There are thousands of podcasts available, with more people becoming endlessly fascinated with the world of audio podcasts.
Whether you’re interested in creating a podcast or if you need a new series to sink your teeth into, you’re probably on the lookout for some of the best podcasts out there.
Of course, hundreds of podcasts are created every year, so it’s hard to say which ones are the best. It also comes down to personal preference and your favorite genre of podcast to determine which ones are at the top of the charts.
Best Podcasts of 2024
Looking for the best podcasts in 2024? Look no further! Whether you’re into true crime, comedy, or self-improvement, there’s something for everyone in the ever-growing podcasting world. From popular shows like “Serial” and “The Joe Rogan Experience” to emerging favorites, these podcasts will keep you entertained and informed. Don’t miss out on the best podcasts 2024 has to offer!
| Category | Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best True-Crime Podcasts | Serial | Here | Here |
| Best Comedy Podcasts | Why Won’t You Date Me? | Here | Here |
| Best Society And Culture Podcasts | Feeling Asian | Here | Here |
| Best Audio Drama Podcasts 2024 | Dem Times | Here | Here |
| Best Story Podcasts | Welcome To Night Vale | Here | Here |
| Best Investigative Podcasts | Code Name: Siren | Here | Here |
| Best Daily News Podcast | The Daily | Here | Here |
| Best Culture Podcasts | Pop Culture Happy Hour | Here | Here |
| Best Educational Podcasts | 99% Invisible | Here | Here |
| Weekly Podcasts | The Daily (The New York Times) | Here | Here |
| Best Self-Improvement and Mental Health Podcasts | Mental Health Focus | Here | Here |
| Best Technology Podcasts | This Week in Tech- TWiT | Here | Here |
| Best Business and Finance Podcasts | We Study Billionaires | Here | Here |
| Best Entrepreneur Podcasts | The Diary Of A CEO | Here | Here |
| Best Health Podcasts | TEDTalks Health | Here | Here |
| Best Sports Podcasts | ESPN Daily | Here | Here |
| Best Entertainment and Pop Culture Podcasts | Pop Culture Happy Hour | Here | Here |
| Best Music Podcasts | Let It Roll | Here | Here |
| Best Science Podcasts | The Infinite Monkey Cage | Here | Here |
| Best Travel and Adventure Podcasts | Jump | Here | Here |
| Best Religion and Spirituality Podcasts | Super Soul | Here | Here |
| Best Parenting and Family Podcasts | We Are Family | Here | Here |
| Best Food and Drink Podcasts | Gastropod | Here | Here |
| Best History Podcasts | History This Week | Here | Here |
| Our Listeners Favorites For 2024 | Dreamtown | Here | Here |
| Best Podcasts Of All Time | Serial | Here | Here |
Here is our guide to the best podcasts in 2024!
Best True-Crime Podcasts 2024
Serial
Serial first aired in 2014 and arguably paved the way for audio storytelling to become more mainstream. This podcast is hosted by Sarah Koenig and is produced by a New York Times Company, Serial Productions.
Each season unfolds the truth of a true-crime story, with each episode focusing on various parts of the story.
As the true-crime story spans over the course of an entire season, Serial is ideal for those who want to sink their teeth into some fantastic storytelling.
Sarah Koenig has been consistently praised for her in-depth research and investigation to look for the answers of such crimes.
My Favorite Murder
My Favorite Murder has been a favorite amongst true-crime fans since its premiere in early 2016, hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark.
This podcast became a catalyst for the fantasists of true-crime podcasts thanks to its retellings of serial killers and dark crimes.
However, it’s not all darkness, as this podcast blurs the genres of comedy and true-crime with candid conversations about pets, therapy, and more.
Several spinoffs have been made as a result of the hosts’ success.
Missing And Murdered
Missing And Murdered is hosted by journalist Connie Walker, who has spent more than a decade investigating the stories of missing and murdered indigenous women.
The podcast first aired in 2016, with each season telling the story of a single indigenous woman who has gone missing or been murdered.
As an indigenous woman, Connie Walker uses her podcast platform to not only tell the complex stories of such crimes and pay homage to the victims, but also to highlight the issues that fellow indigenous women face.
Introducing Dirty John
Introducing Dirty John is a true-crime podcast hosted by LA Times journalist Christopher Goffard, following the life and story of John Meehan.
What started as a discovery of a murder soon became a complex and intricate story of deceit, which ultimately became a nail-biter of a podcast.
Best Comedy Podcasts 2024
Why Won’t You Date Me?
Hosted by comedian Nicole Byer, Why Won’t You Date Me? is a hilarious podcast following the thrills of her love life – from the raunchy and jaw-dropping to the heartfelt and meaningful.
Each episode brings in a guest to chat about anything and everything, from therapy and grief, to existing as a Black woman in a society that rejects her.
Off Menu
Off Menu is a food fanatic’s dream. Hosted by comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster, this podcast invites guests to chat through their dream menu.
Listeners are bound to have a painful stomach after listening to these episodes – both from belly laughs and those pesky hunger pains.
How Did This Get Made?
How Did This Get Made? by Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzouka has been a long-running and popular podcast since 2010.
This podcast offers weekly episodes wherein the trio watches a notoriously bad movie, before ripping it apart and trying to make sense of whatever they’ve just seen.
Best Society And Culture Podcasts 2024
Feeling Asian
Feeling Asian, as the name suggests, is “a podcast where two Asians talk about their feelings”. Hosted by Brian Park and Youngmi Mayer, this is an interesting podcast to listen to their experiences as Asian-Americans in the modern world.
While funny, this is an education podcast that opens up conversations about race, mental health, and more.
Getting Curious
Hosted by Queer Eye’s Johnathan Van Ness, Getting Curious is a podcast about virtually any topic.
Each episode introducers a random guest depending on the topic, allowing insights into topics such as racism, the Green New Deal, queer relationships, and even owning a cat.
Stuff You Should Know
If you want a podcast that’ll teach you about LSD, satanism, true-crime, Rosa Parks, the Stonewall Uprising, and chaos theory, then you need to listen to Stuff You Should Know.
Hosted by Josh Clark and Charles W. Bryant, the weekly podcast offers episodes on a wide variety of topics, doused in a healthy amount of comedic value.
Dark House
Dark House is hosted by Alyssa Fiorentino and Hadley Mendelsohn, following four infamously haunted homes.
Each episode features a guest, including authors and paranormal investigators, to look into why such houses are believed to be haunted. It’s not one for the faint of heart, that’s for sure!
Best Audio Drama Podcasts 2024
Dem Times
Dem Times is a drama following Samuel Adjei, a troublemaker who has been sent to a Ghanaian boarding school by his parents. Samuel then has to navigate his life as an outsider forced to grow up very quickly.
This funny coming of age story is created by Rhys Reed-Johnson and Jacob Roberts-Mensah.
The Sandman
The Sandman is an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novel of the same name, following the story of The Sandman, who has been imprisoned on Earth for decades.
The cast alone is enough to listen to this podcast, featuring the likes of James McAvoy, Miriam Margolyes, Michael Sheen, Taron Egerton, Riz Ahmed, and Andy Serkis.
Welcome To Night Vale
A critically acclaimed radio comedy-drama, Welcome To Night Vale is a popular podcast about a fictional town called Night Vale. This podcast is reminiscent of old-school radio dramas, and features intricate stories and updates from the townspeople.
Our Listeners Favorites For 2024
Dreamtown:
This podcast, hosted by David Weinberg, tells the strange story of what happened when a private prison company took over a small town in California. The series has been praised for its investigative reporting and engaging storytelling.
Normal Gossip:
This tantalizing series explores the dark side of Hollywood and the gossip that surrounds it. The show has been praised for its in-depth interviews and insider knowledge.
The Conviction of Max B:
This hard-hitting investigative podcast follows the story of Max B, a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 20 years in prison before being exonerated. The series has been praised for its attention to detail and powerful storytelling.
Mallwalkin’:
This quirky podcast takes listeners on a journey through the world of mall culture, exploring everything from food courts to fashion trends. The show has been praised for its unique perspective and humor.
The Retrievals:
This podcast follows the story of a team of archaeologists who travel the world in search of lost artifacts and treasures. The series has been praised for its historical accuracy and exciting storytelling.
These new podcasts, along with many others, are changing the podcast landscape and providing listeners with engaging and thought-provoking content. Whether you’re a longtime podcast fan or new to the medium, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of podcasts and discover something new.
Best Investigative Podcasts
Investigative podcasts have become increasingly popular in the true crime genre, offering listeners a deeper dive into the cases they cover. These podcasts often feature extensive research, interviews with key players, and a focus on uncovering new information. Here are a few of the top investigative podcasts of 2024:
Code Name: Siren:
This podcast follows former UK detective Nina Holson as she investigates cold cases and unsolved mysteries. With a focus on lesser-known cases, Code Name: Siren offers a unique perspective on the true crime genre.
Buried:
This podcast delves into the world of organized crime in the UK, uncovering shocking revelations about the extent of its influence. With a focus on investigative journalism, Buried offers a gripping look at the criminal underworld.
Best Daily News Podcast
Keeping up with the daily news can be a daunting task, but with the rise of daily news podcasts, it has become much easier. The best daily news podcasts of 2024 so far are:
The Daily:
Hosted by Michael Barbaro, The Daily from The New York Times provides an in-depth look at the day’s top news stories. With interviews from journalists and experts, The Daily offers a comprehensive view of the news.
Up First:
Produced by NPR, Up First is a quick and easy way to get caught up on the day’s news. Each episode is around 10 minutes long and covers the top stories of the day.
Today, Explained:
Hosted by Sean Rameswaram, Today, Explained from Vox provides a deep dive into one major news story each day. With interviews, analysis, and context, Today, Explained helps listeners understand the news.
Best Culture Podcasts
In addition to daily news podcasts, there are also many great culture podcasts available. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics, from pop culture to American culture. The best culture podcasts of 2024 so far are:
Pop Culture Happy Hour:
Hosted by Linda Holmes, Pop Culture Happy Hour from NPR is a roundtable discussion of the latest in pop culture. With a rotating panel of guests, Pop Culture Happy Hour covers everything from movies and TV to music and books.
Culture Gabfest:
From Slate, Culture Gabfest is a weekly discussion of the latest in arts and culture. Hosted by Dana Stevens, Stephen Metcalf, and Julia Turner, Culture Gabfest covers everything from the latest movies and TV shows to the state of American culture.
New York Magazine’s 1619 Project:
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning series from The New York Times, New York Magazine’s 1619 Project is a podcast that explores the history and legacy of slavery in America. Hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, the podcast features interviews with historians, writers, and activists.
These are just a few of the best news and culture podcasts of 2024 so far. With so many great podcasts available, there’s never been a better time to start listening.
Best Educational Podcasts
Podcasts are a great way to learn something new while on the go or during your free time. In 2024, there are numerous educational podcasts available that cover a wide range of topics, from science and history to personal development and finance. Here are some of the best educational podcasts to check out:
99% Invisible:
This podcast explores the unnoticed aspects of design, architecture, and the built environment. Host Roman Mars delves into the stories behind everyday objects and structures, revealing the thought and care that goes into their creation.
Unexplainable:
Vox’s podcast Unexplainable flips the script by exploring the mysteries and unexplained phenomena of the world. From the science of sleep to the psychology of conspiracy theories, this podcast is sure to pique your curiosity.
Revisionist History:
Hosted by author Malcolm Gladwell, Revisionist History takes a second look at events, ideas, and people from the past, challenging our understanding of history and the world around us.
Radiolab:
Radiolab is a long-running podcast that explores science, philosophy, and the human experience. Hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich use storytelling and sound design to bring complex ideas to life.
The History of Rome:
If you’re a history buff, The History of Rome is a must-listen. Host Mike Duncan takes listeners on a journey through the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, exploring the politics, culture, and warfare of one of the world’s greatest civilizations.
These are just a few of the many educational podcasts available in 2024. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or just want to be entertained while you commute or work out, there’s a podcast out there for you.
Podcast Interviews and Special Guests
One of the most popular formats for podcasts is the interview show, where hosts sit down with notable guests to discuss their lives and careers. In 2024, there have been several standout interview podcasts that have featured some of the biggest names in entertainment, politics, and more.
One such podcast is “Inside the Actors Studio with James Lipton,” which has been a staple of the intervi