What do you listen to on your commute? What’s blasting on the speakers once your road trip playlist winds down?
Podcasts have exploded on the scene and taken over earphones all over the world. If you’re a fan, or just dipping your toe into the variety of audio entertainment that’s out there, then this list might just give you your next listen.
We’re going to give you the rundown on 5 podcasts you need to listen to (if you haven’t already), according to your mood.
Stuff You Should Know: When
you’re feeling curious
Since 2008 (a lifetime in the world of podcasting), Josh Clark and Charles Wayne “Chuck” Bryant have kept their listeners in the know on all kinds of stuff.
With over 1500 episodes to choose from, you’ll find plenty of episodes to pique your interest. And we’re not kidding when we say that! Stuff You Should Know has episodes on everything from Pompeii and chaos theory to clowns and license plates. You name it, Josh and Chuck have talked about it in a podcast that makes for easy listening because of their friendly chemistry.
Check it out here.
The New Yorker Fiction
Podcast: When you want a story
If you’re a reader who suffers from motion sickness then this podcast will give you your literary fix, without the nausea, when you’re on the move!
The New Yorker is known for championing modern fiction and its Fiction Podcast brings its literary contributions to the podcast platform. The premise of this podcast sees a current New Yorker staffer reading a short story penned by a past New Yorker writer. They then discuss the piece, and the thoughts that drive it, with the New Yorker’s fiction editor, Deborah Treisman. It’s smart and entertaining and takes you into the New Yorker archives.
Take a look at the episode lineup here.
Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend: When you want a laugh
If you’re a talk show fan, then the return of the format’s icon, Conan O’Brien, in your ears is what you need!
As a comedian, writer, and seasoned host Conan brings his well-known personality to every episode of this hilarious podcast. The title refers to Conan wanting to hang out with people and hopefully build some real friendships with them. So each episode features a celebrity guest from Kid Cudi to Jack White and so many more. Sound like a familiar format? This podcast’s great when you’re in need of a laugh.
Check it out here.
Serial: When you want a true crime fix
True crime is taking over all entertainment formats these days, and if you’re curious about how the genre translates to a podcast form then Serial is the best introduction.
Each season is dedicated to telling one true story and brings the classic true crime suspense and tension to every episode. How do co-creators Sarah Koenig and Julie Snyder do it? The twist is that the host doesn’t know how the investigation will end until just before the listener does. It’s a mystery for everyone involved! Unsurprisingly, Serial’s wild popularity has made it the first podcast to win a Peabody award and a bunch of other recognitions for its investigative journalism.
Get stuck in this binge-worthy listen here.
Still Processing: When you need a quick dose of culture
Described by The New York Times as the juiciest group chat and the coziest dinner booth, Still Processing brings you culture in the broadest sense of the world.
Everything from film, books, and music to the internet, culture of work, and even dating are topics that are up for grabs in these episodes. Hosted by culture writers, Jenna Wortham and Wesley Morris, this podcast talks about pop culture moments but goes beyond the usual headline grabbers to explore why these moments are important conversations we should be having.
Check it out here.
That’s all we have for you for now!
Is your podcast of choice on this list or did you come across your new listen? As always, let us know in the comments.