In such a tumultuous year, podcasts provided an outlet to distract, entertain, educate, inform, provide laughter and tears, and overall continued to elevate the medium. Because the podcasting world continues to expand in variety, niches, and innovative storytelling, we didn’t think it was fair — or effective — for our best podcasts of 2020 list to come from just one person. Instead, we reached out to podcast critics, folks in the wider industry, and podcasters themselves to tell you why, in their own words, they felt a specific podcast was worthy of recognition.
What was interesting and entirely coincidental, is some of the people unknowingly picked other participants podcasts. It was endearing to see and they probably didn’t even realize until they’re reading this for the first time. See if you can spot them.
In absolutely no particular order, here are the best podcasts of 2020…
Allison Behringer has absolutely outdone herself in this second season of her series. This year (one we’ve all spent mystified and horrified by disease and its unexpected symptoms), Behringer goes into deeper, darker, more complex places than she ever has before. The conundrums these characters face are poignant and difficult and each episode, the format of the story shifts and adapts to fit the narration. Episode 6 of this season, “Not This Again,” took home the Bronze Third Coast Award. Listen and you will absolutely know why.
Avery Trufelman, Host of The Cut, Articles Of Interest, and Nice Try!
Listen: Podchaser
Host Avery Trufelman gleefully dives in to an important issue of the day from romance during COVID and the inevitable dick picks that happen along the way to the importance of being yourself. She’s so earnest and direct that every episode feels like listening to a friend and she widens your circle of friends with every new guest. The music and the production is super hip and as relaxing as if you’re getting your hair done at a salon by someone who cares about you and tells you how great you are.
Joshua Dudley, Podcast Journalist
Listen: Podchaser
A compelling series that centers the families who have lost loved ones at the hands of police officers, but who are still fighting for justice for all of us. Producers travelled around the country by RV during the pandemic to capture these necessary histories as millions marched for their lives around the country.
Juleyka Lantigua-Williams, CEO, Lantigua Williams & Co.
Listen: Podchaser
A simple premise: Why did Tom Hanks fire Connor Ratliff from “Band of Brothers” leads to all sorts of rabbit holes and bigger questions. I really loved this show, and have found it endlessly inspiring.
Jody Avirgan, Host/Producer (This Day In Esoteric Political History, 30for30, 538)
Listen: Podchaser
Podcast hosts love to gratuitously insert themselves and their “journey” into a story. I don’t know if anyone’s done it better than Latif Nasser does here. Specific, deep, and broad all at once.
Leon Neyfakh, Host of FIASCO and founder of Prologue Projects
Listen: Podchaser
Richard’s Famous Food Podcast is one of the most imaginative and boundary pushing podcasts out there. The way Richard Parks III plays with form, production, and story is inspiring and it’s likely your favorite podcaster’s favorite podcast for that reason.
Dave Keine, Head of Product & Marketing at Podchaser
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It’s not often that a podcast will make you stop and say “what the fuck was that.” Richard’s Famous Food Podcast is like the Charlie Kaufman of audio, if Charlie Kaufman was also kind of peppy and educational. It’s deranged and brilliant and episode #13, Everything is Peeklay, makes you question the very nature of what a podcast actually is.
Avery Trufelman, Host of The Cut, Articles Of Interest, and Nice Try!
Listen: Podchaser
One part workplace comedy, one part American Gods, The Godshead Incidental is a breakout new fiction podcast by Cara Ehlenfeldt and Amy Giacomucci. The story follows Em, an advice columnist in a city filled with gods–probably. Slipping between comedy and truly touching moments, The Godshead Incidental consistently keeps you on your toes.
Wil Williams, Podcast Journalist
Listen: Podchaser
This podcast a guaranteed laugh out loud every single episode. The host, Laci Mosely, is incredibly witting and quick on her feet with jokes and guest banter. In each episode, Mosely invites on a fellow comedian to discuss something happening in the larger world of scams and crime. I recommend starting with the Conan O’Brien episode!
Arielle Nissenblatt, SquadCast & EarBuds Podcast Collective
Listen: Podchaser
All-round non-fiction podcast from Spain. Isabel Cadenas Cañón hosts a very unique multi-genre podcast: it’s journalism, it’s poetry, it’s documentary. A personal narrative tone, great interviews, field recordings, episodes that are all different in style (really hard to do that in a season). Top of 2020 in Spanish.
Pablo Fisher, Escucha Podcast, web & newsletter de podcasts en español
Listen: Podchaser
Hosts Matika Wilbur and Adrienne Keene explore a different topic facing Native peoples in each episode. From food sovereignty to literature, sex, relationships, and politics, Wilbur and Keene welcome fantastic guests as part of their mission to bring more Native voices to mainstream media. Whether you are a Native listener looking for a space to laugh and think, or a non-Native person ready to listen and learn, this is an essential show to add to your lineup.
Amanda McLouglin, CEO, Multitude
Listen: Podchaser
I fell in audio love with Tracy Clayton when she was a co-host of Another Round, and I have followed her around, like a puppy with headphones, to every show she has hosted since. This year, she launched Back Issue with her co-host Josh Gwynn, and the two of them look at pop culture moments from the last couple decades with a mix of reverent nostalgia and hilarious criticism. It’s a show that can make me laugh at some of things that I cringed at back then, and cringe at some of the stuff I laughed at back then. They’re charming, funny, and insightful.
Hrishikesh Hirway, Host/Producer (Song Exploder, Home Cooking, The West Wing Weekly)
Listen: Podchaser
Samin Nosrat (popular author of the cookbook Salt Fat Acid Heat) and Hrishikesh Hirway (of Song Exploder podcast fame) co-host this new podcast that feels like inviting an amazing world-class chef with an outsized personality and her sweet, curious friend into your kitchen to help you figure out how to get excited about making delicious food again. It’s a great listen on Friday nights during quarantine when you’re stuck at home, bored and vaguely hungry. You’ll laugh along with Samin while picking through your pantry and freezer with renewed inspiration and hope!
Kristen Kidd, Executive Producer, Earshot Productions
Listen: Podchaser
Quirky dark comedy with this undeniable essence of Hot Topic edginess and late ninety’s attitude. Something just works about blending grueling mall work with the denizens of hell…also they’re in a rock band.
PodCake, Journalist, The Cake Radio (TBA)
Listen: Podchaser
A fun look at the sides of history we didn’t learn in high school… warts and all (or perhaps, especially the warts).
Kate Wallinga, Host/Producer, Ignorance Was Bliss
Listen: Podchaser
An actual play using the Kids on Bikes system, Christmastide signs a social contact with its audience to create fun roleplay without genuine risk in the short-term. Based in a fictional town that’s a blend of Sandusky, OH and Santa Claus, IN, the first season starts with the player characters in first grade and a strict promise from GM Diane that she won’t genuinely harm them until their characters can get a driver’s license. This creates the perfect atmosphere for a Hardy Boys-adjacent mystery with a handful of well-roleplayed six-year-olds stumbling into the machinations of adults. Wholesome, threads the needle of roleplaying children without making them precocious know-it-alls, a salve for the abrasiveness of the world.
Gavin Gaddis, writer, The Pod Report
Listen: Podchaser
In my opinion, one of the hallmarks of a great podcast is being able to communicate information in such an efficient and entertaining way that the content is allowed to transcend a niche audience. There’s no better example of this than Darknet Diaries. This show appeals to everybody from the guy with a server farm in his basement to your grandma who has never heard of bitcoin. I really admire what Jack [Rhysider] has accomplished.
A Concerned Citizen, Creator, Swindled
Listen: Podchaser
The best music podcast I’ve ever heard; the most recent season literally moved me to tears. Somehow both personal and universal, deeply music-geeky but also accessible… a must-listen.
Dave Zohrob, Co-founder & CEO, Chartable
Listen: Podchaser
Harlem Queen was created by Yhane Smith. This podcast uses fiction to entertain and educate while also giving voice to a POC perspective. Based on the life of the real Stephanie St. Clair, a numbers queen and activist in the Harlem Renaissance, Harlem Queen brings all the glamour, drama, and insight into the pervasive issues faced by black communities.
Sean Howard, Co-Founder of Fable and Folly
Listen: Podchaser
It turns out that the experience of being a black person in America today isn’t so different then it was during the 50’s and 60’s. Host Alvin Hall invites you in to explore the highway and byways and hotels that made up a safe haven for Black America during a tumultuous time in our nation’s history where you had the freedom to drive anywhere you wanted but you had to use the Green Book and other guides to be safe and free from harassment in places where you knew you weren’t wanted. Put your empathy caps on and listen to the rich history and experiences of marginalized people who were told they weren’t wanted in a country they were born in. Just a perfect podcast to share with friends and discuss and maybe cry together.
Joshua Dudley, Podcast Journalist
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Troubling history, beautifully told. Incredible road trip show.
Zach Mack, Host of Greetings from Somewhere
Listen: Podchaser
Code Switch has been doing incredible work for so long, but this year, it shot to the top of the charts as white people started to reckon with race and sought out resources. I really appreciate how Code Switch kept true to itself and didn’t drastically change itself for new people discovering them. Instead, they continued to find unique angles to explore race and identity within timely news events.
Meggan Ellingboe, Podcast Communications
Listen: Podchaser
This podcast from Waypoint, the video game vertical from Vice, has been around for years. But it is the only show that reliably combines tight gaming critique, leftist political discourse, good Internet jokes, and the reliable back-and-forth of people who have colleagues for years. Extra shoutout to Austin Walker, who I could listen to talk about anything, and Gita Jackson, a creative force of nature who joined when she was hired by Vice this year. All I want to do is play Crusader Kings 3 now, and it is their fault.
Eric Silver, Head of Creative, Multitude
Listen: Podchaser
A fictional show with amazing music and story. All of the music is original made by the main character Julian Koster who is also the lead member of the band Neutral Milk Hotel. The story will bend your mind, and make you gawk in wonder.
Jack Rhysider, Host of Darknet Diaries
Listen: Podchaser
Titi and Zakiya are two PhD scientists and best friends who break down pop culture events and trends with a scientific lens. It’s fun, engaging, and educational — everything a podcast should be.
Cole Cuchna, Host, Dissect Podcast
Comedians Daniel Van Kirk and Rory Scovel read and respond to letters sent to them from listeners. It’s intimate, touching, funny, and the connection Rory and Daniel have with listeners is what makes this show special.
Jeff Gross, Marketing Manager, Stitcher
Listen: Podchaser
Tim Livingston investigates the NBA referee scandal that resulted in the arrest of Tim Donaghy in 2007. Was Donaghy one bad apple or does the NBA more resemble a choreographed play instead of a true sport? Listen and hear a story of perverse incentives, human nature, and how corruption works in a real-world situation.
Catherine O’Brien, Podcast Producer
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Ever wonder if NBA games were rigged? Or how the Shaq-Kobe Lakers seemingly got every single call they ever needed? Me too! Tim Livingston goes deep on sports scandals and got me upset about the 2002 Western Conference Finals all over again.
Zach Mack, Host of Greetings from Somewhere
Listen: Podchaser
I listened to this podcast on a car stereo for the first time and I’ll never forget how it SOUNDED. I feel like I lack the vocabulary to describe what makes it sound so different from everything else, but it made a huge impression on me.
Leon Neyfakh, Host of FIASCO and founder of Prologue Projects
Listen: Podchaser
For most, this Summer 2020 was anything but ordinary. Instead of traveling the world and spending weekends at the beach, many found themselves adjusting to the “new normal.” It was a summer spent at home, staying masked and indoors, while political unrest swept across the country – the new normal could be a bit overwhelming to say the least. But, amidst the chaos and the “unprecedented times,” there were brief moments of positivity and honest conversation for us to tune-in to each week with The Michelle Obama Podcast – the former First Lady brought us into her inner circle; reminded us that we none of us were handling the chaos alone; and opened up about important topics like mental health, women’s health and racial equality.
Samantha Miller, Senior Account Executive, DKC
The hosts sit outside random stores or events and pay strangers $1 to be guests on the podcast. Think All Gas No Brakes + Nathan Fielder with heavy millennial humor.
Bradley Davis, CEO of Podchaser
Listen: Podchaser
I don’t normally like anti-comedy but I have been bingeing this podcast and in addition to being very funny, I can feel it sort of … re-wiring my brain. It makes fun of podcasting but it’s gentle. None of my friends like it.
Adrianne Jeffries, Co-host, Underunderstood
Listen: Podchaser
Underunderstood is a combo of Reddit searches and endless internet rabbit hole searching come to life in podcast form. Yes, there’s also Endless Thread. But Underunderstood more closely follows my brain as it comes across an idea, must know more about that idea, and doesn’t stop searching for answers on the internet. Tune in to this show if you like exploring niche corners of the internet such as how a face can become a stock image, more information about Netflix’s The Circle (which seemed huge before the pandemic, but wow that feels so long ago), and so much more.
Arielle Nissenblatt, SquadCast & EarBuds Podcast Collective
Listen: Podchaser
Radio Menea is a long-running podcast about Latin American music, with two queer friends Miriam Zoila Pérez and Verónica Bayetti Flores. Every episode of this podcast is audio electricity, digging deep into the very real societal and political influence that music has as well as the personal. And this year in particular, in a year of so much turmoil, Radio Menea came to shine. Verónica y Miriam hablan inglés y español throughout their conversations; the easy flow of languages are what make Radio Menea feel like coming home.
Elena Fernández Collins, Podcast Media Critic
Listen: Podchaser
The Trump Administration’s appointment of Betsy DeVos opened up the mainstream conversation about education and disparities beyond parents. I liked how Nice White Parents used a local story/case to shine a light on a national conversation. It landed a gut punch before the Pandemic and lands a stronger punch now that we see how these disparities in public education have widened.
Meggan Ellingboe, Podcast Communications
Listen: Podchaser
A blend of personal essay and audio fiction. Funny, weird, so ambitious. About as different from the kind of work I do, which I think is why I’m in such awe of Sharon Mashihi.
Jody Avirgan, Host/Producer (This Day In Esoteric Political History, 30for30, 538)
Listen: Podchaser
I do have a soft spot for the Brits… no doubt about that. Once a week hosts Stevie and Tessa grace our earbuds with some hard-won life lessons on simply existing as a millennial adult. The topics range from the practical (how to have a better work-life balance) to the cheeky (how to be single during lockdown), to the downright banal (how to pack). But each episode is dripping with enough humor to get anyone through the next week.
James Griffin, Podcast Critic
Listen: Podchaser
A beautiful multilingual collection of stories from, about, and inspired by people around the world responding to the pandemic with creativity, love, and compassion. This anthologized gathering compels listeners to consider what’s happening beyond their homes and cities and enter into private and public scenes that reveal so much about how the human spirit not only copes but thrives in adversity.
Juleyka Lantigua-Williams, CEO, Lantigua Williams & Co.
Listen: Podchaser
Twenty Thousand Hertz has been around for a few years, but somehow it just keeps getting better. 20k is one of my go-to podcasts, because each episode is fascinating, highly-produced, and easy to follow. If you’re a fan of 99 Percent Invisible, Radiolab, Planet Money, or shows in that vein, check out Twenty Thousand Hertz.
Dave Keine, Head of Product & Marketing at Podchaser
Listen: Podchaser
Amidst America’s reckoning with racial injustices and an ongoing turbulent political climate, Spotify’s “Jemele Hill is Unbothered” podcast provides listeners with Jemele’s bold, unfiltered, and unapologetic take on current events each week. Through the weekly podcast, Jemele explores the news of the day and the intersectionality between the worlds of sports, politics, music, identity and culture. The podcast is an honest, thought-provoking, always-entertaining analysis of American life, discussed in real-time as it unfolds. Each week, Jemele is joined by a rotating cast of high-profile guests to talk about the important issues impacting her listeners.
Samantha Miller, Senior Account Executive, DKC
Created by Cole Burkhardt, Null/Void is a limited series fiction podcast about data privacy, identity, and how capitalism preys on those it already makes vulnerable. Null/Void is a dark and gritty corporate thriller, feeling at home among works like Mr. Robot, Zodiac, and Limetown, while still feeling unique and fresh. The performances throughout are incredible, too–especially Danyelle Ellett as Adelaide, a strange figure who may or may not be on protagonist Piper’s side.
Wil Williams, Podcast Journalist
Listen: Podchaser
The “Back to the Future” of podcasts. I’m not even sure what I mean by that but it feels true. Relentlessly, gleefully entertaining as well as mind-expanding.
Leon Neyfakh, Host of FIASCO and founder of Prologue Projects
Listen: Podchaser
Bush v Gore from the creator of Slow Burn seasons 1 & 2. This was previously only available to paid Luminary subscribers; it’s incredibly well-produced, very timely given the antics in DC right now, and worth your time.
Dave Zohrob, Co-founder & CEO, Chartable
Listen: Podchaser
This new show by Rose Eveleth brings her signature mix of humor, empathy, research, and stunning audio production to a whole new genre: advice podcasts. Whether she’s exploring the ethics and implications of DNA sequencing or imagining what to do if one’s partner gets the chance to go to Mars, this show will entertain, educate, and inspire you.
Amanda McLouglin, CEO, Multitude
Listen: Podchaser
I listen to a lot of NBA podcasts, and this is my favorite. Kevin and Chris have different views on the game and they’re able to argue and debate without hostility. It’s really fun, and both hosts are extremely knowledgable.
Cole Cuchna, Host, Dissect Podcast
A podcast series from Colombia. Non-fiction classic style to its best. 10 episodes that depict different stories from Colombia’s past, narrated from the point of view of people who lived the events. Very nice structured scripts, well conducted interviews and a deep social and political focus. Best from Latin America this year.
Pablo Fisher, Escucha Podcast, web & newsletter de podcasts en español
Listen: Podchaser
Visionaries was created by Richard Seneque. This mesmerizing and gorgeous speculative fiction podcast addresses issues of inequality, discrimination and slavery. It unites all of us, regardless of our skin colour or identity, as “dead eye slaves” in service to “the visionaries” with their coloured eyes and powers. This is a powerful piece from and I would love to see more attention given to it.
Sean Howard, Co-Founder of Fable and Folly
Listen: Podchaser
Host Sean Rameswaram and the Vox Media Podcast Network team bring an afternoon 20-30 minute podcast Monday through Friday that is superbly produced, with humor, exploring a timely news topic in-depth with interviews that provide context and an explanation about why the topic matters. This podcast pulls off a miracle day after day and makes it sound fun and easy. You will learn and become better informed in a way that never sounds boring or cliched.
Kristen Kidd, Executive Producer, Earshot Productions
Listen: Podchaser
This show only has three episodes out when I’m writing this and it is behind a Patreon paywall, but I need to recommend it because it is the smartest decision in D&D media in 2020. Zac Oyama is an incredible D&D player, stealing the spotlight on Dropout’s D&D show Dimension 20 and on multiple guest-starring roles on Not Another D&D Podcast. He also used to work at CollegeHumor, where everyone was laid off earlier this year. Zac is sliding into the DM seat himself and running a D&D show behind a Patreon wall, getting himself paid while making an incredible podcast and inviting many of his other ex-CH friends to play with him.
Eric Silver, Head of Creative, Multitude
Listen: Patreon
Jason Snell, tech podcaster and operator of the Incomparable podcast network, made a list of the 20 most notable Mac computers for 2020. Each 20ish minute episode describes the computer, gives context for the time period, describes why this computer is interesting, and intercuts interviews with John Gruber, John Siracusa, Stephen Hackett, and many more.
Brendan Hutchins, Audiosmith for Podcast Advocate
Listen: Podchaser
Arden is the murder mystery comedy of your dreams! It’s written and directed by three different people and after solving the mystery of a missing Hollywood Heiress in the first season they’re back for a second with a cast bursting to the seams with laughter and intrigue and bizarre out of touch commercials from the fictional billionaire backer of the Arden Detective Agency. Each episode puts you behind the scenes with the people making the podcast in the most meta way possible often saying things like “we’re going to cut that right?” Romance, mystery, intrigue, and real feelings are possible from a show this silly that is shot straight through with heart. A truly multi-layered show that rewards multiple listens and has a very active Patreon with bonus mini-sodes to give you even more Arden!
Joshua Dudley, Podcast Journalist
Listen: Podchaser
Wright Thompson’s three-parter on horse racing is really about American aristocracy, generational wealth, and ingenuity. This features the best scene tape of the year. There’s a real sense that you’re trekking around with Wright as he searches for answers. Shoutout to his producers Courtney Harrell and Jess Hackel — a perfect match for Wright’s relentless enthusiasm.
Jody Avirgan, Host/Producer (This Day In Esoteric Political History, 30for30, 538)
Listen: Podchaser
FDRF is hands-down the best rewatch podcast by a celebrity duo in the business. Donald Faison and Zach Braff are rewatching the entire Scrubs series, and along the way, are inviting past guest stars, writers, show runners, and other cast members to join them in their rewatching. Zach and Donald are very clearly intrigued by the larger podcast world, which is a treat. They actively involve their producer and engineer, Joelle Monique and Dan Goodman, in the content of the show. Even if you didn’t watch Scrubs, this podcast is a great example of the power of audio and audience.
Arielle Nissenblatt, SquadCast & EarBuds Podcast Collective
Listen: Podchaser
My Year in Mensa is exactly what a deep-dive comedic podcast should be. When Jamie Loftus decides to take the Mensa entry test for a joke article, she winds up half-accidentally getting in. From there, she finds out that Mensa is actually a social club with nightmarish policies and message boards, and Loftus starts her progress on becoming the most hated member. The podcast is hilarious, lasts exactly as long as it should, and has the best uses of airhorn I’ve ever heard.
Wil Williams, Podcast Journalist
Listen: Podchaser
Andrew Yang is a thinker the likes of which we have never heard from in America, and his ideas and enthusiasm could help solve some of our most serious problems. Andrew talks with other visionaries and activists about the most pressing issues and what can be done about them. Listen to just a few episodes of this conversational podcast and see if you can resist becoming a fan and honorary member of the Yang Gang yourself.
Kristen Kidd, Executive Producer, Earshot Productions
Listen: Podchaser
A deep and disturbingly funny use of dialog and sound effects to bring you deep into natural and unnatural disasters.
Kate Wallinga, Host/Producer, Ignorance Was Bliss
Listen: Podchaser
MIT Technology’s first podcast explores the future of technology. Discovering how advanced AI currently is, facial recognition, and so much more. It is wonderfully reported and stunning to hear how our technology has evolved to this point.
Jack Rhysider, Host of Darknet Diaries
Listen: Podchaser
This is a new podcast for 2020 that I’m really enjoying. Ashley Hamer tackles difficult or risqué topics from a scientific perspective in a cheery, enthusiastic way that invites curiosity and understanding. The editing is snappy and keeps things moving. Excited for more episodes!
Dave Keine, Head of Product & Marketing at Podchaser
Listen: Podchaser
Africa is a continent and not a country. This podcast sets out to decolonize history one story at a time and delves deep into the many vibrant countries on the continent. And the history of the many fights for independence. Captivating and eye opening.
Sean Howard, Co-Founder of Fable and Folly
Listen: Podchaser
Nothing could have prepared me for how fun this podcast about prison and drug addiction would be — or for the wide range of human emotions/experiences it would cover. A master class in “issue-driven” reporting that feels like candy instead of vegetables without sacrificing depth or rigor.
Leon Neyfakh, Host of FIASCO and founder of Prologue Projects
Listen: Podchaser
A podcast about Charly García, the most influential rock star in Argentina, focused on the music from his three fundamental albums (years 1982 to 1984). Sebastián Furman hosts a keyboard-in-hands podcast that’s not so much heard in podcasting world: he shows examples (on how to play) as he reviews each recording’s music & lyrics.
Pablo Fisher, Escucha Podcast, web & newsletter de podcasts en español
Listen: Podchaser
I’m a big fan of mindset podcasts. It’s probably the hardest thing to get right about entrepreneurship. Chandler Bolt steps in with a practical show that is mercifully short. You can listen to this one with your morning cup of coffee to set your day off on the right foot. It’s hard to listen to this podcast without thinking “yeah, I can do this too.” Maybe it’s the slight southern accent?
James Griffin, Podcast Critic
Listen: Podchaser
A must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth and development. Chris Williamson speaks with a variety of experts and gets practical advice for making improvements in every area of life. Modern Wisdom moves from the theoretical to the actual practice of how to make positive changes.
Catherine O’Brien, Podcast Producer
Listen: Podchaser
Man these guys killed it all throughout an exhausting and difficult election season. They navigate the media landscape and sift through the nonsense so well. Incredibly thoughtful and surprisingly light.
Zach Mack, Host of Greetings from Somewhere
Listen: Podchaser
A short but excellently executed anthology of short stories for anyone looking for bite sized thrillers. Great sound direction and atmosphere, stories are small but very impactful.
PodCake, Journalist, The Cake Radio (TBA)
Listen: Podchaser
I feel like Truth Be Told was a head of its time when it debuted last year. It was already doing sound rich storytelling about life events and topics experienced by BIPOC. Tonya is such a personable host and really draws you in as a listener. She deserves to be recognized as a warm truthful host.
Meggan Ellingboe, Podcast Communications
Listen: Podchaser
This show distills the power of podcasting as a storytelling medium. The host is an unhoused person in California who deals with and chronicles the realities of police brutality, harassment, and daily challenges tens of thousands of unhoused people around the country face every day. But it also engages with solutions that can come closer to ending this long-running housing crisis in the country.
Juleyka Lantigua-Williams, CEO, Lantigua Williams & Co.
Listen: Podchaser
“Zany” and “madcap” are only the tip of the iceberg in this outer-space-based audio drama.
Kate Wallinga, Host/Producer, Ignorance Was Bliss
Listen: Podchaser
Stephen West takes one philosophical idea and breaks it down into an accessible 25 minute lecture that feels more like a conversation. He’s the professor you wish you had in college.
Cole Cuchna, Host, Dissect Podcast
Listen: Podchaser
A nice blend of horror and humor, The Infinite Bad is a fun and fresh creative endeavor with some very intriguing characters and amazing places to explore.
PodCake, Journalist, The Cake Radio (TBA)
Listen: Podchaser
Here’s a fictional show which will surprise you. It’s like seeing what an alternate reality of our lives could have been with all our tech around us. Think Black Mirror but as a podcast. The acting, writing, sound design, and production are all sure to keep you glued to your headphones to the very end.
Jack Rhysider, Host of Darknet Diaries
Listen: Podchaser
One of my favorite audio drama of the year, serving up the delicious result of throwing Jurassic Park and Atlantis: The Lost Empire into a blender with a NatGeo documentary about prehistoric sea creatures. No Such Thing Radio deftly blends the sense of anticipation and curiosity from a classic seafaring adventure with the unease of, y’know, hoping characters don’t die but also knowing it’ll be kinda cool when they do. It also lives in a small group of audio fiction brave enough to have a character who’s an unapologetic prick but also useful to the ensemble. Writer Jordan Cobb’s going for the title of audio drama’s Michael Crichton-but-good and doing a damn fine job so far.
Gavin Gaddis, writer, The Pod Report
Listen: Podchaser
Host Robert Milazzo follows comedian David Cross and interviews his wife and friends, like Amber Tamblyn, Sarah Silverman, Janine Garafallo, Patton Oswald, Bob Odenkirk, and many more to tell the story of David’s past, and a little of his future, and how he is using a select audience to help him hone his new stand up set.
Brendan Hutchins, Audiosmith for Podcast Advocate
Listen: Podchaser
Perhaps one of the best made podcasts in existence. Don’t dare call it “True Crime”, Your Own Backyard is quality storytelling that matches the best documentaries. Following the disappearance (and presumed death) of Kristin Smart, Your Own Backyard explores every aspect of this crime– even uncovering new information that has furthered the real-life investigation. h
Catherine O’Brien, Podcast Producer
Listen: Podchaser
Previous lists: best podcasts 2019, 2018
Thanks to everyone who helped compile this list including: A Concerned Citizen, Adrianne Jeffries, Amanda McLoughlin, Arielle Nissenblatt, Avery Trufelman, Bradley Davis, Brendan Hutchins, Catherine O’Brien, Cole Cuchna, Dave Keine, Dave Zohrob, Elena Fernández Collins, Eric Silver, Gavin Gaddis, Hrishikesh Hirway, Jack Rhysider, James J Griffin, Jeff Gross, Jody Avirgan, Joshua Dudley, Juleyka Lantigua-Williams, Kate Wallinga, Kristen Kidd, Leon Neyfakh, Meggan Ellingboe, Pablo Fisher, PodCake, Samantha Miller, Sean Howard, Wil Williams, and Zach Mack.
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