I’ve finally gotten into a rhythm with podcasts, and at this point I rotate between three categories: keeping up with the news, spiraling into politics and true crime. If you’re trying to find something new, these are the ones I keep coming back to and exactly where I’d start with each.
For Keeping Up With the World
- What they are: Both are daily news podcasts that break down current events in a way that’s easy to follow.
- My take: I listen to these pretty interchangeably. On a good day, I’ll listen to both, but if I don’t have time I just pick whichever episode sounds more interesting. For me, they’re less about enjoyment and more about making sure I know what’s happening.
- Who will like it: Anyone who wants to stay informed without constantly scrolling the news. Especially good if you’re busy and just want a quick, clear breakdown of one major story.
- Where to start: Just start with today’s episode—that’s the whole point.
For Politics, Culture, and Strong Opinions
- What it is: A podcast analyzing right-wing ideas about gender, sex, and sexuality, and how they still shape politics today.
- My take: This one feels really thoughtful but still engaging. It helps you see how certain ideas have evolved.
- Who will like it: People interested in feminist theory, political ideology or understanding the cultural roots behind modern politics.
- Where to start: The two-part series on Phyllis Schlafly.
- What it is: A podcast about the Supreme Court of the United States and how political its decisions really are.
- My take: This is basically anger and sarcasm in podcast form. It’s very snarky and opinionated, but also really effective at explaining complicated legal cases.
- Who will like it: Anyone who enjoys political commentary with personality, especially if you like podcasts that are a little blunt.
- Where to start: “Bush v. Gore” – you’ll immediately get the tone.
- What it is: A long-form culture and politics podcast that digs into media, power and the stories we believe.
- My take: This is my favorite podcast right now but it’s definitely not for everyone. It’s slower and really focused on unpacking ideas.
- Who will like it: People who like deep dives into culture and politics, and don’t mind something more thoughtful and less fast-paced with a little (or a lot) of snark.
- Where to start: If you are more interested in culture I would recommend “Is There a ‘Skinny Apocalypse’ in Hollywood?” If you want more political analyses try “Why America Can’t See Gaza”
For True Crime
- What it is: A weekly true crime podcast covering everything from missing persons to major cases.
- My take: I think it deserves the hype; it’s easy to follow and consistently interesting. But if you’re only picking one Ashley Flowers podcast, I wouldn’t start here. As much as I love this podcast, International Infamy, is an even better introduction to the world of true crime.
- Who will like it: Anyone new to true crime (or podcasts in general) and are looking for something straightforward and consistently engaging.
- Where to start: “Infamous: Darlie Routier part 1”
- What it is: Also hosted by Ashley Flowers, this podcast explores infamous crimes from around the world.
- My take: I binged this one. I really enjoyed the global scope, and the fact that it’s short (only 15 episodes) makes it feel very manageable and easy to get.
- Where to start: Honestly, any of the 15 episodes. Since it’s a short series, it’s easy to jump in anywhere and just go from there.
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to get into podcasts, don’t try to listen to everything at once. Pick based on your mood. The hardest part is just starting—but once you find the right episode, it’s easy to get hooked.