The Podcast industry is thriving in today’s society. Consumers now have more access to audio content on a variety of platforms such as Spotify, Soundcloud, and the Podcast app on Apple iPhones. It has also become easier to stream podcasts in cars and through home speakers. There is a podcast for any interest or topic, making it a popular form of entertainment. Here are some of the most popular podcasts.

Investigative Journalism

Serial is one of the most popular investigative journalism podcasts with multiple broadcasting awards. Each season investigates a different true story. The first season investigates the murder of Hae Min Lee. The second season examines an American Army soldier who was captured by the Taliban. The third season involves cases with the Justice Center Complex in Cleveland, Ohio.

Up and Vanished is hosted by Payne Lindsey and has two seasons. The podcast goes in depth in the stories behind people who have gone missing.  

In the Dark has two seasons. The first season focuses on the kidnapping and murder of Jacob Wetterling and the second season is about the case involving convicted murderer Curtis Flowers.

Political

NPR Politics Podcasts provides weekly analysis and reporting from NPR reporters. Each episode is 15-30 minutes and is an easy listen to learn more about current American politics.

KCRW’s Left, Right & Center is hosted by Josh Barro and has a variety of voices with different political views, creating interesting political debates.

Political Gabfest from Slate Magazine was voted “favorite political podcast” by Apple podcast listeners. They describe their podcast as “ the kind of informal and irreverent discussion Washington journalists have after hours over drinks.”

Comedy

Pardon My Take is a comedic sports podcast from Barstool Sports. They release weekly episodes with guests like Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg. It was ranked the 14th most downloaded podcast in 2018 on iTunes.

My Brother, My Brother, and Me has been producing episodes since 2010. It is hosted by brothers Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy. Each week the brothers give comedic advice to questions submitted by listeners or from Yahoo Answers.

2 Dope Queens is hosted by Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson. The podcast features comedians of color, LGBTQ+ comedians, and female comedians to create a wide variety of content. The podcast remained number one on iTunes one week after its launch.

YouTuber

Jenna and Julien is YouTuber Jenna Moury’s podcast with her boyfriend Julien Solomita. This podcast has diverse content each week with light-hearted and odd conversations. Listeners are able to interact live with the podcast using the app Ustream.

The Basement Yard is hosted by Joe Santagato, who began his career on YouTube. Each weekly episode features Santagato’s producer Danny Lopriore or his friends. The guests know each other very well, creating hilarious conversation and banter.