45 Podcasts That Will Help the Hours Fly By

If you’ve never dipped your toes into the wide world of podcasts, prepare yourself for your new obsession. With a similar format to talk radio, podcasts usually include a host or hosts discussing all kinds of material, from news to cooking, interviewing special guests or each other, sharing stories, performing an audio play, or a delightful mishmash of all of the above. The length of podcasts can vary to suit your attention span — some of the shortest podcasts last just five minutes, while others marathon for hours. And because they come in such a range of styles and subjects, you can tune in to keep your mind occupied while doing chores, prepping dinner, working out or commuting.

This year, a Pulitzer Prize went to a podcast for the first time in its history, validating the medium in a whole new way. The winner was This American Life, a podcast version of the hugely popular news radio series. Our favorite podcasts of 2020 range from comedy podcasts that will have you doing a spit-take, to storytelling podcasts that transport us to another world, true crime podcasts that give listeners a chance to play amateur sleuth, stomach-grumbling cooking shows, and more. We're sure you'll find your new favorite podcast to listen to here, too – these free audio favorites will get you through a long walk, a short commute or anything in between.

Host Allison Behringer peels back the curtain on medical mysteries and phenomena in this intimate documentary-style podcast. People share their stories of medical mystery in a revealing, raw way that may make you go, "Oh, me too!"

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Gain new insight on life and morality in the time it takes to brew a mug of tea with this podcast from On Being's Krista Tippett. Episodes feature chats with thought leaders such as the late John Lewis and Brene Brown.

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Host Flora Lichtman explores topics ranging from why office plants are a thing to who invented pants and how black holes work. Trust us: This podcast that really lives up to its name. Get your next conversation starter here.

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Canada's first lady, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, who has talked opening about her experiences with anxiety and an eating disorder, explores mental health stigma and taboos with celebrities, advocates and experts.

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The first ever podcast to win a Pulitzer Prize, this storytelling podcast was a popular radio show long before the form existed. Its huge backlog of episodes alone will give you lots to fill your ears. let host Ira Glass guide you through fascinating stories about people among us, in a beautifully produced pod.

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Offbeat comedian Chris Gethard invites anonymous callers to tell him their stories in this one-hour show that never goes in the direction you'd think. People bring all sorts of conversations to the line, like what it's like to break up during quarantine, wanting to be a wrestler, and how a job interview went. It's sometimes funny, sometimes zen and totally fascinating.

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Tune in to listen to the former First Lady in conversation with family, friends and colleagues about the "relationships in our lives that make us who we are." Episodes feature chats with Conan O'Brien, Valerie Jarrett and — of course! — Barack Obama.

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Even supermoms need a little advice sometimes. In this informative podcast, reproductive psychiatrist Alexandra Sacks sits down with mothers wrestling with relatable problems. They'll work it out together and you'll come away with useful intel too.

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Hosts and long-distance besties Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow chat about everything from current events to pop culture, books and the news in this hilarious and insightful podcast that makes great background listening for chores or travel.

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Emmy Award winning TV personality and journalist Mara Schiavocampo covers all the latest trends in health, beauty, style, and more in this fun podcast. What makes it really stand out is how informative each episode is without being overly lengthy. Mara is great at getting straight to the point and asking experts the questions we're all thinking.

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Join host Jad Abumrad on a personal journey to learn why America loves Dolly and how deep her impact on society is. Visit her childhood home and her theme park, learn stories behind her songs and see a different side of the iconic Southern belle.

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This podcast hit zeitgeist with its first season, in which journalist Sarah Koenig investigated the case of Adnan Syed, a teen convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend. The current season explores the topic of race and public schools in New York City.

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While this long-running podcast hosted by Alex Goldman and PJ Vogt is supposedly about the Internet and technology, it really covers so much more than that. They take questions from callers about how technology impacts their lives, as well as discussing Internet-adjacent phenomena and issues. It's fun, it's infectious, and educational all at the same time.

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News junkies will love this audio documentary series about politics, power, and what really happened during our country's most seminal events. The first season uncovers the contested election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, and the second goes deep into Iran-Contra.

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Best friends and scientists Titi Shodiya and Zakiya Whatley prove that everything trending on your social media feeds intersects with science in this fascinating pod.

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This creepy podcast invites you to gather 'round the digital campfire as people tell the true spooky stories that really happened to them. It's just the right amount of scary, but you might still want to tune in during the daytime.

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If you love movies that are so bad, they're good — or just movies in general — grab the popcorn for this hysterical podcast. Each episode, hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas and special guests dissect another film that should never have made it. No need to watch the films ahead of time, but it helps.

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Let's be real, we've all probably asked ourselves this exact question at some point. But few of us can talk about it as hilariously as Nicole Byer can. Listen along as she recounts the #struggle that is modern dating. Byer's sometimes raunchy comedy isn't great carpool listening, so use headphones or wait until it's adults only.

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Look, entertainment is culture and society is politics and everything is all intertwined, these days. Hosts Ira Madison III, Louis Virtel, and Aida Osman talk about those tangled webs in this podcast that will keep you up-to-date on the latest trends in an informative and entertaining way.

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If you only listen to one news podcast, make it this one. Host Michael Barbaro breaks down the biggest news of the day (hence the name) in a format that will make you feel like you know what's happening out there. My dad used to listen to NPR in the mornings. Now, he's a Daily convert. So there you go.

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The sinking of the Titanic. The Irish potato famine. The McDonald's coffee lawsuit. This funny and informative podcast investigates some of the greatest failures of our time; how they happened, what went wrong, and whether they could have been prevented. History buffs who want a chuckle, this one's for you.

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If you're familiar with the seminal true crime podcast Criminal, you already know host Phoebe Judge has one of the most soothing voices in audio. Listen to her read an Agatha Christie novel in this deliciously distracting one that's like part podcast, part audiobook.

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The first season of this gripping investigative true crime podcast follows journalist Madeleine Baran as she reports on the kidnapping of Jacob Wetterling. In the second season, Baran looks into the case of Curtis Flowers, who was tried six times for the same crime. If you like deep dives on sketchy court cases, you'll love this Peabody Award-winning pod.

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For those of us who used to collect Snapple caps for the random facts written inside, Decoder Ring is right up your street. Each episode explores a topic you may never have thought too much about. Think Murphy's Law, Bart Simpson, animatronic creatures, and gender reveal parties.

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As the title suggests, this funny and relatable podcast delves into people's fears, from huge to miniscule. We're talking things like your dog dying, mortality, deep water, or asking too much of people you love. It'll make you feel a little less alone, no matter what keeps you up at night.

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In this educational and entertaining podcast, hosts Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall revisit the throwback media sensations you thought you knew. And what they reveal totally blows our minds. They cover topics like the OJ Simpson trial, the Challenger disaster, and the Tonya Harding drama in a totally fresh way.

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Join Woman's Day content director Meaghan Murphy and her three powerhouse cohosts Jamie, Heidi, and Christine, in a super-inspirational podcast that will help you live your best life, channel your inner girlboss, and navigate the ever-changing landscapes of wellness and social media. Special guests include fashion designers, celebrity trainers, CEOs, and other women who can help you live your yay.

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Hypochondriacs or squeamish folk may want to sit this one out. Hosts Justin and his wife Dr. Sydnee McElroy spend each episode discussing all things health and wellness throughout the ages. It's conversational, it's quirky, and it's perfect for anyone who has WebMD bookmarked.

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True crime lovers and amateur sleuths, grab your detective caps and magnifying glasses. This innovative podcast lets you ride shotgun as retired investigator Paul Holes and investigative journalist Billy Jensen dig into cold cases in real time. Listeners are invited to send in theories and their own research, creating a uniquely participatory experience.

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This five-part New York Times series by Hannah Nicole-Jones dives into the economic, social, health, and political impact of being Black in America. It examines the way slavery changed the course of history, and it's a must-listen for literally everyone.

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Authors Roxane Gay and Tressie McMillan Cotton get real on this podcast that offers the black feminist perspective on pop culture, mental health, politics and so much more. They invite celebrities, politicians, and activists to join the conversation, with lots of side banter to keep things from getting too intense.

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Think everyone has it all together but you? Think again. Journalist Elizabeth Day chats with seemingly successful people about the times they fell down and how they got back up again. Their refreshingly honest, straightforward conversations will inspire you to try again, too.

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If there's an Orange is the New Black-shaped hole in your heart, try this podcast that takes listeners inside the gates of San Quentin prison. Hosts will give you the inside scoop about what goes on behind bars — including how they handle romance, cell block cuisine, what lockdown really feels like, and how inmates entertain themselves and each other.

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True stories, told live without notes, make up this compelling storytelling podcast. Some of the guests are polished professionals but many are just average people with a microphone and a tale to tell. Some episodes are funny, others are heartfelt, but all are a great listen.

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Sometimes, disputes between friends or partners need an impartial moderator, and that’s where Judge John Hodgman comes in. Guests bring their petty arguments, longstanding beefs, and stuck disputes to the celebrity and comedian, who weighs in on what they should do in a podcast perfect for anyone with a soft spot for Judge Judy.

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For design nerds, architecture buffs, art lovers, and anyone who's ever looked at an aspect of their world and said, "How does that work?" this podcast has the answer. Roman Mars' well-produced listen will teach you something new about the places you live.

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If you like your downtime with a side of education and sometimes a few laughs, Radiolab has what you're looking for. This deeply fascinating podcast investigates issues, events, and elements of society that will make you go, “Huh, I’ve never thought about that before!”

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Grab a snack before you tune in to this delicious, food-focused podcast. By the creators of the popular food magazine, Radio Cherry Bombe interviews lady movers and shakers in the industry, including chefs, bakers, cookbook writers, and others who influence the delicious world of food.

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We’ve all got that one embarrassing slip-up that happened in eighth grade but still keeps us up at night. Guests on this podcast read their childhood journals that cover the awkward, the mortifying, and the funny moments that make up our lives. Share the shame and realize that even your worst moment probably wasn't that bad.

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We get it. Being an adult is hard. When you feel like you just can't even, sit down with comedians Michelle Buteau and Jordan Carlos as they share stories about how they're gettin through it. Friends like Jim Gaffigan and Danielle Brooks join the conversation that feels like a coffee klatch between pals.

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Real couples share their relationship struggles with modern love expert Esther Perel in this podcast that’s a lot cheaper than marriage therapy and almost as helpful. Even if you aren’t in a relationship, she has lots to offer for anyone who has to deal with other humans — or in other words, all of us.

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Krista Tippett’s meditative podcast feels like chatting with your most insightful friend. It addresses the question of what being human really means, including guest insights from some of the smartest humans ever born. Tippett's voice is like a glass of warm milk, so grab a cuppa and settle in.

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The name says it all. This approachable, down-to-earth podcast tackles taboo subjects you may not feel OK discussing IRL. With this podcast, you can gain perspective on these and other tricky topics without having to make eye contact with anyone in the process.

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If you’ve ever seen a convo about a certain celebrity or situation on social media and had no clue what's going on (guilty), let hosts Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger clue you in. They spill the tea on who’s who, what they’re doing, and why anyone cares. Even if you don't usually love celebrity gossip, this podcast's a whole lot of fun.

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Those who get creeped out by Alexa and Siri maybe shouldn't listen to this one, but everyone else absolutely should. This fictional podcast takes us behind the scenes on everyone's favorite Artificial Intelligence, Sandra. But what our protagonist Helen finds there isn't quite the escape she bargained for.

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