I always used to think podcasts were boring. Why would you want to listen to someone talk when you can just watch TV? I never really understood the appeal of them—that was—until quarantine.
I began going on long walks just to escape my house. Music quickly got boring, and I needed something that would keep me entertained throughout my walk. I then began listening to podcasts.
At first, it was murder mystery podcasts. However, walking alone, early in the morning, I quickly became creeped out that Ted Bundy would jump out at me. So, I started exploring podcasts that were more appealing to me.
Navigating podcasts can be tricky. There aren't that many for teens, and it can be difficult to find a podcast that is both entertaining and useful. Though after lots of searching, I finally found my favorites. So, here are my 9 favorite podcasts that will you will never want to stop listening to.
Podcasts for Education
Learning through podcasts is an easy way to retain interesting information. However, finding a good podcast can be difficult as education podcasts can be boring and seem to go on forever. Here are three that will definitely keep you engaged throughout the entire podcast.
1. The Journal
The Journal is a podcast by the Wall Street Journal hosted by Ryan Knutson and Kate Linebaugh. They discuss politics, the economy, and current events.
The Journal is the perfect podcast if you want to educate yourself about current events and the economy. Ryan and Kate are both captivating and have an ability to easily explain things. The Journal features guests every episode that share an interesting perspective about the subject they are discussing.
The podcast has episodes multiple times per week, so you will always have a new, enticing episode to listen to. All the episodes are under 20 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to learn about a subject without becoming bored. You can find The Journal on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the Wall Street Journal's website for free.
2. Freakonomics
The Freakonomics podcast is hosted by Stephen J. Dubner and explores weekly a new economics related question.
If you are interested in economics or business, Freakonomics is the podcast for you. Every week, Freakonomics answers, or attempts to answer, a fascinating economics related question. Dubner has a natural knack for teaching economics, which is very clear in his podcast. Despite the fact that he explores more advanced topics, he always ensures the listener can fully understand the topic.
There are over 400 episodes of Freakonomics, so you have plenty to listen to. My favorite episodes are “Does Advertising Actually Work?” (a two-part e[isode) and “Why You Shouldn't Open a Restaurant.” Podcast episodes are usually around 40-50 minutes, all of which Dubner keeps the listener fully engaged with his interesting guests and fascinating perspectives. You can find Freakonomics on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, and on the Freakonomics website.
3. Stuff you Should Know
Stuff You Should Know is an educational podcast hosted by Charles (Chuck) Bryant and Josh Clark.
SYSK is a podcast that covers a wide range of topics about pop culture, history, and so much more. Chuck and Josh explore random yet interesting topics that will definitely leave you informed. They are both share interesting facts and perspectives to a large array of subjects. One of my favorite aspects of SYSK is their “Short Stuff” episodes, which are 12-13 minute episodes that briefly go over a topic, yet give you plenty of knowledge about the topic.
Chuck and Josh post very frequently, multiple times per week, so you can learn about various different subjects in just one week. As I mentioned previously, SYSK has “Short Stuff” episodes, but a normal episode is just under an hour. This gives the hosts the perfect amount of time to introduce a subject, and leave you feeling like an expert on it. You can listen to SYSK on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.
Podcasts for Entertainment
Listening to podcasts for education can be informative, but some times it is nice to relax with an entertaining podcast. Here are my top three favorites.
1. Office Ladies
Office Ladies is a podcast hosted by Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer (Angela and Pam on The Office) that delves into each episode of The Office.
If you are a lover of The Office, listening to Office Ladies is a must! Every week, Angela and Jenna re-watch an office episode and give listeners inside scoop about the filming of each episode. Angela and Jenna often interview a guest that had an important role in the episode of the week. They have great banter which makes the show fun and lighthearted.
Angela and Jenna post an episode every week that range from about one hour to one hour and a half. Each episode is filled with fun facts, first-hand stories of filming, and the occasional guest. Overall, this podcast is incredibly enjoyable and lighthearted, which is a great break from everything going on in our world right now. You can find Office Ladies on Stitcher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and the Office Ladies website.
2. Crying In Public
Crying In Public is a podcast hosted by Sarah Hodgson, Sydni Wynter, Sophia Schlesinger, and Claudia Meng, a friend group of NYU students.
Crying In Public wrapped up their first season of their podcast in October and their second season is dropping February 4th. In each episode, they cover a relatable topic that usually has to do with their experiences living in New York City as college students. Sarah, Sydni, Sophia, and Claudia have such a fun dynamic, you'll be wishing you were part of their friend group, too. They share personal stories about their college lives, answer questions, play games, and occasionally have guests.
Each episode is about 50 minutes, all of which are packed with hilarious stories and useful advice. You can find their podcast on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Breaker. Fair warning-this podcast will make you want to move to New York. If you need a funny, relaxing podcast, Crying In Public is perfect for you.
3. Chicks In The Office
Chicks In The Office is a podcast hosted by Fran Mariano and Ria Ciuffo that covers all pop culture related topics.
Multiple times a week, Ria and Fran post a podcast about the biggest pop culture events happening that week. During Bachelor seasons, Ria and Fran post a recap of the Bachelor, which are my personal favorite episodes. They also feature the occasional interview with celebrities like Joshua Basset, Chad Michael Murray, Meghan Trainor, and Tyler Cameron. Ria and Fran are funny, relatable, and will definitely keep you informed on everything going on.
Depending on how much drama happens in a given week, Chicks In the Office episodes range from about 50 minutes to about 2.5 hours. You can find their podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the Barstool website. If you need a laugh and love pop culture, I definitely recommend tuning into Chicks In The Office.
Podcasts For Personal Wellness
If you want to be the happiest, most confident version of yourself, these three podcasts are perfect for you.
1. Diet Starts Tomorrow
Diet Starts Tomorrow is a health and wellness podcast hosted by Aleen Kuperman and Samantha Fishbein.
Diet Starts Tomorrow talks about topics regarding health, wellness, confidence, and plenty more topics relevant to a female in today's world. Aleen and Samantha talk about personal stories, advice, and answer fan questions. This podcast does a fantastic job talking about the struggles females experience today and advice they have to solve such issues. It almost feels as though Aleen and Samantha are my older sisters, giving advice on everything I need to know.
These podcast episodes range from about 20 minutes to one hour, and they post multiple times per week. If you have ever struggled with low self-confidence this is the perfect podcast for you. You can find Diet Starts Tomorrow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.
2. Teenager Therapy
Teenager Therapy, hosted by Gael, Isaac, Thomas, Mark and Kayla, is the perfect podcasts for teens.
This podcast is unique from all the others, as it is hosted by teens. In each episode, they talk through struggles teens are enduring and ways to deal with these issues. They will also often interview people who can share insightful perspectives on the subject. Their podcasts are perfect if you are feeling stressed or lonely.
New Teenager Therapy episodes are usually posted weekly, and they range from 30 minutes to an hour. You can find their podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and their website.
3. Real Pod
Out of all these podcasts, Real Pod, hosted by Victoria Garrick might be my favorite.
Victoria was a Divison 1 libero on USC's women's volleyball team and has struggled with an eating disorder in the past. In addition to her own interesting point of view, having been a Division 1 athlete, Victoria also often has guests on the show who share interesting perspectives on body image, confidence, and more. Real Pod is the perfect podcast if you are struggling mentally as she has helpful advice and almost feels like a big sister.
Victoria posts a 50-minute podcast every Wednesday where she speaks about topics regarding mental health, specifically around eating disorders or body image issues. Real Pod is entertaining, helpful and a great podcast for anyone who might need a boost of confidence.
