Podcasts have exploded in popularity in recent years, and it‘s easy to see why. With over 2 million podcasts available covering every conceivable topic and interest, there is truly something for everyone. Plus, podcasts are the perfect entertainment for multitasking – you can enjoy them while commuting, working out, cooking, or doing chores around the house.
According to Edison Research, as of 2023 41% of Americans ages 12+ have listened to a podcast in the last month, and 28% listen weekly – that‘s over 80 million people pressing play on podcasts every week.
But with so many podcasts to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That‘s where this ultimate guide comes in. We‘ve compiled the 50 best podcasts for 2023 spanning a range of categories, so no matter what you‘re interested in, you‘re sure to find a new show that captivates and inspires you.
Business & Entrepreneurship
How I Built This
On How I Built This, host Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world‘s most famous companies and the entrepreneurs who built them from the ground up. Through intimate conversations, you‘ll hear about the triumphs, failures, insights and lucky breaks that shaped their paths to success.
Notable episodes include interviews with the founders of Airbnb, Patagonia, Bumble, and Chipotle. It‘s an inspirational must-listen for anyone interested in business and innovation.
Masters of Scale
Hosted by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, Masters of Scale explores how successful companies grow from zero to infinity. Each episode begins with a creative theory about scaling a business, and then tests it through conversations with iconic founders and leaders.
You‘ll hear from industry titans like Mark Zuckerberg, Sara Blakely, Michael Dell, and dozens more. It‘s an illuminating look at what it takes to build and maintain a thriving business.
WorkLife with Adam Grant
Organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant takes you inside the minds of fascinating professionals in a wide range of fields to discover the keys to a better work life. From learning how to love criticism to harnessing the power of frustration, one thing‘s for sure: you‘ll never see your job the same way again.
Comedy & Entertainment
Conan O‘Brien Needs a Friend
Beloved talk show host Conan O‘Brien is out of his element and in his element at the same time in this weekly podcast. Featuring freeform conversations with a mix of comedians, actors, writers and musicians, you never know what to expect other than a hilarious and surprisingly intimate chat between friends.
Fan favorite episodes include Will Ferrell, Michelle Obama, and Bob Newhart. It‘s guaranteed to brighten your mood and make you laugh.
Office Ladies
If you‘re a superfan of The Office, this is the podcast for you. Each week, real-life best friends and former co-stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey break down an episode of The Office and give exclusive behind-the-scenes stories that only two people who were there can tell you.
They‘ll also answer fan questions, interview other cast and crew members, and reminisce about their time playing Pam Beesley and Angela Martin. It‘s a warm, wonderful dose of nostalgia.
Armchair Expert
Actor Dax Shepard gets brutally honest with celebrities, journalists, academics and more in this no holds barred interview show. With a focus on the messiness of being human, the conversations are raw, enlightening, and often tackle taboo topics head-on.
Kristen Bell, Bill Gates, and Ira Glass are just a few of the star-studded guests who get real in Shepard‘s garage studio. Come for the laughs, stay for the life lessons.
Society & Culture
This American Life
This American Life has set the standard for storytelling since 1995. Each week, host Ira Glass and his team choose a theme and put together a variety of stories on that theme in a captivating hour of journalism.
From exploring rest stops to investigating the slow-motion disaster of the U.S. Postal Service, there‘s a reason TIME Magazine named it the best radio show in America. It‘s a classic for a reason.
Ear Hustle
Ear Hustle is a one-of-a-kind podcast that brings you stories of life inside prison, shared and produced by those living it. Co-hosts Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor provide a rare and intimate look at the realities of incarceration and the humanity behind the statistics.
It‘s a beautifully crafted and eye-opening show that will change the way you think about the criminal justice system. And with Woods‘ sentence commuted in 2019 after 21 years behind bars, the podcast now explores his reentry into society too.
Code Switch
Code Switch is a fearless weekly conversation about race and identity hosted by a multiracial, multigenerational team of NPR journalists. They tackle the complicated ways race impacts every part of society, from politics to pop culture to history.
Whether explaining cultural appropriation or interviewing authors and activists, Code Switch will make you think, learn, and grow. It‘s an essential listen in an increasingly diverse America.
News & Politics
The Daily
The Daily by The New York Times has revolutionized podcasting since launching in 2017. Every weekday for about 25 minutes, host Michael Barbaro takes you on an immersive audio tour of the day‘s biggest news story.
Through interviews with Times journalists and expert sources, you get the context and analysis to truly understand the headlines. It‘s the perfect way to be an informed citizen even on a busy schedule.
Pod Save America
Pod Save America is a no-bullshit conversation about politics hosted by four former Obama aides and speechwriters. Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor cut through the noise to break down the week‘s news and help people figure out what matters and how they can get involved.
Funny, insightful, and cathartic, it‘s a must-listen for anyone who gives a damn about the dumpster fire that is American politics. Plus, they frequently interview prominent politicians, activists and experts.
Up First
Up First is NPR‘s flagship daily news podcast. In about 10 minutes, you‘ll get the top three stories of the day with reporting and analysis from NPR journalists. It‘s hosted by Rachel Martin, Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep and A Martínez.
New episodes are available every weekday by 6 a.m. ET, making it the perfect bite-sized briefing to kick off your morning. Say goodbye to FOMO and hello to being in-the-know.
True Crime
My Favorite Murder
My Favorite Murder is the OG true crime comedy podcast that started it all. Each week, hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark tell each other their favorite tales of murder, hear hometown crime stories from friends and fans, and try not to completely freak each other out.
Since launching in 2016, it has spawned a devoted "Murderino" fan base, two New York Times best-selling books, and a network of sister shows. If you‘re late to the party, it‘s never too late to join. SSDGM!
Up and Vanished
Up and Vanished is an investigative true crime podcast hosted by Atlanta filmmaker Payne Lindsey. Each season, Lindsey tackles a cold case and works to uncover new evidence, theories, and suspects.
Season 1 focused on the disappearance of Georgia beauty queen and high school teacher Tara Grinstead, who vanished from her home in Ocilla in 2005. Lindsey‘s work on the podcast ultimately led to two arrests in the case 12 years later. Talk about the power of podcasting!
Dr. Death
Dr. Death tells the terrifying true story of Dr. Christopher Duntsch, a Dallas neurosurgeon who severely maimed or killed 33 patients before finally being stopped. Hosted by Laura Beil, this six-part series is a shocking exploration of the failures of the medical system and the human capacity for evil.
It‘s not for the faint of heart, but it‘s a gripping and important work of investigative journalism. Once you start, you won‘t be able to stop.
Education & Self-Improvement
Stuff You Should Know
Stuff You Should Know is the award-winning podcast from the HowStuffWorks team that, well, tells you stuff you should know. In each episode, hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant take a deep dive into topics like how sneezing works, what would happen if the moon disappeared, and the origin of the phrase "hair of the dog."
With over 1,700 episodes in its catalog, you‘re sure to learn something new every time you tune in. It‘s the ultimate Did You Know? experience.
Hidden Brain
Hidden Brain explores the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior and the biases that shape our choices. Hosted by social science correspondent Shankar Vedantam, the podcast uses science and storytelling to reveal the hidden forces at play in both our minds and society at large.
From the subtle ways language shapes our views to what poker can teach us about luck, Hidden Brain will make you think twice about your own thoughts. It‘s a cerebral and enlightening treat.
The Happiness Lab
Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos has studied the science of happiness and found that many of us do the exact opposite of what will truly make our lives better. In The Happiness Lab, she shares surprising research and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness.
Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale (the most popular class in the university‘s 300-year history), each episode focuses on a different misconception about happiness – like more money will make us happier (false) or we can succeed at anything if we believe in ourselves enough (also false). It turns out, you can study to be happy.
How to Find Your New Favorite Podcast
With so many great podcasts out there, it can feel overwhelming to keep up. But fear not! Here are some tips for discovering new shows that align with your interests:
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Browse the charts. Check out the top podcast charts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening app to see what‘s currently popular. The cream usually rises to the top.
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Follow your favorite creators. If you love a particular comedian, journalist, or public figure, see if they host or frequently appear on any podcasts. Chances are, you‘ll enjoy their audio content too.
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Ask for recommendations. Crowdsource suggestions from friends, family, or social media. People love sharing their favorite podcasts, so you‘re sure to get some great ideas.
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Use a podcast discovery app. Apps like Podchaser, Listen Notes, and Discover Pods can help you find new shows based on your listening history, a particular topic, or similar shows to ones you already enjoy. Think of them as a personalized podcast concierge.
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Explore different networks. Many of the most popular podcasts are produced by networks like Wondery, Earwolf, Gimlet, NPR, and Exactly Right. Browse their offerings to find a bunch of quality shows with a similar vibe.
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Listen to podcast recommendation podcasts. That‘s right, there are even podcasts about podcasts! Shows like Podcast Brunch Club, Podcast Playlist, and Find That Pod spotlight and review other podcasts so you can discover hidden gems.
The Benefits of Listening to Podcasts
In case you needed any more convincing to start sampling the buffet of podcast delights, consider these research-backed benefits of being a podcast listener:
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Stimulates your mind. Podcasts can actually improve your critical thinking skills. One study found that students who listened to podcasts and then discussed the content with peers showed improved scores on critical thinking tests.
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Reduces stress and anxiety. Podcasts can help distract you from anxious thoughts and make you feel less alone. According to a 2022 study by Edison Research, 37% of respondents said they listen to podcasts to relieve stress and anxiety.
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Provides companionship. With many podcasts featuring recurring hosts and a conversational tone, tuning in can feel like catching up with a friend. This parasocial relationship can boost feelings of connection and combat loneliness.
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Promotes multitasking. Unlike visual media, you can listen to podcasts while doing other activities like commuting, exercising, or household chores. It‘s an easy way to be entertained or educated while getting things done.
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Increases your empathy. Narrative stories, like those found in many podcasts, have been shown to increase empathy and emotional intelligence. Hearing a diverse range of perspectives and experiences can expand your understanding of others.
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Inspires creativity. Podcasts can expose you to new ideas and ways of thinking that fuel your own creative pursuits. Many successful artists and entrepreneurs credit podcasts with helping them generate innovative solutions to problems.
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Boosts your mood. Whether you opt for comedy podcasts that make you laugh or uplifting shows that share motivational messages, podcasts can be an instant mood booster. Consider it self-care for your ears.
Conclusion
From captivating stories to fascinating conversations, there‘s a whole world of podcast content just waiting to be discovered. Whether you‘re a true crime junkie, a history buff, or a pop culture fanatic, this ultimate guide to the 50 best podcasts of 2023 has a show for every taste and interest.
The beauty of podcasts is that they can enrich your life and expand your worldview, all while making your daily tasks more enjoyable. So why not challenge yourself to sample a few new shows and see what resonates? With any luck, you‘ll find a new favorite that keeps you coming back for more.
To start your podcast journey, pick a show from this list that piques your interest, pop in some headphones, and press play. Happy listening!