What makes someone truly fascinating?
It’s not the fame or the flashing cameras...
It’s their stories. The human ones, that remind us they’re not so different from us.
We all know Conan O’Brien, the world-famous late-night host. But do we know Conan, the weird, quirky guy who’s not that different from the rest of us?
So if you’re looking for a different side to the celebrities you admire—or just love to laugh at—here are 20 of the best celebrity podcasts that are worth a listen.
1. Office Ladies
Curious about what really happened behind the scenes at Dunder Mifflin? Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, real-life friends and stars of The Office, dissect each episode with hilarious insights and heartfelt anecdotes. It’s a mix of nostalgia and discovery, loaded with fun facts that even hardcore fans don’t know. Expect laughs, tears (yes, even Angela tears up), and a deeper appreciation for the sitcom that redefined comedy.
2. Dua Lipa: At Your Service
Dua Lipa brings her charm and curiosity to an entirely different stage. This podcast pairs her with artists, activists, and thinkers for open, thoughtful conversations. In each episode, you can expect her and her guests to dive into topics like creativity, resilience, and chasing your passions with the same energy she brings to her music. Sometimes, things can get rather deep, but for the most part, it makes for a lighthearted experience filled with inspiration and fresh perspectives.
3. Armchair Expert with Dan Shepard
Dax Shepard brings his inquisitive nature to “Armchair Expert,” where he explores the messiness of being human. Alongside co-host Monica Padman, Dax interviews celebrities, academics, and professionals, delving into their personal stories, including their struggles and triumphs along the way. The conversations are raw, honest, and often humorous, shedding light on the ups and downs of life's rollercoaster. It’s a space where vulnerability meets curiosity, offering you a chance to reflect on the guest's experiences through the lens of others.
4. SmartLess
Three comedic powerhouses—Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett—host this weekly chat show where one of them surprises the others with a mystery guest. From Hollywood A-listers to world-class thinkers, SmartLess thrives on being spontaneous and the playful improv between the hosts. In each episode, you can expect a good balance between humor and depth. It will keep things unpredictable and engaging. From joking about everyday life or discussing careers with their guests, it’s the kind of podcast that keeps you laughing—and thinking—long after it’s over.
5. Las Culturistas
Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers bring the heat to pop culture commentary in Las Culturistas. Their humor is biting, but it’s also deeply personal as they explore how culture shapes identity. Segments like “I Don’t Think So, Honey!” are hilarious call-outs of everything from bad trends to social norms. Expect them to break down some of the latest blockbusters or reminisce about specific childhood obsessions we all share. In any case, this show is a celebration of culture in all its messy, fabulous glory.
6. Why Won’t You Date Me?
Nicole Byer’s dating woes are the internet’s gain. Through interviews with friends, comedians, and even exes, Nicole tries to answer the question: Why is she still single? The Why Won’t You Date Me podcast is raw and funny, but it also delves into serious topics like body image, self-worth, and dating stereotypes. Nicole’s vulnerability and humor make it a must-listen for anyone who's deeply entrenched in today’s chaotic dating scene.
7. Renegades: Born in the USA
Ex-President Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen— we know, an unexpected duo, but with surprisingly deep chemistry. In Renegades, the former president and the rock legend share heart-to-heart conversations about America, identity, and what it means to belong. But the podcast isn’t preachy. It actually does well at being deeply personal, packed with honest stories from their own lives. In large, that credit should go to their friendship, which definitely shines through in each episode, creating an unexpected intimacy.
8. WTF with Marc Maron
Marc Maron is perhaps the king of unhinged, unfiltered interviews, and WTF continues to set the gold standard. Comedians, musicians, politicians, writers... You'll see just about any type of guest on his show open up in ways you won’t hear anywhere else. Maron’s approach is direct, and sometimes confrontational, but it’s what leads to those jaw-dropping moments of honesty. If you’re tired of scripted, cookie-cutter celebrity interviews, this podcast will remind you why raw conversation is king.
9. Podcrushed
Middle school was awkward for (almost) everyone, and Podcrushed thrives on that universal cringe. Hosted by Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, and Sophie Ansari, it features guests sharing their most uncomfortable, and sometimes touching, adolescence stories. The show is funny but also surprisingly heartfelt, reminding you of all the lessons you learned (and the ones you didn’t) during those formative years.
10. Wiser Than Me
Julia Louis-Dreyfus flips the script on typical celebrity podcasts by interviewing women older—and, as she puts it, wiser—than herself. These conversations are deeply human, tackling everything from aging to ambition to resilience. Julia’s natural warmth makes her guests feel at ease, leading to moments of real insight. You'll get the kind of advice you’ll frantically want to scribble down on the spot, and hear memorable stories that will stay with you long after you've hit play.
11. Best Friends
Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata have found a way to not just tell you that they're best friends every week, but also prove it. In each episode, they explore what it means to truly know and support someone. The show can get really funny, but whether they’re solving ridiculous hypothetical problems or sharing personal stories, it serves as a genuine reminder that the best relationships are the ones where you can laugh at each other AND at yourselves. For anyone who loves friendship in all its forms, this podcast is a treat.
12. The Bald and the Beautiful
Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova invite you behind the scenes of drag, fame, and everything in between. They dissect beauty trends (from the most ridiculous to trends that are revolutionizing the beauty industry), share unfiltered personal stories, and laugh through their unique perspectives on pop culture and queer life. Episodes can often spiral into wild tangents but always circle back to surprisingly sharp insights about identity and performance.
13. The Goop
Wellness, self-discovery, and a touch of controversy—The Goop Podcast is exactly what you’d expect from Gwyneth Paltrow’s brand. Each episode dives into conversations with thought-provoking public figures about health, relationships, and living with intention. Though it's not all kale smoothies and candle jokes (though those moments sneak in,) because the topics often challenge conventional thinking around a few life areas. Maybe you want to be there for the alternative science, the woo-woo, or just to get a dose of Gwyneth, but in any case you’ll leave with something to think about. Perfect for curious minds curious of fresh, "out-there" perspectives.
14. Scam Goddess
Laci Mosley is the self-proclaimed “Connoisseur of Cons,” and Scam Goddess is a comedic deep dive into the wild world of scams, frauds, and... You guessed it, cons. From Nigerian princes to influencer cons, she recounts infamous frauds with a mix of sharp comedy and cultural critique, with guests breaking down the schemes and exposing the absurdity behind the grifts (and why scammers always seem one step ahead.) If you love true crime but want something less grim, this podcast might just be the one.
15. Under the Skin
What does it mean to live in a world shaped by capitalism, technology, and media? Russell Brand dives into these massive questions in Under the Skin, interviewing everyone high-level thinkers and intellectuals. Episodes range from critiques of modern systems to explorations of spirituality and mindfulness. Brand challenges mainstream ideas while offering a space for alternative perspectives. It’s not light listening, but if you’re craving thoughtful, paradigm-shifting conversations, this podcast delivers.
16. The Joe Rogan Experience
Love it or hate it, The Joe Rogan Experience is one of the most influential podcasts out there. Rogan’s unfiltered, long-form conversations cover everything from comedy to conspiracy theories. His guests (scientists, comedians, fighters, and everyone in between) are what make it so that the JRE podcast has no two episodes that are the same. Some moments are insightful. Others are controversial. Either way, it’s a space for unfiltered ideas and unedited dialogue.
17. The Big Podcast with Shaq
Shaquille O’Neal is larger than life, and so is The Big Podcast. Sports (particularly the NBA), pop culture, and random hilarity collide in a show where Shaq’s charisma shines. Whether he’s roasting his co-hosts or telling outrageous personal stories, it’s endlessly entertaining. And it’s not all laughs—there’s heart too, as Shaq reflects on his life and career. It’s a slam dunk for fans of sports and good humor alike.
18. Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
Conan O’Brien’s charm is undeniable, but he swears he has no friends. Needs a Friend pairs him with celebrity guests to see if he can finally change that. The result? Laugh-out-loud conversations that are full of absurdity, heart, and surprising depth. Conan’s self-deprecating humor keeps things light, but his genuine curiosity makes the interviews extremely memorable.
19. All There Is with Anderson Cooper
How do we process grief and loss in a world that often avoids the topic? Anderson Cooper invites listeners into deeply personal conversations, sharing his own journey with loss alongside moving stories from his guests. Each episode explores what it means to mourn, to remember, and to find hope again. With a quiet, reflective tone, this podcast creates space for healing and connection. If you’ve struggled with loss, this is a deeply comforting listen.
20. Threedom
Scott Aukerman, Lauren Lapkus, and Paul F. Tompkins come together in Threedom to deliver chaotic comedy with no agenda. There’s no script, no structure, just three comedy heavyweights riffing off one another. Their chemistry makes even the silliest tangents wildly entertaining. You never know where the conversation will go, but that’s the charm! Perfect for anyone who loves humor without boundaries.
