Whether you're new to the wonderful world of podcasts or searching for a few fresh recommendations, we've got you covered. With a similar format to talk radio, podcast themes can range from news to cooking, celebrity interviews to meaningful history, self-help to cultural analysis, and everything in between. Podcasts vary widely in length, too. Some take just five or 10 minutes for those with short attention spans, while others go on for hours so you can really settle in for the long haul. Just like a great audiobook, album or radio station, podcasts are a great way to keep your mind occupied while doing chores, making dinner, exercising or commuting.
Our favorite podcasts of 2021 include comedy podcasts that might make you fall off the treadmill from laughing too hard, storytelling podcasts that can give you a peek into a whole new world, true crime podcasts that let listeners play Sherlock, and cooking shows that basically require a snack to listen. Whatever your preferred podcast genre, you're guaranteed to find a new audio favorite on this list.
1
Fat Mascara
Slap on a face mask and settle in for some me-time with this podcast that covers all things beauty. Hosts and beauty editors Jessica Matlin and Jennifer Goldstein dish on all things beauty, including their own adventures, advice and industry dirt.
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2
Criminal
If you only listen to one true-crime podcast, make it this one. Criminal is one of the best, most well-researched out there. Plus it features the dulcet tones of Phoebe Judge's voice, one of the smoothest and most soothing in audio (even when she's sharing horrific stories).
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3
The Sporkful
A podcast for people who love to eat and talk about the wonderful world of food, this James Beard Award-winning pod features interviews with food celebs, discussions on important issues like whether a hot dog's a sandwich and much more.
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4
Welcome to Your Fantasy
If you think the Chippendales is just a bunch of buff dudes in a bow tie and not much else, think again. Historian Natalia Petrzela takes us into the seedy story behind the steamy franchise in a podcast that you won't be able to stop streaming.
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5
You Must Remember This
Hosted by Karina Longworth, a former film critic for LA Weekly, YMRT dives into the forgotten — and often scandalous — history of Old Hollywood. Extensively researched and deeply fascinating, Longworth untangles the off-screen drama of everything from Disney's controversial film Song of the South to Howard Hughes' infamous love affairs.
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6
Griefcast With Cariad Lloyd
Losing a loved one can be sad, scary and isolating. This down-to-earth, unexpectedly uplifting podcast can help you feel less alone as host Cariad Lloyd interviews comedians and other funny people about the unique weirdness of time spent grieving.
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7
Song Exploder
You may have come across the Netflix show by the same name, but did you know that Song Exploder started out as a podcast? Music fans who always wondered about the origins of their favorite songs will want to browse this podcast's catalog.
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8
WTF With Marc Maron
Even podcast newbies have probably heard of Marc Maron's longstanding interview show, in which he holds in-depth conversations with celebrities, comedians and even former presidents. It's thoughtful, insightful and yes, often funny.
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9
Nice White Parents
This five-part series reported and hosted by Chana Jaffe-Walt will take you inside one public school to expose what's wrong with the system and how it got that way. Clear your schedule, because you'll be tempted to marathon the whole series in one sitting.
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RELATED: 15 Best Parenting Podcasts for Busy Moms and Dads
10
Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
If you enjoy getting a peek behind the scenes, join comedian Mike Birbiglia and guests as they try out new, untested material on each other. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but it's always a fun ride.
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11
Becoming Wise
Gain new insight on life and being human in the time it takes to percolate a cup of coffee with this podcast from On Being's Krista Tippett. Episodes feature chats with thought leaders such as the late John Lewis and Brené Brown.
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12
The Lazy Genius
Whether you're having a hard time keeping it together or need a little kick in the pants, this podcast will help. Get advice on how to deal with little things like organizing your life or big stuff like navigating political differences or religion
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13
Sports Wars
Professional sports can be like soap operas with scores. Some serious drama surrounds the entire industry. This podcast unpacks famous rivalries and behind-the-scenes drama you may have missed in a well-researched, gripping format even those who don't generally follow them can get into.
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14
Every Little Thing
Have you ever wondered who invented pants? Why we let a descendant of vicious predators sleep in our beds? This wide-ranging podcast has the answers to everything you never realized you didn't know. Get your next conversation starter here so you can be the most interesting person at your next cocktail party.
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15
WE Well-Being Podcast
Canada's first lady, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, is opening up about her mental health struggles. In this honest podcast, she explores the stigma and taboos that surround the topic with celebrities, advocates and experts.
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16
This American Life
Longtime listeners may already know this Pulitzer Award-winning storytelling podcast as the radio show of the same name. Its huge backlog of episodes alone is great fodder for marathon listening.
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18
Call Your Girlfriend
Hosts and long-distance besties Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow chat about everything from current events to pop culture, books and social justice in this funny and insightful podcast that makes great background listening for chores or travel. It feels like eavesdropping on a convo between pals, because that's exactly what it is.
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19
The Trend Reporter
Emmy Award-winning TV personality and journalist Mara Schiavocampo gets into all the latest trends in health, beauty, style and more in this fun and informative podcast. Mara is great at getting straight to the point and asking experts about the stuff we're all wondering.
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20
Dolly Parton's America
Join host Jad Abumrad on a personal journey to learn why America loves Dolly and how deep her influence on society really goes. Visit her childhood home and her theme park, learn the background behind her songs and discover a different side of the iconic Southern belle. If you're not a Dolly stan already, you will be long before the last episode.
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21
Dope Labs
Best friends and scientists Titi Shodiya and Zakiya Whatley prove that just about everything that's blowing up on your social media feeds intersects with science in this fascinating pod. Even if you're not a science buff, there's lots to love here.
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22
Spooked
This creepy podcast invites you to gather 'round the digital campfire as people share their true spooky stories. It's just the right amount of scary, but you might still want to tune in while there's still daylight.
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23
How Did This Get Made?
If you love movies that are so bad, they're good — or just movies in general — grab the popcorn and tune in to this hysterical podcast. Each episode, hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas join special guests to tear apart a film that should never have made it. You don't have to watch the movies ahead of time, but it helps.
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24
Why Won't You Date Me?
We've all probably asked ourselves this same question at some point in our romantic lives. But few talk about it as hilariously as comedian Nicole Byer. Listen along as she recounts the #struggle that is modern dating. Byer's sometimes spicy stories aren't great for younger ears, so use headphones or wait until it's adults only.
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25
Keep It
Entertainment is culture and society is politics and everything is all intertwined, these days. Hosts Ira Madison III, Louis Virtel and Aida Osman try and untangle about the tangled webs of our world n this podcast that will keep you up-to-date in an informative and entertaining way.
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26
The Daily
If you only listen to one news podcast, this one's a good bet. Host Michael Barbaro breaks down the biggest or most interesting news story of the day (hence the name) in a format that will keep you informed. My dad used to start his day with NPR. Now, he's a Daily convert. So there you go.
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27
The Alarmist
The sinking of the Titanic. The Flint water crisis. That McDonald's coffee lawsuit. This podcast investigates some of the greatest mishaps, failures and catastrophes of our time; how they happened, what went wrong and whether they could have been prevented. You'll have so much fun, you won't even realize you're learning something.
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28
Decoder Ring
Those of you who used to collect Snapple caps for the random facts written inside, add Decoder Ring to your queue. Each episode explores a topic you may never have thought too much about. Think Murphy's Law, Bart Simpson, animatronic creatures and blue food.
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29
Off the Gram
Join Woman's Day editor-in-chief Meaghan Murphy and her three cohosts Jamie, Heidi and Christine, for an inspirational podcast that will help you live your best life, channel your inner girlboss and navigate the ever-changing landscapes of wellness and social media.
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30
Sawbones
Hypochondriacs or squeamish folk may want to sit this one out. Hosts Justin and his wife Dr. Sydnee McElroy spend each episode discussing all things health and wellness throughout the ages. It's conversational, it's quirky and it's perfect for anyone who's developed a newfound interest in medicine over the past year and change.
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31
You're Wrong About
In this educational and entertaining podcast, hosts Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall revisit the throwback media sensations you thought you knew in a fun, deeply researched pod. They cover topics like the OJ Simpson trial, the Challenger disaster and Princess Diana in a totally new way.
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32
The Murder Squad
True crime lovers and amateur sleuths, grab your detective caps and magnifying glasses. This innovative podcast lets you ride shotgun as retired investigator Paul Holes and investigative journalist Billy Jensen dig into cold cases in real time. Listeners are invited to send in theories and their own research, creating a uniquely participatory experience.
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33
1619
This five-part New York Times series by Hannah Nicole-Jones dives into the economic, social, health and political impact of being Black in America. It examines the way slavery changed the course of history, and it's a must-listen for literally everyone.
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34
How to Fail
Think everyone has it all together but you? Think again. Journalist Elizabeth Day chats with seemingly successful people about the times they fell down and how they got back up again. Their refreshingly honest, straightforward conversations will inspire you to try again, too.
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35
Ear Hustle
If there's an Orange is the New Black-shaped hole in your heart, try this podcast that covers what it's like inside the gates of San Quentin prison and what happens to former incarcerated people once they're released. Topics include how they handle romance, cell block cuisine, how incarcerated people entertain themselves and each other and what it's like transitioning back into society.
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36
The Moth
True stories, told live without notes, make up this compelling storytelling podcast. Some of the guests are polished professionals but many are just average Joes and Janes with a microphone and a tale to tell. Some episodes are funny, others are real tear-jerkers and all are a great listen.
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37
Judge John Hodgman
Sometimes, disputes between friends or partners need an impartial moderator, and that’s where Judge John Hodgman comes in. Guests bring their petty arguments, longstanding beefs and stalemated disputes to the celebrity and comedian who weighs in on what they should do.
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38
99% Invisible
For design nerds, architecture buffs, art lovers and anyone who's ever looked at an aspect of their world and said, "How does that work?" this podcast has the answer. Roman Mars' well-produced listen will teach you something new about the places you live.
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39
Radiolab
If you like your downtime with a side of education and sometimes a few laughs, Radiolab has what you're looking for. This deeply fascinating podcast investigates issues, events and elements of society that will make you go, “Huh, I’ve never thought about that before!”
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40
Radio Cherry Bombe
Grab a snack before you tune in to this delicious, food-focused podcast. By the creators of the popular food magazine, Radio Cherry Bombe interviews female-identifying movers and shakers in the industry, including chefs, bakers, cookbook writers and others who influence the delicious world of food.
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41
The Mortified Podcast
We’ve all got that one embarrassing slip-up that happened in eighth grade but still keeps us up at night. Guests on this podcast read their childhood journals that cover the awkward, the mortifying, and the funny moments that make up our lives. Share the shame and realize that even your worst moment probably wasn't that bad.
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42
Where Should We Begin?
Real couples share their relationship struggles with modern love expert Esther Perel in this podcast that’s a lot cheaper than marriage therapy and may give you insight into your own relationship. She has lots to offer for anyone who deals with other humans — or in other words, all of us.
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43
Death, Sex & Money
The name says it all. This approachable, down-to-earth podcast tackles subjects you may not feel comfortable bringing up IRL. With this podcast, listeners can gain perspective on these and other tricky topics without having to make eye contact with anyone in the process.
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44
Who? Weekly
If you’ve ever stumbled upon a discussion on social media and had no idea what's going on, let hosts Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger fill you in. They spill the tea on who’s who, what they’re doing and why anyone should care. Even if you don't usually love celebrity gossip, this podcast's a whole lot of fun.
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45
Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend
Anyone who ever watched the late-night host knows his expert interview skills, lightning-fast comebacks and playful style. In this fun conversational podcast, he brings all of that to your ears instead of your television.
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46
The Truth
For fans of audiobooks and fiction in general, this longstanding podcast features a different short story every episode, and we've never heard a bad one yet. They range from funny to sad to a little twisted, and clock in at under 30 minutes each.
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47
My Brother, My Brother & Me
If you even dip your toes into the podcast universe, you're likely to hit a McElroy brother property. They're podcast titans with a ton of titles, but the original is worth a listen. The three brothers answer questions in what's technically an advice show but mostly a rollicking good time.
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48
Aack Cast! by Jamie Loftus
Remember Cathy, that seminal cartoon strip about a perpetually stressed-out woman? That's the brainchild of Cathy Guisewite, a comic that ran for 34 years and spanned a ton of offshoot products and wormed its way into our popular imagination. But trust us, you don't know Cathy. Tune in to get the goods.
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49
Code Switch
Race, social justice and the complex issues facing marginalized communities are weighty topics, but the Code Switch team addresses them in ways that are digestible and approachable even for audiences who are new to the conversation. It's an important one, so give it a listen.
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50
Feel Better, Live More
Lots of health and wellness advice brings up more questions than answers. Not Dr. Chatterjee's. The GP has almost 20 years of experience, so his conversations with other professionals and straightforward advice simplifies the most complicated subjects into something you can actually use.
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Lizz Schumer
Senior editor
Lizz Schumer is the senior editor for Good Housekeeping, and also contributes to Woman's Day, and Prevention, covering pets, culture, lifestyle, books, and entertainment.
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