It’s no secret that there’s been a recent resurrection in people’s interest in podcast listening, with many podcasts becoming an integral part of pop culture, opening up the world of podcasting to so many creators, celebrities, and news outlets alike. However, with this reborn interest in podcasts comes a new territory in terms of what kinds of pods are out there. As someone who was an avid podcast listener from 2019 to 2021, reentering the world of podcasts felt like entering a buffet that had even more to offer than before, and it’s up to you to figure out if the new stuff is any good. But don’t let that scare you away from getting into podcasts! Once you’re able to sift through the thousands of shows out there, there are some really great ones guaranteed to become part of your daily routine.
But trust me, I get how difficult it can be to find the perfect show, so I’m here to help you navigate this new era of podcasting! Here are 10 of my favorite podcasts that have gotten me back into podcasts recently, all categorized by what I love most about them. Enjoy!
News & Politics Made for Gen Z
1. Pod Save America From Crooked Media
If you’re tired of your typical, fast-paced news media consumption and are looking for a better way to engage with the world around you, then try Pod Save America! They break down all the confusion within the world of politics, while still retaining all the important facts that many times get omitted or construed in the usual news outlets. It’s perfect for anyone like me, who has tried countless times to stay up-to-date on the current political climate but has failed because cable news can’t hold my attention. It’s also got some great interviews with politicians and activists for all you PoliSci girlies!
2. What A Day From Crooked Media
I guess you could say I’m a pretty big fan of Crooked Media, but they really do make some great pods! What A Day is basically the sister of Pod Save America, and is perfect if you’re looking for a short news update to start your day. All the hosts are so funny and authentic, which makes breaking down the news all the more fun. What A Day has been a staple in my morning routine since the beginning of the school year, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Proof YouTubers Are the Best podCasters
3. Very Really Good With Kurtis Conner
Yes, the king of YouTube commentary has a podcast, and yes, it’s just as hilarious as his YouTube videos. Very Really Good is one of the few podcasts I’ve been listening to since 2019, and every year the episodes seem to get more rambunctious and out of pocket. They’re perfect for anyone who enjoys Kurtis Conner’s comedy or is just looking for a nonsense background podcast for doing chores, exercising, or getting work done. He always has the video version available as well, which is perfect if you enjoy video pods like me!
4. The Broski Report With Brittany Broski
Brittany Broski has gathered a huge following since her debut on YouTube and TikTok, with everyone loving her for her real and honest talks about mental health, as well as her comical and quick-witted jokes, and now she’s doing that in podcast form! The Broski Report is the Brittany that everyone loves with the addition of a variety of topics and current events that she has to unpack with us. This is for all the Broski Nation fans out here, as well as anyone who enjoys a good commentary podcast!
5. The COlin and Samir Show
YouTube-turned-podcast duo Colin Schwaar and Samir Chaudry open up about the challenges that emerge from becoming a creator, and what it’s like as social media changes the expectations. The Colin and Samir Show takes us through the latest in the current climate of content creation, and also breaks down the relationship creators and social media stars have with their fans and jobs, making it the perfect mix of entertainment and informational! They also release unedited interviews with content creators, which are perfect if you want to learn a bit more about the industry, as well as your favorite creators!
Chemistry is the Key to COmedy
6. New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce
This was one I recently started listening to after my roommate recommended it, and as someone who isn’t the biggest football fan, I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. But, against the odds, New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce actually surprised me with how funny and casual it was, and while there was obviously going to be some football talk, the majority of it was just two brothers joking around and laughing for an hour, which was pretty entertaining on its own! So whether you’re a football fan or maybe just a Swiftie curious about Taylor’s new beau, then this one might be for you!
7. The Bald and the Beautiful with Trixie and Katya
Serving glam and realness, drag queens Trixie Mattel and Katya have been killing the podcast game for a while now, spilling all the gossip on the latest in the drag world and pop culture, and doing so with their own fabulous flair. Their chemistry on The Bald and the Beautiful is undeniable, and each episode is basically an hour filled with out-of-pocket hot takes from Trixie and a lot of unserious sardonic remarks from Katya. It’s such a fun podcast to listen to and I recommend it to anyone looking for a good laugh!
8. The Basement Yard with Joe Santagato
The Basement Yard has been on my radar for years now, and since first listening to them, Joe and Frank have never ceased to make me laugh! These guys always have such a drastic range of topics that they discuss each episode, from random niche experiences to discussing big, cosmic questions, and doing so in such a fun, not-too-serious way. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a way to pass the time and enjoy listening to hosts with a great dynamic who can have a laugh over just about anything!
Getting Involved in the Conversation
9. Call Her Daddy With Alex Cooper
Alex Cooper, host of Call Her Daddy, has been “creating conversation” since before this new era of podcasting, and her topical, raw, and passionate podcast has only grown its fanbase as a result! She orchestrates all of her conversations with her guests so naturally, it feels like you’re just listening to some good old girl talk, and it is truly a “for the girls” podcast. Call Her Daddy is perfect for all women trying to find themselves in their young adult years, as well as anyone looking to reel in the slightly uncomfortable but necessary conversations Alex perpetuates on her show.
10. Dear Hollywood With Alyson Stoner
In Dear Hollywood, not only does former child actor Alyson Stoner give us a glimpse into their personal experience in Hollywood, but they also invite us to become aware of everything the industry pushes actors into at impressionable ages, inviting us to ponder on the undecided question of, “Who’s fault is it, really?”. The podcast is so well conducted and really invests you in a world that’s usually glamorized and revered, making this perfect for anyone interested in celebrity upbringing, the life of a Hollywood actor, as well as uncovering the controversies of Hollywood.
conclusion
While I am a firm believer that music is the irreplaceable white noise we indulge in on a daily basis, reincorporating podcasts into my rotation has been way more fun than I expected! Every podcast on this list has become such a staple in my Spotify library in some way: whether it’s getting ready with the daily What A Day on in the background, walking on the treadmill to The Basement Yard, or watching the latest episode of Dear Hollywood, all of these podcasts are so uniquely curated and have such incredible hosts, and I’m so glad they’ve found their way into my routine! I hope this list of pods helps you venture through this new era of podcasting and serves as a little guide in finding your own niche podcast rotation!