What We’re Listening To Right Now: Our Top Podcast Picks

When we’re looking for a daily infusion of knowledge, comedy, opinion or discourse, we often turn to podcasts. While anyone with a mic and a hard drive can create a podcast, we find the best ones combine gifted storytellers and interesting (and highly curated) topics. The best part is that we can listen to them anytime, anywhere– while exercising, relaxing, even showering!

Serial may have put podcasting on the map in 2014, but the art of podcasting has really evolved since then. Now, there is a seemingly endless number of engaging series and episodes in our listening queue. But with more than 850,000 active podcasts in existence, we wanted to narrow the playing field and share our top picks.

When you’re in the mood to be inspired:

NPR’s How I Built This With Guy Raz: Our mission is to help great entrepreneurs succeed. So, who wouldn’t be inspired by the innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists featured on this podcast and the movements they built? 

Hope, Through History: This eye-opening and inspirational podcast hosted by John Meacham analyzes some of the turning points in American history and how the country emerged stronger. The episode on the polio epidemic is not to be missed.

A Certain Age by Katie Fogarty: This weekly deep-dive with women who are aging without apology is hosted by our very own Jenny Mulholland’s sister! She features expert interviews about a wide range of topics, including career, beauty, family, books, money, wellness, fashion and more.

When you’re in the mood to be informed:

Beyond The To-Do List: This podcast, hosted by Erik Fischer, is a great reminder to stay focused on what is really important in an age of endless information, meetings, and other demands. Don’t miss the episode featuring author Jordan Lee Dooly who introduces the idea of 10-10-10.    

The New York Time Book Review Podcast: Did we mention we’re big readers? Hearing about so many great books makes us want to immediately start reading! And as a result, our “to read” lists keep growing longer and longer.

When you’re in the mood to laugh:

Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend: Listening to Conan try to make real and lasting friendships with his celebrity guests leaves us literally laughing out loud. If you enjoyed Conan on the small screen, you won’t want to miss this hilarious podcast.

Smartless: Hosted by real-life friends Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, the chemistry and humor on this show is incredible. They interview a variety of guests ranging from actors like Woody Harrelson to musicians like Dave Grohl to journalists like Jake Tapper. The recent show with Barry Sonnenfeld is definitely worth a listen! 

Richmond Till We Die: If you love Ted Lasso as much as we do, this is worth a listen. This podcast does a great job of balancing the feel-good nature of the show and going deep on real topics like mental health and relationships. 

Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey & David Spade: If you’re fans of SNL, you won’t want to miss this recently launched podcast that gives a backstage look at different SNL cast members or hosts, including Chris Rock, Rob Lowe and Tina Fey. 

What podcasts should we add to our list? Let us know some of your faves.