The 33 Best Podcasts of 2020 (So Far)
Never endure a boring car journey again.
'Night Call'
You'll have something to look forward to on Mondays with Night Call. Start your week with hosts Molly Lambert, Tess Lynch, and Emily Yoshida as they discuss a plethora of pop culture topics like the rise of sex tapes by celebrities in the '00s. The best part: You can call in with your thoughts or with something you want them to dissect at 240-46-NIGHT or nightcallpodcast@gmail.com.
'Floodlines'
The Atlantic highlights one of the most misunderstood events in American history: Hurricane Katrina. When it bore down on the people of New Orleans on August 29, 2005, homes and belongings weren't the only thing that got washed away in the storm. As a girl who grew up in the South, I thought I understood this event, but I was very wrong.
'The Kins-Women'
After attending an event at The Wing about cross-racial dialogue, Yseult Polfliet and Hannah Pechter were ready to start a conversation. The Kins-Women focuses on the gap between white women and women of color and how to navigate difficult conversations, as well as what white people can do to serve as real allies in times like these. Episode topics range from the problem with plantation weddings to beauty appropriation.
'The Happiness Lab'
Ah, one of the biggest questions of life: What is true happiness? Dr. Laurie Santos, who teaches a course on the topic at Yale, takes you through the latest scientific research and shares stories that will have you double guessing what you thought the meaning of true happiness is. It's an eye-opener for sure.
'Missing in Alaska'
It wouldn't be a podcast recommendation list without one true-crime mention somewhere. In 1972, two congressmen vanished on a small plane while flying in Alaska. Twenty-three years later, a mobster told the F.B.I the aircraft was actually bombed. So, uh, what happened exactly? It's a set-up most true crime listeners know, but with an ending you'll never expect.
'Code Switch'
From the ever-so-lovely NPR comes Code Switch. Each episode features a roundtable discussion with journalists of color. They share their thoughts on topics making the headlines, like how people of color are more likely to get COVID-19 and what that means for communities. It's required listening at this point.
'Comments By Celebs'
You're probably already obsessing over the highly popular Instagram account. Good news: Creators and hosts Emma Diamond and Julie Kramer also host a podcast of the same name where they dive into all things Hollywood, IG thirst traps, and so much more.
'The 27 Club'
You've probably heard of the 27 Club, the name given to the group of talented artists who died in their prime—eerily, all at the age of 27. On that list is Jimi Hendrix, who is the focus of season one; host Jake Brennan will dedicate each episode to an unbelievable episode in Hendrix's short life. Future seasons will star Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain, among others.
'In Bed With Nick and Megan'
One of Hollywood's longest-standing comic couples are Megan Mullally (Will and Grace) and Nick Offerman (Parks and Rec), and if you didn't know these two had been a couple for two decades, please take a moment to let that blow your mind. Megan and Nick record each episode in bed, and in some episodes even invite their celebrity friends in for a candid conversation.
'Office Ladies'
If you're a die-hard The Office fan, you've probably seen every episode of the comedy series (hell, you probably know every one by heart). Take your fan experience even further with this podcast hosted by its stars, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey. They'll break down every episode of The Office and give exclusive behind-the-scenes info on everyone's favorite show to binge-watch.
'Chasing Cosby'
This is a heavy listen, but a gripping and necessary one. From the Los Angeles Times, this new podcast traces the devastation that Bill Cosby wrought for decades as he drugged and sexually assaulted women without being caught. Why didn't anyone listen? What have these women had to live with? And how could Cosby have evaded justice for so long?
'You're Wrong About'
In this buzzy podcast, writers Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall revisit the '90s media frenzies that everybody got completely wrong, from Yoko Ono (who didn't break up the Beatles) to the Challenger disaster (which was no accident) and Tonya Harding (who deserved sympathy, not judgment). Come for the game-changing new info, stay for the thoughtful, expansive conversations between Sarah and Michael.
'The Alarmist'
Ah, the blame game. There's something so satisfying about putting the blame on someone that isn't you, and The Alarmist does just that. Each week, writer and performer Rebecca Delgado-Smith will sit down with a couple of guests to figure out who's to blame for some of history's biggest mishaps, like the sinking of the Titanic or the Alcatraz prison break.
'Darknet Diaries'
As we progress as a society, so does our technology. We've become more aware that Siri is always listening; we put tape over our webcams and question how Instagram can find the perfect ads for us. The Darknet Diaries is a podcast about all things cybercrime and the deep, dark side of the web. Host Jack Rhysider will have you taking a second look at all your favorite gadgets.
'Off My Shelf'
Every week, host Tracey James takes one of the many DVDs off her shelf and sits down to talk with a guest about the movie or TV show she picked. It's a reminder of how the movies and shows we love can stand the test of time, and continue to be part of our vernacular long after its release date.
'2 Black Girls, 1 Rose'
You can't be a fan of reality TV without loving the hot mess that is The Bachelor. This podcast recaps everyone's favorite dating show from the perspective of two people not often represented on the hit ABC show: black women. In a sea of The Bachelor podcasts hosted by members of the show, 2 Black Girls, 1 Rose is a reminder that the best part of watching the show is the commentary from the fans.
'Motherhood Sessions'
Nothing about being a mother is easy. We've all heard about the toll of being up all night dealing with the baby, but what about the mental blow? Dr. Alexandra Sacks hosts conversation with moms each week, answering questions ranging from how to deal with toxic grandparents to how to survive co-parenting with your ex.
'Solve'
In what could possibly be the coolest true crime podcast ever, listeners are given a case and have the opportunity to solve it. The interactive podcast is one of a kind, and finally gives us loyal listeners of true crime a chance to finally put our knowledge to the test. Mysteries include a story of a famous Miami hairstylist winding up dead, and a woman who is behind bars for murder but claims the real killer is still out there.
'Teenager Therapy'
It might have been some time since you attended high school, but you'll never forget the trials and tribulations that came with it. Five teenagers host this PSA-style podcast to let listeners into the high schooler experience today. There may be an age gap between you and the hosts, but you'll find out you have more in common with them than you'd think.
'The Margaret Cho'
Comedian and actress Margaret Cho has been in the biz for more than 20 years, so obviously she has some pretty famous friends. The first part of each episode features an interview with a celeb you already love and adore—like her old hairstylist, Queer Eye's Jonathan Van Ness—and the second half is a conversation with someone you may not know but should. It's funny and honest, and that's just Margaret Cho.
'Decoder Ring'
In a stream of countless scrolls, likes, re-shares, and more, there's a lot of pop culture moments. Decoder Ring, hosted by Willa Paskin, takes a deeper dive into some of our greatest cultural mysteries, like how gender reveal parties became popular to why we care so much about Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie 16 years after the scandal.
'This Podcast Will Kill You'
Ecologists and epidemiologists Erin Welsh and Erin Allmann host this podcast about the mysterious world of medicine...that will definitely leave you wanting to wash your hands. From the history of a disease to how scared you should be of it, the hosts make learning about health fun (and terrifying) in more ways than you could imagine.
'Food 4 Thot'
A group of multiracial, queer writers sit down to chat about topics from working that good ol' 9-to-5 job to your safe word when it comes to sex. In a sea of culture-based podcasts, Food 4 Thot shines for its authenticity and extremely likable hosts.
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