List Of Top Podcasts To Listen To In 2024

Podcasting is not going away, as you and we both know. And we enjoy them all, from political podcasts that go behind the headlines to comedy podcasts with your favorite comedians, as well as plenty of investigative whodunnits to keep you awake at night. If you want to delve deeper into a certain genre, we recommend trying out our specialist lists (available below).

In fact, we at Time Out love a good poddy so much that we decided to make our own! ‘Love Thy Neighbourhood’ is a new podcast produced by Time Out London’s editor Joe Mackertich that features London celebrities walking listeners through the top sites in their area. It’s silly, humorous, full of great advice, and always finishes in a pub. ‘Love Thy Neighbourhood’ is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other streaming services. So, what are you waiting for? Read on for the best podcasts available right now.

1. Serial

Okay, we understand. It is ‘Serial’. It has been around since 2014. But this podcast is an incredible cult favorite, and with good cause. Series one changed the course of the podcast world forever, laying the path for every outstanding investigative true crime podcast you’ve heard this year. The first season focuses on a murder case in which the victim’s ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, was convicted.

Following the podcast and the accompanying media attention, he was released in 2022. Season three was equally innovative, delving inside the daily activities of an American courthouse. What is the best part? Season four is supposedly on the way. We’ll wait for a podcast as influential as ‘Serial’.

2. A Very British Cult

This fascinating podcast from April 2023 on BBC Three delves into Lighthouse, an institution that provides mentorship and life advise, via the eyes of one guy who got dragged into its vortex. The audio illustrates that Lighthouse is a cult and depicts exactly what happens when a family member is indoctrinated. He and his girlfriend are interviewed; she was forced to see his indoctrination from the sidelines. Fortunately, the story has a happy conclusion.

3. Normal Gossip

If you get overly engrossed in drama involving complete strangers, Normal Gossip is the podcast for you. Each episode features presenter Kelsey McKinney and a special guest as they investigate an anonymous piece of gossip supplied by listeners. Even if you don’t know any of the people involved, you get a high from hearing extremely spicy gossip as if they were close friends. (It will not prevent you from developing strong feelings on everyone involved!)

4. Do We Get To Win This Time?

Nam is the subject of The Ringer’s endlessly entertaining “Do We Get to Win This Time?” The podcast “How Hollywood Made the Vietnam War” focuses on ‘Nam movies: the great, the completely out-of-the-box, and those starring John Wayne.

Hear Oliver Stone discuss Platoon, review the controversies surrounding The Deer Hunter, and smoke whatever the cast and crew of ‘Apocalypse Now’ were smoking back in the Philippines’ jungle in 1976. There’s also tremendous intelligence in the storytelling, as host Brian Raftery investigates what the war’s ever-changing filmmaking reveals about America.

5. This American Life

 

This American Life began as a public radio show in the 1990s (and continues to be) before transitioning to a podcast format. Hosted by the instantly recognisable Ira Glass, each episode of this weekly show explores a theme, usually through first-person accounts, by people from various walks of life in the United States and beyond. Consider’stories about being little’, the benefits and drawbacks of therapy, and the story of a flute player who steals a million dollars’ worth of dead birds.

6. Strike Force Five

When dual strikes shut down Hollywood, this fortnightly conversation between five late-night hosts launched as an enjoyable listen. However, the strike-supporting podcast reached new heights in episode five, when a confusingly organized ‘Dating Game’ clone made Jimmy Fallon the punching bag for the rest of the crew—and for the duration of the limited series’ run.

The resulting conversation with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver is pure fun, alternating between industry anecdotes and plenty of quick-witted mocking.

7. Filthy Ritual

You know those stories in which you can’t see where they’re going? Filthy Ritual is one of them. Filthy Ritual tells the story of Juliette D’Souza, whose well-carved image enabled her steal half of one of London’s wealthiest neighborhoods (Hampstead) as part of a complex series of scams. The podcast benefits from the genuine likeability of the interviews and the skilled broadcasters, who are seasoned true crime presenters.

8. The Last Soviet

What do NSYNC and the Russian space program have in common? That would be Lance Bass. The former boyband member broadcasts a podcast about Sergei Kirkakev, the Russian cosmonaut who spent a year adrift in space after the USSR collapsed.

You might think Bass is an odd pick for presenter, but during a break from his pop career in 2002, he traveled to Russia to train to go to space for a prefabricated MTV reality show. Over the course of eight episodes, he discusses the geopolitics of space flight, provides anecdotes from his training, and addresses the age-old topic of how astronauts urinate in space.

9. Unreal: A Critical History of Reality TV

Whether reality TV is your kind on paper or makes you want to scream ‘get me out of here’, this ten-episode series is a delightful dose of nostalgia, exploring the ethics behind great shows and TV personalities.

Charting the past 20ish years of television, from the birth of ‘Big Brother’ and the wasteland of mid-noughties plastic surgery transformation shows, to the emergence of Kardashians and the juggernaut of ‘Love Island,’ we want to forgive but forget. Charlie Liddington, Head of Creative Strategy and Live.

10. Drifting Off with Joe Pera

Have you have difficulties sleeping recently? You are in for a treat. Joe Pera triumphantly returned to podcasting in March 2023 with his brand new podcast, ‘Drifting Off with Joe Pera’, his first true sleep podcast (the others were simply unintentionally soothing).

Listen to the pleasant sounds of Pera’s soothing voice, the glittering music, and the seemingly random topic matter, and you’ll wake up after a blissful eight hours. Thank you, Pera. Ella Doyle, the Guides Editor

11. Hoaxed

After finishing ‘Sweet Bobby’, Tortoise Media’s compelling study into a decade-long catfishing case that became an instant smash in 2021, we listened to journalist Alexi Mostrous’s new podcast. ‘Hoaxed’ dives into a story that began in 2014, when two children from an upscale Hampstead neighbourhood informed police they were being abused by a Satanic sect.

But when this is revealed to be a deception, Mostrous delves deeper into what’s really going on, and the roots are far deeper than you’d expect. It’s a masterclass in investigative journalism: Mostrous’ determination to get to the bottom of modern-day Satanic hysteria in Britain puts him in grave peril, and his tenacity is admirable.

12. The Gilded Gentleman

The people may be screaming for everything Gilded Age New York (1877–1900) thanks to HBO’s ‘Downton Abbey’-esque series, ‘The Gilded Age’, which is presently in its second season. However, host Carl Raymond, under the aegis of popular podcasters The Bowery Boys, has been adeptly documenting the drama, pomp, and culture of the era since 2021.

Raymond immerses you in the action by creating the atmosphere and inviting intriguing specialists and visitors to share their wealth of knowledge. He delves into different themes every week. Fans of New York City and history will benefit greatly from this fun and informative series.

13. Pod Save the UK

Nish Kumar, a comedian, and journalist Coco Khan have created a podcast on the dumpster fire that is British politics. And it slaps. Weekly episodes cover the week’s top political news, from Tories Morris Dancing at shutdown parties to Speedy Sue attempting to get out of a speeding penalty.

It’s talkative, witty, humorous, and unapologetically partisan; Nish is a liberal standup, while Coco is known as ‘leftwing Barbie’. But it’s what you’d expect from the sister podcast of ‘Pod Save America’, which was founded by former Obama officials in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017. Tune in, if only to hear the top-tier nicknames attached to Westminster frontbenchers.

14. Today in Focus

It’s not niche or ‘undiscovered’, but that doesn’t mean it’s not wonderful. ‘Today In Focus’ is a daily listen for me, providing a small dose of news on some incredibly compelling subjects that keep me interested.

Each workday, they publish an interesting analysis, but the ‘Cost of The Crown’ four-part series was a standout. Not only were the disclosures concerning the magnitude of the royal family’s private wealth (and the huge frameworks built to keep it hidden from the public) stunning, but the episodes also serve as an exemplary example of competent and in-depth research and journalism.

15. The Polyester Podcast

Polyester, an intersectional feminist arts and culture newspaper, launched the monthly Polyester Podcast, which examines pop culture through a feminist viewpoint. The podcast is hosted by editor-in-chief Ione Gamble and Gina Tonic, both of whom are giggly, snarky joys.

Their audio hot opinions include being sarcastically alt-right, Doja Cat’s controversy, and how diversity in fashion is a sham. Personally, I enjoy the podcast because they are critical of social movements and will constantly go into the deeper subtext of trends while applying their own thoughts – and I need that reminder not to simply absorb what I see online.

16. Start with This

Do you want a podcast that will entertain you while also making you feel smart? Start with this. No, ‘Start with This’. This podcast by Jeffrey Cranor (of ‘Welcome to Night Vale’, the spooky US podcast about a fictional town) is an interactive experience:

first, you listen to an episode, and then you go and make something from what you’ve learnt, whether it’s a writing project or another piece of homework. ‘Start with This’ aims to stimulate your creativity through episodes ranging from ‘Present Tense’ to ‘Non-Lovecraftian Horror’.

17. You Must Remember This

‘You Must Remember This’, written, produced, and narrated by Karina Longworth, delves into the hidden histories of Hollywood’s first century. Its current series, ‘Erotic 90s,’ delves into everything from the fallout from Croenenburg’s Crash debut at Cannes in 1996 to the feminist impact of Thelma and Louise.

At times, the stories appear unbelievable, but that is the nature of Hollywood. The podcast’s use of contradicting narratives, mythologizing, and spin paints a vivid image of life behind the camera.

18. The New Yorker Fiction Podcast

Simply gazing at a copy of the New Yorker can boost your intelligence by up to 15%, as can listening to its flagship fiction podcast. A current staffer reads and discusses a short story by a previous New Yorker writer, frequently from several decades ago, with the magazine’s fiction editor, Deborah Treisman.

It’s fun, yes, but it’s the exploration of the minds of a series of incredibly intelligent Americans – think ZZ Packer, Bryan Washington, and Jhumpa Lahiri – that gives it its zing. Andrzej Łukowski, Theatre and Dance Editor.

19. Love, Janessa

Will we ever get tired of hearing about examples of swindling and deceit? Of course, the answer is no, therefore you may expect more content in the future. And Love, Janessa, the BBC’s 2023 release, is one of the most breathtaking yet. Each episode uncovers more about the scope of this catfishing scam and the woman whose identity is at the center of it. Hannah Ajala is an amazing host. Ella Doyle

20. The Rest is Politics

One for all the budding centrist Dads out there. In each episode of ‘The Rest is Politics’, former Downing Street director of comms Alastair Campbell and one-time Tory leadership candidate Rory Stewart have it out over the biggest stories of the week.

They may come from very different backgrounds and perspectives, but a back-slapping bromance emerges as they spar over topics as assorted as depression, the Iraq War and Burnley Football Club. Whatever you think about their politics, you’ll end up warming to this unlikely pair.

21. My Perfect Console

Simon Parkin is one of the few writers who can write about gaming with the depth, wit, and intelligence that are typically reserved for art and film. In this punchy series, he interviews famous people with a connection to video games and asks them to choose five titles for their ideal console. Essentially, it’s Desert Island Discs with Metal Gear Solid instead of Elgar’s “Enigma Variations”.

22. You Look Like Me

Louise McLoughlin, a sperm-donor conceived journalist, delves into the unique world of the donor conceived community, from discovering half-siblings to exposing dark family secrets. She records her search for her half-sibling Jess and biological father Neil, as well as interviews with other families who have been misled in the worst way by reproductive physicians.

It’s intimate and investigative, and you’ll undoubtedly need some Kleenex when she finally meets the man who looks like her. Jess Phillips, the Social Media Editor

23. Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera

This documentary-style podcast revisits a reality show similar to ‘The Bachelorette’ from the early 2000s, in which men battled for the heart of Mexican actress Miriam Rivera. Miriam was a trans woman, and the show’s premise was based on keeping this information hidden from all of the candidates until the final episode.

It’s hard to believe that the show ever broadcast, never alone in this millennium, but the podcast, masterfully narrated by Trace Lysette, reveals the tragic narrative of everyone who were impacted with genuine empathy and compassion. It’s a difficult listen, but it’s extremely vital in our current context. Ella Doyle, the Guides Editor

24. Why Won’t You Date Me?

Have we all asked ourselves that question? Nicole Byer, the hilarious presenter of ‘Why Won’t You Date Me,’ spends each episode of the show discussing modern dating, including topics such as apps, open partnerships, and matchmakers. Yes, it’s vulgar.

25. In the Dark

This podcast calls the United States’ justice system into question. The first season investigates why authorities took 27 years to solve the kidnapping of 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling. Season two investigates why a Black man, Curtis Flowers, was tried six times for the same offense, while a’special report’ follow-up looks at the impact of Covid on the vulnerable Mississippi Delta.

The New Yorker has just taken up the project, and journalists are currently working on series three. Its defining characteristics are thorough investigative journalism and dramatic suspense. It is not only addictive, but it also stimulates you. Alex Sims, Contributing Writer.

26. The Receipts

This podcast calls the United States’ justice system into question. The first season investigates why authorities took 27 years to solve the kidnapping of 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling. Season two investigates why a Black man, Curtis Flowers, was tried six times for the same offense, while a’special report’ follow-up looks at the impact of Covid on the vulnerable Mississippi Delta.

The New Yorker has just taken up the project, and journalists are currently working on series three. Its defining characteristics are thorough investigative journalism and dramatic suspense. It is not only addictive, but it also stimulates you. Alex Sims, Contributing Writer.

27. On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Everyone who has experienced introspection in recent years is likely familiar with Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast. It’s not new; it’s been available since 2019, but for cities like Hong Kong, which was one of the last to open up to the globe, getting back out there and embracing normalcy can be challenging. Listening to Jay Shetty in the morning or on my daily run has helped to calm my inner voice.

His intimate chats with thinking leaders, mixed with his experiences as a former monk, are both illuminating and fascinating. So, if you need some pearls of wisdom to get you through the holidays or ideas to help you make the best of your new year, popping

28. Visible Women

The sister podcast to Caroline Criado Perez’s bestselling book ‘Invisible Women’, Visible Women continues to expose gaping gender data gaps – spotlighting everyday systems and objects that are crazily (and often dangerously) designed exclusively for men.

From gender inclusive urban design (we love to see it) to pianos upholding the patriarchy (we don’t love to see it), each episode is packed with quotable bombshells to drop on your friends at every social gathering for the next three to six months. Charlie Liddington, Head of Creative Strategy & Live

29. Off Menu

Off Menu has become a cult favorite in the UK (and beyond), with new episodes released every week featuring some of today’s hottest celebrities. We’re talking about everyone from Lenny Henry to Paul Mescal, as well as a few other rising stars.

The charmingly awkward couple howl with laughter during most of each episode, which is structured similarly to a Desert Island Discs for food. Whether you’re a foodie or not, it will make you feel better.

30. Black Girl Songbook

In this podcast from The Ringer, former Vibe editor-in-chief Danyel Smith takes a wonderfully perceptive deep dive into a different Black woman in the music industry every week, concentrating on art, impact, and legacy while sharing very precise point-in-time stories.

That includes a show dedicated to Whitney Huston’s electrifying 1992 Super Bowl performance, Sade’s ascension, a study of Lauryn Hill’s scorching diss track ‘Lost Ones,’ and much more.

31. Crime Show

‘Crime Show’, which debuted in 2021, lives up to its promise of telling “stories about people.” And sometimes crime,’ with each episode telling a unique story that does not rely solely on the dreadfully overdone ‘women getting murdered’ theme. Some programs include ghosts, while others feature scammers and identity thieves. In one especially weird instance, we even meet a musician whose voice was taken by a chart-topping imposter. This is not your average true-crime podcast.

32. 1619

The New York Times began the 1619 Project at the end of 2019, in an effort to shed light on the 400th anniversary of the first slave ship to dock on American soil. The endeavor was multi-media, addressing the matter in print, web, television, and audio. The latter endeavor takes the shape of a podcast titled ‘1619’.

Nikole Hannah-Jones hosts the five episodes (the final one is divided into two parts), in which she interviews the paper’s writers and critics in an attempt to explore the country’s slavery past. Andrzej Łukowski, Theatre and Dance Editor.

33. How Did This Get Made?

Very funny individuals. Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas, and June Diane Raphael (plus a slew of hilarious special guests) adore movies. Particularly problematic ones. In this delightfully nerdy episode, the trio go ‘Mystery Science Theater’ on a cross-genre spread of so-bad-they’re-good films, from the Schwarzeneggerian wonders of ‘Jingle All the Way’ to the kid-mobster oddities of ‘Bugsy Malone’.

As an added treat, they discuss some very weird films, such as John Woo’s action classic ‘Face/Off’ and Patrick Swayze’s ‘Road House’. Phil De Semlyen, the Global Film Editor

34. Jemele Hill is Unbothered

Jemele Hill, an Emmy-winning journalist, has always come across as someone who knows a lot about everything, and her witty, insightful, and often humorous Spotify pod reinforces that image by addressing a wide range of themes in film, journalism, music, literature, and beyond. The show has featured in-depth interviews with Lisa Ling, Dan Rather, Tiffany Haddish, Kamala Harris, Stephen Colbert, Michael B Jordan, Jill Scott, Chuck D, and many more luminaries, delving into the significance of their work and the greater cultural diaspora with one of the best interviewers in the game.

On ‘You’re Wrong About,’ journalists Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbes choose a famous historical event, such as the OJ Simpson trial, and examine why it has been’miscast in the popular consciousness’. The outcomes of this podcast are consistently fascinating and surprising. Alex Sims, Contributing Writer.

35. Dead Eyes

The majority of us have been fired at some point. However, most of us have not been fired by the nicest man in Hollywood. Even fewer have been fired by that kind man because we had ‘dead eyes.’

In this series, comedian Connor Ratliff seeks to uncover the truth about his Hanks-approved firing from Band of Brothers in 2001, while also exploring the pitfalls and horror stories of Hollywood through the eyes of actors, directors, and comedians he meets on his self-described stupid quest for the truth.

36. Writers on Film

On the opposite end of the film-nerd spectrum from ‘How Did This Get Made,’ John Bleasdale’s ‘Writers on Film’ includes interviews with historians and authors who literally wrote the book on your favorite films and filmmakers.

The interviews are jam-packed with insights, facts, and stories about the making (and influence) of anything from ‘Shaun of the Dead’ to ‘Midnight Cowboy’, ‘Highlander’, and much more. Phil De Semlyen, the Global Film Editor

37. No Such Thing as a Fish

The very humorous team of researchers behind the British game show QI spends their days discovering strange, fantastic, and entirely unrelated facts. Every week, they reveal the most bizarre, mind-blowing discoveries they’ve made.

Consider it the podcast equivalent of meeting a group of exuberant trivia winners at the pub. They’re excited to tell you tales about red pandas, seafaring vegetable detectives, and old air conditioners.

38. Philosophy Bites

The very humorous team of researchers behind the British game show QI spends their days discovering strange, fantastic, and entirely unrelated facts. Every week, they reveal the most bizarre, mind-blowing discoveries they’ve made.

Consider it the podcast equivalent of meeting a group of exuberant trivia winners at the pub. They’re excited to tell you tales about red pandas, seafaring vegetable detectives, and old air conditioners.

39. Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History

For 15 years, journalist Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History has taken a revisionist approach to some of history’s most significant events, weaving a rich yet digestible tapestry of world-changing events, historical villains, and more, with plenty of pop-culture references to keep things interesting.

The episodes range from a 15-minute comparison between Alexander the Great and Hitler to a six-hour discussion of the Celtic Holocaust, ending in an almost 20-hour six-part overview at the Asia-Pacific War. Somehow, it never gets boring. Andrzej Łukowski, Theatre and Dance Editor.

40. Desert Island Dishes

If the BBC classic ‘Desert Island Discs’ is too heavy on Beethoven and childhood grief for you, try this twist on the theme instead. It’s hosted by food writer Margie Nomura, who has an ear for a good story and a keen understanding of the relationship between food and emotion.

Guests frequently express nostalgia for the dishes that made them. If you enjoy hearing Stanley Tucci repeat the word ‘risotto’ a lot – and believe me, you do – look no further.

41. The Daily

Another one by the New York Times, ‘The Daily’ is the paper’s, well, daily news podcast. It has gained an almost cult-like following thanks to host Michael Barbaro, who interviews the publication’s journalists about the top stories of the day. Barbaro’s soothing tone and his ability to truly break down an issue in 20 to 30 minutes have catapulted him to fame. Andrzej Łukowski, Theatre and Dance Editor

42 Stolen Hearts

Anyone who has ever felt that nothing exciting happens in rural West Wales needs to hear this. Host Kerry Godlima recounts the incredible story of a police sergeant who falls in love with a bank robber. Jill Evans, a diligent detective and hopeless romantic, begins a romance with beauty entrepreneur Dean Jenkins. What occurs next turns Haverfordwest, a calm community, upside down. Jess Phillips, the Social Media Editor

43. Modern Love

 

‘Modern Love’ is a popular New York Times column that has also been adapted into a highly rated anthology series on Amazon. The podcast, which debuted before the television production, has well-known people reading the famous essays. At the end of each episode, the hosts interview the original essayists about their post-column experiences.

44. The Shrink Next Door

Not every crime involves a dismembered skull in the jungle. ‘The Shrink Next Door’, one of the most stunning – and hilarious – stories of manipulation you’ll ever hear, is the second type.

It’s about a New York physician who takes his relationship with a single patient too far. It’s full of fancy rural homes and wonderful New York Jewish accents, and it’ll have you repeating ‘oy vey’ like you mean it. Once you’ve finished, watch Apple’s 2021 adaptation, starring Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd. Eddy Frankel, Art & Culture Editor of Time Out London.

45. Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

When you need a laugh, check out ‘Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,’ the former late-night icon’s hilarious corner of the internet. In each episode, the late-night presenter interviews a humorous celebrity, such as Ali Wong, Will Arnett, Judd Apatow, Sarah Silverman, Quentin Tarantino, Kid Cudi, and many more.

46. Table Manners

Are you missing dinner with your friends? Pull up a chair to this very British table and be entertained by singer Jessie Ware and her mother, Lennie. They invite celebrities (including Billy Porter, Maisie Williams, Ed Sheeran, Paul McCartney, and UK MP Jess Phillips) to Lennie’s for dinner, have a good old conversation, and occasionally Jessie’s brother is enlisted to prepare pudding (David Schwimmer slags down his banana bread in one episode). It’s the podcast version of a juicy novel.

47. Bandsplain

Everyone has their favorite band. However, some bands go beyond basic fandom and build their own legion of devoted admirers. Every week, Spotify host Yasi Salek delves deep into a different cult favorite band, replete with selected playlists that have the potential to convert new fans.

Shows focus on vastly varied band lifestyles, from Phish and Dave Matthews’ tour cultures to Insane Clown Posse’s ‘family’ of Juggalos and the perplexing Gin Blossoms fans who are still yelling for ‘Hey Jealousy’ all these years after.

48. Decoder Ring

This monthly podcast is hosted by Willa Paskin, Slate’s television critic. She is an exceptional journalist who delves into a particular object, habit, or cultural issue in each episode. ‘Decoder Ring’ has already investigated the following questions: Why is Judy Garland so popular among homosexual people? Who’s terrified of Bart Simpson? How do you begin a conspiracy theory?

49. Can I Tell You a Secret?

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We were waiting for a new, hard-hitting investigative series from a national newspaper, and the Guardian delivered. ‘Can I Tell You a Secret?’ begins as a narrative about online secrets in a tiny town in England, but quickly transforms into a bizarre, dark tornado that will keep you on the edge of your seat.It’s an engrossing and vital look at the seriousness of internet fraud and cyberstalking, which journalist Sirin Kale delivers flawlessly. Ella Doyle, the Guides Editor