These days, popular podcasts are offering some of the best, most diverse, educational and interesting entertainment out there. The first podcast was launched in 2004 and this modern technology has reinvented old-timey radio shows for the new millennium. Because there has been such an explosion of good podcasts, it can be overwhelming to sift through the endless options. We’ve made it easy for you with our 10 favorite popular podcasts that you need to download now.
1. Serial
Serial is podcast sensation. Created by the geniuses responsible for This American Life and hosted by Sarah Koenig, season one paved the way for the latest true crime phenom, Making a Murderer. The first season delved into the 1999 murder of high-school student Hae Min Lee. Her ex-boyfriend, 17-year-old Adnan Syed was convicted of the crime but the evidence brings up more questions than answers about what actually happened. It’s a riveting, up-close look at our flawed justice system. Equally fascinating, season two gets up close and personal with Bowe Bergdahl, the American soldier held for five years by the Taliban.
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2. Bitch Sesh
If The Real Housewives are your guilty pleasure, you’ll love Bitch Sesh. Hosts Danielle Schneider and Casey Wilson are both actors, writers and comediennes currently working on Hotwives of Las Vegas. Each week a guest joins them to dish about the latest episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with a little Atlanta, Potomac and Vanderpump Rules thrown in.
3. This American Life
This award-winning Chicago Public Radio show has been around since 1995. The podcast allows you to listen at your leisure whenever you want. Each week host Ira Glass explores a theme from different perspectives. You have to listen to get the gist and we guarantee you’ll be instantly hooked.
4. Radiolab
This is another award-winning radio show that’s even better in podcast form. It’s a more science-driven variation of the This American Life template. It’s even harder to describe but just as addictive. Hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich take broad subjects like ‘Things’ and make you see them in a completely unexpected way.
5. The Longest Shortest Time
Writer Hillary Frank started her parenting podcast in 2014, just after the birth of her daughter, as a way to connect with other new moms. Since then it has gained a devoted audience and moved beyond babyhood to cover relationship issues, teens and other family issues.
6. The Moth
The Moth is great when you want to hear incredible true stories told live in front of an audience. Each one is about 15 minutes long and the tellers range from celebrities to regular folks.
7. Storynory
Kids and adults will adore these fabulous children’s stories. There’s something for everyone: classic fairy tales, new stories, adventure, romance and more.
8. DogCast Radio
Dog lovers need good podcasts too! Each episode teaches you something new about man’s best friend.
9. Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin
This isn’t the over-the-top, short-fused Alec Baldwin and it’s not a celeb vanity project either. He’s a great conversationalist who interviews great guests like Jimmy Fallon, Amy Schumer and Dan Rather.
10. StarTalk Radio
The world’s most charming and plain-spoken astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson talks science with guests like Edward Snowden, David Crosby, Seth McFarlane and Richard Dawkins. It’s entertaining and educational and manages to demystify astrophysics.
