20 Engaging Podcasts You Shouldn’t Miss
Podcasts have become a fantastic medium for storytelling, education, and entertainment. With a myriad of choices available, here’s a meticulously curated list of 20 engaging podcasts that promise to captivate your attention, evoke laughter, spark curiosity, and sometimes even give you chills.
1. Women Talkin’ ‘Bout Murder
Starring former SNL writers Emily Spivey and Liz Cackowski, this satirical podcast takes a humorous swing at the true-crime genre. Each episode immerses listeners in wild, fictional murder cases, enhanced by cameo appearances from SNL alumni. Their improv skills shine as they interview quirky “suspects” and “witnesses,” offering plenty of laughs along the way.
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2. Snacks!
Join Joanna Saltz and a roster of celebrity guests as they explore the sentimental and quirky stories behind favorite snacks. A free-flowing conversation about nostalgia, strange food combinations, and comfort foods, this podcast twists the traditional food narrative into something heartfelt and enjoyable.
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3. Weirdly Helpful
Hosted by Zak Rosen, this podcast serves bite-sized advice episodes that deliver quirky yet practical tips for everyday life. Covering topics like modern handshake etiquette and self-empowerment strategies, each episode clocks in at under 15 minutes—perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
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4. Happy Sad Confused
Josh Horowitz brings movie lovers closer to their favorite stars and directors in this relaxed podcast format. With candid interviews, he navigates everything from triumph to trauma, making the listener feel like they’re eavesdropping on a casual conversation between old friends.
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5. A Bit Fruity
Matt Bernstein dives deep into diverse queer stories, discussing everything from fame to familial relationships. This podcast provides a platform for underrepresented voices while tackling thought-provoking discussions in an insightful and relatable manner.
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6. Networth and Chill With Your Rich BFF
Vivian Tu strips the glamour off finance discussions, presenting real-world money tips in a digestible way. This podcast mixes expert advice with engaging commentary, making understanding finances much more approachable.
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7. Wiser Than Me
Julia Louis-Dreyfus engages with iconic women like Vera Wang and Gloria Steinem, sharing their wisdom and life lessons. Offering insight into the experiences of remarkable women, this podcast is both inspirational and relatable.
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8. Serial
Renowned for its investigative journalism, this groundbreaking podcast examines a different case each season. It gained fame with its first season focusing on a real murder story, gripping millions with its in-depth analysis and storytelling prowess.
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9. Up First From NPR
A quick morning news brief, NPR’s Up First provides listeners with the day’s top three stories in just ten minutes. Perfect for your morning routine, it serves as a digestible way to stay informed.
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10. Podcrushed
In this nostalgic podcast, co-hosted by Penn Badgley, celebrities reminisce about their awkward teenage years. It’s a relatable journey back to the most transformative and often cringe-worthy phase of life.
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11. S-Town
This compelling narrative explores the life of an Alabama man who seeks to investigate a wealthy resident suspected of murder. It unfolds a complex and heartfelt exploration of life, death, and friendship, making it a must-listen.
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12. The Rest Is History
British hosts delve into various historical events, offering an engaging twist with humor and insightful commentary. This podcast blends education with entertainment, encouraging listeners to appreciate lesser-known historical facts.
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13. Baking a Murder
True crime meets literary critique in this compelling podcast where Stephanie Soo reviews horror and psychological thrillers. Her storytelling is deeply researched, engaging listeners while exploring chilling narratives.
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14. Grapevine
Focusing on a small town’s complex social dynamics, this podcast tackles LGBTQ+ rights and personal stories, richly exploring the intersection of faith, family, and identity in a contemporary setting.
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15. Weight For It
Challenging the stigma around weight, Ronald Young Jr. delivers powerful narratives that tackle the intricacies of body image. With personal stories, this six-part series opens up conversations surrounding societal perceptions of weight.
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16. Normal Gossip
If you love eavesdropping on intriguing stories, this podcast serves up juicy, relatable tidbits collected from listener submissions. It’s a light-hearted exploration of quirky life moments that ignites exciting discussions.
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17. Love, Janessa
This limited series explores catfishing through the lens of Janessa Brazil, whose likeness has been exploited by scammers. The podcast reveals the complexity of this phenomenon, offering an informed and engaging examination.
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18. Sold a Story
Emily Hanford investigates the education system’s shortcomings in teaching reading. This eye-opening series scrutinizes the science behind literacy and raises critical questions about the methods utilized in schools.
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19. Scamanda
This podcast dives into the shocking true story of Amanda Riley, a mother whose faked terminal illness turned into a media spectacle. Charlie Webster hosts this suspenseful narrative unraveling a tale filled with twists.
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20. The School of Greatness
Lewis Howes interviews inspiring figures and thought leaders, delivering actionable insights and wisdom that motivate listeners to strive for greatness in their own lives. It’s an empowering listen for anyone seeking to embolden their journey.
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Explore these podcasts to discover new perspectives, laugh heartily, and even gain valuable knowledge. The world of audio storytelling awaits you!
