If you have some upcoming hours to spare, whether it’s for holiday travels or some much-needed time off, here is my updated list of the most captivating podcasts I’ve been listening to.
I dedicate at least 10 to 15 hours a week to podcasts. Brian and I started back in 2001 with This American Life and Slate’s Political Gabfest during our subway commutes in New York. Fast forward to today, podcasts have become our go-to medium, especially while doing chores that are now enjoyable thanks to the engaging content. Our podcast habit turned into a routine during lockdown, and we even hired cleaning services recently, not out of self-righteousness but because we truly enjoyed our podcast time (and the dopamine rush from completing housework).
With the vast array of podcasts available, I heavily rely on recommendations from friends and algorithms to discover the best ones. I listen to various genres, but they all must be entertaining, whether it’s psychology, self-help, news, true crime, or comedy. Today’s list focuses on bingeable podcast series that you won’t want to stop listening to.
The Classics – Pioneering Podcast Series
It would be remiss not to mention the podcast series that laid the foundation for this medium:
Serial, S-Town, Dr. Death, and Dirty John. These series revolutionized journalism and brought new hope to an industry pressured to chase headlines.
Captivating Cultural Narratives
These podcasts are both enlightening and entertaining, sparking conversations and expanding knowledge:
Rabbit Hole: Explores how the Internet and social media influence radicalization, particularly among young men. Surprisingly gripping and insightful.
1619: Offers a deep dive into Black American history, shedding light on important narratives. Well-produced and engaging, with episodes that educate and captivate.
The Witchhunt of JK Rowling: Explores societal, cultural, and social media shifts over the past two decades, touching on controversial topics like feminism, trans rights, and cancel culture.
Bone Valley: Merges true crime with a focus on the justice system, delving into the wrongful conviction of an individual and the intricate details surrounding the case.
Nice White Parents: Examines the dynamics of a public school in New York, highlighting the discrepancies between ideals and actions among white liberals.
Cover Story – Seed Monday: Unfolds the tale of two billionaires in White Fish and a potential scandal, shedding light on the impact of wealth on local communities.
Cover Story – A Power Trip: Raises questions about psychedelic therapy for trauma and PTSD, showcasing the complexities of various industries and the need for critical thinking.
The Telepathy Tapes: Explores the idea of non-verbal kids being telepathic, offering a unique perspective that intrigues and challenges conventional beliefs.
The Retrievals: Shines a light on women’s experiences of pain and dismissal, particularly in the context of childbirth, delivering powerful narratives that evoke empathy and outrage.
Sold A Story: Explores the impact of educational changes on children’s learning experiences, highlighting the consequences of ideological shifts and policy decisions.
True Crime (Riveting Narratives)
I enjoy true crime narratives that are more intriguing than terrifying, focusing on white-collar crimes, cults, and historical mysteries:
To Live and Die in LA: Chronicles the mysterious disappearance of a woman in LA, with the podcast’s revelations leading to significant breakthroughs in the case.
Root of Evil: Unpacks the story of the Black Dahlia murderer through the lens of his relatives, offering a disturbing yet enthralling narrative.
Your Own Backyard: Investigates a cold case involving a missing person, showcasing the power of investigative journalism in seeking justice.
Looking For The Todt Family: Delves into a chilling family-related case that captivates with its bizarre circumstances and unsettling revelations.
Chameleon: Hollywood Con Queen: Explores the world of scams and deception in Hollywood, offering a captivating look at the darker side of glamour.
The Teacher’s Pet: Unravels a cold case in Australia involving a missing wife, delivering a must-listen narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Betrayal/Double Lives/Scams/Cults, Etc.
Explore tales of betrayal, double lives, scams, and cults that will keep you hooked:
The Shrink Next Door: Dives into the world of narcissism and manipulation, set against the backdrop of Hamptons wealth culture.
Sweet Bobby: Unveils a surprising twist in a catfish story, offering unexpected revelations that challenge perceptions.
Twin Flames: Explores the dark side of self-help cults, revealing disturbing practices in the pursuit of true love.
Scamanda: Uncovers the story of a blogger who exploits cancer for financial gain, offering a compelling narrative that challenges ethical boundaries.
Betrayal: Chronicles stories of deception and hidden lives, instilling a sense of caution and empathy for those affected by betrayal.
Escaping NXIVM: Delves into the world of self-help cults, offering insights into the dynamics of manipulation and control.
OC Swingers: Explores the world of unconventional relationships, shedding light on hidden truths and unexpected revelations.
Queen of Con: Unravels a tale of deception and intrigue, offering a compelling narrative that challenges perceptions of trust and deceit.
Deep Dives Into Infamous News Stories
Bingeable Chore Enjoyable Gripping Podcasts series Updated