The Best Podcasts to Listen to Right Now

Podcasts may have started as a niche media market, but there are now more than five million podcasts available. The most creative and sometimes controversial minds deliver original ideas and concepts to entertain us on the go. But choosing a podcast to listen to is like choosing an online slot: with so many to choose from, it’s almost impossible to decide on one. But this is your lucky day. Keep reading to discover the best podcast recommendations across multiple genres. 

What is a podcast?

A podcast is an audio program series with spoken word or audio episodes focussing on a particular topic or theme. They can be relaxed conversations, informative discussions or dramatic or comedic stories and narratives. There are no strict guidelines and their length can vary from a five-minute news update to a two-hour in-depth interview. Episodes are usually posted on a set date – biweekly, weekly, or even monthly. You can listen to popular podcasts anytime and anywhere with free podcast apps. But which one should you listen to?

Eleven Captivating podcasts to listen to right now

Be honest, your favorites list is probably long neglected because of your hectic schedule. But you still need inspiration and entertainment. With podcast apps, you can listen to podcasts on your commute or while you do something else. Here’s all you need to know about some of the best podcasts, the clever minds behind the microphone, and where you can listen to them online. 

1. Rabbit Hole

Spotify

The Rabbit Hole, hosted by Kevin Roose and produced by the award-winning New York Times Audio team, dares to ask, what is the internet doing to us? The show closely examines the internet and how it affects our everyday lives and politics. The eight-part series is well-researched and totally binge-worthy.

2. Slow Burn

Apple, Spotify

American journalist, radio host and writer Leon Neyfakh takes center stage in this fascinating podcast. If you don’t want to commit to one topic or genre, you’ll enjoy Slow Burn’s shifting subjects and narratives. Every season, the show tackles a new subject that ranges from the feud between Tupac and Biggie to Watergate or abortion rights in America. The show uses personal stories to build its narrative and inform you while keeping you engaged and entertained. 

3. Smartless

Amazon Music

Picture a room with comedy actors Will Arnett, Sean Hayes and Jason Bateman. These are the hosts of Smartless. The trio’s witty insights and comedic banter come to life as they interview important guests from different fields, such as Kamala Harris, Adam Sandler, Paul McCartney and many others. 

4. Sawbones

Apple 

Sawbones is unlike anything you’ve listened to before and is not for the faint of heart. The title is not a metaphor. Hosts Justin McElroy and his wife Dr Sydnee McElroy discuss the strange, disgusting and dangerous ways in which medical professionals have tried to fix medical ailments throughout history. Think of leeches used in bloodletting and wound healing and many other gruesome tales. On the upside, you won’t have to endure any visuals of the procedures they discuss! 

5. Start With This

Spotify

Do you miss the accountability of having homework? Do you want to force yourself to try new hobbies and activities? Then Start With This is a good podcast to inspire you. Hosted by the creators of Welcome to Night Vale, this podcast focuses on a new creative topic each week. But there’s a twist. Each episode ends with two assignments, something to create and something to consume. If you want to bring out your creative side or incorporate more art in your life, tune in.

6. Renegades: Born in the USA

Spotify, Apple

Did you know Bruce Springsteen and Barack Obama were friends? Neither did we. The dynamic duo joins forces in this podcast to discuss important topics such as race, masculinity, fatherhood and money. The show has a casual tone and you’ll enjoy hearing their laid-back but poignant insights. 

7. Dark House

Apple, Amazon Music

If you enjoy your true crime with a touch of the paranormal, this podcast was created just for you. Dark House invites paranormal investigators, authors and other experts to discuss the intriguing backstories of America’s most infamous houses. Expect ghost stories, true crime, and history. Above all, prepare to be very, very afraid. The show is led expertly by House Beautiful editors Hadley Mendelsohn and Alyssa Fiorentino. 

8. Sports Wars

Amazon Music

There’s some real drama and suspense surrounding the sports industry and this podcast is proof of that fact. Sports Wars is much more than stats and scoreboards. Sports Illustrated’s Dan Rubenstein covers the biggest rivalries and behind-the-scenes drama in the world of sports. The show is well-researched and engaging. It’s made for sports fans, but even sports haters will find it entertaining. If you want to continue the action after the match or the podcast, try sports betting with BetMGM. 

9. The Murder Squad

Apple 

Wannabe sleuths and true crime enthusiasts won’t be left on the sidelines in The Murder Squad. This clever podcast lets you ride shotgun with retired investigator Paul Holes and investigative journalist Billy Jensen who revisit real cold cases. Listeners are encouraged to send in their own theories and discoveries to create the collaborative experience that makes the show extra special. 

10. How Did This Get Made?

Spotify

You’ve asked yourself this question many times after watching a terrible movie. Well, comedians June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas and Paul Scheer have made it a habit in their hilarious podcast. Join them on their adventures as they watch terrible movies and discuss how bad they are. If you’re looking for a light-hearted show to make you laugh out loud from start to finish, this is it. 

11. DAT Poker Podcast

DAT Poker Podcast website

Some of the biggest names in poker have joined forces to host this popular poker podcast. The show is hosted by poker bad boy Daniel Negreanu, broadcaster and part-time player Adam Schwartz, former pro grinder Terrence Chane and producer Ross Henry. The weekly podcast gives listeners a look into the lives of poker stars and lets the experts and guests offer valuable information and tips on poker tournaments and cash game strategy. But the show isn’t all about strategy. It’s also an opportunity for the hosts to discuss recent events and games and to conduct insightful interviews. If you love playing online poker, you’ll be excited to know that viewers can interact with the hosts and guests by sending emails and messages or commenting on videos.  

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