Daily Fail

The Daily Fail is a podcast where hosts Maura Currie and Kristen Meinzer dissect the articles published in a very popular UNNAMED gossip rag. I love that Kristen and Maura analyze the undertones of misogyny on each ad-ridden page and emphasize how most of the stories on these sites aren't stories at all! This podcast is short, sweet, and to the point, which can't be said for the "stories" that Maura and Kristen read on-air.

- Chris DeRosa

Recommended episode: Sophie Turner Does Her Job, Is A Harlot (feat. Kate Casey)

Mobituaries with Mo Rocca

Mobituaries feels like it was made for me. If you are a history / edutainment fiend, you will love this show. Did I recommend it last year? Probably. If not, I wish I had! This episode, the season four premiere, is absolutely packed with entertainment and education the whole way through. Mo is obsessed with the concept of celebrities dying on the same day – especially when one death seems to outshine the other. This episode tells the stories of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett, who...died on the same day! There are a few more examples of celebs who died on the same day but I'll let you discover them — and the fascinating ways in which Mo ties their legacies together — for yourself!

- Arielle Nissenblatt, Community Marketing Manager at Descript

Recommended episode: Died on the Same Day (with special guest Anderson Cooper)

Reconcilable Differences

I've been listening to this show since its inception. Probably because I've followed the two podcasters in one form or another from other podcasts they do. In any case, I really don't know how to describe this show, other than it's two intelligent people who definitely give off a frenemy vibe, but ultimately put up with each other to figure out today's world, and as they say, figure out exactly how they got this way. It's a conversation podcast, but every time I'm asked what my single #1 favourite podcast is, I answer that it's this one.

- Sebastian Arciszewski, Find That Pod

Say More with Dr? Sheila

This show had me laughing out loud from the first episode. These fictional therapy sessions, led by none other than Amy Poehler, are so close to the real thing — the deadpan delivery throughout the series makes you think you're listening to an actual therapy podcast. It's light, funny, and an uncomfortably easy pod to listen to.

- Cesil Fernandes, Executive Producer, CBC Podcasts

Recommended episode: Open Relationship

Scam Goddess

Scam Goddess is a comedy podcast that delivers side-splitting laughs while unraveling the devious world of “scams, cons, robberies, and fraud” — words that also double as her theme song. The show's structure is a testament to their prowess — each interview with a rotating cast of successful comedians offers a perfect balance between current scams and historical hoodwinks, ensuring a consistently entertaining format. Scam Goddess's success lies in its ability to tackle serious subjects with humor, making it a must-listen for those seeking an entertaining yet informative take on scams and cons.

- Fatima Zaidi, Founder and CEO of Quill Inc. and CoHost

Recommended episode: Scam Heiress Anna Sorokin with Paul F. Tompkins

Wiser Than Me

Host Julia Louis-Dreyfus gets "schooled" by women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, who are older and wiser than her. I love the show in part because it defies expectations of celebrity podcasts — Julia is genuinely a good interviewer who brings her whole, funny, swearing self to the table — and turns the spotlight on a time in women's lives when they are often sidelined from public view, even though they might have more to say than ever.

- Miriam Johnson, Bumper

Recommended episode: Julia Gets Wise with Gina McCarthy

Apollyon

Faith McQuinn's gripping medical drama about a subtle, near-future dystopia following a world-wide pandemic is a fascinating exploration of personal ethics and how they affect our relationships. I've been a huge fan of Observer Pictures for a long time, but I feel this brilliant series doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves. From heart-aching romantic and platonic tension to gripping political espionage, this series is unlike anything I've ever heard.

- Ella Watts

Recommended episode: Episode 1: The Destroyer

Breaker Whiskey

Breaker Whiskey is a fascinating experiment with form: released every weekday in bite-sized episodes and recorded on a 1976 Midland CB Radio, it follows one woman’s trek across 20th century America after an apocalyptic event in 1968 leaves it seemingly empty. Whiskey is one of those messy, complicated female characters I love to see, especially in post-apocalypse fiction, and this show has a great historical twist on the genre. If you’re missing “Alice Isn’t Dead,” get ready to meet its just-as-weird younger sister.

- Newton Schottelkotte, Executive Producer, Caldera Studios

Recommended episode: One

Conference Call

The "Toade Bros" are ridiculous entrepreneurial brothers in need of serious help after DiskJack® lost steam. Julie (the consultant) joins them on a wild ride that becomes more concerning with each passing week. Our narrator is trusty investigative journalist, Charlotte, who shares these conference call recordings in an attempt to find Julie, who has mysteriously disappeared. The acting is supreme, the workplace sexism is on point, and the constant presence of Barkley (the dog) and Mattais (the live-in bf) only gets more unhinged.

- Ilana Nevins, Tink Media

Recommended episode: Ready. Set. Toades!

Dumb-Dumbs & Dice

The Dumb-Dumbs & Dice team, creators of Dumb-Dumbs & Dragons, have broken out into shorter form serialized actual play content that follows the same formula from their flagship show. This sounds very formal, but this team is hilarious and constantly creating the most wonderful characters and hours of podcast content to make your drive, your chores, your DAY filled with laughs. Their first mini-series, HACK N SLASH, was a true wonder from the moment I hit play on episode one. Also, check out their YouTube and Twitch channels to see everything come together!

- Russ More, Fable and Folly Network

Recommended episode: HACK N SLASH - Episode 1

Nothing Much Happens

Ok, this may be a bit of an unusual submission, seeing as this podcast is meant to put you to sleep. BUT! I would not have gotten through the production of my podcast without Nothing Much Happens, and I recommend it to any other podcast listener (or person who sleeps). Kathryn Nicolai is onto something special. She crafts exceedingly soothing stories, laden with cozy detail, and reads them in her ever-so-soft voice. This podcast has saved my sleep again and again, and I know it's helped millions of others too.

- Faith Pinho

Recommended episode: Heavy Snow at the Cabin

Small Victories

An up-close and raw look at addiction, coping, and surviving. And by "raw," I mean that's how it leaves your nerves feeling sometimes. Other times, you're laughing out loud. Kinda like life, yeah? It's a powerful tale.

- Evo Terra

Recommended episode: 101: A Good Place To Start

The Boar Knight

The Boar Knight is a family-friendly fantasy podcast following a knight searching for a cure to weremanism. This show is cute, silly, and fun, with incredible music and brilliant writing. It’s the audio version of a Saturday morning cartoon. My favorite episode is “Part 12 - Shrimp of Industry,” in which a shrimp cult is accidentally started by Nathaniel and his crew (but start with the first episode, as this is a serialized production).

- Tal Minear

Recommended episode: The Molelogue

The Horror at Martin’s Beach

An excellent subversion of horror tropes that brings to mind clever deconstructions of storytelling found in 2011's Cabin in the Woods and, a personal favorite piece of media for me, the 2002 magical girl anime Princess Tutu. You come for the Lovecraftian horror and stay for the messy drama, innovative setting, and gripping storytelling that manages to be a blend of slasher and psychological. The Horror at Martin's Beach is exceptionally haunting and unpredictable with acting and sound design that keeps you invested from start to finish.

- PodCake

Recommended episode: One - When Fools Rush In

Worlds Beyond Number

Worlds Beyond Number is what happens when the most talented and entertaining actors across the major actual play roleplaying podcast scene turn out to be really good friends and record a passion project with their wildly talented producer friend. Each of the actors have numerous other projects in the space, but this truly feels like the game they'd be running together just for fun, even if the podcast ended.

- Bryan Barletta, Partner - Sounds Profitable

Recommended episode: The Wizard, the Witch, and the Wild One: Preludes

At Home with The Intuitive Cook

After a gazillion years of preferring to order food in a restaurant instead of cooking, I've come to crave home-cooked meals. While I've been experimenting, I came across Katerina's podcast. I love that she's focused on "everyday cooks" and not experts. The conversations in these episodes are honest, touching, and yes, they'll make you hungry. I also appreciate that the podcast is just part of the Intuitive Cook ecosystem. I can sign up to join her community, take a course, and so on. Small business podcasts like this are so valuable, both to the listeners who prefer to support smaller organizations, and to the business owners, who don't have super large marketing budgets. The podcast started fairly recently so I say start at the beginning with episode one and lovely guest Kirsten Gibbs.

- Stephanie Fuccio, Coffeelike Media

Recommended episode: Resourceful and sustainable beyond the supermarkets

Bitter/Sweet

It's such a simple podcast, but retains such clarity with its premise. Guests are asked to recall a dish/food that brought back a very strong memory. For example, Restaurateur Jeremy King was visiting France long ago when a restaurant they wanted to go was closed. However, the owners saw them and invited Jeremy and his friend for a proper French dinner. Kindness goes a long way in every situation.

- Imran 'Captain Ron', Great Pods

Recommended episode: Jeremy's Lunch with a side of Kindness

Classy

The podcast is a unique auditory experience for listeners who have a taste for nuanced storytelling. Menjivar's vulnerability around his conflicted feelings about class adds a layer of authenticity to his narrative, making the podcast even more compelling. Through his exploration of topics like oysters and cashmere socks, Menjivar invites us all to embrace the complexities of our journeys, reminding us that it's okay to evolve and redefine one’s self.

- Saadia Khan, Immigrantly Media

Recommended episode: Are Rich People Bad?

Deadline City

This year, I made the official commitment to write my first book. In my search for knowledge about the worlds of authors and publishers, I came across Deadline City by Dhonielle Clayton and Zoraida Córdova, a podcast by two Latinas who have the credibility and experience to inspire any woman of color looking to dip their toe into the daunting task of writing a work of fiction. Their long-running episodes are interesting, motivating, and don't shy away from constructive critique of the industry they both flourish in.

- Maribel Quezada Smith, BIPOC Podcast Creators

Recommended episode: S4 EP5 - Destination: Cancel Court

Good Is In The Details

This episode (and podcast) is for all the deep thinkers and philosophy lovers. I love listening to people much smarter than me discuss human existence and morality in ways that are easy to understand and make me want to learn more. If this episode isn't for you, I urge you to give one of their others a try! They always have engaging guests and cover everything ranging from our collective obsession with true crime to relationship dynamics to the philosophy of movies like Blade Runner and Thor.

- Keegan Winfield, My Worst Date Podcast

Recommended episode: The Moral Status of the Universe

The Almanac of Rap

The open conversation about misogynoir and how it affects women of color in the music industry is largely overlooked and overdue to be discussed IN the hip hop community. While, we've seen a few news publications (NYT, The Guardian, HuffPost, etc) tackle the topic, it was refreshing to see a male rapper and woman DJ, for and by the culture, talk about this topic in real-time. This is the only episode from this season that I wish was longer (or had a parts two and three).

- Faybeo'n Mickens

Recommended episode: Pussy Rap and Misogynoir feat DJ Tara

The Exit Interview with Kim Rittberg

Omg, my daughter and her best friend got dressed up three times adorned in bracelets to go see the Taylor Swift Eras Movie. My daughter said she wants to see it again for the fourth time! I went the first time with them. They were screaming at the screen like a real concert! How did Taylor Swift get Swifties onboard for this? Kim Rittberg tied the “Eras Tour” movie to insights in business and marketing! I thought that was genius!

- Reena Friedman Watts

Recommended episode: What Taylor Swift Eras Movie Can Teach You About Marketing and Public Speaking (It’s me, hi!)

The Life Shift

Host Matt Gilhooly has candid conversations with people about the pivotal moments that changed their lives forever. Gilhooly handles interviews with the delicate and intricate skill of a brain surgeon. He probes. He consoles. He empathizes. Most of all, he allows his guests to take center stage and stay there. One of the best interviewers in podcasting. He's not well known, but that doesn't negate the skills he possesses to enable his guests to unfold their narrative that can be felt deeply by listeners.

- Frank Racioppi

Recommended episode: Navigating Fear, Narcissism, and Unhealthy Love in Relationships | Wiley Davis

Video Game Feelings

I love video games, I love people talking about video games, and yet there are precious few People Talking About Video Games Podcasts that I have on regular rotation. Video Games Feelings explores games through a different emotion with a different guest each time. PRECARITY discusses cyberpunk RPG "Citizen Sleeper" with its creator, and teases out the themes of trans healthcare, chronic illness, mental health, work, community (and yes, precarity) that are present in the game - sometimes only as subtext, or so woven into its fabric that its hard to see. It’s wonderful when a piece of criticism or discussion like this helps you to appreciate and enjoy a work like Citizen Sleeper - already a genre classic - even more.

- Martin Zaltz Austwick

Recommended episode: PRECARITY (with Citizen Sleeper's Gareth Damian Martin)

Werk Stories

Werk Stories is such a relatable podcast. I love the authenticity of it. It shares honest conversations about work and work culture and I think there’s something for everyone in these episodes. You learn that you weren't alone in certain struggles, and honestly, how to be better in the work industry and advocate for yourself.

- Adell Coleman, DCP Entertainment

Recommended episode: Death By A Thousand Cuts: Natasha's Werk Story

Your Mama’s Kitchen

There's so much to love. The warmth of the conversation, with artist D-Nice. The charm of host Michele Norris' voice. The relatability of this show's conversation, no matter who is in that guest seat. Your Mama's Kitchen gives a beyond-the-surface perspective of celebrity lives, while also making us take an introspective view of our own. We can all relate to the memories and moments where food and family were at the core. The show, and especially this episode, will make you feel a range of emotions, in a good way. I learned so much about D-Nice's story and resilience from listening to this interview. Honestly, I've never heard him talk about his past in this way, before.

- Tiffany Ashitey, U.S. Managing Director, Acast

Recommended episode: D-Nice

Blind Plea

In America, everyone has the right to a fair trial... but we all know that doesn't always apply to everyone in America. When Deven Gray was offered a "blind plea" after killing her abusive partner in self-defense, she took it instead of risking more severe punishment by going to trial in a broken justice system. Blind Plea follows her story from that night to after her release, calling out the issues with the American justice system and the realities that many people face every day while dealing with them.

- Anne Baird, Tink Media and Hug House Productions

Recommended episode: Haunted Land

Decoder Ring

I am a sucker for stories that take seemingly superficial topics and reveal them to be fonts of history, psychology, politics, and sociology. This is something that Decoder Ring specializes in. In a world where true crime is king, I love that this show mines fun and fascinating stories about making cheese, watching McGruff the Crime Dog, and awkward slow dancing.

- David Nadelberg, Creator, The Mortified Podcast; Contributor, Snap Judgment

Recommended episode: The Fast Decline of the Slow Dance

Drilled

Our team loves Drilled because it's is a true crime podcast, but about the climate crisis. Over the years they've told some truly jaw-dropping true stories about people who have deliberately contributed to the worsening of the climate crisis for their own personal gain. Their new season is called "The Real Free Speech Threat" and it's about forces around the world that are pushing to criminalize environmental and climate protest. They do really important work, they support independent journalism, and their podcasts are really good to boot.

- Kate Evans, CBC's Podcast Playlist

Recommended episode: The Corporate Push to Criminalize Speech

Earwitness

If you were a fan of In the Dark (especially season two), you will likely be riveted and infuriated by this in-depth, investigative podcast that looks at the institutional failures that led an innocent man to be, in the words of former Alabama Attorney General Bill Bailey, "trapped on Alabama’s death row." This podcast has all the things — incredible tape, impeccable reporting, unexpected twists — but it also illuminates deeply disturbing flaws within our justice system, especially when it comes to serving generationally disenfranchised communities. On that note, after listening, be like me and visit this site to get updates on the case and learn how you can help.

- Skye Pillsbury, Creator of The Squeeze

Recommended episode: Episode 1 | Behind the Crown

Foretold

One of my favorite things about podcasts is their ability to bust myths and add deeper context to the urban legends and old jokes we pass back and forth without thinking. "Gypsies" are one of those cultural touch points: everyone has an idea about what/who they are without actually knowing anything about them. Foretold not only explores what it really means to be a member of the Romani community, but uses Romani scholars and artists to do it — and the story it tells is absolutely gripping.

- Ashley Hamer, Host of Taboo Science & Managing Editor at Descript

Recommended episode: The G-Word

High Strange

The timing of this podcast was out of this world – the US government pretty much admitted that aliens exist and it was revealed that they had been sinking money into better understanding UFOs (or UAPs if you're under the age of 30). High Strange debuted at just the right time and found fans in the people who simply just want to believe! Each of the eight episodes totally abducted my attention and took me to strange new corners of the internet.

- Stephen O’Grady, Podcast Delivery

Recommended episode: Pale Blue Dot

I’m Not a Monster

Shamima Begum is famously known for leaving the U.K. at 15 years old to join ISIS, and a BBC journalist tries to find out why. I was completely hooked on this podcast. I knew the headline versions of Shamima's story: her leaving to join ISIS, the controversy of her trying to return, and the U.K. government rescinding her citizenship. The podcast is brilliantly told and you get a depth to Shamima that she's not been afforded by other media. I found the series both informative, and heartbreaking. Her story and her treatment to date still haunts me and I credit that to the phenomenal storytelling of this podcast.

- Imriel Morgan, Founder & CEO Content is Queen

Recommended episode: Series 2: 1. It Felt Like a Dream

Radio Diaries

It's hard to produce a lively, compelling show about local history, but Radio Diaries is somehow doing it again. I found this season, about the lives of people who are now buried in New York City's public mass cemetery on Hart Island, so moving. You could say that it's about people who would have otherwise been forgotten - but throughout the series, which explores these people's lives through the friends, family, and neighbors who knew them, you realize that everyone is remembered in some way, by someone. This season is also a fascinating investigation into the failings of our social safety nets, and the layers of bureaucracy that enable this kind of anonymity in death. Highly recommend!

- Anna Oakes

Recommended episode: The Unmarked Graveyard: Neil Harris Jr.

The 13th Step

Hands down, New Hampshire Public Radio's The 13th Step was one of the most impactfully riveting pieces of audio journalism in 2023. This series investigated failures in an industry that's supposed to be dedicated to healing, the limits of the #MeToo movement, and the current state of journalism... how deep can you dig for the truth before it gets personal – and dangerous? At a time when the fourth estate continues to be attacked, The 13th Step proves the sheer value and power of sound-rich journalism. And in the words of Ira Glass, "Excellence means... taking more risks like The 13th Step."

- Joni Deutsch, Vice President, Marketing & Audience Development at The Podglomerate

Recommended episode: 1: The Shadow

The Retrievals

The Retrievals is an investigative podcast about drug diversion in our healthcare system and how female patients are not believed. I was obsessed, listening to each new episode three or four times as soon as it came out. Susan Burton was the host, writer, reporter, and co-producer of The Retrievals — I didn't know who she was before this show, but after listening, I bought her book and became a fan for life. Episode 3: The Sentence is absolutely masterful storytelling; they recreated a court hearing with almost no tape and it was SO compelling.

- Courtney Kocak, Podcast Bestie founder & Private Parts Unknown host

Recommended episode: Episode 1: The Patients

Well There’s Your Problem

WTYP operates on a simple premise: three hosts look at an engineering disaster, with special focus given to the true human cost of designing inhuman systems. The hosts may swear a blue streak on occasion and it may technically be comedic in scope, WTYP is a perfect example of a podcast to look to when considering ethics and keeping humanity in mind when discussing grim events. While there are more poignant and politically-charged episodes (such as their recent coverage of The Berlin Wall), the Schoharie limousine accident is an excellent hopping-on point for new listeners that'll ensure you never set foot in a stretch limo again.

- Gavin Gaddis

Recommended episode: Episode 141: Schoharie Limousine Crash

All I Can Tell You Is…

Sienna is wondering if 22 is too young to settle down with her boyfriend or if she's one of the lucky ones that found their life partner early. To help put her question into perspective, she listens to the great loves and great losses of three elders: Margot, Olga, and George. This podcast is quiet and intimate and feels like an early morning conversation at the kitchen table with your Nana. It beautifully showcases why we will always need more narrative stories from seniors.

- Nichole Hill

Recommended episode: It Hit Me Like a Crescendo

Articles of Interest

Made in collaboration with the show Weight for It, this episode of the fashion podcast explores so-called plus size fashion and the reality of trying to look fashionable when your body isn't sample-sized. Host Avery Trufelman is joined by Ronald Young Jr. to explore why the fashion industry finds it so difficult to make clothes that are fashionable and plus sized, something that isn't discussed very often.

- Melissa Locker, Nevermind Media

Recommended episode: Plus Sizes

Black Is America

I love this podcast because Dominic does a masterful job of making Black history real again. His storytelling and sound design come together to create something that is really special. I think everyone should hear it!

- Anna DeShawn, The Qube

City of Women

I listen to a lot of podcasts, but most sound the same in the accents and languages I hear. So ever since I moved back to India earlier this year, I've noticed how disconnected I feel from who I am in the kinds of podcasts I consume. They are beautiful but are almost always set in the U.S. City of Women has been something I've held on to so tightly for that very reason. It fills that gap in my listening to make me feel seen and heard. It's like listening to and giggling with one of my friends from high school. We talk in Hinglish, have local slang to call out key feelings, and just allow ourselves to let go of the facades we've created to fit into this world. This episode felt especially important to me, it's about one woman's journey to finding sexual pleasure. She talks about the awkwardness, the dedication with which she pursues it, and the stories and looks she collects along the way. I'm so grateful this podcast exists. I don't know how I would have made it through this year without it. Thank you, Vaaka Media.

- Aakshi Sinha, Podcast lover and marketer at Tink Media

Recommended episode: School of Love

Dear Alana,

Many things in this world are contradictory, and yet they still each hold a value and truth. The struggle of two people to reconcile faith with their identity creates a heart-wrenching and heartwarming podcast in Dear Alana. In a world full of difficulty, there can be light that can shine through.

- Keelin

Recommended episode: Part 1: Mom

Field Trip

I've been a Lillian Cunningham stan since listening to Presidential ahead of the 2016 election, and she has yet to disappoint me. All of her podcasts – Presidential, Constitutional, Moonrise, and Field Trip – are masterclasses in writing for the ear. As a National Park lifer, I was particularly taken by Field Trip, and the episode on Everglades National Park brought me a perspective I hadn't heard before. It reminded me why I love podcasts.

- Jeff Umbro, Founder/CEO of The Podglomerate, and host of Podcast Perspectives

Recommended episode: Everglades National Park

I Am America

The storytelling is well done and engrossing. It's interesting to hear about a man's journey into feminism that intersects with the criminal justice and the prison industrial complex. We don't often get to hear stories about men, dealing with other men and misogyny, and how that goes or doesn't go for them. In this story, we get a bit of a journey and a lot of those discussions along the way.

- Ronald Young Jr.

Recommended episode: Episode 3: Black Men and Feminism Pt. 1 with Richie Reseda

Louder Than A Riot

We celebrate 50 years of hip-hop this year. It is time to shine a spotlight on the women who have contributed to the genre and put up with the less sexy sides of the business. I'm thankful Louder Than A Riot got to bring forth their stories this spring. I'm sorry this series has ended before it could bring more oral histories to our ears.

- Meggan Ellingboe, consultant

Recommended episode: Megan's Rule: Being exceptional doesn't make you the exception

Making Gay History

Making Gay History features interviews and oral histories that you could never hear anywhere else. This podcast takes an incredibly nuanced, thoughtful approach to stories of gay history and gay revolutionaries that you couldn't find anywhere else. The latest series (Coming of Age During the 1970s) mixes memoir with oral histories, immersing us into a world that is so underrepresented, giving it the reverence it deserves.

- Annalise Nielsen, Head of Strategy and Development, Pacific Content

Recommended episode: Coming of Age During the 1970s: A Surge of Energy

Party Crews: The Untold Story

Party Crews: The Untold Story from host Janice Llamoca is a captivating memoir that delves into an LA party scene of the 2000s. Amidst pulsating rhythms that are sure to have you grooving, Llamoca’s narrative unfolds, gently shedding light on the tragic murder of a fellow party crew member, Emmery Muñoz. Be prepared, this series is bound to tug on some nostalgia heartstrings, with sound design and music that will chew you up and spit you out.

- Adreanna Rodriguez, Freelance Journalist-Producer

Recommended episode: Ep. 1 Emmery

Song Exploder

One line from this episode with Nigerian musician Omah Lay is still ringing in my ears: “The only person I could tell my problem to was the microphone.” I listened to this episode randomly this fall, and it’s a testament to the evergreen nature of all of Song Exploder’s episodes. Having just emerged from a year-long project making my own, very personal podcast this year about my family’s journey with ovarian cancer, it brought me back to the power of the microphone itself - sometimes our only confidant to express our innermost everything.

- Golda Arthur

Recommended episode: Omah Lay - Never Forget

The Heart

I recommended this podcast because The Heart was one of the podcasts that initially sparked my love for the medium, and this series featuring Kaitlin and Natalie's relationship is a pure work of art. Their storytelling and sound design transport you to a different world. It's a beautiful testament to sisterhood, transparently showcasing their raw emotions and the evolution of their relationship through time. Listening to their story is more than just a podcast; it's an immersive, emotional journey that's worth every minute. Kaitlin Prest's talent is an absolute inspiration for my work.

- Andreea Coscai, Podcast Marketer at Tink Media, Freelance Podcast Producer and NGO Founder

Recommended episode: SISTERS: Chapter One-isode

The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks

I watched my first Star Wars movie in my twenties, but I heard eye-rolling references to the Jar Jar Binks character from the prequels long before that. I never knew the full story of Jar Jar, the backlash towards him, or the real-world effects of that backlash — until listening to this podcast. Hosted by Dylan Marron (the voice of another fabulous show, Conversations With People Who Hate Me), The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks is a fascinating rewind to an early moment in internet fandom, and it thoughtfully unpacks what happens when fandom gets toxic. With Ahmed Best (the actor who played Jar Jar) at the center of the story, this podcast is a compelling listen for Star Wars fans and newbies alike.

- Rebecca Seidel

Recommended episode: Episode 1: The Internet’s First Main Character?

The Republic

The ticker tape and TikToks that broadcasted Nigeria's recent election, made the experience of 100 million Nigerian people all of ours. The Republic is a new non-fiction podcast that every history buff, especially those who are discovering Nigeria's past and present should cue up and listen. Non-fiction narrative podcasts produced by Africa's audio producers are decolonizing the media by delivering compelling fact-finding to the world. Six episodes in, season one of The Republic takes this mantle on strongly by exploring June 12, 1993, the most famous election in Nigeria transformed the country to date. Riveting listening!

- Josephine Karianjahi, Cofounder and Co-Director, Africa Podfest

Recommended episode: IBB: The ‘Evil Genius’

Tiny Huge Decisions

This is a story the likes of which I've never heard covered in a podcast before, and it's done so beautifully, too. The close friendship between Mohsin and Dahlia is evident right from the start of the first episode as they begin to discuss surrogacy, and I love the way they reminisce together, laugh together, and discuss deep issues together around family and children — including from an Egyptian-Christian and Pakistani Muslim perspective — with a light but brilliantly-researched touch.

- Naomi Mellor, Founder, Everybody Media and the International Women's Podcast Awards

Recommended episode: Ep 1 | Are they serious?

Way Downeast

This is the home of my people. It's a rarely covered part of Maine, far away from the touristy parts, with a rich tradition and wonderful people. This podcast takes me home.

- Tom Webster, Partner, Sounds Profitable

Recommended episode: All About the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival

Weight For It

I think we've all done things that we aren't proud of, but it's one thing to know that and it's another to broadcast it for all to hear. Weight For It – a show that unpacks host Ronald Young Jr.'s relationship with weight in a society that inundates us with weight stigma – is already a show that hinges on vulnerability. But with 'A Shame Spiral,' I felt incredible amounts of empathy for Ronald and his ex-girlfriend Caitlin, as they maturely address the decline of their college relationship, and move toward accountability and healing. I'm not too familiar with podcast episodes showcasing reconciliation, but with the careful preparation I know Ronald put into it and skilled story editing, I walked away feeling like this episode provided a model for others to follow.

- Ayo Oti, Unofficial Social Chair / Sounds Like Impact

Recommended episode: S1 E2: A Shame Spiral

You Didn’t See Nothin

You Didn't See Nothin tells an incredibly important and resonant story, but is also one of the most creative and beautifully-made podcasts I've ever heard. The genius of this podcast is that the entire production follows the instincts and sensibilities of its writer and host, Yohance Lacour, whose singular voice and experiences drive not only the narrative, but the aesthetic and actual sound of the series. There is nothing out there quite like this show; it's immersive, thoughtful, challenging, and deeply entertaining. If you haven't heard it yet - clear your schedule, download, and buckle up.

- Rebecca Lavoie, Host of Crime Writers On... and Director of Podcasting at New Hampshire Public Radio

Recommended episode: Young Black Male

5-4

The Supreme Court's decision to overturn affirmative action is just one of the unreal, nightmarish, dystopian decisions this year -- and this episode of 5-4 is just one of the instances that made me feel a little more sane again. With their sharp, acerbic, but always deeply humanistic tone, the hosts of 5-4 echo what so many of us were thinking, but with an added air of authority and understanding: "Wow, for real? What the hell? Hello? Come on."

- Wil Williams, Tink Media and Hug House Productions

Recommended episode: Students for Fair Admission v. Harvard

A Way with Words

I love learning about the origins of words and sayings. This is a fun way to deep dive into some of the linguistic creations we use in our everyday lives.

- Cassi Young-Paxton, My Worst Date Podcast

Back From The Borderline

I came across Back From The Borderline when searching in Spotify for fresh podcasts that might help me understand executive dysfunction — who gets it, how they cope, and most importantly, if there was anyone who could relate to what I was currently experiencing — an inability to complete tasks, a shaky attention span — and got sucked into the dreamy retrospections of Mollie Adler. Listening to her voice is like slipping into a lavender-petaled warm bath; comforting, enveloping, silvery, and reflective. A blend of Jungian analysis, psychotherapeutic resources, and cathartic (sometimes gutting) testimonials from real people with difficult mental health diagnoses, this is validating self-care for those looking to reframe their inner world beyond the stigmatization of Western medicine and the labels that it likes to stick on us. If you're into shadow work and re-parenting your inner child with a dash of soft goth, this is for you.

- Katie Jensen, Principal, Vocal Fry Studios

Recommended episode: Shame series part 1: healthy shame makes you human

Bravo TV RHAPups

Reality TV is my sports, and Rob Has a Podcast is my ESPN. I trust no one else with the post-show recaps, analysis, and off-season content that I crave. Hosts like Chappell, Sasha Joseph, Chantele Francis, Mike Bloom, Shannon Gaitz, and Taran Armstrong provide the social commentary that these shows require in order to really understand what they say about our world. Chappell and Chantele's analysis of racism in Below Deck: Mediterranean episode four is going to stick with me for a long time, as has Taran's consistent advocacy for more equitable competitions in Big Brother.

- Amanda McLoughlin, CEO, Multitude

Recommended episode: Below Deck: Mediterranean | Season 8 Ep 4 Recap

Butt Out, Baby!

I always do a little dance (or pretend to airlift myself into Patrick Swayze's arms) when I see that an episode of Butt Out, Baby! has dropped. The scene-by-scene study of Dirty Dancing gives the film the respect that it deserves but doesn't get. Host Ellie Gordon-Moershel goes through the scenes with detail and creativity. She breaks the audio rules, mixing up things with interviews, her own commentary, and original music, because she has such a firm handling of them, so she can. This podcast comes out rather sporadically, which means it's always a surprise and reason for celebration when it does.

- Lauren Passell, Founder, Tink Media

Recommended episode: 1 - Meet the Summer of 1963

Constellation Prize

This series totally took me by surprise. It's built around a premise that seemed untenable, but the result was transformative. It was an experiment that went right. The series is gorgeously sound-designed. Please listen with headphones to let it transport you to a place that made a bit of sense about COVID (and maybe also God). It's just not like anything else I've heard.

- Samantha Hodder, Founder of Bingeworthy

Recommended episode: Nightwalking 1: A Call From Terry

Emotional - A Basketball Podcast

This podcast with two episodes is my new favorite sports podcast, but more so, I am so glad it exists. In the landscape of shows shutting down, people losing their jobs, and media companies continuing to fumble the bag, these guys get to make a show on their own terms and get paid from day one. The podcasting industry is stronger when we have more shows like this out here thriving. On top of that, Ian Karmel and Zach Harper do the precarious but necessary balance of being hilarious, being informative, and being in the know about NBA drama off the court.

- Eric Silver, Head of Creative at Multitude

Recommended episode: Our first episode, a Western Conference direction check-in

Expectant

Expectant plays in the seductive space between fiction and reality, exploring the many complexities of starting and raising a family in the face of climate collapse. Episodes are both efficient and lush, textured and clear, sophisticated and accessible. It's hard to tell what's actual and what's fabricated, but nonetheless the story comes through loud and clear through elegant sound design, authentic perspectives and strong, natural writing. And let's hear it for the show artwork, which conveys the tone and experience of listening so beautifully, and stands out from the pod-crowd! I listened to this months ago and still think about it often. Like... very often!

- Julie Shapiro, Audio Flux and Canadaland

Recommended episode: The North

Family Money Adventure

Combining travel and personal finance, I love that Kevin shares refreshingly honest tips and advice for families on a budget looking to create lifelong memories together. Down to earth and approachable, he always encourages listeners to take what’s helpful and leave the rest.

- Danielle Desir Corbett, Host of The Thought Card Podcast

Recommended episode: Walt Disney World Tips For Families

Hang Up

Unlike the primetime TV reality dating shows that dominate reality TV, podcast dating shows are only beginning to make their limo entrances in podlandia. Other reality dating podcasts like Queen of Hearts and Date My Abuelita use similar audio-only mechanics and host-led activities to pair up daters for an offline date. Hang Up's seasonal approach means the audience is building a relationship with the contestants as our lead, Maxine, is doing the same — and the payoff is that much more satisfying for us because of it. There are themed dates (including an early date where there are mystery boxes of props and activities), compatibility conversations that get a little spicy, and a family member gauntlet for the contestants to get through. And there's a twist! Not only does Maxine choose the final winner, but the winner also has to choose whether they'll take home a cash prize or go on a vacation with Maxine. You'll have to listen to the whole season to hear who Maxine chooses, and if the contestant chooses her back!

- Ma'ayan Plaut

Recommended episode: Speed Dial

If Books Could Kill

Michael Hobbes (of You're Wrong About and Maintenance Phase fame) and Peter Shamshiri deliver delightful, researched, and most importantly, snarky takedowns of "airport books." The books chosen mostly fall within the guru-sphere, and most are titles you've probably heard of. On learning the premise of this show, the very top of my wishlist was The Secret, and they didn't take long to deliver. I think The Secret is one of the most harmful "airport" books ever written and I fully appreciate the precision strike of a takedown this episode delivers.

- Erik Jones, Creator of Hurt Your Brain

Recommended episode: The Secret

Inside the Morgue

I love medical science, especially death sciences. What's great about this show is that it (often) breaks down episodes of TV/movies to tell you what they got wrong and what they got right. When they aren't doing breakdowns of film, they cover true crime cases, and general life working in a morgue.

- Tonia Ransom, Ransom Media Productions

Recommended episode: 58. She's Everything, He's Just Booth

It’s in the Book: A Queer Bible Podcast

This show is an absolute delight and, no matter your religious background or interests, I highly recommend listening. Harvard Divinity School alums and religious scholars J. Sylvan and David Waters recap stories from the Bible through a queer lens and discuss them with Sylvan's wife, Sue Buzzard. 'Holy Sex Work' is one of my favorite episodes released this past year. It highlights a tale from Genesis that was most definitely not taught in Sunday school and offers the group's own fresh take on the meaning behind the text.

- Joshua Rae, Marketing Manager of Podcasts, American Public Media

Recommended episode: Holy Sex Work

Keys to the Kingdom

I'm totally hooked on this show! As a lifelong Disney enthusiast and with a family member working in the parks, I thought I had seen every side of those iconic California theme parks. But man, oh man, was I wrong! Matt and Amanda bring a combo of charm, wit, and warmth that whisks you away on a nostalgia-filled adventure. They'll take you on a journey to the happiest places on earth while unearthing some of the park's not-so-happy secrets. It's hilarious, shocking, and might add a few tweaks to some childhood memories. Start with episode 1, Operation Petticoat, and strap in for the ride (I'm sorry, I had to. You get it).

- Holly Brown, Comedian and Podcast Marketing at Tink Media

Recommended episode: Operation Petticoat

Let’s Not Be Kidding

Maybe because I've been thinking a lot about loss, and memoir, and how we tell stories about ourselves and make others want to lean in, but Let's Not Be Kidding does such a wonderful job of mixing a sweetness of memory and experience with the hardship of dealing with a parent's aging... and I think the fact that you get to know Gavin's mom so well and come away with such an appreciation of her as a character and how she shaped her son that you feel his grappling more. This is an incredibly sweet show that's made beautifully and will feel like a gift to those who listen.

- Mangesh Hattikudur, Kaleidoscope

Recommended episode: Another Day, Another Donna

Maintenance Phase

Since its inception during the pandemic, Maintenance Phase has consistently upheld an unparalleled standard of excellence. Week after week, they skillfully navigate challenging topics with a blend of heart, humor, and thorough research.

- Jackie Westfall, Managing Director of Audience Growth, Lemonada Media

Recommended episode: The 10,000 Steps Myth

Marketing Made Me Do It

In my field, I've seen marketing tactics that mislead, which I strongly oppose. This podcast aligns with my personal belief that marketing should reveal a product's true value and help consumers make informed choices. Sydney and Silvia tackle intriguing questions like, 'Why is lobster a luxury?' and 'Is Google listening?' As a foodie, their food episode is my favorite. The show is insightful and fun, complete with a hosts-sung jingle. A must-listen!

- Jennifer Han, Chief Marketing Officer at Ausha

Recommended episode: #3: Marketing Made Me Do It: The Foodie Episode!

Skyline Drive

Mangesh absolutely wins hearts in this podcast unlike any other as he investigates why, even though he does not believe in astrology, it keeps happening to him. Skyline Drive is about a lot of things — astrology, Hinduism's connection with it, and destiny. But to me, it really is about one man's journey to discover a little more about himself and his family by way of the stars. Highly recommend listening to this on long drives.

- Shreya Sharma, Marketing and PR Strategist at Tink Media, and Creator of Shreya’s Audio Affairs

Recommended episode: It’s Supposed to be Fun

Somerset House Podcast - Soft Life

Soft Life: Experiments in New Ways of Being melted old narratives about capitalist productivity, speed, and time. A sonic dream inviting new relationships with your body, work, and the earth itself. Tenderly produced by Alannah Chance and Axel Kacoutié, this four-part series sat in the Somerset House podcast.

- Eleanor McDowall

Recommended episode: Soft Life: Time

That Intimate Feeling

In the consumption-driven world we live in, this romanticizes our possessions in a way that helps us re-evaluate our relationship to them. They are ‘museums of our selfs’. The poetic narration from host Yasaman, paired with detailed sound design, makes it this beautifully rhythmic audio essay. It transports you into moments involving different objects and our feelings about them – like a battle to make sense of what we surround ourselves with. This was a piece that reminded me this year of the different ways we can use audio storytelling to convey a message. It didn’t follow any typical or straightforward structure, but it invites you in and keeps you engaged, making you not even realize that 20 minutes have passed.

- Devin Andrade, Podcast Marketing at Tink Media and Creator of Podstack

Recommended episode: Possessions

The Blindboy Podcast

Hosted by the anonymous and masked Blindboy of The Rubberbandits (an Irish band), this is a stunning and eclectic podcast containing personal stories, short fiction, interviews, and comedy. But I promise, it's unlike anything you've ever heard. Each episode is such a lovely, soothing, winding, and curious ride... just try it!

- Rachael King, CEO of Pod People

Recommended episode: The Colonial history of Pumpkin Spice Lattes

This year’s Audio Delicacies list would not be possible without The Bello Collective as our inspiration, our wonderful contributors for their listening skills, the audio creators who kept our ears full throughout the year, and the Tink team for putting all of this together. Thank you to everyone who made it all happen!