Are you new to the world of podcasts? Or on the hunt for your next listen? To save you time sifting through the millions of podcast titles out there, we’ve compiled a list of 15 of the biggest podcasts right now.
From true crime and investigative series to comedy and sports shows, these 15 top podcasts are available right now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts (or both!) Let’s jump in and get listening.
1. What Now? with Trevor Noah
Launched in November 2023, What Now? with Trevor Noah is a must-listen for fans of Noah’s work. Expect to hear the Emmy Award-winning talk show host and comedian like never before as he sits down with special guests, from entertainers to athletes, diving deep into their lives, careers, and opinions.
Long-time The Daily Show fans will relish these candid conversations, while new listeners will be charmed by Noah’s fun yet probing interview style. Considering the podcast counts Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kerry Washington, and Bill Gates among its first guests, What Now? with Trevor Noah promises nothing but incredible entertainment.
Apple Podcasts Link
2. The Joe Rogan Experience
One of the most popular podcasts of all time, The Joe Rogan Experience is a long-form podcast hosted by comedian and UFC commentator Joe Rogan. Since its launch in 2009, Rogan has interviewed scientists, sportspeople, actors, and entrepreneurs, including Elon Musk, Edward Snowden, and Miley Cyrus.
While not without its critics, The Joe Rogan Experience is known for featuring a diverse ideological mixture of guests. With over 20,000 episodes (no, that’s not a typo) covering an impressively wide variety of topics to explore, you’ll not need to look for a new podcast for a while.
3. Rotten Mango Podcast
On Rotten Mango, no case is too obscure or too disturbing. Each week, the hosts dive deep into the minds of killers, uncovering the twisted psychology behind some of the most heinous crimes imaginable. From the darkest corners of Europe to the remote villages of Asia, no location is off-limits in the search for the truth.
But it's not all doom and gloom. Stephanie Soo and other co-hosts believe that even the darkest stories can bring people together and foster empathy for victims. That's why they infuse each episode with their signature blend of humor and heart, creating a listening experience that's as entertaining as it is informative.
4. The Kids of Rutherford County
Next up on our list is The Kids of Rutherford County, a four-part narrative series investigating the juvenile justice system of Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Hosted by Peabody-award-winning reporter Meribah Knight, this podcast deep dives into the horrific turn of events when, for over a decade, Rutherford County arrested and illegally jailed hundreds of children. If you’re a fan of true crime investigation, you’ll be engrossed as Knight reveals what happened — and what’s being done to stop it from happening again.
Apple Podcasts Link
5. New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce
New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce is the home of American football’s ‘funniest family duo.’ This podcast has been running since 2022, with a sizable back catalog of 90-minute episodes to immerse yourself in.
In each episode, brothers Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs let football fans into their inner circle as they chat about life in the league. Sports aficionados (and Swifties listening out for tidbits on Travis’ girlfriend, Taylor Swift) can expect this pair to cover NFL news, share stories, and catch up with the occasional special guest.
Apple Podcasts Link
6. Crime Junkie
From the producers of Dark Arenas comes Crime Junkie, a weekly true-crime podcast hosted by Ashley Flowers. Episodes range from 25 minutes to an hour, in which Flowers tells listeners all about the crime she’s been researching that week. Expect straightforward storytelling of curious cases that have rocked small communities or the entire world.
We can’t put it better than Flowers herself: If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.
Apple Podcasts Link
7. The Bakersfield Three
Released in November 2023, The Bakersfield Three is perfect for true crime fans looking for a rigorous investigation of one specific case. Think In The Dark, The Teacher's Pet, or Dr. Death.
Written and hosted by former news reporter Olivia LaVoice, this podcast tells the story of the Bakersfield 3; when in 2018, two friends went missing back-to-back and a third was murdered, their mothers began their own investigation, fighting for justice — and answers.
Written and hosted by former news reporter Olivia LaVoice, The Bakersfield Three details the case’s twists and turns over 15 episodes alongside interviews with 17 News reporters.
Apple Podcasts Link
8. SmartLess
SmartLess answers the question, what happens when three beloved comedic actors come together to host a podcast? With Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett behind the mic, SmartLess is a hilarious and heartwarming listen.
In each episode, one host introduces a surprise guest to the other two, with previous guests including Simon Pegg, Will Ferrell, Halle Berry, and many, many more. With new episodes coming out every Monday and over a hundred past episodes to explore, SmartLess is here to feed you knowledge and laughter.
Apple Podcasts Link
9. The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka
Want to live a happier, more fulfilling life? Human biologist and biohacker Gary Brecka isn’t gatekeeping the answers. In The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka, Brecka shares the knowledge he’s gathered over 20 years working in the life insurance industry predicting mortality.
Listen in each week as Brecka lifts the lid on how to live a happier, healthier, longer, and more fulfilling life with the help of celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs, and scientists.
Apple Podcasts Link
10. This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
This Past Weekend is a must-listen podcast for fans of comedian Theo Von. And for fans of all things funny.
This long-form podcast has over 450 episodes ranging from one to three hours in length, promising (nearly) endless entertainment. Each week, Von sits down with a guest to talk about anything and everything, with an audience participation segment in which listeners submit a response to the “hotline” sure to bring the laughs.
Apple Podcasts Link
11. Huberman Lab
If you’re obsessed with the inner workings of our brains, Huberman Lab is right up your alley. Dr. Andrew Huberman, a tenured professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, is the brains behind this podcast, exploring how our neurological function and nervous systems control our lives, happiness, and health.
From interviews with experts to stand-alone episodes on specific topics, like ADHD, accelerating your fitness, and improving focus, Huberman Lab tackles a huge range of topics with a balanced, science-focused approach.
Apple Podcasts Link
12. Hot Mess with Alix Earle
Calling all hot messes: TikTok’s ‘IT’ girl is here to take you behind the scenes of her oh-so-glamorous life. Alex Earle may have over six million followers on TikTok, but she’s not shying away from giving you the skinny on her life every week.
Nothing’s off the table; in Hot Mess with Alix Earle, Earle opens up about everything from friends and family to the rumor mill. If you enjoy podcasts that feel like listening to a voice note from your best friend, you’ll love this frank podcast about navigating the messiness of being in your 20s.
Apple Podcasts Link
13. Call Her Daddy
The reigning queen of the podcast world, Call Her Daddy has made headlines since its 2018 launch. With co-host departures and ownership disputes, this podcast has gone through many changes but remains one of the most popular shows of all time.
Host Alex Cooper is beloved for her direct way of talking about sex, dating, and relationships, with Father Cooper often sharing explicit personal stories and advice with her listeners. Plus, Cooper has chatted with many of the most influential (and controversial) figures in pop culture over the years, including Miley Cyrus, Christina Aguilera, and Tana Mongeau.
THE dating and relationship podcast to listen to on Wednesday nights, Call Her Daddy releases new episodes weekly and has a huge collection of past shows to enjoy. If you like controversial opinions, no-bars-held conversation, and female empowerment, Call Her Daddy is for you.
14. The Daily
Gone are the days of tuning into the News at Ten to catch up with what’s happening in the world. The Daily by The New York Times has a simple premise: twenty minutes a day, five days a week, ready by 6 a.m.
Hosted by journalists Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernis, this daily news podcast keeps listeners up to date with the biggest, most relevant stories from across the world. Episodes are only 20 minutes long, making breaking news stories easy to digest. If you like getting your news from the best journalists in the world in a convenient format — all without staring at a screen — add The Daily to your podcast rotation.
Apple Podcasts Link
15. Lex Fridman Podcast
Last, but not least, our final entry is for our tech fanatics. The Lex Fridman Podcast is a long-form show that dives into science, technology, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and more. Episodes range from 90 minutes to three hours in length, in which Lex Fridman, an AI researcher at MIT, interviews the world’s leading thinkers, from tech founders to corporate CEOs.
There are hundreds of episodes to listen to, with past guests including MrBeast, Mark Zuckerberg, and Ginni Rometty, just to name a few.
For Spanish listeners, Spotify has released an AI-translated version of Fridman’s show.
Apple Podcasts Link
16) Bad Friends Podcast
Buckle up for a wild ride with The Bad Friends Podcast, where anything goes and nothing is off-limits. Comedians Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino bring their unfiltered, no-holds-barred brand of humor to the mic each week, diving into a hilarious mix of improv, off-the-cuff riffing, and jaw-dropping stories from their lives on and off the stage.
From crass jokes to edgy skits, these two aren't afraid to push the boundaries of comedy. But don't let the vulgarity fool you - at its core, this podcast is all about the incredible comedic chemistry between two good friends who know exactly how to make each other (and their listeners) laugh until it hurts.
17) The Comments Section with Brett Cooper
Welcome to one of the internet's wildest corners: The Comments Section. Each week, host Brett Cooper takes you on a humorous deep dive into the world of viral videos, trending topics, and the most jaw-dropping comments from across the web. From X wars to TikTok challenges, nothing is off-limits. Get ready to laugh, cringe, and maybe even learn something along the way.
18) Shawn Ryan Show
Ever wondered what it's really like inside the military? Former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan sits down with the heroes who've been there and done that. From heart-pounding war stories to eye-opening discussions about national security, the Shawn Ryan Show is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the world of military and intelligence.
19) Smosh Reads Reddit Stories
Reddit is a goldmine of weird and wonderful stories - and who better to bring them to life than the comedy geniuses at Smosh? Each episode, the Smosh crew takes turns reading the most unforgettable posts from across the site, from cringeworthy confessions to unbelievable tales of revenge. If you're in need of a good belly laugh, this is the podcast for you.
20) The PBD Podcast with Patrick Bet-David
Craving insights on navigating the world of business and current events? The PBD Podcast by Patrick Bet-David dives deep into these topics, teeming with discussions that connect them to your personal and professional growth. Expect thought-provoking conversations and debates on trending news, politics, and even sports – all with a focus on actionable takeaways you can use in your own life.
