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The 50 Best Podcasts of 2021

The shows that kept listeners refreshing their apps this year

Updated at 5:05 p.m. ET on January 3, 2022

We take podcast ranking seriously. Our process starts with a search. We seek shows anywhere we can find them—sometimes hearing about them directly from producers, other times from a friend of a friend’s mother’s uncle, or sometimes through our own secret methods of rooting out gems. Then we dig in. (Of course, with more than a million podcasts in existence, our extensive listening still makes only a tiny dent.) To track our impressions, we make a spreadsheet with legends, drop-down menus, color codes, formulas, and notes on the thousands of podcasts that we’ve discovered over the past decade. From there, each and every slot is labored over and debated.

This is our seventh list commemorating the year’s best podcasts, and deciding what makes the cut has only gotten harder each time. Ours is, as far as we know, the longest-running of the robust roundups, and we’ve been reviewing the medium longer than virtually any other critic in the space. The requisites for inclusion on our list have evolved over time, and now we only consider new shows or shows that have a new focus. We’ve decided to eliminate anything that sounds like it’s always sounded, too. True-crime shows and in-depth looks at government snafus remain available in droves, but we sought series that transcended their genre conventions. As always, we’ve also recused ourselves from selecting The Atlantic ’s podcasts.

This year, makers played with structure in fresh ways, flirting with form and cadence. As the pandemic wore on and limited field reporting, archival tape became central to narratives. Memoirs also shone, allowing homebound producers to shout into the void. In other series, our houses themselves—and the attendant challenges around gentrification and homelessness— were the story. Some shows were hornier than ever before; others sharply connected sex to gendered power dynamics. Others drew parallels between the pandemic and the AIDS crisis or the aftermath of 9/11. Producers zeroed in on terrorism—both domestic and abroad—searching for patterns and reaching for hindsight.

The 50 shows on this list outdid their competitors in both ambition and success. They pushed the form, helped us metabolize the world around us (or escape from it), and embodied the spirit of 2021. (And a special shoutout to Dan Taberski, the first host to ever earn two of our top-five spots.)

50. Toxic: The Britney Spears Story

Knowing that Toxic: The Britney Spears Story has a happy ending isn’t a spoiler. Instead, awareness of Spears’s recent triumph gives a hopeful sheen to the work by the two women who popularized the #FreeBritney movement. Comedians Tess Barker and Babs Gray’s first podcast, Britney’s Gram , analyzed the pop star’s Instagram feed. But when Spears stopped posting, they started researching and showing up to her hearings. Tips explaining her silence came in and checked out: She’d been forced into a mental-health facility. The women eventually gained a massive following. Fueled by their Britney fandom and by Barker’s research chops, Toxic takes a look at Spears’s first and second marriages, her infamous 2007 public persona, and the absurdity of the media’s reaction to her shaved head. But Toxic isn’t just about Spears. It’s also a call to arms for people with disabilities; a story about power, sexism, and isolation; and a reflection on who has the right to make bad decisions.

Gateway Episode: “ Toxic ”

49. Dish City

The new season of Dish City is a comprehensive study of the ballooning pandemic food-delivery marketplace. Once made up almost exclusively of pizza and General Tso’s chicken ordered over a landline, the landscape is now technologically sophisticated and morally complex. The show covers both the pleasure of eating and the exploitation of gig workers by big tech companies. Early episodes trace the origins of American Chinese food and Big Pizza, featuring anecdotes about portable pizza warmers and the jump in the popularity of Chinese restaurants after President Richard Nixon visited the country in the 1970s. Later, the hosts, Ruth Tam and Patrick Fort, pull listeners into the 21st century by documenting the rise of DoorDash—and the toll its business model exacts on many restaurateurs and delivery workers. Dish City pores over the logistics of food delivery, debates the meaning of takeout , sends its hosts out to work as drivers, and asks why the billionaire founder of DoorDash started the business; Tam and Fort are desperate to find a real solution to a broken system.

Gateway Episode: “ Why Is Delivery a Thing? ”

48. Strangeland

Strangeland is a true-crime show that involves some familiar threads: evidence gathering, suspect lineup, investigation critique. But hosts Sharon Choi and Ben Adair avoid the predictable, turning the show into a thoughtful meditation on race, culture, and immigration. In 2003, in Los Angeles’s Koreatown, a woman named Chi Hyon Song, her 2-year-old son, and her nanny, Eun Sik Min, were murdered. Though someone was convicted of the triple homicide, the show casts doubts on that verdict. Choi, who is Korean American, translates and provides cultural context about how Koreans tend to view obligations to family, to neighbors, and to strangers. Strangeland is a brilliant example of how true crime can contain surprising depth.

Gateway Episode: “ The Miracle Mile Massacre ”

47. The Flamethrowers

Host Justin Ling opens the portal to right-wing radio in The Flamethrowers . The tape he plays is heinous—racist, sexist, xenophobic, anti-Semitic—and he argues that such rhetoric can incite actual violence, pointing to incidents such as the Oklahoma City bombing and the Capitol insurrection. Alex Jones–type talking heads are usually seen as far-right cranks, but Ling sharply reframes them as manufacturers of rage. He addresses their coverage of events such as Hurricane Katrina (where he perhaps doesn’t blame mainstream media enough for their own reporting failures), the “birther” movement, and Trump’s wall and election. In some particularly telling segments, he splices Trump’s speeches with clips from Michael Savage’s and other host’s shows, showing how they use conspicuously similar language. The final episode takes on right-wing-radio coverage of COVID-19—both the expected anti-vax sentiment and the saddening story of how those sentiments contributed to the death of Phil Valentine, one of four prominent conservative radio hosts to die from the disease.

Gateway Episode: “ The Father of Hate Radio ”

46. The History of Sketch Comedy

Keegan-Michael Key’s podcast is a one-person show that flexes all of the actor’s entertainment muscles and offers a comprehensive lesson on the history of comedy, starting with ancient Greek scatological humor. He recites Monty Python’s “ Argument Clinic ,” taking on the role of every character, narrating the scene, and cracking up at the punch line. He exuberantly breaks down “ Black Jeopardy ” from SNL and the Rick James bits from Chappelle’s Show . In other episodes he tackles medieval humor, vaudeville, his meet-cute with Jordan Peele , and farcical films, such as Kentucky Fried Movie , with the same megawatt energy. Key’s knowledge of comedy is sophisticated, but his love of the form is pure enough to be almost childlike.

Gateway Episode: “ I’m Gonna Get Medieval on Ya ”

45. Gene and Roger

Brian Raftery grew up admiring the film critics Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. Gene and Roger is his love letter to them and to the big screen. The two critics wrote for competing newspapers in Chicago and liked nothing more than to show the other one up. The podcast’s archival recordings illustrate their rivalry in action. Tape shows Siskel trying to persuade Meryl Streep to give him details on her next project, for example. Conflict bled into on-camera arguments for the TV show they co-hosted, too, such as when Ebert defended Apocalypse Now after Siskel dismissed it. Yet, as the two men grew professionally, they eventually began to see each other as partners; Ebert even took the Chicago Tribune to task on Letterman after the publication stripped Siskel of his critic’s title. Despite all the bickering, the money, and the fame, the magic of movies kept the pair together. That same sense of wonder motivates this heartful ode to Hollywood and two of its biggest champions.

Gateway Episode: “ I Must Destroy Him ”

44. Princess of South Beach

This cheeky homage to telenovelas has a simple enough premise: Gloria Calderón and María del Carmen are twins separated at birth. Gloria was raised by one of the richest families in South Beach, and the local gossip outlets follow her every move. Everyone wants to be her, even though she’s a snob and a brat. María, meanwhile, grew up in a convent and is generous and kind and completely unaware of this famous family. The drama kicks off when María happens to witness Gloria’s death in a boating accident—and everyone mistakes María for Gloria. Gloria’s ghost becomes an omniscient Gossip Girl –esque narrator from beyond the grave, responding to María, who can’t hear her, as we learn that their parents aren’t who they seem to be. Princess of South Beach is a classic soap opera, only breaking from traditional form when it winks at the listener about how ridiculous each new twist is.

Gateway Episode: “ The Accident ”

43. Going for Broke With Ray Suarez

Google Ray Suarez and his extensive broadcast résumé will pop up: an Al Jazeera America host, a PBS NewsHour anchor, and the voice of NPR’s Talk of the Nation . And yet, when Al Jazeera shut down in 2016, Suarez, 59 at the time, couldn’t find work. He applied for positions and was beat out by people who were less experienced and younger than him. In this excellent new show, made in partnership with The Nation and the Economic Hardship Reporting Project, he zeroes in on surprising stories of financial struggle. Some are from people rather like him who never thought they’d face poverty, such as a source who had studied to be a professor but was forced to take a job at a grocery store during the pandemic. Others share surprising accounts of the devastating side effects of financial instability. Suarez speaks to one person who experienced psychosis and trauma brought on by lack of sleep due to the conditions of being unhoused. But Suarez doesn’t just highlight hardships; he focuses on concrete solutions too. The show’s unexpected buoyancy allows listeners to engage instead of turning away from the people who are so often pushed to the margins.

Gateway Episode: “ Lori Yearwood: Sleepless on the Streets ”

42. Storytime With Seth Rogen

Filled with the type of misadventures that one might talk about over drinks, Storytime With Seth Rogen is hell-bent on having a good time. In the brilliant first episode, “ Glorious Basterds ,” Quinta Brunson describes bumping into Paul Rudd in a movie theater while on a date. But the night takes a turn when her date doesn’t know who the actor is, and she realizes that she doesn’t want to settle down with him or settle for a life that doesn’t fit her. After hearing this, Rogan calls Rudd to confirm details. (Rudd has no recollection of their conversation.) Later in the series, Paul Scheer shares how he discovered hell and his lactose intolerance in a Disney World hotel, and the scene devolves into a free-for-all of bodily fluids. As Rogen interviews each guest, he meanders toward whatever gives him joy, firing up movie clips, cheesy riffs, and piano interludes. The podcast is as fun to listen to as it seems to have been to make.

Gateway Episode: “ Hey Me! ”

41. Anything for Selena

The Tejano-music star Selena Quintanilla transcended cultures. She was at peace with her Spanglish, even in Mexico, and embraced Mexican, Mexican American, Tejano, and R&B influences in her work. Her magic was rooted not just in her supreme talent, but also in her inclusive appeal to people who struggle with their identity. Maria Garcia, the host of Anything for Selena and a fan of the singer, knows this personally. Garcia was born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, but grew up in El Paso, Texas, and struggled to find places where she belonged—she wasn’t Mexican to some and not American enough for others. In one genius episode, Garcia, who was herself seen as curvy, connects Selena’s body in an era dominated by thinness to Jennifer Lopez’s superstar turn in the biopic Selena , contending that both singers paved the way for changing attitudes toward body image. Anything for Selena succeeds as biography, but it excels as a blend of memoir and profile, threading in Garcia’s story too.

Gateway Episode: “ Selena and Me ”

40. Algorithm

In 2010, the reporter Thomas Hargrove created an algorithm to identify serial killers by pinpointing clusters of similar murders. After he detected an above-average number of strangulations near Gary, Indiana, local police ignored him. But four years later, a woman named Afrikka Hardy was murdered in the area—and the ensuing investigation seemed to confirm the pattern that Hargrove had noticed. Along with the show’s host and producer, Ben Kuebrich, Hargrove analyzes hours of taped interviews with the killer, who pled guilty to the murders of seven women , and scrutinizes the algorithm’s limitations, hoping that smart people will hear about it and refine it. The show casts a new light on how authorities can use homicide statisistics, and it feels especially relevant given that the U.S. murder rate rose 30 percent from 2019 to 2020—the steepest single-year increase in more than a century.

Gateway Episode: “ Afrikka Didn’t Need to Die ”

39. The Sporkful’s Mission: Impastable

This feel-good series kicks off with a brazen declaration from host Dan Pashman: Spaghetti sucks. It doesn’t score well on his three-point pasta matrix: fork-ability (how easy it is to fork), sauce-ability (how much sauce it can hold), and tooth-sink-ability (how satisfying it is to chew). After tasting all the pasta shapes he can find, he decides that he’s not happy enough with any of them—so he sets out to invent something new. The experts he speaks with tell him that he shouldn’t proceed: Creating an original shape will cost too much, and no pasta brand wants to try selling an unfamiliar product. Only one person in the country makes pasta molds. These obstacles only add to the fun, because Pashman goes for it anyway. The exercise lasts for three years, puts pressure on his marriage and bank account, and runs into supply-chain issues. But for the listener, the show is full of surprise and delight.

Gateway Episode: “ Mission: Impastable 1: Spaghetti Sucks ”

“Suave” is the nickname of David Luis Gonzalez, a man who was sentenced to life in prison in 1988, at age 17. Gonzalez was released when he was nearly 50, after a Supreme Court case opened the door for people sentenced to life without parole as minors to have their convictions overturned; his story is a case study in how a person can be churned through the criminal-justice system and then spit back out with little support. The show is about the deep injustice of mass incarceration in America, but that unwieldy topic comes to life in the rapport between Gonzalez and the journalist Maria Hinojosa, who has emotionally supported him for much of his time behind bars. Along with host Maggie Freleng, Hinojosa asks the right questions of case workers and parole boards. She’s never afraid to challenge Gonzalez: not about his role in the murder that first sent him to prison, nor about allegations that he assaulted his wife after being set free. (Gonzalez has denied his wife’s accusations, and the case was ultimately thrown out.) Suave touches every point in Gonzalez’s life, cradle to present day—and each of the many institutions and people that let him down.

Gateway Episode: “ The Sentence ”

37. Forever Is a Long Time

Host Ian Coss is having an existential crisis: He wants to know what makes a marriage last, given that every living member of his family who has ever been married has also been divorced at least once. In an effort to find answers, he sets out to speak with his relatives; they walk him through his anxieties by examining their own marriages, and the result is highly personal and remarkably wise. Coss also consults his wife, who draws out the fear he really wants to confront: that there is no way to know ahead of time whether a relationship will survive. Those conversations lead him to profound conclusions about trusting himself—and his partner—in order to pursue a life that they truly want.

Gateway Episode: “ Part 1: My Parents, Ellen and Tom ”

36. Smoke Screen: The Sellout

Smoke Screen: The Sellout grapples with some of the typical quagmires of gentrification—rising rents, complaints about affordable housing from affluent neighbors, questions about who belongs—but it also describes how one community tried to fight it. In Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, Councilperson José Huizar has been accused of taking bribes from developers. (Huizar has denied these claims repeatedly; he pled not guilty to the suit brought against him, and his lawyers are arguing for many of the charges to be dismissed on the grounds that payouts to Huizar were gifts, not bribes.) Meanwhile, his constituents say that they are being displaced and sickened by a factory that polluted the area with lead dust. (Huizar didn’t respond to Smoke Screen ’s allegations about his inadequate action to protect his constituents from the plant, which did eventually close.) Smoke Screen makes clear that while Huizar is insignificant in the grand scheme of Los Angeles politics, his actions have a real effect on who gets to live in Boyle Heights. The show posits that local-level reform holds the greatest hope for change—and that thesis is beautifully wrought by host Mariah Castañeda, who grew up running on a track by the very factory she now reports on.

Gateway Episode: “ Episode 1: The Gem of Boyle Heights ”

35. Making Gay History: Coming of Age During the AIDS Crisis

This special season of Making Gay History opens in 1981, during the early days of the AIDS epidemic. It is both a retrospective on a dark national moment and a haunted memoir of host Eric Marcus’s own life in New York: He recalls reading the New York Times headline “ Rare Cancer Seen in 41 Homosexuals ,” one of the first reports of HIV to reach a general audience, and looking at obituaries daily to tally the dead. The show draws striking parallels between AIDS and COVID-19—including early dismissal from the White House and confusion about how human contact might result in infection. Listeners should use Making Gay History as a guidebook for navigating a pandemic with our principles intact.

Gateway Episode: “ Chapter 1: Buried Headline ”

34. The Apology Line

In 1980, the New York City artist Allan Bridge created the audio art project Apology , a voicemail box in which people could anonymously atone for their wrongdoing. Thousands of people called in. One woman said she was sorry for being white and rich. Someone else confessed his guilt for making his lover’s life so difficult. Bridge carried out the project for the rest of his life, exhibiting the submissions at showcases and for friends. But his work took a turn when a man called in to apologize for killing someone. Allan’s wife, Marissa Bridge, resurfaces these tapes. She reveals what this project did to Allan and their relationship, consuming him and putting them both in danger. The Apology Line is at once true crime, romance, and a story about what happens when life becomes art.

Gateway Episode: “ Who’s Sorry Now? ”

33. Not Past It

Not Past It revisits moments from the past 1,000-odd years and looks at how they shaped society. But they’re not the events that you’d learn about in a typical history course: Host Simone Polanen zeroes in on points of upheaval in creativity, identity, and politics, revealing the surprising significance of quirky subjects—the birth of the emoji, for instance, or Houdini’s greatest escape. The trajectory of each story is unexpected too; an episode about the Spanish–American War , for instance, starts with a reflection on American imperialism and Big Sugar and ends with Polanen musing on the sex positivity of the brown and green animated M&Ms , every bit of the journey in perfect order. Some installments are lighthearted, such as one on the economics of Beanie Babies, and some are dark, such as one on oil pollution in Nigeria. Some are both, like an episode about the Nazi occupation of Norway that ends with the formation of ABBA. Polanen understands that old headlines contain myths, and she investigates carefully; the result is a show that makes an excellent argument for letting go of our assumptions about the past.

Gateway Episode: “ Nazi Battle to Pop Musical? ”

32. Spectacle: An Unscripted History of Reality TV

Comedian Mariah Smith puts on her tweed jacket and leads a rollicking reality-television seminar on Spectacle . She considers how the first season of The Real World sparked early discussions about white fragility, how Queer Eye allowed gay men to boss straight men around, and how The Bachelorette became a platform for slut-shaming by contestants and fans alike. Some great podcasts pull you into topics that you didn’t know existed; Spectacle takes a popular subject and deepens our understanding of it.

Gateway Episode: “ How Survivor Revealed America’s Tribalism ”

31. Exit Scam

Several days before Gerald Cotten died unexpectedly at age 30 due to complications from Crohn’s disease, he filed his will—a move that some believe was calculated but others are certain was a coincidence. Exit Scam is an account of the real-life saga that unfolded after the news of his death broke in 2019. As the founder and CEO of Quadriga, which was then Canada’s largest bitcoin exchange, Cotten oversaw a lot of money. But after his death, no one had the password to recover the company’s roughly 200 million Canadian dollars in deposits. The show’s host, Aaron Lammer, knows the lingo of the crypto world, explaining why you can’t recover a bitcoin password and what a “dead man’s switch” is. As the narrative escalates into conspiracy theories, Lammer guides listeners through each twist, working to answer one central question: Did Cotten fake his own death?

Gateway Episode: “ The Lost Password ”

30. Nice Try!: Interior

With Avery Trufelman leading the way, everyday items become objects of fascination. Early episodes of Nice Try! delve into the history of the vacuum cleaner (an episode that includes a critique of Dysons) and the Crock-pot (one is even on display at the Smithsonian). Trufelman then examines weights, describing the now-antiquated fear that pumping iron might lead to muscles so intense that they would immobilize you. A later installment, on the mattress, features both a lesson on Thomas Edison’s sleeping habits and shopping tips from Wirecutter writer Joanne Chen. Trufelman (who has also worked on The Cut Podcast and 99% Invisible ) litters each episode with enough factoids to make every listen feel like a trip to Ripley’s Believe It or Not—even though she’s talking about subjects as mundane as a doorbell.

Gateway Episode: “ The Doorbell ”

29. Fiasco: Benghazi

In the newest season of Fiasco , host Leon Neyfakh stitches together firsthand testimony of the September 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. diplomatic and intelligence facilities in Benghazi that left four Americans dead, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. The episode “ Barefoot ” is a raw and persuasive standout, offering a bullet-by-bullet account of the day. The details are horrifying—to escape, survivors had to crawl on the floor to avoid inhaling thick black smoke. The show also zooms out, considering events that led to the fall of Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi, and the Benghazi attack’s repercussions for Hillary Clinton’s failed 2016 presidential campaign. Listeners likely won’t want to hear about her emails for the umpteenth time, but Fiasco promises fresh insight. The podcast goes into the weeds of the Beltway propaganda machine to expose how a scandal is manufactured.

Gateway Episode: “ The Dictator ”

28. 365 Stories I Want To Tell You Before We Both Die

Caveh Zahedi publishes one episode of this podcast every day, each averaging a mere two to three minutes. The sound is spare and confessional—besides a brief piano intro, his voice is the only thing you’ll hear—but he fills the silence with psychologically complex ideas about isolation, sex, art, and failure. Admittedly, he’s a complicated host: He concedes that he may have sabotaged his own career by being rude to producers (a major opportunity dried up after a disagreement with Ken Burns), but he doesn’t seem aware that he’s objectifying women when he talks about their looks on the show. Still, his arrogance and vulnerability make for captivating audio. It’s rare to occupy someone else’s head this fully, to go through their entire flawed life, one cringe-filled-but-compelling minute at a time.

Gateway Episode: “ Lucia Joyce ”

27. Blind Landing

One Olympic gymnast falling when competing on the vault is normal. But during the 2000 Sydney women’s all-arounds, eight fell in just the first half of the competition. The vault wasn’t set to the correct height, which put the athletes at risk of serious injury and cost some of them lifelong medaling dreams. When officials found out about the error, they offered redos, but the damage for many was already done. (When interviewed for the podcast, most former officials stood by the way the issue had been handled at the time; the Olympics later implemented new safety measures.) The show’s host, Ari Saperstein, is one of the first people to talk to the competitors and their coaches about what should have happened after this error. The follow-up episodes about the Tokyo games, unfortunately, may not assuage the listener’s concerns. Blind Landing takes its time to show how a few centimeters can change everything.

Gateway Episode: “ The Vault: Part One ”

26. Southlake

Southlake, a Texas city outside of Dallas, was known as a melting pot with an excellent school district and neighborly people. Then a video surfaced of a group of local white kids shouting the N-word at a party. Those in the video were barely disciplined, but after it came out, parents of Black students began to push for institutional change. The hosts, NBC journalists Mike Hixenbaugh and Antonia Hylton, tracked the fallout as the community became the epicenter of the critical-race-theory debate. Recordings of heated school-board meetings and secret tapes of students’ meetings with the principal show how consistent failures stoked racial discord. When seats on both the city council and the local school board opened up, the bitter campaigns to fill them grabbed the attention of conservative talking heads and, eventually, Tucker Carlson. Southlake exposes how racial divides crack open into fissures that seem impossible to mend.

Gateway Episode: “ Home of the Dragons ”

25. The Just Enough Family

When the fashion designer Liz Lange was a little girl, she wrote stories about a family who had just enough to get by. She called them the “just-enough family.” Of course, she herself grew up with much more than just enough—her uncle is Saul Steinberg, the businessman and self-made billionaire who eventually lost it all. For this podcast, the New Yorker writer Ariel Levy gets many of the family members involved to explore the dynamics of their relationships and the causes of their downfall. They seem to agree about certain key facts: Liz was closer to her father than her sister was; her mother was a shopaholic; her father was living a double life. But they diverge in their opinions about the root causes of their eventual decline. The show is both a lurid glimpse at the rise and fall of one of America’s once-richest families and a healthy example of something like group therapy.

Gateway Episode: “ Perestroika ”

Each episode of Wild feels like a late-night hang with the writer Erick Galindo and his guest. As they discuss what the pandemic has done to their lives, the show moves easily among genres—memoir, comedy, romance—and between scripted and unscripted segments, keeping listeners on their toes. Galindo interviews the podcast’s producer, Megan Tan, about her online-dating life, discussing the weirdness of COVID testing before a make-out session; children and teenagers hash out what it means to attend school without being there in person; and the comedian Chris Garcia reflects on the difficult memories that lockdown—and his daughter’s birth—dug up. Wild is a beautiful audio scrapbook inspired by isolation.

Gateway Episode: “ How Do I Love Someone? Starring Megan Tan ”

23. The Messenger

A story about artistry, identity, and freedom, The Messenger chronicles the rise of an unlikely challenger to Uganda’s autocratic president, Yoweri Museveni: the pop star turned activist Bobi Wine. Wine starts out as a playboy, but during the course of the show he confronts his wealth and fame as a singer from a country that was colonized by the British Empire and is now run by a strongman. By the end, he emerges as a politically enlightened leader. He advocates for transparency and democracy, is allegedly imprisoned and tortured, but still does not back down. The Sudanese American rapper Bas tells Wine’s story with care, chipping in a theme song that, along with Wine’s music and some excellent sound design, reminds the audience that creative expression can lead to revolution. The Messenger is about superhuman courage against oppressors, new and old, and how those who seek justice anywhere advocate for it everywhere.

Gateway Episode: “ Freedom ”

22. 70 Over 70

Host Max Linsky’s 70 Over 70 winks at two genres: the 30-under-30 list and the talk show. Each episode features a discussion with someone older than the age of 70. The questions—about running out of time, about what love looks like when you’re in a wheelchair—yield charming and often-bittersweet insights. The guests are impressive: Madeleine Albright, André De Shields, and Dan Rather, to name a few. Some pop with vitality. Diana Nyad hasn’t stopped working; in her words, she’s in her prime. Others, such as the former lawmaker Barney Frank, admit that they’ve lost their vigor. (What he wants his epitaph to read is telling: “The gentleman’s time has expired.”) The wistful prologue with Linsky’s father—who used to feel despondent about aging but is now glowing about life—exemplifies the soul of 70 Over 70 , a profound and delightfully original piece of art.

Gateway Episode: “ The Balcony and the Dance Floor ”

21. White Hot Hate

When Ryan Thorpe, a reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press , saw posters in his neighborhood inviting people to join the Base—a white-supremacist group agitating for the violent collapse of government—he could have written a quick story about it and called it a day. Instead, he infiltrated the group. Host Michelle Shephard and Thorpe discuss his experience, along with the surreal bureaucracy of extremist organizations. The show takes some unexpected turns; we don’t want to spoil anything, but we can tell you that it clarifies why talking to your children—who seem to be a target demographic for neo-Nazi recruiters—about hate is so important.

Gateway Episode: “ Save Your Race, Join the Base ”

Odessa is the Texas city that inspired Friday Night Lights , the site of the most productive oil field in the world, and one of the first areas in the country to reopen schools for in-person instruction—a choice that felt necessary to administrators because of the district’s low level of educational attainment. This podcast follows the first six months after the city’s high school went back for in-person classes. Inspirational teachers help students connect, and the hope of hearing the award-winning Odessa High School marching band play holds everyone together. But the school nurses are anxious, trying to contain the eventual COVID-19 outbreak and bearing the brunt of parents’ frustrations. As one teacher says, she hopes that students are able to see past this moment—good advice not just for the Odessa community, but for the whole world.

Gateway Episode: “ Part 1: The School Year Begins ”

19. Hot White Heist

Hot White Heist , a fictional comedy starring Bowen Yang, kicks off with a preposterously funny James Bond–esque song and continues at warp speed until the final scene. In the show, a short-on-cash commune hires a gang of bored New Yorkers to steal the frozen sperm of some of America’s famous Ronald Reagan–type men to sell to a group of mysterious Russians. The creator Adam Goldman’s script is filled with sharp dialogue and enough double entendres to keep you giggling minutes after the jokes land. Like the show itself, the all-LGBTQ cast doesn’t have a bit of filler: Cynthia Nixon, Abbi Jacobson, and Margaret Cho star, among others. Yang, in particular, is sublime as the tarot-card reader turned unlikely criminal genius Judy Fink. The characters are all ultra-competent, and their skill keeps the action zipping along. You’ll be just as engaged with the gags as you are with the plot twists.

Gateway Episode: “ Let Me Tell You About the Bunker ”

18. Meltdown

Meltdown , which details the 2008 financial crisis, unfurls like a Greek tragedy. It centers two people whose lives were derailed when the housing bubble burst: Lisa Epstein, a nurse who battled home foreclosures, and Neil Barofsky, a former inspector general for the Treasury Department who oversaw the release of government bailout money. Their bravery in opposition to corruption and moneyed interests illuminates this otherwise-dark tale of institutions crushing everyday people. The history here—and the way Meltdown connects it to the populism and polarization of today—is so essential that it can’t be ignored.

Gateway Episode: “ The Big Heist ”

17. La Brega

La Brega immerses you in the modern history of Puerto Rico, charting the territory’s struggles with incompetent leaders, false promises, self-inflicted wounds, and mercurial United States policy. The hosts, who change frequently, never paper over the diverse viewpoints of the Puerto Ricans who populate the stories. One fascinating episode describes a wave of migration to Levittown, Puerto Rico, a planned community that has since deteriorated. Another untangles the catastrophic damage and bureaucratic hellscape that followed Hurricane Maria. The last installment of the series comes down hard on the issue of colonialism. These are serious topics, but La Brega ’s love for Puerto Rico is infectious.

Gateway Episode: “ Basketball Warriors ”

16. This Land

The second season of This Land dissects a court case involving white parents who want to adopt a Navajo and Cherokee boy. At first it seems straightforward: The plaintiffs are challenging the constitutionality of the ​​Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a 1978 law that regulates the removal and home placements of children of tribal ancestry and defends Native American sovereignty. But the story becomes more complicated when the writer and host Rebecca Nagle discovers that a prominent corporate-law firm with ties to the oil industry is representing the family seeking custody. One of the major threats to tribal rights is that, often, few are looking when they are taken away. This Land works against that by following the money.

Gateway Episode: “ Solomon’s Sword ”

15. The Improvement Association

In The Improvement Association , Zoe Chace of This American Life looks at a case of suspected voter fraud in Bladen County, North Carolina, during a 2018 congressional election—the only such case in the United States that both parties agree happened, according to Chace. After evidence emerged that a group of Republicans had tampered with ballots, a new election was called, but at the State Board of Election hearing, Chace noticed that residents continued to implicate a different group: a Democratic Black-political-advocacy group, the Improvement Association PAC. Chace doubted that this group would aid in electing a Republican candidate, but to find out why residents would assert such a thing, she headed to Bladen County to research every accusation of the PAC buying votes, taking advantage of people in nursing homes, throwing out votes, breaking absentee-ballot laws, and more. As Chace takes every complaint to its furthest logical conclusion, listeners can observe how such accusations even develop—a process that is sadly edifying as “voter fraud” becomes a refrain in every presidential election.

Gateway Episode: “ The Big Shadoo ”

In this epic of a podcast, one of reggaeton’s founders, Ivy Queen (a.k.a. La Diva), traces the genre’s complex, vibrant history. The show begins in Panama with descendants of canal workers translating Jamaican dancehall lyrics into Spanish and goes on to spotlight reggaeton’s foundational locations, moments, and people. Loud spares no detail in chronicling how the music exploded, faded, then came back even bigger . Its influence today is undeniable: Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “ Despacito ” alone has been streamed more than 7.6 billion times, and countless artists, such as Madonna and Justin Bieber, have put iconic dembow rhythms to work in modern pop. Ivy Queen is a compassionate and energetic professor, teaching listeners what they might not—but absolutely should—know about one of the most popular musical genres in the world.

Gateway Episode: “ The Zone ”

13. Radiotopia Presents

Radiotopia Presents is a rebrand of the now-defunct podcast Showcase From Radiotopia , which gave listeners who wanted lesser-known, independently produced shows a reliable place to find them. The first series from the rebrand, Blind Guy Travels , tries to help sighted people understand what being blind is like. Matthew Shifrin takes listeners into his world, explaining how he began writing Lego instructions in braille for blind children, what having perfect pitch is like, and how he learned to cross the street (it involves vibrations, canes, and teachers). S***hole Country , the show’s second installment, is hosted by Afia Kaakyire, the pseudonymous daughter of Ghanaian immigrants who returned to Ghana from New York later in adulthood. They think that she should come too—so she takes a trip to Ghana to consider it. The irony of the show’s title is apparent as she describes a country that’s anything but. For longtime fans, Radiotopia Presents also includes some interviews with the creators of previously featured indie gems.

Gateway Episode: “ Blind Guy Travels: Meet Your Guide ” and “ S***hole Country: Quote Unquote ”

12. Blindspot: Tulsa Burning

In 1921, the prosperous Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma—including a district known as “Black Wall Street”—was violently ambushed by a white mob. Blindspot: Tulsa Burning tells us that many families, Black and white, struggled to speak of the massacre after it happened; the show also attempts to fill that silence. Host KalaLea dives deep into Greenwood’s history—explaining how Native Americans who were forcibly relocated to the area ended up enslaving Black residents themselves—but then paints the flourishing culture that grew from that complicated beginning. The most emotionally difficult material is also the most vital: The trauma from racial violence, Blindspot argues, does not go to the grave with its survivors, but is handed down between generations.

Gateway Episode: “ The Past Is Present ”

11. The Ezra Klein Show

Ezra Klein is a throwback intellectual—someone who still believes in having conversations with divergent thinkers. That attitude may seem incompatible with the polarization of America in 2021, but his show was surprisingly perfect for this turbulent year. Despite the raging culture wars and Klein’s own firmly liberal positions, many of his interviews with conservatives, such as the scholar Yuval Levin, resemble polite discussions about our country’s political fate. But the show isn’t all so serious; it also features episodes on aliens, octopuses, and the creativity of children. Klein’s tastes are eclectic, and his guest list is a who’s who of every medium imaginable: Nick Offerman in comedy, Nikole Hannah-Jones and Ta-Nehisi Coates in journalism, and George Saunders in fiction, among others. If you seek wisdom and variety or you merely want to experience the best of what 2021 had to offer, binge The Ezra Klein Show .

Gateway Episode: “ How Octopuses Upend What We Know about Ourselves ”

10. Because of Anita

Thirty years ago, Anita Hill testified that the Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas had sexually harassed her. This four-part capstone recontextualizes the hearings, during which he denied the claims, and what came after. It starts in 1991 but quickly bridges the gap to today, showing how Hill’s story influenced three different women: one to speak out, one to keep quiet (until recently), and one to run for office. Then listeners are given a gift: the first public conversation between Hill and Christine Blasey Ford , the professor who accused Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh of assaulting her in high school—allegations which Kavanaugh has denied . The series concludes with a powerful interview with Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo movement, who argues that, among whistleblowers, those who who’ve been sexually assaulted are held to uniquely high standards. The archival tapes of Hill’s hearing are a time capsule of disquieting sexism, but the show offers a fresh takeaway: Calling attention to abuses of power can be an act of patriotism.

Gateway Episode: “ The Testimony ”

9. Embedded: Capital Gazette

For more than two years after the 2018 shooting in the Capital Gazette ’s newsroom, which left five people dead, Embedded reported on what happened to the survivors. The paper’s traumatized staff worried about going back to the office, and about leaving it. Some couldn’t bear to sit with their back to the door. But the staff of the Capital Gazette kept publishing the paper, even reporting on the trial of the man who killed their colleagues. This series is a study in local reporting and a tale of a scrappy, underdog newspaper about to go under—but it’s also a window into a particular kind of violence and how people carry on after.

Gateway Episode: “ Capital Gazette: ‘A Damn Paper’ ”

8. Bent by Nature

From 1982 to 1991, the late Deirdre O’Donoghue hosted the nighttime KCRW radio show Snap! , which fused live music, chat, and old-fashioned record playing. In Bent by Nature , O’Donoghue comes alive as a surrogate for anyone desperate for human connection. Her generosity of spirit, unwavering love of music, and yearning for closeness is evident in every moment of the archival tape. Her interview with Brian Wilson about the power and the pain of being alone is transcendent. She was distrustful of anyone in radio who she considered adjacent to the art, but she related to musicians on an intimate level. She knew famous musicians, such as Michael Stipe, but also highlighted under-the-radar acts. Unsurprisingly, the playlists that came out of her show are incredible. But her true appeal lies in how she never stopped being a kid in her room, under the covers, listening to music.

Gateway Episode: “ This is Snap! ”

7. Mississippi Goddam: The Ballad of Billey Joe

Billey Joe Johnson Jr. was a 17-year-old boy in Lucedale, Mississippi, when he died from a gunshot wound during a routine traffic stop. Johnson was Black; the deputy who pulled him over was white. Despite a grand jury concluding that his death was accidental and self-inflicted , Billey Joe’s family isn’t convinced. But this isn’t a whodunit: The show’s host, Al Letson, is concerned not just with understanding what happened but also with taking the time to conduct a proper investigation. He manages to find holes in everyone’s opinions, memories, and methodology, and his interviews with people involved in the case are uncomfortable but brilliant. His goal isn’t just to make a larger point about society’s failures; he continues to remind you that this is about Billey Joe—a person who always deserved careful attention. Letson, a sterling, longtime podcaster, adds another layer by conveying his own rage and pain as he confronts a young man’s death, which reminds him of his own children’s mortality.

Gateway Episode: “ The Promise ”

6. My Fugitive

During the height of the Vietnam War, Washington University in St. Louis students were accused of burning a campus Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps building to the ground. Host Nina Gilden Seavey recounts how her father, a civil-rights attorney in St. Louis at the time, represented Howard Mechanic, one of the students. Convicted of throwing a cherry bomb and sentenced to five years in federal prison (though he was ultimately pardoned), Mechanic went on the run—for 28 years. Until the day Seavey’s father died, he wondered what happened to Mechanic, and after 10 years of work, the host finally answers that question. And her research uncovers something major: evidence that the FBI knew about but didn’t investigate all leads about a possible conspiracy that may have led to Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Vintage politics, fascinating character studies, disturbing government task forces, and so much more fill out this compelling piece of historical reportage.

Gateway Episode: “ The Fire ”

5. The Line

Steeped in the netherworld of elite combat troops, The Line follows the trial of Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher, a Navy SEAL accused of murdering a detainee in Iraq during a 2017 deployment. Shockingly, Gallagher participates in the podcast, and though he denies the allegation and was ultimately acquitted of murder, his seeming antipathy toward the prisoner is jarring. The host, Dan Taberski, interviews other current and former operators too, and they are divided on whether such a crime, if it did happen, is worth taking seriously. Taberski takes advantage of his close access, putting together a riveting account not just of Gallagher’s case but also of how Navy SEALs function. In one early episode, the host learns that membership in the combat group is associated with low levels of empathy. This detail lingers uncomfortably as the narrative builds to a tense courtroom scene in which some of the SEALs rally around their comrade—even though doing so risks protecting institutional rot.

Gateway Episode: “ We Have a Problem ”

4. Believe Her

In 2017, Nikki Addimando, a 33-year-old mother of two and a former preschool teacher from Poughkeepsie, New York, killed her husband in what she believed was an act of self-defense. She was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 19 years to life in prison. As the name might suggest, Believe Her has a point of view on the case. The host and lead reporter, Justine van der Leun, makes a strong argument in Addimando’s defense, drawing from years of deep reporting, meetings with Addimando in prison, and expert opinions. Though Addimando’s case is the draw of the show, van der Leun also zooms out to expose how the justice system criminalizes survivors of domestic violence. In cases of abuse like this one, some wonder why the victim didn’t leave. By the end of the six-part series, listeners will see that a much more pressing question is at stake: Why is the onus on Addimando to escape to begin with? Van der Leun shows that a blurry line often separates victims from perpetrators, even if the justice system won’t acknowledge that reality.

Gateway Episode: “ Chris Is Dead ”

3. According to Need

When Katie Mingle learned that the rate of homelessness in Oakland, where she lives, had nearly doubled from 2015 to 2019, she wanted to know what was being done about it. Her research and field reporting culminated in this dynamic profile of unhoused life in America. She covers panhandling etiquette at McDonald’s, details how one encampment community evades authorities, and—in the gem of the series—introduces Tulicia Lee and her son, who live in their car and take on the Sisyphean effort of finding a permanent home. When Lee calls 211, the “homelessness hotline,” for assistance, Mingle shows how the government system of assigning housing “according to need” tends to favor white people—and then she unpacks how people are working to make the process more equitable. The show builds to a radical yet obvious thesis: Providing housing really is the best way to solve homelessness.

Gateway Episode: “ According to Need: Prologue ”

2. The Midnight Miracle

When Dave Chappelle, Yasiin Bey (a.k.a. Mos Def), and Talib Kweli made a podcast in the pandemic summer of 2020, they disrupted the typical audio-storytelling structure by combining the formats and sounds of a variety show, a comedy album, a mixtape, and personal recordings. The resulting work jumps around, covering their political views, talents, celebrity-guest friendships, and miscellaneous interests, but it’s never hard to follow. Take the first episode, which includes a tribute to Robin Williams and Amy Winehouse. In it, Chappelle admits that he doesn’t know how to inspire people to live who don’t want to, Bey reminisces on his friendship with Winehouse, they highlight a clip of Williams while Aretha Franklin sings “Bridge Over Troubled Water” in the background—and those are just some parts of the audio montage. Sometimes The Midnight Miracle longs for the past, but other times, it’s a bro-down with friends. The range of styles that coalesce create sonic art that’s as ambitious as it is entertaining.

Gateway Episode: “ How to Inspire (Side A) ”

In 9/12 , host Dan Taberski doesn’t focus on the violence of the World Trade Center attacks, or on saccharine memories of America before they happened. Instead, the show explores the aftermath of 9/11. The first episode of the series joins a reality-TV crew filming at sea that day as they receive news of the towers falling but can’t access radio or TV to follow the tragedy. Another details the abuse inflicted on Muslim Americans by their neighbors and by the surveillance apparatus created by the PATRIOT Act. “ People Knew ” tackles the spread and debunking of conspiracies. When the interconnected stories merge in the final installment, Taberski shares that he’s had a breakthrough about how traditional 9/11 accounts elide confrontation with America’s sins—and the narrative reaches a perfect crescendo of anti-resolution.

Gateway Episode: “ This Strange Story ”

The description of Believe Her originally stated that Nikki Addimando’s therapist didn’t step in to help her. In fact, she encouraged Addimando to begin criminal proceedings, and provided documentation used in her case. Also, though Latino USA was originally stated as a partner in making Going for Broke With Ray Suarez , Latino USA featured one episode of the podcast on its feed but was not involved with the show's making

• Entertainment

The Best History Podcasts to Listen to Right Now

T hose who don’t study the past, as the saying goes, are doomed to repeat it. That sentiment feels particularly true in this particular political moment, but it can also be applied to less obvious moments from the history of sports, culture and crime. Thankfully, wise podcast listeners looking for a soundtrack to their next long road trip or Sunday chores have plenty of worthy options for learning those historical lessons.

And those options are a far cry from a dry high school textbook read aloud: Many of today’s best history podcasts immerse listeners in the moments they examine, whether they be the French Revolution or the fledgling years of hip-hop. They cover topics ranging from past presidencies to Oprah Winfrey’s rise, entertain with tales of Hollywood scandal and invite listeners to play detective on mysteries of yore. Some spend hundreds of hours on a single subject or time period. Others simply offer nostalgic missives from faraway places and long-ago times.

But all of the series can teach today’s listeners lessons about how we have evolved (or, in some cases, devolved) as a society, whether culturally, socially or politically. For podcast fans looking for something more specific, or perhaps educational, than those on offer in TIME’s annual “50 Best Podcasts” list , here are all the best history podcasts to listen to right now.

This audio spinoff of ESPN’s famed 30 for 30 documentary series, hosted by Jody Avirgan, explores sports stories from history exclusively in the podcast format. Most episodes cover a different sports saga, with the exception of a few mini-series that dive deep into one person or topic. The best of those series, “Bikram,” explores the #MeToo scandal surrounding Bikram Choudhury , a powerful cult-like figure in the yoga community, from the perspective of a former Bikram devotee, Julia Lowrie Henderson. Henderson admirably hands the microphone to Choudhury’s victims to share their experiences, setting an example for how to tell a story about perpetrators of abuse while honoring survivors’ pain.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Plenty of history podcasts are made by curious, diligent lay-people. This one comes directly from academics, which means it’s especially accurate, thorough and reliable. But don’t mistake academic for tedious — it’s also entertaining. U.S. historians Ed Ayers, Brian Balogh, Nathan Connolly and Joanne Freeman of Virginia Humanities endeavor to look at today’s headlines through the lens of American history. They assure their listeners that these are the stories they “ want to learn,” not the ones they “ had to learn” in history class. Last year, in a particularly successful series, they covered the history of media, including one episode specifically on the history of fake news . (Spoiler alert: founding father Benjamin Franklin had a hand in creating fake news for political purposes.)

Cocaine and Rhinestones

This obsessively researched, essayistic show examines the history of country music and some of its icons. Even those who have never donned a cowboy hat will appreciate the sordid and controversial history of the genre. In the first episode, host Tyler Mahan Coe investigates why Loretta Lynn’s birth control song “The Pill” was banned from radio stations while much more violent and morally dubious fare from her male counterparts was not. In later installments, he investigates the rise and fall of Spade Cooley, who was convicted of brutally murdering his wife in 1961 only to be granted a pardon by then-California governor Ronald Reagan years later. Coe, the son of country outlaw David Allan Coe, grew up hearing versions of many of these stories. But his rigorous re-examination of facts and fables lays out a compelling case for their continued relevance, especially when it comes to sexism in the music business.

Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

If you are a fan of history podcasts, you’ve likely run across Dan Carlin’s work. One of the early pioneers in podcasting, Carlin is, above all else, a skilled orator. He doesn’t interview guests or mix in audio effects. On his own, he dramatically narrates some of the most epic moments in human history with such color that Hollywood producers looking for new material ought to take notice. Carlin focuses on leaders ( Genghis Khan , Alexander the Great, Hitler ), atrocities (war crimes, subjugation, nuclear proliferation) and wars (Punic, World and Cold, to name a few). His stories involve high-stakes and shocking twists that will keep even the least academically inclined listeners on edge, which is good news since the episodes have grown epically long: His series on the fall of Rome, “Death of the Republic,” stretches 13 hours.

History of Rome & Revolutions

Mike Duncan’s comprehensive podcasts are built for history lovers. His best-known show studied the history of Rome from Aeneas’ founding to the empire’s fall, which, for those unfamiliar with Roman history, involves murder, betrayal, civil war and a handful of completely crazed and depraved emperors. Duncan has since gone on to record a “Revolutions” series that examines, well, revolutions (French, American, Russian, etc.). It’s a smart choice of topic: Conflict makes for good drama. But what helps Duncan’s shows stand apart is the way he casually inflects his accounts with anecdotes and humor. His voice makes for easy listening, and you’ll find yourself devouring episode after episode.

It wouldn’t be a podcast list without at least a nod to the medium’s favorite genre: true crime. “Lore” host Aaron Mahnke explores real-life scary stories, fables and mysteries from the past with a conspiratorial tone that evokes the feeling of sitting around a campfire. In theory, the truth should assuage our fears, but it turns out that real stories are often scarier than fiction. Early episodes — about a town ravaged by what the townspeople believed to be a violent beast, the origins of an early asylum and a particularly creepy doll — prove especially haunting. (The podcast has since gotten a television adaptation on Amazon .)

Making Oprah

Any person with even a passing interest in Oprah should check out this throughly researched, totally captivating biography of the media mogul’s Chicago years. The show focuses on Oprah, naturally, and how she changed American attitudes towards race, gender and politics. But the series also branches out into a larger discussion of the talk show host format and the massive impact it had on societal attitudes in the 1980s and 1990s. Host Jenn White (who went on to make Making Obama , as well) interviews producers, executives and Oprah Winfrey herself to learn what makes Oprah different from any other icon in pop culture. (Spoiler alert: It has a lot to do with her work ethic and meticulousness, as demonstrated by the fascinating story behind the famous “You get a car!” moment .)

The Memory Palace

This long-running podcast consists of a series of vignettes about various objects, people and places throughout history, like the old Dreamland amusement park in Coney Island before it burned down in 1911. Host Nate DiMeo purposefully omits episode descriptions in the hopes that listeners will begin each story blind and give in to the memories that each individual subject evokes. He tells empathetic stories about his subjects and conjures dream-like settings with vivid descriptions and wistful commentary. The episodes can get somewhat esoteric. DiMeo gave one particularly good episode a title that could never fit on the iTunes charts: “ Notes on an Imagined Plaque to Be Added to the Statue of General Nathan Bedford Forrest, Upon Hearing That the Memphis City Council Has Voted to Move It and the Exhumed Remains of General Forrest and His Wife, Mary Ann Montgomery Forrest, from Their Current Location in a Park Downtown, to the Nearby Elmwood Cemetery .” And on the event of the 2016 presidential election, he simply read Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” in its entirety. But DiMeo is after a nostalgic feeling more than any one fact, and he succeeds.

The best biographical podcasts focus not on a person but on some larger theme into which that person’s life offers a window. Mogul is a perfect example of such a show. The series covers the life and death of Chris Lighty, a manager who represented Missy Elliott , 50 Cent and Busta Rhymes, and, in following his story, traces the history of hip-hop. Host Reggie Ossé, a former industry lawyer who knew Lighty, brings passion to the story of his old friend. He pulls in listeners, whom he dubs “internets,” with the glitz of private parties and astronomic success, but then explores the underbelly of that success. This is one of the most considerate meditations on mental health issues available in podcasts today. The astounding series is also a testament to the storytelling talents of Ossé (a.k.a. Combat Jack), who passed away in 2017.

More Perfect

Perhaps it’s no surprise that the creators behind the beloved and long-running podcast “Radiolab” are also behind one of the best history podcasts available. Each episode of More Perfect delves into a specific Supreme Court case and tries to get inside the justice’s heads to understand why they made the decisions that have had decades- or even centuries-long ripple effects in American society. For anyone interested in the decisions of the Supreme Court — and anyone living in America should be, considering how their rulings can fundamentally change our lives — More Perfect helps us to understand why American history has unfolded the way it has and what the may be in store for the future. Last year, More Perfect turned its focus to the 27 amendments to the constitution and put out an “album” of original music and art inspired by each of them.

Avery Trufelman has become a well-known voice in podcasting with the beloved design show 99% Invisible and its spinoff series about clothing design, Articles of Interest . Her latest podcast focuses on people who attempted to design utopias throughout history. Spoiler alert: These blissful communities rarely succeed. The first episode tells the story of Jamestown , which is radically different from the Disneyfied version depicted in Pocahontas . Trufelman, who has a soothing yet engaging voice, chronicles all the woes of this early American colony, from cannibalism to a stick of dynamite blowing up in John Smith’s lap. Over the course of several episodes, a storyline begins to emerge about humanity’s best intentions in constructing a society, and why ambitious founders always seem to fall short.

Presidential

In each episode of this Washington Post podcast, host Lillian Cunningham dives into the life and legacy of a different American president. The show often focuses on the tension between how we perceive these historical figures and who they actually were — as in one running joke in which Cunningham asks historians what it would be like to go on a blind date with various presidents. The show boasts enviable guests like Pulitzer-winning historian David McCullough and journalist Bob Woodward . Originally released as a series leading up to the 2016 election, the podcast remains evergreen. Taken together, the episodes show that what Americans wanted from and required of our most prominent elected official has fundamentally changed over the years.

Revisionist History

Famed writer Malcolm Gladwell has always made compelling cases for the counterintuitive narrative — for better or worse . His podcast reexamines “overlooked” moments in history, like why a famed basketball player made the illogical decision to favor a worse free throw form or why an artist who broke the glass ceiling only ended up reconfirming gender biases. Gladwell comes alive when tackling societal injustices that are particularly irksome to him: One of his best episodes begins as a diatribe against golf but evolves into a gripping investigation into how the wealthy evade tax law. In another series, Gladwell examines how small choices at American universities, like what food to serve in the cafeteria, can have a massive impact on what schools low-income students can attend.

It can be difficult to make history feel urgent. But Slate’s excellent podcast Slow Burn has produced two gripping seasons about the Watergate and Lewinsky scandals, respectively. For listeners who did not live through the Nixon or Clinton presidencies — or are too young to remember them — the stories provide necessary background to the current political moment. But the show also pushes listeners who do remember to re-contextualize the major news events of their past, like when, exactly, the public was pushed over the edge by Nixon’s lies or whether the press’ coverage of Monica Lewinsky was tinged with sexism . Slow Burn implicitly compares those two historical events to our current political moment and asks whether there is a lesson that we, the voters, can learn from these incidents. After completing those two seasons, fans should seek out host Leon Neyfakh’s new podcast Fiasco on the platform Luminary. That show takes a deep dive into the 2000 presidential election and recount.

Throughline

Ramtin Arablouei and Rund Abdelfatah, the hosts of NPR’s new podcast Throughline , are here to remind us that we must heed the past as we consider what it means to live in the present. The two hosts show how past events led to a current headline-making moment, like how the long history of black athletes protesting at sporting events stoked the reaction to Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the national anthem. In another episode, they study the history of militarization at the U.S.-Mexico border that preceded Trump’s declaration of a national emergency. Unlike many of the podcasts on this list, which are designed for history buffs, this is a show that news junkies need in order to fully understand the headlines and supplement their daily media intake.

Hosts Jack Hitt and Chenjerai Kumanyika promise to teach listeners the Civil War history they didn’t learn in school. Their revelations will make you question whether we need to tear apart our American history books (if you weren’t thinking about that already) and rewrite a more accurate — and bleaker — account of our own history. One powerful episode explores how Robert E. Lee and his followers spread the narrative in schools that the war was about states’ rights, not slavery, after the South lost — despite the Confederacy’s well-documented focus on protecting the institution of slavery during the war. Hitt and Kumanyika deftly connect these historical events to our perceptions of the Civil War, slavery and race today as a national debate wages over confederate monuments , reparations and our divisions as a country.

You Must Remember This

Karina Longworth’s glorious series on the secrets and scandals of 20th-century Hollywood is exalted by podcast fans for a reason. Yes, the stories contrast the glamour and romanticism of old Hollywood with the sex, violence and general depravity that so many in the industry seemed to be engaging in. But Longworth’s voice is hypnotic and her stories completely submerge the listener in a bygone era, as otherwise distant icons like Marilyn Monroe and monsters like Charles Manson suddenly feel tangible and accessible. The show recently went on “indefinite hiatus,” but there’s a massive backlog of episodes for anyone obsessed with tinseltown or scandal.

More Must-Reads from TIME

• Javier Milei’s Radical Plan to Transform Argentina
• The New Face of Doctor Who
• How Private Donors Shape Birth-Control Choices
• What Happens if Trump Is Convicted ? Your Questions, Answered
• The Deadly Digital Frontiers at the Border
• Scientists Are Finding Out Just How Toxic Your Stuff Is
• The 31 Most Anticipated Movies of Summer 2024
• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Write to Eliana Dockterman at [email protected]

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EVERY WEDNESDAY: 10AM GMT Sit back and listen up, because Sean James isn't called The Repo Man for nothing. Channel 4 even made a hit documentary about him. Sean was the most feared and notorious Repo Man within the UK spanning the last three decades. For the first time ever, hear the untold stories by the legend himself. Some are horrific, others are thought provoking and the rest will leave you laughing out loud.

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Choosing Science: Stories of Perseverance, Humanity, and Success

10 Episodes

Latest episode 29 days ago

Finding inspiration and a will to persevere might be challenging at times, especially when you have been prevented by outside forces, in a way or another, to achieve your goals. Although actions speak louder than words, stories of people that succeeded despite opposition can have the power to put wind into someones deflated sails and perhaps also fight against the impostor syndrome so many of us experience . Here I hope you will find such stories, which are mostly focused on scientific figures maybe less popular, but who greatly contributed to the development of science and in the process showed perseverance through obstacles. I will also highlight each individual's humanity, struggles and strength, and break the coldness that I feel exists between science/ scientists and the general public. Be prepared for sarcasm and a bit of fooling around sometimes, because what's life but empty without humour. Enjoy!

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Deep conversations with people who are making a difference in the world. Opportunities to hear their stories, life journeys, lessons learned along the way, and their visions for the future. Real conversations and real stories. Inspiring. Uplifting. Enlightening. No script. No limits.

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35 Best Famous People Biography Podcasts

• New Books in Biography
• Celebrity Memoir Book Club
• A Life in Biography
• GOD | An Autobiography As Told to a Philosopher
• Y2K | An Autobiography
• The Life of Prophet Muhammad - by Sheikh Azhar Nasser
• The Rock Star Biography Podcast
• The Life and Times of Frederick the Great
• Children Book Biography Podcast
• 5 Minute Biographies
• Byte Sized Biographies…
• The Sports Entrepreneurs Podcast by Marcus Luer
• Banned Biographies
• Autobiography of a Schnook
• Audiobiography
• CryptoBiography
• Grubstakers
• Journey to Becoming: A Memoir Podcast by Phette Hollins
• Furious Lives
• Buzzin' Biographies
• Their Life Story
• Brief Biographies of Famous People
• American Biography
• A Short Burst of Biography
• Tesla: The Life and Times Podcast
• Christians who made a difference
• A Biography Podcast - Life Histories of Successful People
• Hold That Tiger Podcast

Famous People Biography Podcasters

• Famous People Biography Podcasts Newsletter

Famous People Biography Podcasts

Here are 35 Best Famous People Biography Podcasts worth listening to in 2024

1. New Books in Biography

2. Founders

3. Celebrity Memoir Book Club

4. A Life in Biography

5. GOD | An Autobiography As Told to a Philosopher

6. Y2K | An Autobiography

7. The Life of Prophet Muhammad - by Sheikh Azhar Nasser

8. The Rock Star Biography Podcast

9. The Life and Times of Frederick the Great

10. Children Book Biography Podcast

11. 5 Minute Biographies

12. Byte Sized Biographies…

13. The Sports Entrepreneurs Podcast by Marcus Luer

14. Banned Biographies

15. Autobiography of a Schnook

16. Audiobiography

17. CryptoBiography

18. Grubstakers

19. Journey to Becoming: A Memoir Podcast by Phette Hollins

20. Furious Lives

21. Buzzin' Biographies

22. Their Life Story

23. Stardom

24. Brief Biographies of Famous People

25. American Biography

27. Biography

28. A Short Burst of Biography

29. Tesla: The Life and Times Podcast

30. Christians who made a difference

31. A Biography Podcast - Life Histories of Successful People

32. Savarkar

33. Hold That Tiger Podcast

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The 24 Best Podcasts for Every History Fan

Whether you're a history buff or just want a break from the present, there's a fascinating show out there for you.

They say those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat it—or maybe they're just missing out on some really great stories. These 24 history podcasts take a look at the weird, complex, and fascinating people and events that have shaped our world in ways both big and small.

More from Pop Mech:

• Getting Ink: The Entire History of Tattooing
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Dan Carlin's Hardcore History

iTunes Spotify

Dan Carlin makes most people's deep dives look shallow. Discursive, digressive, both grand and granular, Carlin has a commanding grasp of history's nuances and how events and figures big and small fit together to create the world we inhabit today.

Unlike some of the other podcasts on this list, Hardcore History doesn't really lean on music, or sound effects, or historical soundbites; most of Carlin's multi-hour-long episodes are just him, alone, telling you what happened, and what people remember, and what it might all mean. It's like sitting in on a lecture by a particularly sharp (and indefatigable) history professor.

Consider starting with episode 50, "Blueprint for Armageddon I"—the first installment of Carlin's excellent WWI arc, which is loosely arranged around Gavrilo Princip, who helped assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand. It also has the advantage of being, at three hours and seven minutes, the shortest episode available. You know, to just dip your toe in.

You Must Remember This

This podcast covers old Hollywood's scandalous, sometimes gruesome history, ranging from horrific events like the Manson family murders to the release of salacious books like Hollywood Babylon .

Hosted by Slate journalist Leon Neyfakh, each season of Slow Burn zooms in on a period of presidential crisis, from the Watergate scandal and impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon, to the Monica Lewinsky affair and Clinton's impeachment.

This is well-trod ground, but Neyfakh and his team have secured a trove of historical materials—recordings, news clippings, and some original interviews—that help make it fresh. Plus, if all you really remember about Watergate is the bullet points from high school history, the refresher is worthwhile.

As Neyfakh notes on the show page, "People who lived through Watergate had no idea what was going to happen from one day to the next, or how it was all going to end. I recognize that feeling."

These days, he's not the only one.

This critically acclaimed podcast shares the history and real-life inspiration for some of our favorite myths, legends, and horror stories. It's the perfect pod for fans of the macabre. New episodes come out every two weeks on Mondays, and Amazon Prime members can watch the first two seasons of Lore —an anthology TV series based on the pod.

This pod walks listeners through various attempts to create utopias (Wanna build a utopia of your very own? We've got you covered ) throughout history. It sounds funky, but it's tons of fun.

Throughline

Throughline studies the past to better understand our present and future. Where are we going? What's next? This look at where we've been could hint at what's to come.

Highlights include the episodes "Olympics: Behind the Five Rings,""Chaos," and "What Happened After Civilization Collapsed."

Did you know the real-life albino whale who inspired Herman Melville to write Moby-Dick was named…Mocha Dick? The four historians who host BackStory do, and they're more than happy to tell you about it. (See: "Thar She Blows: The History of Whales and America." If that's not enough cetacean content for you, thar is also "Thar She Blows Again.")

Many of the episodes are esoteric—the history of the number 13 in America, the cultural history of UFOs —but they also tackle weightier topics like incarceration , opioid addiction, and immigration . Impeccably researched and reasonably paced (usually 30 minutes to an hour long), the weekly episodes offer nuanced primers on some of the most interesting aspects of American history.

Gimlet's Civil War podcast, Uncivil , explores the lesser-known stories that have "been left out of the official history" of one of our nation's darkest eras.

The podcast tackles myths about the cause of the war, explores the origins of songs from the era and features compelling stories about former slaves and shopkeeping spies.

The History of American Slavery

This pod covers exactly what the title says. The hosts tap historians for in-depth reviews of how slavery played a part in forming some of America's modern institutions and systems.

Revisionist History

Malcolm Gladwell, the writer best known for books like The Tipping Point and Blink , hosts this podcast that focuses on elements of the past that have been misunderstood or overlooked.

Try season one, episode two—"Saigon, 1965"—which reconsiders a study run by the Rand Corporation during the Vietnam War that aimed to figure out whether U.S. bombing campaigns were destroying North Vietnamese morale. Think that question has a straightforward answer? Allow Gladwell to revise your expectations.

Host Brandon Jenkins takes listeners on a tour through the history of hip hop. The 3-season series covers the rise of hip hop legends like the late Chris Lightly, 2 Live Crew, DJ Screw and even host Reggie Ossé, who passed away shortly after the first season aired. It also features interviews with stars like Fat Joe, Maseo and Uncle Murda.

Presidential

From The Washington Post , a consideration of each U.S. president (in order) and their defining characteristics. Each episode takes presidents in their own context—but host Lillian Cunningham and her guests, many of them veteran Post journalists themselves, also draw connections to today.

You can of course listen in order, from Washington all the way up through Trump; but we recommend starting with episode (and president) #6, John Quincy Adams , whose successes as an idealistic and uncompromising congressman and as Secretary of State decidedly did not translate into a successful presidency.

Black History Year

Black History Year covers stuff you probably didn't learn in school. This is another worthwhile podcast that strives to connect listeners to thinkers and activists who have been left out of mainstream conversations.

American History Tellers

Even the self-proclaimed history buff could learn a thing or two from American History Tellers . This pod covers the people and "the stories that made America," including the way we think and even how we speak. After all, everything came from somewhere!

There are a lot of political shows on this list, but if sports history is more of your thing, check out ESPN's 30 for 30 podcast, which brings the same energy and focus for which the video documentary series of the same name is known.

Start with season three, episode four ("Six Who Sat"), a look at two of the first women who participated in official marathons like the Boston and New York races, events that female runners had traditionally been barred from. Or season one, episode two ("Yankees Suck") on how that, um, iconic phrase came to be.

In the later seasons, each episode is also accompanied by a follow-up episode with behind-the-scenes information, additional interviews, and reflections on the making of the podcast.

The Fantastic History of Food

Consider yourself a gourmand? This is the podcast for you. The Fantastic History of Food spans the globe celebrating the rich, indulgent, fun history of several different types of foods. Do-Not-Miss episodes include "The Nazi's Exploding Chocolate Bar," "A Gross History of Competitive Eating ," and "The Deadly Tidal Wave of Molasses."

Ridiculous History

If you believe truth is sometimes stranger than fiction, you'll like Ridiculous History . This pod covers historic pandemics (thematic!), rebellions, and the OG cat meme lord. There's even an episode about the Carrington Event of 1859, a solar storm that set telegraphs on fire and forever changed our relationship with the sun . Believe us, it's all here.

99% Invisible

Hosted by Roman Mars, 99% Invisible is interested in architecture and design—the mostly unseen, unconsidered elements that shape the world we live in.

For a particularly Pop Mech -ish introduction, check out episode 323 from September 2018, which delves into Sears' $1,700 mail-order houses, offered in the 1908 catalogue. On the one hard, it's a way more extreme version of IKEA furniture , but it also gives insight into the state of American housing, finances, and craftsmanship leading into the Great Depression.

This five-episode podcast from the New York Times delves into the origins of slavery in the U.S. and its effects on our country's culture, ranging from the role slavery played in developing capitalism to the evolution of music.

Revolutions

American, English, French, Haitian, Mexican, Russian, and more: If it's a revolt, rebellion, or governmental overthrow, host Mike Duncan is on it. In a similar vein to Hardcore History , Revolutions dives right in—and keeps on diving. The French Revolution alone gets upward of 50 episodes.

Duncan cuts his dispatches to a more commute-friendly 45 minutes or so, though. If you've ever wondered what it's like to live in a society going through a real crisis —or how these extremely volatile episodes rearranged societies on a global and social order—this is the pod for you.

Eleanor Hildebrandt is a writer/researcher from Seattle. She is the Factmaster for the Most Useful Podcast Ever .

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Podcast Review

The 5 Best Podcasts About Cults

I t’s hard to tell when our fascination with cults went mainstream, but we reckon the topic hit its peak in 2018. Numerous Scientology documentaries set the stage in the mid-2010s, before Wild Wild Country , a Netflix series about the Rajneeshpuram community, became a hit for the streaming service that year. It was followed by the media storm surrounding the downfall of NXIVM, with several heavily documented trials leading to several podcasts and a TV series. This is all to say that cults, just like true crime, have become quotidian subjects in our daily entertainment.

Unlike other sub-genres, podcasts about cults are not yet an over-saturated category. The overall quality is high, with most shows commanding impressive reporting and featuring guests with mind-blowing stories to tell. All the shows on this list do one thing very well: illuminating the psychology behind joining a cult without being patronizing or exploitative toward its victims. With a mix of weekly shows and bingeable series, they are the perfect gateway podcasts for the aspiring cult enthusiast. Just be careful not to get too invested.

The Sunshine Place

Synanon began in the 1960s as a recovery center for addicts but became a dangerous cult whose leader, Charles E. Dederich, used experimental rehabilitation techniques to convert his followers. The Sunshine Place tells the story of the lives that Synanon destroyed through moving interviews with those who entered “the miracle on the beach” at desperate points in their lives. (Spoiler: this is not light entertainment.) Executive produced by Robert Downey Jr., the show highlights a common theme amongst cults, namely the way so many violent groups begin as symbols of hope.

In episode one, a survivor tells his story of leaving behind a serious heroin addiction the moment he walked through the doors of Synanon, yet his achievement is overshadowed by what happens next. Although the destructive nature of the group is foreshadowed, the truth is difficult to process when everything is finally revealed. With a tightly woven narrative, The Sunshine Place is easy to listen to in one sitting. The production is excellent, though you wouldn’t expect less from the Peabody-nominated C13Originals. It’s worth noting that there has been some controversy over whether the show borrowed too heavily from an uncredited source, but the lawsuit is still undecided.

For fans of: Wondering if “Lyme disease” is celebrity code for something else

Sounds Like a Cult

The most lighthearted show on this list, Sounds Like a Cult examines the way cult-like ideology can bleed into the most innocuous places, from workplace culture to enjoying a daily cup of Starbucks coffee. Every week, Isa Medina and Amanda Montell explore a different zeitgeist-y topic to highlight how cultish behavior is not just the reserve of Jonestown. Medina is a comedian and Montell is the author of a book on the culture of cults, which makes them a fitting duo for this novel podcast. While their banter is mostly tongue-in-cheek, the show’s constant pursuit of “bad” behavior can get a bit wearisome at times. At its best, Sounds Like a Cult makes for easy listening — something to throw on while you fold laundry — and will appeal to fans of Guys We Fu***d and Binchtopia .

For fans of: Assuming everything is problematic

Escaping Nxivm

If you haven’t heard of NXIVM, you probably have and didn’t know it was spelled like that. One of the most famous cults of the last decade, NXIVM was a multi-level marketing company selling self-development courses whose leader, Keith Raniere, was convicted of human trafficking, sex offenses, and fraud. Women indoctrinated into the cult were branded with the group’s symbol, an image that has become as famous as the group’s most notable perpetrator, actor Allison Mack. Escaping NXIVM is a 2018 podcast that ran concurrently with the New York Times ’s exposé, as well as the start of the legal proceedings against the cult’s leaders. Relying heavily on the testimony of whistle-blower Sarah Edmondson, the show weaves a well-plotted and often harrowing account of life inside NXIVM, including Edmondson’s account of being branded by women she trusted and how she came to spend twelve years in Raniere’s circle.

Nearly five years old, Escaping NXIVM is still one of the best cult podcasts. The production is spare, allowing Edmondson’s monologues to take center stage. The result is a podcast that is not only engaging but will make you forget to breathe. We don’t say that about many shows.

For fans of: The MLM-to-cult-member pipeline

A Little Bit Culty

Speaking of NXIVM, the hosts of A Little Bit Culty are survivors of the notorious cult. Sarah Edmondson and Anthony Ames fell in love while in NXIVM and use their strange, traumatic experience to inspire others in similar situations. At least, that’s the pitch. However, a quick glance at the show’s reviews reveals most people seem to be merely curiouus. Either way, you can’t say this show doesn’t have credibility . A Little Bit Culty is an interview-style podcast that highlights stories of other victims, such as Tia Levings, who was featured in the recent Duggar family documentary, Shiny Happy People . It spends over an hour with each guest, delving into childhood experiences and how they finally left their cult or religious sect. If you’re interested in the details that even the documentaries skim over, this might be the podcast for you.

As actors, Edmondson and Ames have a natural delivery. They are instantly likable, an asset that is demonstrable during their interviews. It’s easy to binge three or four episodes while finishing your to-do list. A Little Bit Culty is one of the more accessible shows on this list, with fewer graphic details, but we would still recommend discretion.

For fans of: Second chances

You Must Remember Manson

Karina Longworth’s thoroughly researched and captivating exploration of the Manson murders is a must-listen for those interested in cult psychology. “You Must Remember Manson” contextualizes the brutal killings of Sharon Tate and her friends by members of Charles Manson’s cult, drawing on references to 60s politics, The Beatles, and the late Joan Didion. Longworth reconstructs a story that is often considered the unofficial end of the sixties – an event that instilled a sense of paranoia within Hollywood. In her book “The White Album,” Didion argued that the Manson murders marked the end of the summer of love. Longworth explores similar themes, examining how Manson’s cult was, in many ways, enabled by the show business culture of Los Angeles at the time. It’s hard to overlook how many of the cults on this list originated in California. If you want to understand why so many people in Hollywood are ensnared by false promises and manipulative leaders, start with “You Must Remember Manson.”

For fans of: Saying “ Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is my favorite movie”

Alice Florence Orr is a staff writer and assistant editor for Podcast Review . She is based in Edinburgh. You can connect with her on Twitter or read her work on aliceflorenceorr.com

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Looking for the best history podcast? We count down the top 39!

Don't be a Genghis Khan — share the love.

39. biography.

38. Lectures in History

37. Arab Spring: A History

36. The Ancient World

35. World War I Podcast

34. Dan Snow’s History Hit

33. Great Lives

32. The History Chicks

31. The History Hour

30. A History of the World in 100 Objects

29. Unbuttoned History

28. Rex Factor

27. The Maritime History Podcast

26. Stuff You Missed in History Class

25. History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

24. History of the Papacy Podcast

23. In Our Time: History

22. Internet History Podcast

21. Queens of England podcast

20. Saga Thing

19. Viking Age Podcast

18. The British History Podcast

17. History of Japan

16. Irish History Podcast

15. The China History Podcast

14. The Bowery Boys

13. Slate’s Whistlestop

12. Russian Rulers History Podcast

11. Buried Truths

10. Emperors of Rome

9. Talking History: The Italian Unification

8. The Fall of Rome Podcast

7. The History of England

6. Revolutions

5. The History of English Podcast

4. The History of Byzantium

3. History on Fire

2. The History of Rome

1. Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

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The Best Old Hollywood Podcasts

By Matthew Chernov

Matthew Chernov

• ‘Tulsa King’ Costume Designer Pulled Inspiration From John Gotti and ‘Guys and Dolls’ for Sylvester Stallone’s Look 12 months ago
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• How ‘Tulsa King’ Captured the Grungy Side of Oklahoma With Squalid Strip Clubs, Dingy Dive Bars and Ratty Motels 1 year ago

There’s something inherently seductive about the glitz and glamour of Old Hollywood. Perhaps it’s the backstage intrigue and the tawdry tales of showbusiness hedonism that draws us in again and again. Or maybe it’s the romanticized image of smokey rooms, silken gowns and stylish fedoras that we find so endlessly alluring. For many, however, it’s the larger-than-life figures from silver screen history that remain irresistible decades later.

Whatever the reason, films, books and television shows about Hollywood’s Golden Age continue to captivate new generations year after year. Look no further than Oscar-winners like “The Artist,” bestsellers like Shawn Levy’s “The Castle on Sunset,” acclaimed documentaries like “Tab Hunter Confidential,” and a host of recent TV series from Ryan Murphy if you have any doubt. Each of these attempt, in some way, to simultaneously celebrate the era while pulling back the curtain on the studio system.

And that’s certainly true of podcasts as well. In fact, a growing number of audio shows are setting their sights on capturing the attention of classic movie fans by creating downloadable content that explores Tinseltown’s early history in glorious detail. So if you can’t get enough of Old Hollywood, here are 10 podcasts you’ll definitely want to add to your personal playlist.

Popular on Variety

You must remember this.

Launched by critic, author and journalist Karina Longworth in 2014, “ You Must Remember This ” is much more than just an acclaimed Old Hollywood podcast. Thanks to its sterling writing, in-depth research and unmatched production quality, it’s the current gold standard of film-themed podcasts in general. Past seasons have focused on topics like the romantic life of Howard Hughes, the Hollywood blacklist of the 1940s and ‘50s, the complex career of Joan Crawford and the professional rivalry between horror stars Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff. With more than 180 episodes available for download – each of them exploring a fascinating story of Hollywood history – it’s the type of show that quickly becomes an obsession.

The Plot Thickens

Fans of Old Hollywood consider Turner Classic Movies to be the crown jewel of cable TV, so it only makes sense that the channel’s official podcast would rank high on this list. Hosted by TCM’s own Ben Mankiewicz, each episode of “The Plot Thickens” takes listeners behind the scenes of some of the most famous – and infamous – films ever made. Season one of this award-winning podcast focuses on director Peter Bogdanovich, whose personal stories about Orson Welles, John Ford, Howard Hawks and Alfred Hitchcock provide at least a dozen driveway moments. Although season two switched things up a bit by concentrating on the 1990 box-office flop “The Bonfire of the Vanities,” the upcoming third season will return to the subject of Old Hollywood by examining the private life and public career of Lucille Ball.

Ticklish Business

Created by Kristen Lopez, and hosted by film producer and programmer Drea Clark and movie columnist Samantha Ellis, “Ticklish Business” is a lively podcast for devotees of Old Hollywood. In addition to providing insightful reviews of classics like “Swing Time,” “In a Lonely Place” and “Mildred Pierce,” the show also features a remarkable roster of guests dropping by for a chat. From delightful TCM host Alicia Malone to hardboiled novelist Max Allan Collins to bona fide stars like Dyan Cannon and Carroll Baker, you never know who’ll turn up next. A recent standout episode included a thoughtful interview with Patricia Ward Kelly, the widow of the legendary Gene Kelly, who discussed her late husband’s life and work in moving detail.

Love is a Crime

Think of Old Hollywood and chances are good that at least a few juicy celebrity scandals will spring to mind. The two just naturally seem to go hand in hand for some reason. And that’s where the new limited series “Love is a Crime” comes in. Produced in association with “Vanity Fair” and podcast studio Cadence 13, the show tells the story of Oscar-nominated producer Walter Wanger, who served time in prison for shooting Jennings Lang, the agent representing Wanger’s wife, actress Joan Bennett. Hosted by Karina Longworth and film producer Vanessa Hope (granddaughter of Wanger and Bennett), “Love is a Crime” is perhaps most notable for the impressive cast that brings each episode to life. Jon Hamm voices Wanger, Zooey Deschanel plays Bennett and Griffin Dunne portrays Lang. How’s that for star power?

Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast

Although most people know Gilbert Gottfried as an outrageous stand-up comedian, serious fans recognize him as an astute expert on Hollywood history. Borrowing its title from the 1957 B-movie masterpiece “The Amazing Colossal Man,” Gottfried’s long-running podcast features hilarious discussions about classic films, as well as an array of colorful interviews with veteran actors like Bruce Dern and Malcolm McDowell, comedians like Patton Oswalt and Artie Lange and film historians like Leonard Maltin and Ben Mankiewicz. Best of all, if you tune in frequently, you’re guaranteed to hear Gottfried perform some of his incredible Old Hollywood impressions. Try as you might, you won’t find another podcast where the host mimics Groucho Marx and “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” star Kevin McCarthy with such astonishing ease.

Murder in Hollywoodland

Fans of “LA Confidential” will find much to love in this 6-part series from popular podcast network Wondery. Set in 1922, the show chronicles the shocking murder of prolific film director William Desmond Taylor, who was found shot to death in his Los Angeles home. Hosted by Hollywood historian Tracy Pattin and narrated by award-winning actor James Remar, whose baritone voice is perfect for bringing an audio noir like this to life, “Murder in Hollywoodland” explores every aspect of this still-unsolved mystery. Using vintage music and lifelike sound-effects, it’s an immersive podcast that transports listeners back to one of the strangest crime sagas in movie history. A bonus seventh episode includes an intriguing conversation between Pattin and William Mann, author of “Tinseltown: Murder, Morphine and Madness at the Dawn of Hollywood,” where they discuss possible theories on who the real killer might have been.

No Place Like Home

Although this eight-episode documentary series tells the story of the 2005 theft of the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz,” it’s not just another true crime podcast. While the ins and outs of the bizarre heist are covered in fascinating detail, the real subject of the show is the uncanny power that historic objects from Old Hollywood hold on our collective imagination. Written by journalist Ariel Ramchandani, and narrated by Ramchandani and editor Seyward Darby, “There’s No Place Like Home” tackles a rich assortment of themes and topics, including the strained relationship between Garland and her hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and the curious subculture of movie memorabilia collectors whose obsessive fixation on artifacts from the past drives some of them to the point of criminal behavior.

NitrateVille Radio

Hosted by Chicago food writer and passionate movie buff Michael Gebert, “NitrateVille Radio” is a low-key charmer where archivists, collectors, authors and preservationists drop by to discuss classic films. You’ll hear about stars like Tyrone Power and Mae West one week and silent film pioneers like Lois Weber the next. Some episodes feature well-informed interviews with experts like noir historian Eddie Muller, while others offer coverage of popular events like the TCM Film Festival. Basically, it’s a grab-bag approach that covers everything from pre-code Hollywood movies to the best of Yiddish cinema. And since Gebert has been publishing episodes since 2017, there’s a wealth of material to download if the show strikes your fancy.

True Stories Of Tinseltown

Chronicling the Golden Age of moviemaking with warmth and good humor, podcast host Grace Collins has produced a staggering number of episodes in a relatively brief amount of time. That’s a testament to her obvious fondness for classic cinema, which shines through whenever she discusses the quirky backstories of the filmmakers and performers she grew up watching. Although many episodes contain interviews with erudite authors and celebrity biographers, others focus on topics like the history of blonde bombshells and iconic Hollywood romances. And as one might expect with a title like “True Stories of Tinseltown,” infamous crimes and scandals are covered in detail as well. It’s the kind of do-it-yourself Old Hollywood podcast that offers a little something for everyone.

The Pictures Got Small

Dubbed “an appreciation podcast” by enthusiastic host Francesca Luisi, each episode of this independently produced show offers a deep dive into the making of a specific classic from Hollywood’s Golden Age. And by deep dive, we mean some episodes exceed two hours in length. While that running time might test the patience of casual listeners, hardcore movie fans should feel right at home. The titles covered so far include celebrated films like “West Side Story,” “Casablanca,” “Psycho” and “East of Eden.” In addition to her well-researched look at the making of these timeless treasures, Luisi also places the films in personal context, sharing an occasional poignant memory about seeing them as a child for the first time.

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25 Best History Podcasts on Spotify

History podcasts will bring you back in time to witness what happened decades and centuries ago. The American author David Von Drehle once said, “History is not about the past. It also reveals the present.” We've researched and hand-picked a list of the 25 best history podcasts, check out our recommendations for the best history podcasts around.

1) Revolutions

If you are a big fan of political protests and want to learn more about revolutions worldwide. You should definitely listen to the Revolutions history podcast. You’ll get to know about how the situation was in war times, what was each nation’s background, and how the country’s society arose during and after the revolution. The podcast host, Mike Duncan created the content purely politically, and he doesn’t spare a revolution from the United States to Russia and much more.

2) The Rest is History

"The Rest Is History" is a captivating and entertaining podcast that takes a unique approach to exploring the fascinating narratives of history. Hosted by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, this show offers a refreshing and engaging perspective on historical events, making it accessible and enjoyable for history enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With its witty banter, dynamic storytelling, and the hosts' ability to draw connections between seemingly unrelated historical topics. Each episode takes a seemingly ordinary question, concept, or anecdote and unravels the intricate history behind it. Whether it's a discussion about the origins of the sandwich or the impact of a specific year in history, Tom and Dominic skillfully uncover the stories, personalities, and quirks that shaped our world.

3) Presidential

Presidential is a podcast about politics. Each episode chronicles the tale of an American president, his history, and his achievements, beginning with the first man who stepped in the Whitehouse and concluding with Joe Biden. This podcast show is hosted by Lillian Cunningham, a Washington Post journalist, and most of the guests are shrewd politicians.

4) Slow Burn

"Slow Burn" is an engrossing podcast series that delves into some of the most significant and controversial events in American political history. The podcast examines the complex stories surrounding various political scandals including Watergate and the LA riots, exploring the social, cultural, and historical context in which they unfolded. What sets "Slow Burn" apart is its meticulous research and narrative storytelling. Each season focuses on a specific scandal, providing a deep dive into the intricacies of the event and its impact on the nation. The show not only recounts the facts but also highlights the human elements, bringing to life the key players and the emotions that drove their actions.

5) Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

In this podcast, Dan Carlin talks about all kinds of pivotal topics to show you how our world works. He covers numerous issues like wars, catastrophic events, rulers, nuclear industries, and many more. Dan Carlin is a skilled content creator, podcast host, and shrewd historian. He knows how to draw listeners’ attention to his episodes. He is the only speaker on this podcast, and he never hosts someone else. Furthermore, while listening to his history podcast, you’ll immediately notice he doesn’t mix music effects into his audio content.

6) Our Fake History

This podcast is for those who enjoy the interesting events in ancient tales and mythology. This kind of history sparks enthusiasm for many people. While some incidents actually occurred, others are pure fiction. Still, listening to these stories is exciting and a definite attention grabber.

7) The Memory Palace

This masterpiece podcast talks about many thrilling and surprising stories from the past. The pioneer radio producer and podcast host Nate DiMeo covers these unique and memorable stories in an exciting way. Each episode of this history podcast is short but captivating in the subject.

8) Art History for All

What if you love art but don’t understand the message behind every artwork? Have you ever been to a gallery without having a clue about the message behind the art pieces? It is the mission of the popular podcast Art History for All. Listening to this history podcast does not require you to be an art expert. It conveys the history of every artwork to everyone, whether they are fond of art or not. It also depicts how ancient art reflected the surrounding reality and carried the values of the time to which every artwork belonged. This is what the art historian Allyson Healey tries to tell us in her podcast.

9) You Must Remember This

Who said history only has to do with ancient civilizations? This podcast adds a little bit of spice to history and discusses strange and forgotten Hollywood incidents. You can listen to stories about real crimes or massive scandals that shook Hollywood in the past. Anyone who cares about Hollywood will find that this podcast is worth a try

10) The Fantastic History of Food

Food has found its way to our list of best history podcasts. The Fantastic History of Food contains various episodes about food and the history of certain dishes worldwide. It also includes some episodes that tell the story of funny incidents in which food played a significant role. There are many delightful episodes for everyone, especially food lovers.

One of the most interesting history podcasts. This podcast is for you if you are a big fan of music, especially hip hop. Mogul podcast is about hip hop history and its most fascinating moments. The Hosts are Reggie Ossé and Brandon Jenkins, two enthusiasts in this genre of music. It sheds light on the origins of hip-hop, the artistic contributions of hip-hop legends, and how they enriched the industry. Unfortunately, podcast host Reggie Ossé passed away after the first season premiered.

12) Maritime Podcast

The content of this podcast is exactly as its name suggests. It talks about maritime history and everything related to it. The host sequences events in chronological order. Starting from boat building and naval exploration to marine trade and industry. He also talks about how maritime history marked societies and brought cultural diversity.

13) 15 Minute History

This podcast offers a historical story for 15 minutes each week. It’s not just about notable historical events but also people and their historical triumphs. The history podcast motivates people to learn from the mistakes of others. It also teaches listeners how to avoid falling into the same trouble. It is an excellent option for learning history delightfully and enjoyably while receiving some advice on the side.

Usually, people are attracted to hearing exotic incidents and mysterious stories. Moreover, we can all notice how people are attracted to horror movies more than comic or tragic ones. But what if those horror stories about criminals and odd creatures were real?! That’s what the Lore podcast is about. It is a bi-weekly podcast adapted as a television show. Lore is considered “The best history podcast” due to the massive number of listeners.

15) The Dollop

"The Dollop" is a unique and humorous take on history. Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds explore bizarre, obscure, and often hilarious stories from the past. The hosts take a lighthearted approach to recounting events and people that are often overlooked in traditional history books. Their witty banter and comedic spin on historical events make learning history a genuinely entertaining experience.

16) The History of Rome

Before Mike Duncan created "Revolutions," he produced "The History of Rome," a comprehensive podcast that traces the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Duncan's thorough research and engaging storytelling take you on a journey through the complex and fascinating history of Rome, from its legendary founding to its eventual demise. This podcast is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in ancient history.

17) The History of Byzantium

Building on the foundation laid by "The History of Rome," "The History of Byzantium" picks up where Mike Duncan left off. Hosted by Robin Pierson, this podcast delves into the lesser-known history of the Byzantine Empire. Pierson's dedication to continuing the narrative of Rome's eastern counterpart is evident in his meticulous research and storytelling. If you're intrigued by the Byzantine Empire, this podcast offers a captivating exploration of its complex history.

18) Nice try!

Who doesn’t dream of an ideal world and utopian society? This podcast will be a suitable option for you if you are a fan of idealism. It contains many interesting, fun, and unconventional experiences and stories from the past when humans tried building utopian communities. It is really a nice try!

19 )The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

Hosted by Peter Adamson, this podcast covers the history of philosophy from ancient times to the present day. It’s a great listen for anyone interested in philosophy or intellectual history.

20) The British History Podcast

Hosted by Jamie Jeffers, this podcast covers British history from its earliest days to modern times. It’s a great listen for anyone interested in British culture and history.

21) The History Chicks

Hosted by Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider, this podcast covers the lives and stories of women throughout history. It’s a great listen for anyone interested in women’s history.

22) Stuff You Missed in History Class

Hosted by Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey, this podcast covers various historical events and figures that may not have received as much attention as they deserve.

23) Africa's Untold Stories

This podcast aims to discuss African history that is largely untold. Each episode features a conversation about a topic in African history and points out some lessons that come with that significant aspect of the continent’s history.

24) The Latin American History Podcast

This show tells the story of Spanish and Portuguese America from its very beginnings up until the present day. It examines colonial society, slavery, and what life was like for the region’s inhabitants during this period. It also looks at what caused the wars of independence, how they were won, and what Latin America looked like afterwards.

25) Brown History Podcast

The Brown History Podcast explores South Asia through the lens of South Asians. It covers a wide range of topics related to South Asian history, including colonialism, partition, and post-colonialism.

Best History Podcasts on Spotify

• Revolutions
• The Rest is History
• Presidential
• Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History
• Our Fake History
• The Memory Palace
• Art History for All
• You Must Remember This
• The Fantastic History of Food
• Maritime Podcast
• 15 Minute History
• The History of Rome
• The History of Byzantium
• The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
• The British History Podcast
• The History Chicks
• Stuff You Missed in History Class
• Africa's Untold Stories
• The Latin American History Podcast
• Brown History Podcast

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Reddit Podcasts

For Reddit Podcasts, there are so many streamers talking about this topic. We wrote about 25 of our favorites.

Just A Reddit Erotic Drama

This Midnight Writer podcast follows Reddit user, "Just A Reddit Erotic Drama", as they post a series of increasingly intense and explicit erotic stories on the forum. The podcast follows their journey to the top of the subreddit, and their successes, failures, and the responses they receive from readers. Along the way, they discuss their writing process, the inspirations behind their stories, and the way they craft the characters and worlds they create. It’s an insightful look into the creative process of an anonymous writer on one of the world’s most popular sites.

"Storytime" from Storytime is a podcast that tells stories from various cultures, told by experienced storytellers from around the world. The podcast tells stories from different times and cultures, such as fairy tales, legends, and myths. The stories are told in an engaging and accessible way, making them suitable for all ages. The podcast aims to help listeners learn about different cultures and appreciate the power of storytelling. It also helps to promote the idea of storytelling as an important part of history and culture.

In this episode of the rSlash Reads Reddit podcast, hosts Brandon and Lee discuss a variety of topics from the "r/Slash" subreddit. They talk about everything from the origin of r/Slash to the various cultures that have emerged within the community. They also discuss the benefits of using Reddit to discuss more complex social issues, such as gender roles and politics. They also discuss the importance of being mindful of the language and content that is posted to the subreddit. Lastly, they talk about the importance of utilizing Reddit's upvote/downvote system to help curate the best content and maintain a healthy community.

Best Of Reddit Stories

This podcast episode from Gawid Entertainment Podcasts features some of the best Reddit stories from recent years. The hosts discuss and analyze the stories that have made Reddit famous, from horror stories and mysteries to success stories and heartwarming tales. They also discuss the Reddit community, the impact that Reddit has had on the internet, and why some Reddit stories become so popular.

Mark Narrations - Reddit Stories

In this podcast, Mark B shares some of the craziest, funniest, and most unbelievable Reddit stories he's heard. He narrates them in his own unique way, providing plenty of laughs along the way. He covers stories ranging from people who have had outrageous experiences to some of the strangest things people have done. He also delves into some of the more serious stories and provides his take on them. There's something for everyone here and it's sure to keep you entertained!

Redditor is an in-depth exploration of the Reddit community and its various subcultures and activities. Hosted by two Redditors, the podcast dives into the history of Reddit, how it works, how to navigate it, and how to become a successful Redditor. It features interviews with Redditors, moderators, and admins, as well as discussions on how to stay safe on Reddit and the importance of the community. The podcast also covers the impact Reddit has had on the world, from its involvement in politics to its various charities.

Reddit Explains Conspiracy & the Unknown

This episode of Pop Media Agency explores the world of Reddit and how it is being used to discuss conspiracy theories and the unknown. Hosts Christian and Anna talk to Reddit user 'awes0me0ne' about the popular subreddit 'r/conspiracy.' They discuss the culture of Reddit, the process of upvoting and downvoting, and the history of conspiracy theories. They touch on the topics of the moon landing, 9/11, and the JFK assassination. They also discuss the role of Reddit in helping to spread information and disinformation, as well as how to spot the difference between them. Finally, the hosts and the guest explore how Reddit is becoming an increasingly important platform for discussing both the unknown and the known.

Reddit Readers

"Reddit Readers" is a podcast hosted by Reddit user, Zero, that explores the world of Reddit, the popular online discussion and news aggregator. In each episode, Zero interviews a different Reddit user about their experience with the platform and how it has changed their life. Through these conversations, Zero dives into the popular topics, trends, and communities found on Reddit, exploring the many aspects of the platform and its impact on society. The podcast also covers topics such as mental health, online activism, and the power of communities to create meaningful experiences.

Darkest Mysteries from Reddit 2022 - Best Reddit Stories Podcast 2022

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These 15 True Crime Podcasts Will Have You Hooked

Posted: May 27, 2024 | Last updated: May 27, 2024

Overwhelmed by the number of true crime podcasts out there? There are differences between them. Some shows take a full season to explore the nuances of one case, while others cover a new crime per episode. There are podcasts seeking answers in ongoing mysteries and shows that break down how authorities handled cases.

Some hosts take advantage of their experiences as investigative journalists, criminologists, or former law enforcement officials. Breezier hosts use tasteful humor as they discuss true crime. Others harness their own experiences to connect to cases and victims.

We found the 15 best true crime podcasts out there so you can find the right one for you.

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Anatomy of Murder

Co-hosts Scott Weinberger and Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi focus on a new case each episode of this show, which dates back to September 2020. Weinberger is an investigative journalist and former deputy sheriff, and Nicolazzi is a former New York City homicide prosecutor. Accordingly, they understand crime investigation more than most, and they’re great at interviewing victims’ families and members of law enforcement. New episodes arrive every Tuesday.

Shop Now Spotify Audible

Sistas Who Kill

This podcast’s co-hosts, best friends MaRah and Taz, are great storytellers. Every week, these two Black women discuss a different crime perpetrated by a Black woman. The show also doesn’t shy away from addressing the unfair treatment Black women can receive from the justice system. The podcast launched in 2021, and new episodes come out every Friday.

Serial ’s first season, released back in 2014, demonstrated how gripping true crime podcasts could be and paved the way for other shows. It’s still worth listening to host Sarah Koenig examine the charges against Adnan Syed , who was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend Hae Min Lee in 1999. The case also had a major new development in 2022 , which Koenig covered in special episodes.

Murder Book

Season 2 of Murder Book , which came out in 2020, focuses on Sam Little , whom the FBI considers the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history . The show contains interviews with the Los Angeles Police Department detective who tied Little to many of his crimes, as well as others who helped stop this killer. Host Michael Connelly is a popular mystery writer, and his storytelling skills are on full display in this podcast.

My Favorite Murder

My Favorite Murder , which has been around since 2016, features a fantastic rapport between hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. The two longtime true crime fans mix banter with a discussion of a different case in each episode. This podcast has a dedicated listenership—the most devoted call themselves “murderinos”—and is still releasing new episodes twice a week.

Love & Justice

For someone who wants the thrill of following along as a new podcast tries to unearth the truth in an unsolved murder, consider Love & Justice . The show aims to discover who killed 19-year old Ashleigh Love back in 2009. The first episode came out on October 27, 2022, and the podcast is receiving new tips in the case.

CounterClock

CounterClock re-examines one homicide each season. Investigative journalist Delia D’Ambra is an excellent researcher who sifts through old case files, interviews, and photos to create a must-listen podcast. CounterClock has five seasons available to enjoy.

Bruh Issa Murder

This podcast covers a range of true crime, from murders to in-depth looks at female serial killers . Hosts Andre, Battle, Kelly, and Robert are fun to listen to, and they don’t shy away from social commentary. The show debuted in 2018. New episodes come out on Tuesdays.

Your Own Backyard

Host Chris Lambert was a true crime newbie when he started Your Own Backyard , but his podcast helped bring about new developments in the case of Kristin Smart, a 19-year-old Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student who went missing in 1996. Lambert grew up seeing billboards with Smart’s face, so he felt a connection to the case. He also won the trust of Smart’s loved ones and interviewed many for the podcast.

WTOP’s American Nightmare Series

WTOP, a Washington, D.C.–based radio station, has released three seasons of its American Nightmare Series , and each one is a captivating exploration of a different local case. Season 1 covers a murderous home invasion, Season 2 a rape and murder, and Season 3 tracks the Potomac River Rapist.

Spotify Audible

Campus Killings

As the name suggests, this show focuses on killings on or around college campuses . It debuted in September 2022 and has a biweekly release schedule, so catching up is easy if you prefer to stay current with your podcasts. Hosts Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg are expert criminologists. They also have other podcast shows— Women & Crime and Direct Appeal , both of which are great—so they know what they’re doing here.

Casefile True Crime

This podcast’s Australian host, who goes by “Anonymous,” looks at a different incident in each episode. He’s covered crimes that took place in Australia and around the globe. Casefile has been around since 2016 and is still producing new episodes, some of which are initially available only to premium subscribers.

In the Dark

In the Dark ’s in-depth investigative reporting dove into a different true crime case each season. Season 1 examined the kidnapping of Jacob Wetterling, which had been unsolved for 27 years. Season 2 focused on Curtis Flowers, a Mississippi man who endured six trials for the same crime. A third season is in the works now, giving you time to work through the back catalog.

Buried Bones

On Buried Bones , the true crime cases that journalist Kate Winkler Dawson and retired investigator Paul Holes cover are from decades or centuries past. The first episode of Buried Bones debuted in September. Each week, a new episode looks at a different historical crime.

Mama Mystery

Mama Mystery is great if you’re dipping your toe into true crime podcasts for the first time. The co-hosts are a husband-and-wife team. The husband is a true crime neophyte, while his wife is an aficionado who researches each case they discuss. This podcast launched in 2020 and continues to release new content weekly.

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