Top 10 Binge-Worthy Podcasts
Whether you drive or take public transit, those hours spent on your way to work don’t have to be a bore. Welcome to WatchMojo and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Podcasts to Instantly Improve Your Commute
For this list, we’re looking at the most interesting and engaging podcasts that will keep you occupied while you’re on your way to school or work.
#10: ”Reply All” (2014-)
Produced by Gimlet media, this weekly podcast is frequently referred to as a “show about the internet.” While the show does cover themes of technology, in reality, its stories are all about humanity. Hosts PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman previously worked on another podcast together, TLDR, which focused on similar ideas. Each episode is perfectly bite sized at about 20 minutes and varies greatly in terms of what type of tale will be told so it’s sure to keep you interested for hours on end.
#9: "Song Exploder” (2014-)
If you’re a serious audiophile, this one is for you. In this podcast, creator and host Hrishikesh Hirway interviews musicians and songwriters about the creative decisions they made in the making of their track. He removes his part of the interview in the editing process so the final product just sounds like the musician talking about their craft. They’ve hosted guests as varied as Metallica, Grimes, Weezer, U2 and Death Cab for Cutie. If you’ve ever wants to hear the origin stories behind your favorite songs, make sure to subscribe to Song Exploder.
#8: ”Freakonomics” (2009-)
You probably remember the runaway hit non-fiction book “Freakonomics” that was released in 2005, but did you know that the authors have translated their ideas into a podcast? Whether you read the book or not, there’s something for everyone in this informative pop-science audio publication. Fans of Malcolm Gladwell’s books will also likely enjoy this listening experience. Co-author Steven Dubner now discusses human nature and interesting psychological phenomenons with a variety of experts, including co-author, co-creator and regular guest, Stephen Levitt. The weekly podcast runs for approximately half an hour- the perfect length for your commute.
#7: ”99% Invisible” (2010-)
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Have you ever wondered about the psychology behind fountains in parks or wondered why those wacky inflatable tube men are always stationed outside car dealerships? Probably not. But the creators of 99% Invisible are there to look into it for you anyway. This show takes a deep dive into the architecture of our world, and the work that goes into design decisions that may seem trivial to the untrained eye. Creator Roman Mars wraps his head around things that you wouldn’t even know needed figuring out and the result is deeply absorbing.
#6: “Radiolab” (2002-)
One of the longer running programs on our list, this radio show has been around since way before podcasts were popular: first airing in 2002. What makes Radiolab stand out is their more refined documentary style production, which uses sound and music differently than most of the other entries we’re talking about today. Luckily, if you get hooked on this one there are years worth of back catalog of episodes for you to enjoy. The high quality investigative journalism displayed in this show can’t be beat, and you’ll find yourself wanting to share the incredible stories you hear with all your friends.
#5: “Fresh Air” (1975-)
National Public Radio (more commonly known as NPR) has been producing incredible radio content for decades and this podcast is no exception. The show actually started over 40 years ago- in 1975 when it was hosted by Judy Blank. That same year, Terry Gross took over as the head presenter and still acts as such as of 2017. Gross interviews visionaries from different fields in the arts, science and entertainment. Some of the most famous interviews are with Johnny Cash, Chris Rock, Maurice Sendak, Meryl Streep, John Oliver, Stephen King and David Foster Wallace. These interviews go in depth and reveal sides of the famous subjects that you wouldn’t otherwise see.
#4: ”Pop Culture Happy Hour” (2010-)
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If you love being kept up to date on the latest in TV and movies, then this podcast hosted by Linda Holmes is for you. NPR’s rotating panel of entertainment experts chat about the newest hit TV shows and blockbusters as well as lesser known indie flicks. They also cover books, music, comic books and whatever else they’re into that week. You’ll come to relate to the show’s regulars like Glen Weldon and Stephen Thompson and your “to watch” list will expand exponentially with every listen. If you want something slightly more educational from NPR, try out Planet Money which illuminates issues in the financial world.
#3: ”Serial” (2014-)
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Arguable the podcast that made podcasts cool, Serial stands alone in terms of how engaging, enthralling and absorbing it is. The first season of Serial looks at a 1997 murder case in which high school student Adnan Syed was accused of killing his ex-girlfriend. Host Sarah Koenig reopens the mystery of Hae Min Lee’s death and makes you seriously question the criminal justice system. While this is great for a commute, you may even want to save it for a long road trip because you won’t be able to stop after just one episode.
#2: ”ID10T with Chris Hardwick” (2010-)
If you love celebrities, you’ll undoubtedly fall head over heels for this podcast. Formerly known as The Nerdist, Host Chris Hardwick interviews comedians, actors and other members of the entertainment industry about what it means to be a nerd. The interviews are lighthearted and comedic, and give you an inside look at the craft behind your favorite movies and TV shows. The podcast has evolved from a single show to an entire podcast network that now offers news, reviews and even videos in addition to their popular celebrity interviews. What are you waiting for? You have a lot of content to get through!
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
”My Brother, My Brother and Me” (2010-)
“Comedy Bang! Bang!” (2009-)
”Spilled Milk Podcast” (2010-)
”My Favorite Murder” (2016-)
”How Did This Get Made?” (2010-)
#1: ”This American Life” (1995-)
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If you’re interested in podcasts but don’t know where to start, most aficionados would recommend beginning with the renowned and celebrated This American Life. It is now both a radio show and a hugely popular podcast with several million people downloading every episode. Each episode has a theme and then looks at a handful of stories that relate to it. Because the show has been airing for years there’s a huge catalogue of episodes, so whatever your area of interest, you’ll undoubtedly be able to find something that’s right up your alley. The thing they do so well though is turning a seemingly mundane story into something that you can’t stop listening to. Enjoy!
