At Ear Worthy, we believe that independent podcasts are the core of podcasting, as they are creative, fresh, unique, and experimental. At Ear Worthy, we define independent “indie” podcasts as those produced by an individual without support from large podcast networks, such as Spotify, iHeart, Wondery, SiriusXM, or major production studios like Sony, Tenderfoot TV, or Warner Music. Indie podcasts can belong to a small podcast network, be developed by a non-profit organization, a museum, or a quasi-governmental agency.
To support independent (indie) podcasters, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the Best Independent Podcasts 2026. This list was developed based on our previous reviews, recommendations from other indie podcasters, and readers like yourself.
There
will be an updated entry for new indie podcasts that deserve a listen,
and for any on the list that have milestones in content, structural
changes, and achievements.
THIS IS AN UPDATE TO THIS LIST, DATED MAY 7, 2026
BEST TRUE-CRIME PODCASTS
The Murder Sheet podcast has released over 700 episodes and won several awards, including the Ear Worthy Award in 2024 for Best True-Crime Podcast. The co-hosts, Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee, are true investigators, not commentators and pundits. Check out the Burger King murder episodes.
Familicide is a one-hour weekly true-crime podcast that features the epidemic horror: murder within the family. The show’s co-hosts, Sam Mettler and Amy Chesler, don’t sensationalize; they contextualize. Check out the episodes on Chesler’s mother being murdered by her brother.
The First Degree, hosted by Alexis Linkletter and Jac Vanek, takes audiences beyond the headlines and into the lives of people directly impacted by crime, the friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers forever changed. The show delivers sharp reporting, first-person storytelling, and candid conversations that expose both the shocking details and the lasting ripple effects of violence. It’s a true-crime podcast that is several degrees better than most.
BEST SPORTS PODCASTS
Keep the Flame Alive isn't just an Olympics recap show. It’s a deep dive into the athletes, sports, and spectacle of the movement. While others focus solely on medal counts, Jill and Alison explore the cultural mechanics of the Games, from the physics of the luge track to the complexities of host city infrastructure.
What’s The Call? covers major tennis and sporting events across the world from a female perspective often missing in mainstream media, the show is hosted by Theodora Petalas, a London-based sports and entertainment strategy consultant, and Andrea Jimenez, who is completing her PhD in psychology. The show brings together two life-long sports fans with industry expertise, psychological insight, and authentic enthusiasm for one of the most watched sports.
Sportly, with host Kavitha A. Davidson, asks the question: When is a sports podcast not a sports podcast? When the podcast doesn’t cover what’s happening when and where the sport is played, but focuses on how the sport began, gained popularity, and its impact on our society and culture. Check out the episode on the family that invented pickleball. Now you know who to blame for that incessant THWACK sound.
Ross Tucker Football Podcast — broadcasts throughout the year with reviews of the NFL draft by position, forecasts about the upcoming season, and guest interviews that sparkle. Tucker’s ace in the hole is ESPN’s NFL Matchup producer and analyst Greg Cosell, who excels at teaching listeners/viewers the Xs and Os of football. Do yoy know what a 13 formation is? Find it on this show.
The Right Time with Bomani Jones — Jones, known for his insightful commentary, blends sharp, humorous, and critical analysis of sports, pop culture, and social issues, with current events, cultural trends, and sports news. It’s refreshing to have a sports host who can connect the sports world to the real world with insight and clarity.
BEST POLITICAL PODCASTS
Congressional Dish is a podcast that, since 2012, has been aiming to draw attention to where the American people truly have power: Congress. From the perspective of a fed-up taxpayer with no allegiance to any political party, Jennifer Briney will fill you in on the must-know information about what our representatives do AFTER the elections and how their actions can and do affect our day-to-day lives.
The Purple Principle is a podcast seeking political middle ground in the U.S. The podcast interviews media experts, political scientists, neuro and social psychologists, social media experts, comedians, artists, and legislators to get a broad perspective on how we got so partisan in the U.S. and what can possibly be done to help. Host Robert Pease asks, “If our red and blue factions can blend into a healthier shade of purple?”
Left Right & Center is billed as a “civilized yet provocative antidote to the self-contained opinion bubbles that dominate political debate.” The show’s format is devilishly simple. The moderator is the moderate, or center. There is a conservative voice and a progressive voice. They typically discuss three topics. Get out of your echo chamber and try this show!
Open To Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded people to engage with others holding opposing views on complex issues. Open to Debate addresses a fundamental problem in America, the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. No yelling, no lying, just a debate with rules.
Face-Off, hosted by Jane Perlez, is the award-winning podcast about the relationship between China and the U.S., giving listeners an inside look at the turbulent relationship between the world’s two superpowers, the two men in charge, and the vital issues that affect us all. Check out an underreported story on sports diplomacy; Chinese warships in a fight on the high seas; why an American influencer is going viral in China, and the power broker playing both sides of the AI revolution.
Shifting Terrain, with host Rachel Rybaczuk, can be explained this way: “We explore race and class in politics, beyond the simplistic stereotypes in the news, and between election cycles.” The show dares to question whether the admin assistant from Manhattan and the dollar store retail clerk in rural Iowa are both working class. The sign of a great podcast is that it’s more interested in asking the right questions than finding oversimplified answers.
BEST BUSINESS PODCASTS
Honey & Hustle is a video podcast from Angela Holowell sharing stories from North Carolina's creators, entrepreneurs, nonprofit founders, and startups. This show is about how to create a sustainable business, while the prevailing narrative around successful entrepreneurship tells you to scale fast, raise money, and plan for an exit. There's a better way to build businesses, create meaningful work, and have a positive impact in your community.
The Not Boring, Boring Bookkeeping and Small Business Podcast explores the human side of bookkeeping and business. The show's creator/host, Paul Rosenblum, is a New York-based bookkeeper with over 30 years of experience and decades teaching QuickBooks. This podcast is for bookkeepers and small business owners who know business is about more than just numbers.
Organized Money, with co-hosts Matt Stoller and David Dayen, is a podcast about how the business world really works, and how corporate consolidation and monopolies are dominating every sector of our economy. Want to know how Big Business and the Elites are screwing the average citizen? Go here.
The Scientista Podcast, hosted by Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina, spotlights women (and allies!) reshaping business, politics, and culture. This show offers candid conversations with changemakers and thought leaders from around the world, focusing on successful women in science who serve as role models for women just entering STEM programs.
High Notes, from creator/host voice actor and BRAVA CEO Melissa Thom, features conversations on the art and business of voice. From Mongolian throat singing to vocal health, accents, gaming, and more, the show uncovers the craft behind the business, and a show about voiceover acting on an audio podcast is the perfect fit. Check out the episode on how voice actors are cast for Pixar films.
Beef, hosted by Bridget Todd, serves up the juiciest rivalries you’ve never heard of.” Beef is an example of how blending genres (business + pop culture) can offer listeners a banquet of business cautionary tales and a pop culture brew of humor, wit, and wisdom. Check out the episode on the Playboy / Penthouse rivalry.
BEST HUMOR PODCASTS
Austen After Dark is the literary sex history comedy podcast that asks: What were Jane Austen characters like in bed? From Pride And Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility to Northanger Abbey, we go between the sheets with Dr. Alice Nagle and a host of celebrity guests to uncover more.
No Such Thing As A Fish proves that there is still a receptive audience for narrative, informational, and hilariously funny indie podcasts. Each week, the four co-hosts share their favorite facts, often bizarre or obscure, that they’ve encountered during their research. It’s one of those rare shows where you can learn something and have a blast while you’re doing that.
Another F*cking Horror Podcast combines true crime and paranormal stories with comedy to create a unique listening experience. Each week, co-hosts Monique Sanchez and Amy Traydon deliver a fun and expletive-filled spin on lesser-known true tales of murder, mayhem, and things that will leave you saying, “what the actual f*ck?”
Nobody Listens To Paula Poundstone?, with Paula Poundstone, Bonnie Burns, Adam Felber, and Toni Anita Hull, invites listeners into the audience of this absolutely ludicrous variety show, “if they can follow along…or not.” It’s a podcast that captures the fun of a late-night show, the wit of a public radio show, and the knowledge of guest experts, all while cranking the volume to max.
Dead and Kind of Famous, by creators and co-hosts Courtney Blomquist and Marissa Rivera, has merged fame with anonymity and unshackled celebrity from legacy. The podcast features two friends who dive into the life stories of dead folks who enjoyed a touch of fame in their time and now reside permanently in Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Check out the episodes on Baron Clement von Franckenstein and Toto the Dog.
BEST HEALTH & WELLNESS PODCASTS
A Zen Mind Guided Meditations (AZM), hosted by Jo Rose, is a podcast offering gentle, accessible guided meditations to help listeners find peace, clarity, and self-compassion.
Everyone Gets a Juice Box: For Parents of Neurodivergent Kids is a relatively new podcast that began in December 2025. The show features conversations with parents, educators, doctors, and specialists to provide support and actionable advice. The goal is to help parents feel seen, supported, and less alone by fostering a community that shares "the tea" (the struggles) and "the juice" (the joys and wins).
Salad With a Side of Fries, a podcast hosted by Jenn Trepeck, can best be described as wellness without the weirdness. The show clears up myths, misinformation, bad science, and slick marketing surrounding our nutrition knowledge and the food/diet industry, and lives up to its promise to answer real-life questions about wellness and weight loss, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store. Check out the short Nutrition Nugget episodes.
Ditch The Labcoat breaks down medical myths with real stories, challenges, and triumphs from leading experts. Whether you’re passionate about cancer research podcasts, best research podcasts, or want to hear from insiders in an accessible way, host Dr. Mark Bonta fosters a deeper connection between medical professionals and listeners. Dr. Bonta takes the time and intellectual energy to consider various sides of a medical issue.
Getting Personal With Plant Medicine, by creator/host Diana-Ashley Krach, discusses the science of using plants medicinally in our daily health regimen and helps listeners discover the remarkable healing power of earth and plant medicine.
Mayo Clinic On Nutrition Podcast, hosted by Lead Mayo Clinic Dietitian Tara Schmidt, helps listeners unravel the complexities of modern diets, offers evidence-based nutritional advice, and debunks common myths about what we eat. Explore topics like weight management and innovative nutritional therapies, and learn how to make the best, most informed nutrition choices. Check out the show about being a vegan, where questions such as: Is veganism automatically healthier just because it’s plant-based? What do people need to know before they make the whole food switch?
An Arm and a Leg, from creator/host Dan Weissmann, can make you a more informed consumer of health care, provide you with tools to battle bottom-line-centric health care insurance companies, and help you understand the complexities of trying to stay both healthy and financially secure in a system where the two are often exclusive of one another. The show asks: Why is health care expensive? So far, no one has a satisfactory answer.
BEST HISTORY PODCASTS
Pastmaster stretches its historical thematic hypothesis to its breaking point, making for a rousing, informative, whimsical, sometimes absurd, and often bizarre show that blends AI with game theory, historical context, and the banality of modern humanity. We are asked to join our hosts Ryan, Tan, and Keon in PastMaster — the time-travelling, history-bending, role-playing show.
America: A History stands alone as the only show that connects the U.S.’s past, present, and future, helping listeners make sense of the nation’s complex and compelling story. Because creator/host Liam Hefferna is a Brit, that distance gives the show more objectivity, bludgeoning U.S. historical propaganda. You’ll love the brazenly patriotic music, the cheeky tone, and the historical research.
Trapped History, with co-hosts Carla O’Shaughnessy and Oswin Baker, has a distinct take on history, explaining that “History is how we think about the past. It’s how we speak of it. And the way we speak of it today will be different from the way people spoke of it a century ago and from the way people will speak of it in a hundred years’ time.” Check out the episode about Grete and Milena in the Ravensbrück concentration Camp.
Echoes in the First Person, by creator/host Michael Washington Brown, reclaims history’s unspoken truths — through vivid soundscapes, careful storytelling, and voices once pushed to the margins. What we share is drawn from lived experience, cultural memory, and historical research, shaped by empathy and artistic license. The echoes are real, even when the dialogue is imagined.
What’s Ray Saying, by creator/host Ray Christian, takes a deeper view into Black life in America by examining the intersection of history, narrative, and experience. Check out the episode on “Black American Naming Practices,” when Ray explains how Africans brought over on slave ships were given English names and expected to use them despite not knowing the language. When railroads dominated transportation, Black porters in Pullman cars were all called George, a sobriquet for George Pullman, the company's owner.
Byte Sized Biographies, by creator/host Philip Gibbons, has a complete title, which is “Some Very Famous People You’ve Never Really Heard of, the Famous, the Infamous and the Quirky in Less Than An Hour.” Check out the episodes on Alexander Hamilton, Edgar Allan Poe, and Amelia Earhart.
’Tis But A Scratch: Fact and Fiction About the Middle Ages, from Richard Abels, who is a highly capable tour guide with 35 years of teaching knowledge and experience stored in his brain that is fighting to reach out to his listeners. Check out the episode about the historical basis for the legend of Robin Hood.
Tracing The Path: The Connected 20th Century is a history podcast hosted by Dan R Morris that explores surprising, hidden connections between 20th-century events, pop culture, and inventions. It features monthly, in-depth storytelling focusing on how, for example, the 1967 Space Treaty links to modern events.
BEST SCIENCE PODCASTS
Nice Genes! host Dr. Kaylee Byers guides listeners through fascinating conversations about the what, the why, and the how of genomics. The show is surprisingly fun, as opposed to dryly academic and tediously pedantic. The topics are also relevant to everyday life, and not microscopic minutiae.
Science Magazine Podcast -- Each week on the Science Podcast, host Sarah Crespi delves into the latest scientific discoveries with researchers and news writers from around the globe. The podcast is designed like a print magazine, with each episode containing several distinct stories.
The Quantum Kid can be best described by this quote: “My name is Katia Moskvitch, MPhil, and I’m a science communicator and a theoretical physicist. I host the podcast, The Quantum Kid, with my nine-year-old son, Kai.” Mother and son make for a fascinating hosting team; the topic of quantum computing, while seemingly arcane, is discussed in a way a child could comprehend its principles, and the interviews with academics are lively and fun.
TIL Climate, hosted by Laur Hesse Fisher and produced by M.I.T., positions itself perfectly, breaking down the science, technologies, and policies behind climate change, its impact on us, and what we can do about it. Each quick episode gives you the what, why, and how on climate change — from real scientists — to help us make informed decisions for our future. check out the episode on the benefits of nuclear power, and a conclusion that a power management system should incorporate a combination of renewable and nuclear power.
A Matter Of Degrees, hosted by Dr. Leah Stokes and Dr. Katharine Wilkinson, takes a unique viewpoint: “To take meaningful action on climate change, we need to reckon with our emotions — guilt, fear, anger, whatever they may be. We think it’s most important to work for policy and political progress. Let’s focus on collectively achieving structural change.” Dr. Stokes and Dr. Wilkinson are not wonky science types who speak in code like they’re giving a lecture. Instead, these two academics speak from the heart and target their message toward the “climate curious.” Their goal is not to convince those nine percent of climate deniers.
Normal Curves, by Professors Regina Nuzzo and Kristin Sainani, is a podcast about sexy science & serious statistics. Statistical topics in the show include the reproducibility crisis in psychology, sample size, selection bias, winner’s curse, Cohen’s d standardized effect size, adversarial collaboration, meta-analysis, preregistration, publication bias, and statistical moderators.
Big Picture Science, with hosts Seth Shostak and Molly Bentley, exposes junk science, highlights new scientific discoveries, and finds the science in everyday life. It is produced by the SETI Institute. Check out the episode, “For The Birds,” where we hear about migratory birds that travel thousands of miles in a display of endurance that would make an Olympic athlete gasp.
Taboo Science, by creator/host Ashley Hamer, is a podcast that answers the questions you’re not allowed to ask. Every episode dives into a different societal taboo to understand the science that makes it tick, the reasons we don’t talk about it, and its impact on society at large. Check out the show’s miniseries on the weird and colorful world of kinks and fetishes.
The Rest Is Science is a science podcast hosted by mathematician Professor Hannah Fry and YouTuber Michael Stevens (Vsauce) that falls into that second, more amorous category. The show, produced by Goalhanger, explores big scientific questions twice a week, with a main episode diving deep into a single topic and a second "Field Notes" episode focusing on a single object's journey through scientific ideas. Yet the superb co-hosts aren't immune to injecting humor into the proceedings.
BEST INTERVIEW PODCASTS
Stories and Strategies is the podcast for public relations and communications professionals who want substance, not slogans. It is a podcast that breaks down what’s actually shaping modern Public Relations (PR), the changing media landscape, measurement that goes beyond dashboards, leadership realities, behavioral science, and the ethical principles that keep persuasion honest.
Masala Podcast smashes convention, the patriarchy, women's roles in society, and is unafraid of dissolving the tropes we live by. This multi-award-winning South Asian feminist podcast is all about cultural taboos. Everything from sex, sexuality, periods, menopause, porn, mental health, shame, sexual harassment, and more.
5 Random Questions podcast with creator/host Danny Brown uses a random question generator to come up with five unpredictable, thought-provoking, and sometimes downright hilarious questions for the episode’s guest. No topic is off-limits as Danny and his guests dive into their answers, sparking lively discussions filled with laughter, surprises, and occasional deep insights.
Better Call Daddy is a podcast for people who love stories. In each episode, creator/host Reena Friedman Watts interviews a person of interest, and her father will chime in with his words of wisdom, re-kindling the importance of family in our society as a cohesive force. Watts is the consummate interviewer.
The Art of Kindness bills itself as “A positively star-studded podcast that converses with and celebrates artists from all areas of the entertainment industry (Film, TV, Broadway, etc.) who use their platform to make the world a better place. In every episode, creator/host Robert Peterpaul elicits tales from Broadway people and celebrities about how they sprinkle kindness throughout their world. Peterpaul always asks each guest, “What does kindness mean to you?”
Relationscapes with creator/host Blair Hodges is a journey through the terrain of human identity and connection. Each episode features an interview with a best-selling author whose work helps us understand family, friendship, gender, sexuality, race, and more. The show has tackled issues that include being in a cult, being a transsexual as a Mormon, finding happiness in single life, busting myths about only children, and interracial adoption.
Kelly Corrigan Wonders, creator/host Kelly Corrigan, is a show for people who like to laugh while they think and who find it helpful to look closely at ourselves and our weird ways in the hopes that knowing more and feeling more will help us do more and be better. Check out the five-part Rupture and Repair series.
CooperTalk, with creator/ host Steve Cooper, has welcomed hundreds of actors and musicians over his 1,000+ episodes, Penelope Ann Miller, who played Nancy Reagan in the recently released film, Reagan, Greg Grunberg from Felicity, Heroes, and Star Wars, Tom Arnold from True Lies, Anson Williams from Happy Days, Jill Whelan from The Love Boat, Tommy Chong from Cheech & Chong, and David Duchovny from The X Files.
BEST LIFE LESSONS PODCASTS
Grief and Light podcast explores grief, loss, and life in the “after” openly, authentically. Creator/host Nina Rodriguez says: “Our mission is to foster a grief-informed world, give a voice to the nuanced human experience of grief, and light the way for other grievers to feel hope as they navigate this reality.” When the loss is profound, grief is not an emotion that easily fades away. It can remain for months, years, or a lifetime. Nina Rodriguez can help.
The Life Shift podcast, with creator/host Matt Gilhooly, highlights life-altering moments and humanizes the struggles and triumphs that come with them. Matt Gilhooly usurps our sense of helplessness and hopelessness every episode, narrating tales of people who have battled humanity’s worst demons, the worst cards that life could deal us, and the dire circumstances not under their control. This award-winning podcast can act as a cautionary tale, an inspirational narrative, and a pathway to growth.
Multispective, by creator/host Jennica Sadhwani, is a podcast that shares stories of triumph through tribulations. Guests from all over the world share their life experiences, providing their perspective on society and culture today. The show prides itself on the premise that “No story is one-sided, no two journeys are the same, and people’s lives are never as they seem.” The show has dealt with surviving a high school shooting, dealing with bipolar disorder, being a cult survivor, and a woman who suffered female genital mutilation at six years old.
Walk And Roll Live — Disability Stories, from creator/host Doug Vincent with co-host Addie Rich, is dedicated to amplifying the voices of the disability community by sharing real, raw, and inspiring stories of resilience, advocacy, and independence. Our mission is to educate, empower, and connect individuals of all abilities by fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs within the disability experience. Check out the show about Shawn Fluke, who went from winter athlete to quadriplegic after a snowmobiling accident.
The Road to Rediscovery is hosted by creator Aubrey Johnson, who aims to inspire listeners struggling through dark times — letting them know they’re not alone. Johnson hopes listeners will hear something relatable in his guests' insights, something that resonates with them and their current struggles. If you need inspiration, motivation, or direction, check out this show.
The Secret Life Of T.K. Dutes is a fascinating journey into our inner voice, our self-critic, our biased assumptions, and our secrets. The show blurs the line between personal essay and sound documentary. The show combines memoir, journalism, and experimental audio for an intimate listening experience.
Arielle and Ned’s Daily Tips That May Or May Not Help You, from Arielle Nissenblatt and Ned Donovan, covers various aspects of life to make it easier and more fun, from personal hygiene and car maintenance to uncovering the best music gems and mastering the art of waking up early. Every morning before school or work, you can get a daily dose of tips, laughter, and unexpected discoveries.
Root to Resilience is an award-winning podcast by Anupa Devi, where she nurtures listeners' roots and helps them grow into their strongest self. This podcast dives into practical tips, insightful conversations, and personal stories designed to empower listeners to find balance and resilience in today’s fast-paced world.
BEST MOVIE PODCASTS
Verbal Diorama, from creator/host Em, is more of a film-history show than a movie review. Em notes: “I’m here to celebrate movies. Their history and legacy, and why they remain so special to so many of us.” Some of her best shows include Hidden Figures, The Wizard of Oz, and Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Em also finds a way to connect actor Keanu Reeves, her man crush, to the movie covered in every episode. Em has also co-created the Independent Podcast Awards in the U.K., something still not accomplished in the U.S.
Always On Film is the warm, conversational podcast for film lovers you've been looking for. Hosted by three friends – Immi, Kitty, and Lou – in their early twenties, you'll hear their take on a full spectrum of films: from classic to contemporary cinema, indie gems to major studio productions, hidden treasures to the latest studio releases.
SpyHards is a weekly film podcast decoding classic spy cinema, Hosts Scott Hardy and Cam Smith assume the roles of Agent Scott & Cam the Provocateur. These agents (Hosts) regularly tackle iconic espionage titles, unearthing the hidden gems, forgotten flops and secret connections between the biggest names in spy cinema. High-profile episodes include Denise Richards, Shane Black, Jacqueline Bisset, Phil Alden Robinson, and Julian Glover.
Review It Yourself (often shortened to RIY) is a U.K.-based show hosted by Sean and Sarah that offers film and TV reviews, usually with a focus on being "eternally unimpressed," featuring witty banter, deep dives into pop culture, and themed episodes, including special series like Defend It Yourself with guest podcasters.
From Beneath The Hollywood Sign is a superb entertainment podcast that features splendid film analysis and criticism, riveting biographies of movie stars, and carefully researched narratives. Co-hosts and creators Steve Cubine and Nan McNamara serve up stories about classic movie stars and recommendations for classic films you’ve probably not seen. The show is an alluring narrative of a Hollywood now gone but not to be forgotten. Check out the episode on Eleanor Parker, one of the greatest classic actors you’ve probably never heard of.
Every Single Sci-Fi Film Ever, with creator/host Ayesha Khan, is an award-winning show that looks back on more than a century of science fiction films, from 1902 to the future. Each episode focuses on a film, director, or theme and brings in experts to discuss its history, politics, and influences. Each episode situates the film within the context of its time, society, and people. Check out the episodes on Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Thing From Outer Space.
Dillon On Film showcases film analysis and criticism, which is where Simon Dillon separates himself from the rest of the sled dogs. Cursory observations about the film and overgeneralizations don’t sit well with Simon Dillon. His film reviews are comprehensive, compelling, and complete. There’s no film criticism boiled down into a score for Simon Dillon. The host of the podcast is the brilliant Michael Kenny, who Dillon insists “ensures I don’t waffle too much and keeps me on a leash.”
Stars of the Golden Age, with creator/host Erin Carlson, highlights the lives of legends from film, music, and the birth of television during Hollywood’s Golden Age and the years that followed. Carlson focuses more on the star’s personal life than their acting career. Check out the show about Robert Mitchum, who was decidedly one of the unlikeliest people to become a movie star. During Women’s History Month, Carlson shared superb tales of three trailblazing women — Mary Pickford, Ida Lupino, and Lucille Ball.
What Went Wrong, by creator/hosts Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer, is a podcast that explores the behind-the-scenes of Hollywood’s most disastrous movie productions. Each episode, the hosts examine a new film to explore the reasons why making a movie is nearly impossible. Check out their episodes on Aliens, Jaws, and The Princess Bride.
BEST MUSIC PODCASTS
The Groove Radio, created and hosted by radio DJ Suzy Chase, focuses on curating soul, R&B, and yacht rock playlists, offering themed mixtapes and deeper dives into music that scores life’s moments, featuring guest artists and personal stories, aiming to provide good soul music often missed on mainstream radio. Don’t miss TGR Unplugged, celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary, a limited series of nine songs/nine stories that looks back at how music found us before the algorithm, before listening became something optimized rather than felt.
Soundtrack Your Life, with co-hosts Nicole Barlow and Ryan Pak, takes a look at a specific soundtrack each episode. Whether it be a song, a band, or a connection to a specific scene, they discuss personal connections to the soundtrack with a guest. The co-hosts excel at dissecting these movie soundtracks, interviewing guests, and deriving cultural insights from the soundtrack music. Check out the Guardians Of The Galaxy episode.
The Secret Life Of Songs features creator/host Anthony Jackson’s unique style, deftly weaving fine-grained musical analysis, historical context, and philosophical reflection with his own impassioned recreations of the music to produce embodied, thoroughly grounded, and deeply personal insights into these wonderful songs. Check out the episodes on ABBA and Sly & The Family Stone.
A History Of Rock Music In 500 Songs, with creator/host Andrew Hickey, reviews popular music from 1938 until 1999. If you want a thumbnail sketch of popular music, its iconic songs and influential artists, this podcast is not for you. Hickey immerses you in each song and the artist who recorded the tune. Episodes can run for longer than two hours. Hickey doesn’t skim; he dives deep, and it shows. Check out Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys, Respect by Aretha Franklin, and For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield.
Behind The Song, hosted by Chicago DJ Janda Lane, digs deep into the lyrics of classic rock songs and the storytellers who created them. Lane is an exceptional narrator, infusing her tale with drama, pathos, and a respect for the creative process. Check out the episode about Mr. Blue Sky by ELO.
Sticky Notes, from creator/host Joshua Weilerstein, is a classical music podcast for everyone. Whether you are a beginner just looking to get into classical music but don’t know where to start, or a seasoned musician interested in the lives and ideas of your fellow artists, this podcast is for you. The podcast features interviews with today's top artists, in-depth looks at specific pieces from the repertoire, deep dives into each era of classical music, and much more. Cue the violins!
BEST FOOD & BEVERAGE PODCASTS
The Wine Pair Podcast is a husband-and-wife show that makes wine approachable, funny, and honest. Each week, Joe and Carmela taste and rate two to three wines around a theme and share what they learn in plain language. They buy every bottle themselves and accept no sponsorships, keeping their reviews completely unbiased, honest, and entertaining. The show blends wine assessment with a hint of marital bliss and notes of whimsy and fun.
The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast, with creator/host Forrest Kelly, takes you on a whirlwind journey through the world’s most enchanting wineries. The show's structure revolves around interviews with wineries, wine business professionals, and sommeliers from around the world. Kelly has interviewed people from wineries as far away as Rome and as close as Virginia.
The “Fine” Dining podcast, by creator/host Michael Ornelas, has a fascinating premise. “The search for the most mediocre chain restaurant in America.” Ornelas hits popular spots like IHOP, Texas Roadhouse, & Chili’s to find the perfectly average 5-out-of-10 fine dining experience. You can play this one straight like a New York Times food critic or for laughs. Ornelas plays it for the comedy and irony. Check out the episode on California Pizza Kitchen.
BEST LIFESTYLE PODCASTS
Crow’s Feet: Life As We Age is one of the best podcasts about aging in the audioverse. The show produces two episodes each month, with topics ranging from elder scams to research on the impact of longer lives on civil society. The show conveys that being old does not mean being irrelevant.
Speaking of Psychology, with host Kim Mills, highlights the latest, most important, and most relevant psychological research being conducted today. Produced by the American Psychological Association, these episodes aim to help listeners apply the science of psychology to their everyday lives. Check out the episode on raising grateful kids.
Big Brains is an award-winning podcast that features stories about the pioneering research and pivotal breakthroughs by scholars at the University of Chicago and leading universities across the country. Recent episodes to sample include the benefits of music, the health costs of air pollution, addressing societal and economic inequality, the importance of gut health, and how home ownership shaped race in America.
Something You Should Know, by creator/host Mike Carruthers, tackles psychological topics almost every week, including regret, the unconscious mind, the psychology of crowds, and solitude versus loneliness. Each episode discusses two topics, usually with authors marketing their latest book. Topics of note this year include why humility is a superpower, how our brains experience taste, the two keys to your happiness, and human biases that shape our thinking.
Hidden Brain, by Creator/host Shankar Vedantam, may be the gold standard for excellence in podcasts on psychology. Some aspects of the hidden brain involve mental shortcuts or heuristics; others involve errors in how memory and attention work. Some deal with social dynamics and relationships. Episodes that stand out include the benefits of mixed emotions, befriending our inner voice, the curious science of cravings, and where feelings come from.
BEST ANIMAL/NATURE PODCASTS
Plant Connection Podcast can be described: “I’m your host, Lisa Cutshaw, a landscape architect and erstwhile plant ecologist — nature lover, farmer, hiker, seeker — and if you’re interested in exploring ways to deepen your relationship with nature and explore the many benefits that come with it, you are in the right place.” Lisa explores how plants, trees, and nature’s wisdom can help you restore a sense of peace and connection.
6 Degrees of Cats, with creator/host Amanda B, AKA Captain Kitty, is the internet’s only cat-themed culture, history, and science podcast. A genre-blending podcast that explores the hidden connections between cats and human culture. Each nine-episode season, this award-winning podcast weaves together science, history, and storytelling — always with a feline twist. Check out the episodes with Egyptologist Dr. Salima Ikram, and International Spy Museum historian and curator Dr. Andrew Hammond.
Underfoot is an investigative podcast from the Brooklyn nonprofit Flatbush Cats, uncovering how New York City’s cat overpopulation crisis became a symptom of larger urban failures — in housing, affordability, and access to care. Hosted by Flatbush Cats founder Will Zweigart and producer Virginia Marshall, the show blends field reporting and narrative storytelling — offering an intimate look at how one of the city’s smallest residents reveals so much about its biggest cracks.
Tails And Tassels creator/host Gemma Smith describes her show like this: “Hello, kitty cats! Welcome to Tails and Tassels. In this podcast, you’ll dive into the world of burlesque and nightlife performers — their craft, their cats, and how these two worlds collide.” Even if you do not like cats, have never watched Dancing With The Stars, and do not know about burlesque, this podcast is still ear-worthy for one reason — Gemma Smith, the host, is an uncut gem. She’s terrific squared.
That’s Just Wild. Each week, the hosts — Steve Backshall, Lizzie Daly, and Sarah Roberts — share their extensive knowledge of the animal kingdom, gathered through their superlative first-hand stories — from surviving in the Arctic to diving the bluest seas — offering an irresistible sense of wonder. The show brilliantly celebrates the raw power and sheer absurdity of the natural world. It is first-hand storytelling and packed with awe, laughs, and discovery.
BEST PODCASTING PODCASTS
Podnews Weekly Review, hosted by James Cridland and Sam Sethi, reviews the week’s top stories from Podnews and interviews some of the biggest names making the news from across the podcast industry. These two men are the braintrust of the podcasting industry. Podnews Daily is the daily news source that is pre-eminent in the industry.
Creators by TrueFans is a podcast from TrueFans.fm that spotlights independent podcast creators and music artists, offering them increased visibility and a platform to connect with their fans. Hosted by Sam Sethi and Claire Waite Brown, the weekly show features a new creator, discusses platform updates for monetization and discovery, and explores trends in the podcasting and music industries.
Podcast Network Insights: Understanding the Business of Podcast Networks is a podcast by Greg Wasserman that explores how, why, and in what ways podcast networks operate. Launched in March 2026, it features interviews with founders and operators about monetization, strategy, and industry changes.
Your Mic with creator/host Freddy Cruz offers insights, tactics, and mindset strategies. Each episode features practical advice to help listeners build and grow a top 1% podcast. Check out the episode with Michael Osborne of the Famous & Gravy podcast as he recounts how his indie podcast caught the attention of podcast giant Wondery and is now safely ensconced inside the Amazon umbrella.
Podcasting Tech, by creator/host Mathew Passy, can be a valuable tool for both aspirational and experienced podcasters looking to upgrade their shows. If you’re a podcast listener, the show has value because of Passy’s intuitive sense of podcast content and podcasting tech trends.
Into The Podverse, by creator/host Tony Onwuchekw, delves into the latest releases, industry news, and emerging trends, also offering a comprehensive view of the podcasting world from a Nigerian and African standpoint.
One Minute Podcast Tips is designed for people who want to be better podcasters. Creator/Host Danny Brown makes good on his promise to help people “be a better podcaster in just a minute a week.” Brown's brief discussions range from the best audio editing software for beginners to topics for experienced podcasters, such as using a shock mount for your microphone.
BEST LIMITED SERIES PODCASTS
Abandoned:All-American Ruins is a fantastical multimedia travelog in which creator/host Blake Pfeil recounts his experiences exploring abandoned spaces through multimodal storytelling. In effect, this show explores abandoned spaces across the United States.
Promenade is one of the most creatively vibrant, audio-intensive, and narratively brilliant shows generated by an independent podcast. It is a constellation of memories, bringing listeners on a journey around the world to share in the simple, poignant and remarkable recollections we gather throughout our lives; from a modern-day rooftop in New York to 1930s Budapest, each episode serves as a musing on nostalgia, beauty and the bittersweetness of the everyday.
Palestinians in Paraguay is a four-part investigative documentary podcast uncovering one of the most extraordinary, and until now, largely buried, chapters in Palestinian history: Israel's documented 1969 plan to secretly transfer 60,000 Palestinians from Gaza to Paraguay. Follow along as he talks to the only living deportee willing to speak publicly.
The Obit Project is a new podcast from Jad Abumrad (founder of Radiolab and creator of Dolly Parton’s America and Fela Kuti: Fear No Man) and University of Montana Journalism Professor Jule Banville (An Absurd Result podcast), who teamed up to help journalists make a new kind of obituary (obit), through sound.
Alone: A Love Story is an award-winning CBC podcast and audio memoir by Michelle Parise that chronicles the breakdown of her marriage due to an affair, subsequent divorce, and navigating life as a 40-year-old single mother. Known for its candid, intimate storytelling, it explores loneliness, heartbreak, and dating.
Everybody Knows But Me unpacks family secrets and the messy, emotional truth of who the people you love really are. When she was just 17, Holly Brown’s father was dying of cancer. It looked like life couldn’t get more traumatic, until her dad dropped a bombshell….or two bombshells, really: twin brothers that her entire family kept secret. She was the only one who didn’t know they existed. Holly was left with more questions than answers and wasn’t ready to meet the two boys who never knew their father… until now.
Floating Space by Katie Stokes has won numerous awards for this six-episode show (coupled with live shows) and rightfully so. Katie’s work explores mental health, social relationships, and identity, and as such, she begins the podcast by asking, “Do you know what a third place is?” Katie then posits that we are meant to have three places in our lives. Home, work, and a third place where you belong. In the show, Katie asks, “What happens when the place you live becomes the place where you work?” This existential travelogue is endemic of the isolated work created by independent podcasters.
Desi Dreamers, with creator/host Nikhita Nachiappan, is a six-part podcast that transports listeners into the aspirational mindscapes of British South Asian trailblazers and visionaries. From photographers and DJs to beauty creators and cultural producers, each episode explores identity, creativity, and the complex realities of navigating life as a young South Asian in the UK. It’s not just a podcast about culture — it’s about the power of dreaming boldly, despite systems that often expect silence or assimilation.
The Shadow Of Hope podcast, by creator/host Karen Ann Coburn, explores the history of a religious cult — the People of Hope, a Catholic Covenant Community. At its peak in the 1980s, the People of Hope would take over a parish, clash with the residents of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, and build the suburban equivalent of a compound.
CRAMPED, by creator/host Kate Helen Downey, is one nerd’s quest to Understand Period Pain. It pulls back the curtain on one of the medical world’s most dismissed mysteries: why do we know so little about period pain? In 10 episodes, Downey goes on a deeply personal, often hilarious, and hopeful quest to uncover why period pain has been dismissed for so long — and what it will take to fix it.
Un(con)Trolled, by creator/host Kimberly Reneee, is a raw, gripping, award-winning tale of social media influencer, Kenah, who has mastered the art of uncovering her Internet trolls’ darkest secrets and exacting her own brand of karmic justice. As her journey twists between unsettling encounters and mental manipulation, the line between control and chaos blurs, raising one chilling question: who is really in control?
UnReality presents short anthology documentaries about truth, lies, facts, fiction, and the unknown. Creator/host Talia Augustidis manipulates sound with tape hiss, plaintive voices from the past, and the mystery of her mother’s tragic death from a fall from a cliff while on a business trip in Majorca.
BEST AUDIO FICTION PODCASTS
Liminal -- The premise is simple, deceptively so. When their brother is trapped in a terrifying dreamscape, Dominic and Caleb risk their minds and their lives to pull him back. The show blends elements of dreams, alternate reality, paranormal forces, and brotherly love into a nightmarish hellscape where nothing seems real, but the stakes are all too real.
Beth’s Spooky Story Time combines psychological terror, supernatural elements, and immersive sound design to create a truly unsettling listening experience. The podcast’s format features self-contained ten-minute, first-person stories. From creepy ghost stories to true tales, these are the perfect scary bedtime stories for grown-ups. Fall asleep to creepy tales narrated by Beth. DO NOT LISTEN to the episode about Cabin 7 if you expect to sleep again!
The Inn At The End Of Things, with creator/host T. Luna Alexander, is designed to help listeners find rest and guide them gently to their dream spaces. Hosted by the Inn’s Keeper, each listener is guided through simple meditations, adventures, and soundscapes. You’ll meet the other residents and guests of the Inn, who share tales gathered from around the world. The show acts as a sonic portal to that half-world between consciousness and sleep.
Metropolis, by Daniel Koch, is a murder mystery in a neon utopia. Here’s the plot summary: While ace reporter Nan Kanally and the rest of the world struggle through post-war poverty, Metropolis has assembled a neon utopia on an icy, distant island. It’s an electronic heaven made possible by a fleet of astonishing autonomous robots.
Silvertongues, by creators Josie Eli Herman and Michael Alan Herman, is a sci-fi audio opera that crackles with action, conflict, questioning reality, time-shifting, and a ferocious battle with linear thinking. What follows is an increasingly twisted investigation as he discovers a brainwashed island.
Josie’s Lonely Hearts Club, from Rachel Music and Maximilian Clark, is a semi-improvised audio drama set in the studio of New Mexico’s third-best romantic advice call-in show. This show is a rule-breaker, a genre mash-up of epic proportions, a half-scripted, half-improv Jekyll-and-Hyde creation, and 30 minutes of all-out fun, genius, humanity exposed, and outrageous exploits in humanity.
BEST ARTS PODCASTS
The Book Imprint podcast, hosted by Rebecca Thandi Norman, explores books that profoundly impacted guests before the age of 25, discussing how these formative reads shaped their lives and perspectives, with recent seasons covering topics from The Copenhagen Trilogy to The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Yellow Shelf shares thoughtful short interviews with global authors, and podcast hosts. Its goal is to connect readers, listeners, and storytellers. They're a creative hub for collaborations and partnerships with global creators."A "yellow shelf" usually refers to a section in a grocery store with yellow tags, meaning items are on sale, clearance, or nearing expiration, signaling a discount for shoppers.
The Howdy Beans Podcast, hosted by Luke the Human (or "the Elder Bean"), is a pop-culture, nostalgia-driven show exploring movies, TV shows, video games, and books. It focuses on nerdy content, offering in-depth reviews and discussions designed to bring listeners a "nostalgic high."
Geopats Abroad is a society and culture podcast hosted by long-term serial expat Stephanie Fuccio, featuring candid conversations with international residents about the nuances of daily life, culture, and identity while living abroad. It explores the practical and emotional challenges of living outside one's home.
Nota Bene co-hosts Benjamin Godsill and Nate Freeman provide entertaining banter and humorous commentary on art world news. If you’re an art world fan, be sure to check them out. If you’re not, enjoy learning about that community, and revel in the biting wit of the co-hosts.
If Books Could Kill focuses on “The airport bestsellers that captured our hearts and ruined our minds,” says co-hosts Peter Shamshiri (a lawyer) and Michael Hobbes (a journalist). The podcast expertly critiques bestselling nonfiction books of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Each episode is dedicated to the discussion of a single book, along with the book’s wider cultural influence. The hosts focus on flawed arguments, misuse of data, factual errors, and drawing unsound conclusions or overgeneralizations.
The Art Career podcast, with creator/host Emily McElwreath, is a space that breaks barriers, where listeners sit in on candid, straightforward conversations with leaders in visual arts, writing, music, theater, and film. Topics include self-development, career trajectories, mental health, social justice, and the artists that have changed our lives.
The Business with Kim Masters, by KCRW, has a format that embodies clean design. First, Masters speaks to “her partner in banter,” Matt Belloni, who is a founding partner of the digital media company Puck News. The second part of the podcast includes an interview with a prominent person (s) in the entertainment industry. Check out the interview with director Christopher Nolan.
Creativity Found, from creator/host Claire Waite Brown, focuses on individuals who have rediscovered or found their creativity as adults. The podcast explores how these individuals re-engaged with their creative passions and the impact it has on their lives. It features interviews with guests from diverse backgrounds who share their personal journeys of overcoming challenges and embracing their creative potential.
BEST CULTURE PODCASTS
1440 Explores is a "sonic encyclopedia for the insatiably curious" produced by the creators of the 1440 daily news digest in collaboration with Rhyme Media. Hosted by 1440 Editor-in-Chief Sony Kassam, the podcast delivers deep dives into fascinating, timely topics, combining history, science, and expert insights.
ReCurrent, hosted by Jaime Roque, explores how culture builds community. For example, in the African American community, the barbershop has long been the hub of communal interaction. The show reminds us of who we were, who we are, and who we should strive to be—masterfully produced by the Getty Museum.
Really?? is a new podcast about cultural memory — the icons and ideas we’ve mythologized and, in the process, might have misread or misunderstood. The first season focuses on the 60s musical group, The Doors. Host Naomi Fry convenes a multi-generational group of musicians, writers, and cultural figures in conversation to rediscover and reconsider The Doors' cultural legacy in 2025.
The Rejection podcast is not about the experience of the few who slide effortlessly into success. Instead, it’s about the many who deal with rejection after rejection, and roadblocks that turn into mountains. The hosts, Sidney O’Reilly and Terry O’Reilly, highlight “rejections that turn into success, such as how The Supremes went from the “No-Hit Supremes” to the female group with the most #1 songs in history on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Sound Session, with creator/host Gareth Davies, delves into the creative and critical role sound plays in our lives. The show explores the impact of sound on us from both scientific and artistic perspectives. Gareth Davies, each episode features conversations with artists, audio professionals, and thinkers who are shaping the future of sound across media. Check out the first episode, which delves into the enchanting world of audio storytelling, exploring how sound can create emotional depth and immerse listeners, leaving visuals behind.
Impostrix Podcast, by creator/host Whitney Knox Lee, is a platform dedicated to validating and empowering professionals of color navigating imposter syndrome and workplace challenges. Through deep, authentic conversations, this award-winning podcast provides listeners with tools, insights, and affirmations to reclaim their confidence and success on their own terms.
BEST EDUCATION PODCASTS
Teaching through Emotions is an award-winning podcast created and hosted by Betsy Burris, a teacher educator and psychotherapist, and co-hosted by Joe Johnson, a veteran Spanish teacher. The show offers a psychodynamic perspective on education, helping teachers build resilience and find success by sharing real-life stories and practical insights.
ARTS EDUCATORS SAVE THE WORLD, with creator/Host Erica Rosenfeld Halverson, is a weekly podcast that brings successful artists together in conversation with their mentors. These conversations recenter listeners on the importance of creativity and art, acting and dancing, and music as forms of resistance, connection, and reflection. Check out the episode with Lin-Manuel Miranda.
BEST LGBTQIA PODCASTS
Queernecks, hosted by Dash and Beck, is a podcast created by two queer rednecks from Appalachia. Hosted with humor, heart, and cultural insight, the show explores what it means to be queer in rural spaces — and what those experiences can teach about resilience, adaptability, and community. The co-hosts don’t shy away from harsh realities, but we refuse to lose our joy. The show is as much self-care and community care as it is storytelling.
Rigour & Flow with Dr. Tamanda Walker and Aiwan Obinyan is the show where business meets love, and culture meets critique, where Aiwan and Tamanda explore work, identity, queerness, and creativity — with rigour and with flow. “We talk about big things — race, gender, class, power — but we try to do it with humor, honesty, heart, and humility.”
I’m Feeling Queer Today, hosted by Lily Mueller and Claire Florence, is produced by The Future Perfect Project and amplifies LGBTQIA+ youth voices through conversations about queerness at the intersection of disability, neurodivergence, gender, and geography. Topics include a disability justice scholar, a queer business owner adopting a ‘non-binary business model,’ and discussions of queer youth today through vulnerable conversations, interviews, autobiographical writing, original music, and more.
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