Podcasts That Listeners Recommend to Everybody

Hosted by Madeleine Baran, In the Dark is an award-winning investigative journalism podcast that first aired in 2016. It began its journey by examining the baffling abduction of Jacob Wetterling in rural Minnesota and shed light on the inherent accountability issues faced by law enforcement when solving such cases. The second season took a closer look at Curtis Flowers, a man tried six times for the same crime, debunking many myths surrounding the justice system. In 2020, the podcast shifted its focus to a special report on the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the Mississippi Delta. With numerous accolades, including two Peabody Awards and a George Polk Award, this podcast continues to make waves, particularly with its 2023 four-part series titled “The Runaway Princesses,” which explores the harrowing stories of women in Dubai’s royal family attempting to escape. Listen here.

Ever found yourself haunted by a pivotal moment you wished had played out differently? Heavyweight, hosted by Jonathan Goldstein, is precisely that podcast. It blends humorous personal anecdotes with deep emotional exploration as Goldstein takes listeners on journeys to address unfinished conversations and unresolved issues. Think of it as a therapist's couch combined with a time machine. From road trips to revealing interviews, Goldstein's expertise in weaving narratives makes each episode compelling. Check it out.

Swindled takes a deep dive into the world of white-collar crime, with each episode narrating tales of con artists, corruption, and corporate maleficence. With the brilliance of narrative storytelling combined with immersive soundscapes, the podcast makes listeners scrutinize the intricate heists and scams that have shaped our modern society—always in the name of greed. You can join the growing community of crime enthusiasts by becoming a ValuedListener™ at ValuedListener.com. Discover more.

Your Own Backyard is a riveting documentary series that investigates the 1996 disappearance of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart. The podcast unfolds layers of this captivating true crime narrative, compelling listeners to piece together facts and delve into assumptions surrounding this unresolved case. Each episode offers insight into the intricacies of ongoing investigations and the impact on those left behind. Listen now.

Ear Hustle presents an authentic view into prison life, narrated by those who have lived it. Co-hosted by visual artist Nigel Poor and former inmate Earlonne Woods, the podcast shares stories that are sometimes humorous and often sobering. The project operates from San Quentin State Prison's media lab, bringing a unique perspective about incarceration and the challenges faced post-release. This honesty in storytelling makes it an essential listen for anyone interested in the intersection of crime, society, and redemption. Explore it here.

If Books Could Kill offers a comical yet critical look at trending bestsellers that have shaped public opinion—or in some cases, misled it. The podcast unpacks the cultural phenomena of airport novels and manages to blend humor with heartfelt analysis, illuminating why certain books resonate while others fade into obscurity. Tune in for the discussions.

Dubbed “a podcast about the internet,” Reply All is much more than that. Hosted by Alex Goldman and Emmanuel Dzotsi, this show explores modern life through the lens of technology, spotlighting how the internet affects our daily experiences. Each episode unravels surprising stories, presenting an original reflection on human behavior in our digital age. It’s both entertaining and profoundly relevant for our times. Listen to more.

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford provides fascinating stories that serve as life lessons. Weaving narratives of human errors and marvelous mishaps, Harford’s gift for storytelling captivates while educating listeners about what can go wrong—and why. By presenting true accounts of disaster and faux pas that have marked history, this podcast instills wisdom while keeping audiences engaged. New episodes are released every other Friday. Join the journey.

Criminal stands as one of the pioneering true crime podcasts, focusing on a diverse range of stories about crime, justice, and morality. Hosted by Phoebe Judge, this show has been recognized with a Best Podcast of 2023 accolade from the New York Times, highlighting its innovative approach. Each episode unveils personal accounts of crime that take listeners into the lives of those who have been wronged or caught in the system. Discover it here.

With a distinctive format, This American Life presents a narrative-driven approach to journalism that feels more like listening to a series of engaging short stories. Each week focuses on a new theme, uniting sensational tales with deep emotional insight. Hosted by Ira Glass and produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago, it celebrates the uniqueness of the American experience and delves deep into personal stories that resonate with everyone's life. Notably, it's the world's most popular weekly podcast and was the first winner of the Pulitzer Prize for radio programming. Listen now.