Looking for a podcast? There are so many out there these days that it's good to get recommendations. We found this list from GoodHousekeeping.com of the best ones in 2023 to listen to. Before we start with the programs, what is a podcast?
Simply put, a podcast is an audio program, just like Talk Radio, but you subscribe to it on your smartphone and listen to it whenever you like. In a little more detail, a podcast is a series of spoken word, audio episodes, all focused on a particular topic or theme, like cycling or startups. You can subscribe to the show with an app on your phone and listen to episodes whenever you like on your headphones, in the car or through speakers.
Source: What is a Podcast by thepodcasthost.com
So you can listen to a podcast while driving, working out, cleaning house, or simply sitting. It can be a fun and informative way to pass the time. Here's the list from GoodHousekeeping.com's 40 Best Podcasts to Listen to Right Now.
40 Best Podcasts to Listen to Right Now
There's comedy, true-crime, history and so much more
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BY LIZZ SCHUMER UPDATED: APR 6, 2023
The Trojan Horse Affair
If you liked Serial, you'll love this twisty, turn-y podcast about a British political scandal that rocked the city of Birmingham in the early 2010s and inflamed Islamophobic tensions throughout the country. Come for the story that progresses like a spy novel, stay for the intellectual journey of hosts Brian Reed and Hamza Syed.
American Radical
Over a year after the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, MSNBC digs into what brought one woman to the riot in the first place. Host and family friend Ayman Mohyeldin talks through how the late Rosanne Boyland got sucked into the conspiracy theories that led to that fateful day.
Princess of South Beach
Fans of telenovelas will be clutching their pearls along with this bilingual audio soap opera. It's all about twin sisters María del Carmen and Gloria who were separated at birth and raised in two different worlds – one in a convent and the other in a rich enclave. When Gloria dies suddenly and María del Carmen assumes her identity, things start to go deliciously awry.
Dark House
At the intersection of interior design, true crime and the paranormal sits this delightful podcast hosted by House Beautiful editors Hadley Mendelsohn and Alyssa Fiorentino. Join them and guest paranormal investigators, authors and other experts as they take on the fascinating backstories of America’s most infamous homes.
70 Over 70
With a wink at the eponymous “30 Under 30” and similar lists, this podcast interviews 70 fascinating people over the age of 70 about what they're up to. But host Max Linsky doesn't just focus on their history; the guests' outlook on their lives today makes this show not only an inspiring listen, but a unique one.
Hot White Heist
A star-studded cast featuring Bowen Yang, Cynthia Nixon, Jane Lynch and others performs this fictional podcast that can only be described as what would happen if James Bond was made for an all-adults crowd. It's fun, smart and a wild ride all the way from the hysterical theme song through the last scene.
Fat Mascara
Slather on a face mask and settle in for some R&R with this podcast that covers beauty in a fun and captivating way. Hosts and beauty editors Jessica Matlin and Jennifer Goldstein dish on all things related to the industry, including their own adventures, advice and sizzling hot goss.
The Improvement Association
While a podcast about voter fraud in a small town in North Carolina might sound dry, this limited series about a powerful political action committee that's tampering with elections is anything but. Those who live in tight-knit communities may recognize elements of their own towns here, and others will just enjoy the drama.
Criminal
If you only listen to one true-crime podcast, make it this one. Criminal is one of the best, most well-researched out there. Plus it's hosted by Phoebe Judge, one of the most soothing voices in audio (even when she's recounting some pretty horrific stories).
Welcome to Your Fantasy
If you think the Chippendales is just a bunch of buff dudes in bow ties and not much else, think again. Historian Natalia Petrzela takes us into the seedy story behind the steamy franchise in a podcast that will have you jamming the “next episode” button.
You Must Remember This
Hosted by Karina Longworth, a former film critic for LA Weekly, YMRT dives into the forgotten — and often scandalous — history of Old Hollywood. Extensively researched and deeply fascinating, Longworth untangles the off-screen drama of everything from Disney's controversial film Song of the South to Howard Hughes' infamous love affairs.
WTF With Marc Maron
Even podcast newbies have probably heard of Marc Maron's longstanding interview show, in which he holds in-depth conversations with celebrities, comedians and even former presidents. It's thoughtful, insightful and yes, funny.
Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out
If you enjoy getting a peek behind the scenes, join comedian Mike Birbiglia and his funny guests as they try out new, untested material on each other. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but it's always a fun ride.
Becoming Wise
Gain new insight on life and what it means to be human in the time it takes to brew a cup of coffee with this podcast from On Being's Krista Tippett. Episodes feature chats with thought leaders such as the late John Lewis and Brené Brown.
The Lazy Genius
Whether you're having a hard time keeping it together or need a little extra motivation for your day, this podcast can help. Get advice on how to deal with little things like organizing your sock drawer or big stuff like navigating political differences or religion.
Sports Wars
Professional sports can be like soap operas, but with scoreboards. Some serious drama surrounds the entire industry. This podcast covers famous rivalries and behind-the-scenes drama you may have missed in a well-researched, gripping format that's super fascinating, even for those who usually wouldn't consider themselves fans.
This American Life
Longtime listeners may already know this Pulitzer Award-winning storytelling podcast as the radio show of the same name. Its huge backlog of episodes alone is great fodder for marathon listening, even if you're caught up on the radio show's current catalog.
Beautiful Anonymous
Comedian Chris Gethard invites anonymous callers to tell him whatever's on their mind in this one-hour show that gets to the heart of being human. It's surprisingly heartfelt and often deeper than you might expect, and will make you feel a little less alone, wherever you are in life.
Call Your Girlfriend
Hosts and long-distance besties Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow chat about everything from current events to pop culture, books and social justice in this funny and insightful podcast that makes great background listening for tedious tasks. It feels like eavesdropping on a convo between pals, because that's exactly what it is.
How Did This Get Made?
If you love movies that are so bad, they're good, or just movies in general, grab the popcorn and tune in to this hilarious podcast. Hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas join special guests to tear apart a film that should never have made it past the pitch stage. You don't have to watch the movies ahead of time, but it helps.
We've included the first 20 podcasts as listed and you can see the rest of the list here. We've also featured more podcasts you might want to check out. Here's the following links:
Spooky, Supernatural Podcasts My Friends Like
Humorous Podcasts My Friends Like
True Crime Podcasts My Friends Like
Trashy Fun Podcasts My Friends Like
6 Podcasts to Listen to Right Now
If you have recommendations, please share with us in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
