For the past few years, I have become completely obsessed with podcasts. And why not? Podcasts are free, fun and there is an endless supply of them. That last part can be pretty intimidating to some podcast newcomers. Where to start? How do you even know what you'll like?
Friends, I have been to the mountaintop and I have returned with a podcast recommendation list for you and everyone you know.
I have listened to many episodes of every single podcast on this list. The podcasts are sorted into eight simple categories: comedy, news and human interest, pop culture, history, two people talking, storytelling, true crime and fiction. Some of the podcasts could fit into multiple categories, but we all have to make choices, don't we?
As they say in podcast land, let's get ready to mumble!
Comedy
1. Harmontown
Synopsis: Writer and showrunner Dan Harmon ("Community," "Rick and Morty") divulges his inner thoughts weekly in front of a live audience at the Nerdmelt Showroom in Los Angeles, California. With Jeff B. Davis ("Whose Line Is It Anyway?") as his comptroller and Spencer Crittenden ("Harmonquest") as his game master, literally anything can happen. "Harmontown" is a stream-of-consciousness show that is hilarious, heartfelt and bizarre.
Frequent guests include Curtis Armstrong, Rhea Butcher, Cameron Esposito, Bobcat Goldthwait, Mitch Hurwitz, Erin McGathy, Kumail Nanjiani, Greg Proops and Rob Schrab.
Order: You don't have to listen to the episodes in order to understand the jokes, but it will definitely help you better understand some of the emotional undertones of the show.
Recommended Episode(s):
204 -- I'm Drunk And High And Shouldn't Have A Podcast
181 -- LIVE From Magic City Comic Con
60 -- Us Of The Dangling Wee-Wee
58 -- I'm Like Very Science
18 -- Sand Pollution: The Journals of Young Morrisey
2. Baby Geniuses
Synopsis: Comedian Emily Heller and artist Lisa Hanawalt want to know everything! Each episode they catch up on important topics such as Martha Stewart's fell pony, Ben Chunch (or is it Ban Chunch? or Bon Chance?), discuss the Wikipedia article of the week, and ask their guest to drop some knowledge on a subject of the guest's choosing. "Baby Geniuses" is wildly fun and infectiously cheerful.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Nico Santos/Betsy Sodaro, Raphael Bob-Waksberg/Paul Danke, Kumail Nanjiani/Kristen Studard
3. 2 Dope Queens
Synopsis: Comedians Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams host a live stand-up and storytelling show in Brooklyn, New York. The guests are all fantastic and hilarious, but by far the best parts of "2 Dope Queens" are when Robinson and Williams are talking to each other between acts. You can feel friendship radiating off of them, and their comedic chemistry is unmatched.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s):
Episode nine -- Clench
Episode four -- How to Channel Your Inner White Lady
4. The Nerdist
Synopsis: "The Nerdist" is an interview show run by comedians, and by podcast standards, it has been around for a long time. Host Chris Hardwick (what doesn't he host nowadays?) interviews celebrities with the occasional help of comedians Jonah Ray and Matt Mira. The freewheeling, conversational tone of the interview often surprises guests, who will say things like "Oh, have we started already?" Hardwick gets the funniest and most unique stories out of these celebrities, who are often tired of answering the same types of questions over and over again on press tours. For them and for us, it's a breath of fresh air.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Live from SDCC 2016, Jodie Foster, Daniel Radcliffe, Emily V. Gordon, Jack Black
News and Human Interest
1. NPR Politics Podcast
Synopsis: Keeping up with politics has never been more enjoyable or stress-free. "NPR Politics Podcast" is billed as the show "where NPR's political reporters talk to you like they talk to each other" and it is completely true. The round-table format of the show makes the current political landscape approachable and easy to understand. I can't get enough.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): I highly highly recommend their series of daily episodes on the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
2. This American Life
Synopsis: "This American Life" is a radio show that features in-depth reporting, personal storytelling and sometimes fiction. Host Ira Glass weaves these different segments into a theme for the episode, and the show usually ends with a mediation on that theme. "This American Life" is one of the best-produced podcasts out there. You couldn't ask for better quality than this.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): #591: Get Your Money's Worth, #562: The Problem We All Live With, #534: A Not-So-Simple Majority, #362: Got You Pegged, #168: The Fix Is In
3. Radiolab
Synopsis: Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich host this radio show about new ideas human curiosity. Although they don't have anything to do with each other, I often think of "Radiolab" and "This American Life" as sister podcasts in terms of quality and scope. "Radiolab" usually tells one story per episode, aiming to fascinate as well as educate.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): On The Edge, Debatable, K-poparazzi, Nazi Summer Camp
4. 99% Invisible
Synopsis: Sporting one of the best-named hosts in podcasting, "99% Invisible" by Roman Mars is about the invisible design elements that shape our lives. Roman Mars has one of the most soothing voices I've ever heard, which makes the already-great stories even better to listen to.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): 220- The Mind of an Architect, 211- The Grand Dame of Broad Street, 205- Flying Food, 202- Mojave Phone Booth, 169- Freud's Couch
5. Invisibilia
Synopsis: While "99% Invisible" explores the physical world, "Invisibilia" is a podcast about things that are actually invisible, like thoughts, opinions, emotions and social mores. Co-hosts Lulu Miller, Hanna Rosin and Alix Spiegel use science and journalism to build stories about why we do what we do.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): The Secret Emotional Life of Clothes, The Problem with the Solution, How to Become Batman
6. Code Switch
Synopsis: "Code Switch" is a podcast about race run completely by journalists of color. Gene Demby, Shereen Marisol Meraji, Kat Chow and Adrian Florido discuss current events, the cultural landscape, and their own lives. "Code Switch" is pretty new, but it's also pretty fantastic.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): A Letter From Young Asian Americans To Their Parents About Black Lives Matter, Black and Blue, "I'm Not Black, I'm O.J.!"
7. Embedded
Synopsis: The title of "Embedded" is inspired by reporters who embed themselves with police or military troops to "go deep" on a story. Host Kelly McEvers and the reporters on the "Embedded" team embed themselves into other groups of people, like a biker gang, a team in the NBA's minor league, or a house in the middle of an HIV outbreak.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): The School, The Arctic, The Bikers
Pop Culture
1. Pop Culture Happy Hour
Synopsis: I swear, this list isn't sponsored by NPR. In "Pop Culture Happy Hour," host Linda Holmes herds some of her fellow NPR contributors into a round-table discussion of the week's movies, TV shows, books, music and more. It's fun, funny, and incredibly helpful.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Small Batch: Pokemon Go, The BFG and The Great British Baking Show, Live at Vulture Festival, Best Bad Movies and a Quiz, Batman V Superman and Pop Culture Objects
2. Rotten Tomatoes Podcast (or RottenTomatoes)
Synopsis: Rotten Tomatoes Editor-in-Chief Matt Atchity and Senior Editor Grae Drake talk movies and TV, occasionally sparring for the spotlight and poking fun at each other as they go along. They give their own opinions on what is Fresh and Rotten before consulting the Tomatometer to compare their ratings with those of the critics.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Ep. 177 - Captain America is great!, Ep. 169 - Batman v Superman is Rotten!, Ep. 140 - Your Opinion Sucks! - Live at UCB Sunset
3. Imaginary Worlds
Synopsis: Host Dan Molinsky dives deep into established science fiction and fantasy worlds to explore "how we create them and why we suspend our disbelief." "Imaginary Worlds" is filled with the most fascinating and creative analysis of speculative fiction you'll hear on any podcast.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Legacy of Octavia Butler, Then She Fell, Inside the Snow Globe, The Expanded Universe, Heroines, The Greatest Cartoon Almost Made, In Defense of Captain Hook, The Canon
4. Black Men Can't Jump In Hollywood
Synopsis: Jonathan Braylock, James III and Jerah Milligan watch and critique movies starring black actors exclusively. This is one of those podcasts where the hosts are so funny and interesting that you don't even have to see the movie they're talking about to have a good time listening to them (even though you should).
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Dreamgirls ft. Franchesca Ramsey, Catwoman, 12 Years a Slave- Live @NYU, Good Burger, Django Unchained ft. Aaron Covington, Wild Wild West
5. Reply All
Synopsis: Hosts PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman tell true stories that are ostensibly about the internet. However, the internet is used mainly as a springboard for weird and wonderful stories that shockingly take place IRL.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): #70 Stolen Valor, #64-67 On the Inside, #56 Zardulu, #50 The Cathedral, #18 Silence and Respect
6. Internet Explorer
Synopsis: "Internet Explorer" is "Reply All" on crack. Buzzfeed editors Katie Notopoulos and Ryan Broderick set sail and "explore the weirdest corners of the internet, so you don't have to." Each week, they discuss important topics such as memes, viral videos, Twitter wars and Minions. Notopoulos and Broderick are the most hilarious when their subject matter is the most cringeworthy. This podcast isn't for the faint of heart.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Who The Hell is Jacob Sartorius?, Our Complicated Feelings About Thirsty Male Allies, Blackness and the Meme Cycle, The Mystery of Michael Jackson & Sonic Has Been Solved, We Found The Dancing Pumpkin Man, A Very Serious Conversation About Minions
History
1. Stuff You Missed In History Class
Synopsis: "Stuff You Missed in History Class" was the first podcast I ever listened to, and oh, what first a podcast it was. The show has a long, ahem, history of producing incredibly researched and entertaining interpretations of historical events. The current hosts, Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey, continue that tradition with zeal. The stories you hear on this podcast stay with you for a lifetime.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Hercules Mulligan: Spy on the Inside Pt. 1-2, A Brief History of the Pieta, The Disappearance of the Sodder Children, History Mysteries Double Feature, The Vanishing of the U.S.S. Cyclops, Villisca Ax Murders
2. Lore
Synopsis: "Sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction," posits host Aaron Mahnke, and he's right. "Lore" is all about the chilling history behind some of humanity's most enduring folktales and ghost stories. The ambiance provided by the music and understated sound effects, combined with Mahnke's deathly-serious delivery make for a spooky and enthralling listen. Just don't listen after dark.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Episode 36: When the Bow Breaks, Episode 29: The Big Chill, Episode 24: A Stranger Among Us, Episode 17: Broken Fingernails, Episode 8: The Castle
3. You Must Remember This
Synopsis: Bow down to host Karina Longworth, the queen of research. "You Must Remember This" is an intricately detailed podcast about "the secret and/or forgotten histories of Hollywood's first century." Longworth leaves no stone unturned. One of the best parts of the podcast is that she often has actors read quotes from the people in the stories, drawing you deeper into the narrative. Her stories are as polished as her delivery exceptional. You must remember "You Must Remember This."
Order: Recently, Longworth has been telling the stories in long chains of episodes. To get the most out of it, make sure to listen to all of the episodes that relate to the same subject in order.
Recommended Episode(s): The "MGM Stories" series, The "Charles Manson's Hollywood" series
Two People Talking
1. Call Your Girlfriend
Synopsis: "Long-distance besties" Ann Freidman and Aminatou Sow catch up bi-weekly to talk about anything and everything from feminism, to the Kardashians, to menstruation. Okay, maybe just three things. In all seriousness, Freidman and Sow feel like your two successful and brilliant friends who are graciously inviting you to listen in on their amazing gabfest. Every few weeks, Freidman or Sow also interview another brilliant woman in their Phone-a-friend episodes. "Call Your Girlfriend" is required listening.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Episode 56: Don't Shoot, Episode 52: Vegan Bernie Madoff, Phone-a-friend: con artist expert Maria Konnikova, Live from SF! and Melinda Gates, Episode 34: Sexy Bellybutton Feeling
2. Human Conversation
Synopsis: Comedians Erin McGathy and Wayne Federman have a 55-minute long conversation. That's it. No matter where they are in the conversation, they cut themselves off promptly at 55 minutes (not counting the segment "Human Interaction"). This can get pleasantly infuriating, because with an age gap of a quarter century, things get interesting and stay interesting pretty fast. McGathy and Federman inherently like each other, but they don't always see eye-to-eye.
Order: It's not totally necessary to listen to them in order, but it's more fun to see their conversations evolve that way.
Recommended Episode(s): 45 - Clam Dock, 36 - Exacerbated, 33 - Dream Maker, 19 - Ernie Firework, 18 - Into Musicals, 3 - Wayne's Pool Tricks
3. Another Round
Synopsis: Buzzfeed contributors Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton sit down together to have a drink and talk about "everything from race, gender and pop culture to squirrels, mangoes, and bad jokes." They do fantastic interviews with guests, but my favorite part of the podcast is, again, when they are just talking with each other.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Episode 59: May She Forever Reign, Episode 52: Government Sanctioned Turn Up (with Daveed Diggs), Episode 45: Practical Tactical Brilliance (with Lin-Manuel Miranda), Episode 35: Heben & Tracy's Kwanzaa Spectacular
4. Dear Hank & John
Synopsis: Vlogbrothers John and Hank Green answer real questions from real nerdfighters (their fans) and give them "dubious advice." This podcast is a treat for those who are already familiar with the Green brothers, and great introduction for those who are not. If you're not too wary of long, existential tangents about death, "Dear Hank & John" is the comedy podcast for you.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): 053 - The Worst Episode Ever, 046 - Brotherhood 3.0, 037 - The Floridiest Place, 028 - John's Top Ten Probable Apocalypse List
Storytelling
1. The Moth
Synopsis: Amazing writers, performers, and storytellers share their emotional and cathartic true stories to a live audience. "The Moth" podcast is a version of "The Moth Radio Hour" with stories from their "vast archive" mixed in as well.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): The Moth Radio Hour: Fathers and Children, The Moth Radio Hour: Live From Dublin, The Moth Radio Hour: Women in the World
2. Snap Judgment
Synopsis: Host Glynn Washington guides you through a series of stories related to a certain theme, supported by an undercurrent of "killer beats." "Snap Judgment" uses music to unite and enhance their already-amazing stories.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): #714 - Man of Steel, #702 - Full Circle, #603 - Omen, #627 - Spooked VI: The Awakening
3. This Feels Terrible
Synopsis: Host Erin McGathy is obsessed with relationships. On "This Feels Terrible," she gets to talk about them to her heart's content. Her conversations with guests are emotional, revealing, and sometimes heartbreaking. It does feel terrible, after all. McGathy provides an immense amount of emotional intelligence, and she is shockingly open with both her guests and her listeners.
Order: None until episode 65. Episodes 65 to present should be listened to consecutively for optimal terrible feelings.
Recommended Episode(s): 73 - Peter C. Hayward, 67 - The Return Of This Feels Terrible, 65 & 66 - Wedding Special/Spectacular, 57 - Guy Friends, 50 - Wayne Federman, 30 - Spencer of Harmontown, 20 - Emily Gordon
True Crime
1. Serial
Synopsis: What podcast list would be complete without "Serial?" The "This American Life" spin-off gained wild popularity in 2014 with its first season, about Adnan Syed and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder of high school student Hae Min Lee. Host Sarah Koenig dives into the mystery with passion and zeal. In the second season, Koenig investigates Bowe Bergdahl's capture and eventual release. "Serial" is famous for a reason, it's one of the best podcasts out there.
Order: Every episode must be listened to in order.
Recommended Episode(s): S01 Episode 01: The Alibi, S02 Episode 01: DUSTWUN
2. Criminal
Synopsis: Host Phoebe Judge's soothing voice and expert reporting are the main attractions of "Criminal," a podcast about "people who've done wrong, been wronged, and/or gotten caught somewhere in the middle." There's no other true crime podcast quite like it.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Episode 46: Tiger, Episode 40: Pappy, Episode 37: Hastings, Episode 23: Triassic Park, Episode 18: 695BGK
3. Detective
Synopsis: One retired detective is extensively interviewed over the course of a season. So far, "Detective" has interviewed Lt. Joe Kenda and Detective Carry McFadden. Both seasons of the podcast are filled with unbelievable stories from these mens long careers. They truly have seen it all.
Order: You should absolutely listen to the episodes of each season in order.
Recommended Episode(s): Episode 1 - Murder in the First, Episode 2-01 - Every Detective Starts As A Rookie
3. My Favorite Murder
Synopsis: The funniest podcast about murder around. Hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark each share the story of a murder that fascinates them every episode. They gasp and exclaim throughout the podcast like two people watching a scary movie together. Their enthusiasm for true crime is so contagious that they are inundated with hometown murder stories from listeners, which they sometimes read at the end of the episode. Kilgariff and Hardstark end each episode with a cheery "Stay sexy, and don't get murdered!"
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): 21- Because 7 8 9, 20 - 20/20, 13 - Thirteen Going on Murdy, 12 - Our Bodies Our Twelves, 4 - Go Forth and Murder
4. Sword and Scale
Synopsis: "Sword and Scale" is hardcore. Host Mike Boudet is not kidding around. "Sword and Scale" illustrates its true crime stories by playing 911 calls, intense interviews with victims and survivors, recordings left behind by murderers and even tapes from Jonestown. Boudet really does not flinch. If you're in the right mood, it's fascinating. If you're in the wrong mood, it's nauseating. Most of the time you're in-between, and Boudet likes it that way.
Order: None
Recommended Episode(s): Episode 69, Episode 62, Episodes 57-58, Episode 52, Episode 47
Fiction
1. Welcome to Night Vale
Synopsis: If you've heard of any podcast besides "Serial," you've probably heard of "Welcome to Night Vale," the fictional local radio show. Night Vale is a desert community that seems to attract the supernatural, such as angels, floating cats and an ominous, hovering glow cloud. Radio host Cecil Baldwin guides listeners through the town's quirks, and through the story that begins to emerge.
Order: Listen in order or not at all.
Recommended Episode(s): 1 - Pilot
2. Alice Isn't Dead
Synopsis: Written by the creators of "Welcome to Night Vale," "Alice Isn't Dead" is a story told through radio transmissions from a truck driver who is searching for her wife, Alice, whom she had thought dead until recently. Over the course of her journey, she discovers that Alice's disappearance is just one small thread in an impossibly huge tapestry of mysteries and impossibilities.
Order: Listen in order.
Recommended Episode(s): Part 1 Chapter 1: Omelet
3. The Black List Table Reads
Synopsis: A group of talented actors do elaborate table reads of the best screenplays you've never heard of. Host Franklin Leonard describes them as "movies for your ears."
Order: Make sure to listen to all the parts of the movie!
Recommended Episode(s): Terrible Parents, The Other Side
The podcasts that aren't included haven't been snubbed---it simply means I haven't had a chance to try them. But if I skipped your favorite, let me know! I'll give it a listen and maybe even add it to the list.
Happy listening!
