Popular Podcasts: Must-Listen Shows of the Year
As an avid podcast listener, I’m always on the hunt for the next gripping series that I can get lost in on my daily commute or during a quiet night in. Fortunately, the world of podcasting is filled with an abundance of high-quality entertainment, spanning an endless array of topics.
From true crime to pop culture and everything in between, there truly is a popular podcast out there for everyone.
In recent years, podcasts have taken the world by storm and continue to grow in popularity. According to Edison Research, an estimated 100 million Americans listen to at least one podcast every month. With such a vast audience, it’s no wonder that podcasts have become a powerful medium for advertisers and hosts alike.
The competition is fierce, but the cream of the crop always manages to find a way to the top, and popular podcasts that pack a punch in terms of content and production value consistently rise to the occasion.
As a podcast enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest shows to subscribe to. In this section, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most popular podcasts in 2022 based on listener statistics, industry analysts, and my own personal experience.
The Top 10 Most Popular Podcasts in 2023
- The Joe Rogan Experience – Hosted by comedian Joe Rogan, this podcast typically features long-form conversations with a wide range of interesting guests, including scientists, authors, and celebrities.
- Crime Junkie – If you’re a true crime fan, this podcast is a must-listen. Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, the show dives into some of the most fascinating and chilling true crime cases out there.
- Serial – This investigative journalism podcast took the world by storm when it first launched and continues to be a fan favorite thanks to its in-depth reporting and thrilling storytelling.
- My Favorite Murder – Hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark mix true crime stories with humor and wit in this highly entertaining and addictive podcast.
- The Daily – Produced by The New York Times, this podcast provides listeners with a daily dose of news and analysis on the day’s top stories.
- Stuff You Should Know – Want to learn about everything from the history of chocolate to how drones work? Hosts Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark cover a wide range of topics in this informative and engaging podcast.
- Radiolab – This award-winning podcast explores science, philosophy, and the human experience through beautifully produced audio storytelling.
- Reply All – Hosts PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman explore the internet and all its quirks in this fascinating and often hilarious podcast.
- TED Radio Hour – This podcast takes some of the most interesting TED talks and expands on them with additional interviews and insight, making for a truly informative and thought-provoking listening experience.
- Armchair Expert – Hosted by actor Dax Shepard, this podcast features conversations with a wide range of guests on a variety of topics, from mental health to Hollywood gossip.
These are just a few of the many popular podcasts out there right now. With so many great shows to choose from, it’s never been a better time to be a podcast fan.
Industry Experts Share Their Favorite Podcasts
I reached out to a number of industry experts to find out what their favorite podcasts are currently. Here are some of the podcasts that they recommended.
1. “The Joe Rogan Experience”
“The Joe Rogan Experience” is a great podcast that features in-depth conversations with guests from various backgrounds, including comedians, scientists, and artists. This show has gained popularity over the years, making it one of the most popular podcasts in the world.
2. “Radiolab”
“Radiolab” is a podcast that explores different topics, ranging from science, philosophy, and culture. The hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich do an excellent job of making complex subjects easy to understand and engaging for the listeners.
3. “Stuff You Should Know”
“Stuff You Should Know” is a great informative podcast that covers a wide range of topics from history, science, and culture. The hosts, Chuck Bryant and Josh Clark, do a good job of breaking down concepts in an entertaining and informative manner.
4. “Serial”
“Serial” is a true-crime podcast series that has captivated listeners since its release. The show explores different cases in depth, often spanning several episodes. The storytelling is excellent, which makes it a must-listen podcast.
5. “My Favorite Murder”
“My Favorite Murder” is another true-crime podcast that has gained huge popularity recently. The show is hosted by two friends, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, who discuss obscure true-crime cases that are both intriguing and disturbing.
These are just some of the podcasts that industry experts recommend. With so many popular podcasts out there, it’s hard to choose just one.
However, these podcasts are a great starting point if you want to listen to something new and exciting.
