The Top 10 Podcasts Right Now
The Top 10 Podcasts
Want to listen to a good podcast? You can’t go wrong with any of these.
Radiolab
hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich
Podcast Summary: Focusing on topics of a scientific and philosophical nature, each episode weaves stories and science into sound and music-rich documentaries. Some of my favorite episodes include Alpha Gal, Darkode, The Girl Who Doesn’t Exist, and 23 Weeks 6 Days.
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This American Life
hosted by Ira Glass
Podcast Summary: Each week covers a new story and the topics are usually ones that most people can relate to. The storytelling and production is incredible. There are many fantastic episodes, but the two part series on education (here and here) is still one I think about from time to time.
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Criminal
hosted by Phoebe Judge
Podcast Summary: In the words of the producers, Criminal covers “stories of people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle.” Some of my favorite episodes are Melinda and Judy, Money Tree, Mother’s Little Helper, and Break the Internet.
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Hardcore History
hosted by Dan Carlin
Podcast Summary: Hardcore History is a (very) long form podcast that tells famous historical stories in a captivating way. Carlin’s enthusiasm for history shines through in each episode and he typically attacks topics in a series format. For example, his incredible series on Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire was six episodes and more than 9 hours in total. It’s worth the time investment.
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Serial
hosted by Sarah Koenig
Podcast Summary: In my opinion, Season One of Serial is the best podcast season of all-time. Listen to it.
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S-Town
hosted by Brian Reed
Podcast Summary: S-Town begins as a true crime podcast, but evolves into something much more. The production quality is as good as it gets and the journalism is top notch too.
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99% Invisible
hosted by Roman Mars
Podcast Summary: A show about design and how it impacts the way we live. Episodes are well-executed and contain great storytelling while still being short and to-the-point (usually less than 15 minutes). Some of my favorite episodes include Heyoon, Guerrilla Public Service, The Gruen Effect, and Walk This Way.
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The Ezra Klein Show
hosted by Ezra Klein
Podcast Summary: This is a show for people who like to think deeply about the world. Ezra Klein not only prepares incredibly well for each episode, but also has a knack for asking great follow up questions that push his guests to provide additional depth and share real life examples. Some of my favorites are the interviews with Tyler Cowen and Yuval Noah Harari.
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Stuff You Should Know
hosted by Josh Clark and Charles W. (Chuck) Bryant
Podcast Summary: the two hosts, Josh Clark and Charles W. (Chuck) Bryant, are what make the show work. They are great off-the-cuff and present topics in a well-researched and balanced manner without being boring or stuffy. Some of my favorite episodes include How Street Gangs Work, How Mosquitos Work, and Does the Five-Second Rule Work?
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WorkLife
hosted by Adam Grant
Podcast Summary: Adam Grant, the author and organizational psychologist, visits high-performing teams and fascinating work environments to figure out the keys to better work. Some of my favorite episodes include How to Love Criticism, The Daily Show’s Secret to Creativity, The Problem with All-Stars, and Too Close for Comfort.
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