have you hooked. Not only are the hosts Dax Shephard and Monica Padman intrigued by the world and the stories of others, but they’re also incredibly funny. With over 200 episodes running from 40 minutes to over two hours in length, each episode tells stories from a different person’s perspective as the hosts chat with a range of celebrity guests. If you’re looking for an episode to start you off, we recommend “Rob Reiner” featuring an interview with the legendary filmmaker and actor.
Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet
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Ever read those outrageous one-star reviews you see on Google, TripAdvisor, or Yelp, and laughed out loud? These guys made a podcast about that. Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet will have you in stitches as hosts Xandy and Christine Scheifer read out one-star reviews in a dramatic fashion on topics ranging from reality dating shows to hot sauces, with over 300 episodes running from 60 minutes to two hours. I giggled far too much at episode 265, “Reviews of Skating Rinks.”
If you want more laughs, we’ve got a selection of classic funny shows to tune in from a few years ago that are still solid.
For history and culture buffs
Were You Raised by Wolves?
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Were You Raised By Wolves? has been running since 2019, and a huge part of the show’s success is the amazing banter between its hosts. Two-time Emmy Award-winning talk show host and journalist Nick Leighton and stand-up comedian Leah Bonnema bounce off each other as they discuss serious topics of social etiquette in the modern world with humor and wit, often diving into the history behind etiquette rules and customs, too. I love that the duo covers topics especially relevant in today’s society, ranging from picking your teeth in public to leaving your spouse in coach. My favorite episode has to be “Buttering Bread Properly, Going on First Dates, Ringing Bells for Service, and More.”
Myths and Legends
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We could listen to Jason and Carissa Weiser tell tales of folklore, legends, and ancient myths all week long. From popular stories with origins that might surprise you to more obscure tales, the material is sourced from around the world and retold with a modern twist. Myths and Legends manages to be fascinating, funny, and insightful at the same time. We love episode 354, “Japanese Folklore: Cursed” with stories of the Black Rice Bowl and the Mirror from Kyoto, Japan.
For relationship advice
Why Won’t You Date Me? With Nicole Byer
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Whether you’re a serial dater who wants to feel better about their own dating disasters or just love to hear about the experiences of others on Tinder, Why Won’t You Date Me? is a must listen. Perpetually single host and comedian Nicole Byer talks with friends, exes, and other comedians about the weirdest and worst dating adventures, from being catfished on Tinder to memorable-for-all-the-wrong-reasons first dates. There are over 300 episodes to choose from, but we’d recommend starting with “Valentine’s Day” where comedian Laurie Kilmarton joins the host to discuss all things February 14.
Where Should We Begin? With Esther Perel
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For a more serious look at all the relationships in your life – not just the romantic ones – Where Should We Begin? is just the ticket. Psychotherapist Esther Perel speaks to real people every Monday, as they bare their souls on topics from fractured families to being a placeholder in relationships. Not only is the advice solid, but the episodes each cover a relatable subject, making you feel less alone if you’re experiencing something similar. Episodes run under an hour for the perfect before or after-work listen, and we love the Esther Calling episode “I Want Her to Like Me Less” where a woman calls in about an on-again, off-again relationship.
For self-improvement enthusiasts
Meditation Minis Podcast
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You can dive into loads of free meditations on YouTube or Spotify to focus your mind, but there’s something about subscribing to a meditation podcast that feels like more of a commitment. It’s not too much commitment if you pick the right one, though: each episode of Chel Hamilton’s Meditation Minis Podcast runs for an average of ten minutes, giving you just enough time to unwind.
This is one of the top mental health podcasts to listen to this year, and I found that the host’s soothing voice makes it easy to sink into each meditation, even if you’ve never meditated before, with meditations for gratitude, removing negative thoughts, creative flow, and more. The “Relaxed and on Track Meditation” episode is a great place to start.
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
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What do you really need to live a happier life? Prepare to be surprised as The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos throws your preconceptions out the window. A Yale psychology professor who’s studied the science of happiness, Dr. Santos shares scientific research alongside inspiring, emotionally charged stories that will make you look at happiness differently. Dive in with “How Eating Got Complicated,” a look at the anxiety associated with food in the modern world — and how that came to be a thing.
For more uplifting listening, check out our pick of the best positive Spotify podcasts.
For bookworms and story lovers
Borrowed
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If you love books, chances are you’re already subscribed to some of the most popular literary podcasts out there. Brooklyn Public Library’s Borrowed and Banned is a different take. There are only seven episodes, but each feels important, looking at banned books, the authors behind them, and the students and teachers on the frontlines, speaking up for literary freedom. It’s hard to pick a stand-out episode, but we loved “An Interview with Mike Curato,” where the award-winning graphic novelist speaks out about the campaign to remove his book from library shelves and schools nationwide.
Jim Harold’s Campfire
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Jim Harold’s Campfire harks back to the radio shows of old, where listeners would call in to talk to a host. It’s clearly a popular format that’s worked for the show, as it’s been running since 2009, with over 600 episodes to date. I love anything spooky, and the tales here are especially captivating: every episode features stories from several callers and topics ranging from heartwarming encounters with the ghosts of loved ones who have passed to chilling tales of black-eyed kids and doppelgangers. Host Jim Harold knows how to get the best from each caller, never doubting even the weirdest and most unexplainable tales. You’ll need to subscribe to access all episodes, but one of my recent favorites is episode 367: “Favorite 2023 Campfire Stories.”
For gamers and movie buffs
Kinda Funny Games Daily
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Kinda Funny Games Daily has been around since 2017 and is also available on YouTube for those who prefer to watch rather than listen. The team rounds up the day’s video games news headlines, with hosts Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Tim Gettys, and Blessing Adeoye Jr. offering humorous and insightful takes on everything happening in the gaming world. If you’re into gaming and want to keep abreast of the latest releases and news from PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and more in one place, this is the podcast for you.
The Evolution of Horror
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If horror movies are more your jam, The Evolution of Horror is a deep dive into the history of horror cinema, covering sub-genres including supernatural movies, 80s slashers, Hitchcock, body horror, and much more. British film journalist and producer Mike Muncer meets a different guest each week, with past guests including Ben Travis, Deputy Online Editor of Empire magazine, and directors Danny and Michael Philippou (Talk To Me). Get started with “Discussing the Final Destination Films with Creator Jeffrey Reddick.” Chilling stuff.
For the endlessly curious
Hard Fork
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The world of tech is constantly evolving, and Kevin Roose and Casey Newton are here to guide you through it. Each episode of Hard Fork dives into news from tech’s bleeding edge, with many episodes focusing on developments in AI. Episodes run just over an hour long, making them the perfect length for your commute or a morning listen before you start your day. It’s one of the more recently launched major-label podcasts out there, with just over 70 episodes to date, and we’d kick off with the episode from February 23, 2024: “Google DeepMind C.E.O. Demis Hassabis on the Path From Chatbots to A.G.I.”
The Skeptics Guide to the Universe
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Whether you’re a self-confessed skeptic or not, The Skeptics Guide to the Universe looks at the latest science news with a healthy dose of controversies and conspiracies. That means questioning the news with an open mind, thinking critically, and, often, making you laugh. Dr. Steven Novella is a knowledgeable and entertaining host, making complex topics accessible while bringing his experience as a science educator to the table. There are over 950 episodes to date, but while the podcast has been running for a while, it has never been more relevant. Episode 968 dives into nuclear batteries, deepfake robot calls, and more, and is a great place to get acquainted.
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Paula Beaton
Paula Beaton is a freelance tech writer and self-confessed nerd obsessed with all things gaming and podcasts. When she’s not writing, she can be found playing the latest story-driven titles, and, when she’s feeling brave enough, listening to horror and true crime podcasts or playing survival horror games. Her favorite game is The Last of Us.
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