Podcasts. You know ‘em, you love ‘em, but there are many out there, and sometimes it’s hard to know just which ones to listen to. That’s where today’s list comes in! With the holidays descending upon the world, many of us have some free time to kill (especially on those long drives and flights to see family and friends), and what better way to spend it than by catching up on some audio bliss we’re sure you’ll love? Check it out:
Note: The following is presented in alphabetical order, and while links will direct to individual iTunes pages, all shows listed are available via other RSS means if desired.
Originally conceived as a spin-off to the now concluded podcast Walking The Room, comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth “Gary†Reynolds have transformed their new series into one of the must-listen podcasts of 2014. Every week, Dave comes in with a story from American history he then reads to Gareth Gary, who reacts appropriately. From the early days of baseball’s #1 pitcher with a fire truck problem, to the history of a mountain man that refuses to die, The Dollop is full of laughs and storytelling skill that will make you ask only one question by the end of every episode: how the hell is this not a movie?
John Caparulo is, quite simply, one of the best stand-up comedians currently working. The man has an ability like no other to present a true “every man†on stage. So, when word came down he was doing a podcast with his wife Jamie, we were instantly intrigued. Since its beginning, the show’s taken audiences into the private life of a couple that just enjoys each other, and it’s made this list is because it’s a series that shows that the people that work in the entertainment industry are just that, people. Also, there are some great surprises along the way that might make you tear up, such as John learning, on air, he’s going to be a father.
An Australian podcast that’s recently started gaining traction in the states, I Love Green Guide Letters is a show dedicated to the art of commenting… or rather a show dedicated to the art of commenting on commenting. Every episode, host Steele Saunders invites some guests to come by and read the latest reader letters sent to the country’s version of the TV Guide, The Green Guide, and the result is pure magic. Don’t believe it? Allow us to throw two words at you to get you interested: staple gate. If you want to know exactly what that refers to, you’ll to check this one out for yourself.
One of the top shows on this list of top shows, Junkfood Cinema is so much more than a podcast: it’s a movement. Many assume when it comes to discussions of cult and exploitation film, the only way to do it is with a heavy lathering of irony, but hosts C. Robert Cargill and Brian Salisbury are out to prove that notion wrong with their weekly discussion of schlock movies. Whether spending a full month discussing the art of Matthew McConaughey films or praising the work of one Dick Miller, this show’s a must for any movie fan, and is the film podcast all other film podcast should strive to be.
Some podcasts strive for comedy, some for serious analysis, but there are few that ever strive for both… however, writer/comedian Mick Betancourt is far from a man of singular taste. Every week, the head master of TIFAH (The Institute for Advanced Hustle) takes audiences on a journey through life and what it means to work for what you believe in. Sometimes Mick features comedians such as Kyle Kinane, other times he features writers such as Shawn Ryan, but regardless of the who, the Chicago native that’s trekked through enough life challenges to write a book trilogy always brings his discussions back to one, singular idea: there’s honor and truth to be found in the art hard work and commitment.
Did you really think we’d make a “podcasts you must listen to†list without including the one that’s caused a stir like none before it? Who do you think you’re reading? Serial is a phenomenon that many are still trying to explain. Currently finished with its first season, host Sarah Koenig’s spent the last few months taking the audience on a journey down the rabbit hole of a single criminal case that asks one question: what do you believe? However, things are far from black and white, and thanks to Koenig’s masterful storytelling skills and honest presentation, we can’t help but be enthralled by the journey of her research and discovery. Never has there been a podcast that’s caused national discussion the way Serial has, and if there’s any show worthy of the “binge-listen†moniker, this is it.
Still Untitled: The Adam Savage Project
Back in June, we broke down all the ways in which Mythbusers’ Adam Savage has made creativity a thing to strive for in a modern society that often asks for nothing but status quo. However, it’s not just his build videos that get us excited to make and create. Did you know the man also has a podcast? Hosted by Savage and Tested cohorts Will Smith and Norman Chan, every week the trio takes a moment to talk about the art of making and their passion for creativity. Sometimes it comes in the form of movie chats, other times in the form of bad job stories. But, regardless of the packaging, we can’t help but be enthralled by the desire to share the things they love by the gang, and that’s why it’s made our list of shows you must listen to this holiday break.
What podcasts do you frequent? Let us know in the comments below.
Rusty Microphone
The Long Shot, Dana Gould Hour, Comedy Banget Bang, You Made it Weird, Never Not Funny, Doug Loves Movies
The Long Shot, Never Not Funny, Comedy Bang Bang, You Made it Weird, Doug Loves Movies (and Minis), Dana Gould Hour, The Flop House
Super Knockin’ Boots
I like a podcast called The Nerdist… the host is Jonah Mirawick I think, it’s pretty good… they cover everything from sports to the best pickup lines to use in a bar.
WTFpod with Marc Maron!
How did this get made!
A Mediocre Time with Tom & Dan
Tell ‘Em Steve Dave! Is the greatest Pod on the Planet. Period.
For comics, Paperkeg is the best around. Give them a listen.
Um That Just Happened
Yes! Tested! Im a Premium member and it’s totally worth it. I spend most of my time on the web on tested.com lol
Tell ’em Steve-Dave! is the only podcast you need.
The Incomparable. Everything from books to TV to movies, with a geek/Sci fi tilt. There’s a lot of content available, they skewer Star Wars (Episodes1-3), take on Star Trek, and plenty more. Even holiday themed movies & tv!
I love the good the bad and the geeky.
Why isn’t anything from the Nerdist network on this list?
you gotta check out jake and Amir’s advice podcast “if I were you”, it’s the funniest thing I have listened to!!
Joe Rogan Experience and the Monday Morning Podcast with Bill Burr
Rebel Force Radio! If you love Star Wars more than the average fan then this is the podcast for you.
I just finished freebasing every episode of Radiolab and have started to go back and re-listen to some favorites.
I listen to a lot of podcasts because I can listen at my job… Favorites are mostly comedy – The Crabfeast, Call Chelsea Peretti, Hound Tall, Off the Air with Chick McGee, Your Mom’s House with Tom Segura & Christina Pazitsky, & You Made It Weird. But I also love more serious ones like Serial, Criminal, The Mental Illness Happy Hour, Ted Talks (the one by NPR), The X-Files Files, That’s Deep Bro, & This American Life.
Fred Greenhalgh ‘s RADIO DRAMA REVIVAL. He is super-picky about the modern radio dramas he airs, which reflects the quality of his series. He also presents regular interviews with some of the biggest names in modern audio drama, including Dirk Maggs, Tom Lopez, and AudioComics.
I started listening to The Thrilling Adventure Hour just last month. It is amazing and delightful. And right here on the Nerdist network!
I listen to The Mike O’Meara Show for laughs and Buzz Burbabk News and Comment for my daily news and commentary fix.
Oops, Buzz Burbank!
Because I love to laugh, I listen to Matt and Mattingly’s Ice Cream Social, What Say You?, and Unpopular Opinion religiously!
The geek show. Good job brain. No such thing as a gush. All excellent podcasts.
The Long Shot, Comedy Bang Bang, Dana Gould Hour, Never Not Funny, You Made it Weird. Can you tell I have a comedy bias?
Also The Flop House, Doug Loves Movies (and Minis)
Doug loves movies is my favorite podcast ever. I listen to it all the time. Also the nerdist podcast of course.
Ear Biscuits! 😀
Bonanza! From Relay.fm is delightfully absurd. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve listened to Bionic, its now retired predecessor, on 5by5. Start at episode 51 of Bionic to learn about tearaway trousers, RoGIF Moore, Disney bags and of course vlcnr.com.
‘Tv Chinwag’ with Jules Wilkinson and Ryan Curtis is definitely my fave. They talk about/review/discuss/argue about 2-ish tv shows each episode. A+ trans-pacific podcast!
Critical Hit, the British History Pocast and WTF with Marc Maron are my current favorites.
I listen to The Read.
I love Junk Food Cinema! Give Cargill and Brian a listen to!
Anything from the SModcast network
Fantasy Fiction is my pick for ridiculous fun. Definitely going to check out these picks though.
TOFOP – a podcast hosted by an Australian comedian, who has recently moved to America. In each episode he talks with another comedian about about… stuff. I’m not selling it, but it’s a great podcast – essential listening.
FOFOP almost made the cut, but The Dollop did instead because I wanted to focus on newer shows people may not have heard of.
We’re Alive! If you feel like a zombie apocalypse radio show.
STARTALK!!
Always gotta give The Bugle a listen to, especially if you are jonesing for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. It is little less journalism, more reflecting on current events with his famous humor.
Sawbones! A wife and husband team walking you through the wrongdoings of medical history.
Welcome to Nightvale from commonplace books is amazing mix of weird 1950’s sci-fi, elder gods, street cleaning days, and humor. Honestly, it’s better than I can describe, plus, there’s the weather…
I love everything from the frogpants network- especially TMS.
Getting Felt Up!: A Puppetry Podcast is pretty great for those holiday blues!
I’ve been listening to You Made it Weird with Pete Holmes religiously lately!