These 10 Podcasts Will Educate, Empower, and Entertain You
In a world where connection and storytelling reign supreme, podcasts have become our modern-day fireside chats. From belly laughs to deep reflections, these shows deliver fresh perspectives, heartfelt stories, and even a few tearjerkers. Whether you need a nostalgic rewind, a jolt of inspiration, or just a genuine laugh, this list of podcasts has something for everyone. Grab your headphones and dive in!
That Was Us
This Is Us fans, rejoice! Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Sullivan reunite to relive the magic of the Pearson family. That Was Us goes beyond rewatching episodes—it’s about life lessons, behind-the-scenes stories, and heartfelt conversations inspired by the show. With special guests, fan-favorite segments, and new episodes every Tuesday, this podcast feels like a warm family gathering full of nostalgia and reflection.
No More Late Fees
No More Late Fees is hosted by former Blockbuster employees and besties Danielle and Jackie. They take listeners back to the ‘90s and early 2000s by rewatching iconic (and sometimes infamous) movies from 1995 to 2005. No genre is off limits, and we love that – from RENT to Amélie, The Grudge, or cult classics, like Napoleon Dynamite – you’ll be surprised at how different those films land almost 20-25 years later. With humor, nostalgia, and appearances from actors, directors, and other special guests, No More Late Fees has become a go-to for audiences wanting a feel-good trip down memory lane – and recently won the 2024 Women In Podcasting Best Entertainment Podcast.
Mind Your Own with Lupita Nyong’o
Welcome to Mind Your Own is a storytelling podcast navigating what it means to belong from the African perspective – hosted by the award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o. Mexico-born, Kenyan-raised, excelling globally while residing in the States for the last 20 years – she shares tales of her own and dives into the lives of real people finding their way in new worlds of every kind. It is a journey not often explored or told with such vigor, but it is worth the listen (even if just to listen to her soothing, cool as a cucumber voice).
Smartless
It’s a category of its own – for sure comedic – but also full of heart and stories you have never heard before. It gives you a whole new side of all three actors: Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. There is a nice surprise twist on each episode of SmartLess: one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter, friendship, and sometimes much more profound topics. And if you already love the podcast, you’ll love the Smartless: On the Road docuseries on HBO Max.
What Now? with Trevor Noah
Trevor currently hosts a Spotify original weekly podcast titled What Now? with Trevor Noah. In this new podcast, listeners get a chance to hear Trevor like never before. Trevor is joined each episode by celebrities, thought leaders, athletes, and friends to chat about the contemporary topics on everyone’s minds. He brings the kinds of conversations that happen behind the scenes to light – full of radical candor, authentic back-and-forths, and honest reactions, with Trevor bringing to bear his classic, effortlessly playful and equally probing style.
Criminal
True crime fans, this one’s for you. But don’t expect the usual sensationalism. Criminal is all about the humanity behind the crimes—the right, the wrong, and everything in between. Phoebe Judge’s meticulous storytelling brings forgotten and buried tales to life, leaving listeners with a greater understanding of each case’s historical and social contexts. It’s chilling, heartwarming, and utterly captivating.
Red Pill Your Healthcast
In a world where health advice can feel one-size-fits-all, Red Pill Your Healthcast boldly challenges the norm. Hosted by two healthcare providers, Nurse Practitioner Lauren Johnson and Dr. Charlie Fagenholz, this podcast delves into conversations most practitioners shy away from. With a focus on empowering families to take charge of their health, it’s a must-listen for anyone ready to question the status quo and make informed decisions.
Real Ones
Gritty, raw, and unapologetically real, Real Ones gives the mic to people on the front lines of today’s biggest issues. From cops to activists, gang members to first responders, Jon Bernthal brings together voices that are often unheard. With no agenda other than honest dialogue, this podcast is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
We Don’t Always Agree
What happens when Hollywood’s power couple – Ryan Michelle Bathe and Sterling K. Brown – dive into the art of agreeing to disagree? Magic. We Don’t Always Agree tackles everything from modern relationships to generational debates with humor, warmth, and plenty of “aha” moments. Ryan and Sterling keep it real while exploring topics that challenge, inspire, and sometimes ruffle feathers—but always lead to growth.
This American Life
A timeless classic in the world of podcasting, This American Life serves up captivating stories that are as unpredictable as they are profound. With each episode built around a central theme, Ira Glass and his team dive into the everyday and extraordinary, weaving narratives that spark laughter, tears, and introspection. If you’re looking for storytelling that moves you, surprises you, and stays with you, this podcast is a must-listen. (One of my favorite episodes here, be warned, its a tearjerker.)
These podcasts offer more than entertainment—they’re windows into new worlds, mirrors reflecting our shared experiences, and invitations to grow, learn, and laugh. So, the next time you’re in need of a pick-me-up or a moment of reflection, plug into one of these gems. You’ll be glad that you did.