For Keeping Up With the World

The Daily and Today Explained

• 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

In Bed with the Right

• 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.

5-4

• 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.

Diabolical Lies

• 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 

Crime Junkie

• 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”

International Infamy

• 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.

Many young men today are facing a crisis of masculinity, which has prompted many to turn to the internet as a source of escape, validation and community. These keyboard warriors have spawned across all social media platforms, from Reddit to TikTok, and have established movements that decry feminism and validate sexist opinions. Dubbed the “manosphere,” this online world blames women for the challenges men face and is a cesspool of toxic masculinity, victim complexes and overall dehumanization of women and non-cisgendered-heterosexual men. 

These strange, disturbing subcommunities include all types of misogynist rhetoric, all of which share the sentiment of male victimhood. Many of these communities, such as incels and self-proclaimed “men’s rights activists,” criticize modern feminism as an institution that has decreased male power within society and thereby victimizes men. 

These videos by manosphere influencers, such as Andrew Tate, are almost humorous in their over-the-top rhetoric and content, but it’s also shockingly scary that these influencers are shaping young boys and men. The impact goes beyond just spreading offensive misogynist ideas. There is a link between the “manosphere” and right-wing extremism. There are several instances in which young men who were radicalized by online rhetoric inflicted real-world violence upon victims, often women. In 2020, a San Bernadino man, who was a prominent men’s rights activist online, murdered two people when targeting a female judge.

Podcasting has become a popular medium for men’s rights activists to spread superficial “hustle” culture and misogynist ideas. If you tune into these podcasts, such as “Fresh and Fit,” hosted by Walter “Fresh” Weeks and Myron “Fit” Gaines, you can get generic financial and fitness tips— with a side of sexism. “Fresh and Fit” often invite female guests, many of whom are models and sex workers, to humiliate them and insist that they “deserve less” because of their work. They even published a book, “Why Women Deserve Less,” which, if you couldn’t tell from the title, is about why women should earn less and are using men for money. 

Even one of the most popular shows on the podcast charts, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” is part of this manosphere. Although Joe Rogan’s podcast is more tame than the constant barrage of sexism spewed by other podcasts, he has made several sexist and racist remarks in the past, comparing a Black neighborhood to “Planet of the Apes,” lamenting about white male victimhood and laughing as a guest bragged about conducting quid pro quo sexual assault. He has also invited problematic guests, such as the leader of the Proud Boys, a neo-fascist hate group that participated in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, who claimed that his feature on “The Joe Rogan Experience” boosted recruitment numbers. Joe Rogan has been rewarded for his problematic behavior, attracting a mostly white, male audience with a $100 million deal with Spotify.

As an avid podcast listener and feminist, I know the absurdity of these types of podcasts is ridiculous but also harmful. Of course, it is nothing new that extremist and harmful ideas are present on social media; however, it is frustrating when they enter the mainstream. If you want to protest the popularity of manosphere podcasts, there are plenty of other good listening options to support. Here are some of my favorite podcasts that celebrate female empowerment and gender inclusivity to help you escape the nastiness of the manosphere.

Stuff Mom Never Told You

I’ve been a longtime listener of this podcast, and the hosts Anney Reese and Samantha McVey use intersectional feminism to examine culture, history and science. This podcast highlights the experiences and stories of women and other marginalized groups. One of my favorite things about this podcast is that it features stories I’ve never heard about, such as the story of Sissiertta Jones, the first Black woman to headline a concert at Carnegie Hall.

Call Her Daddy

This is another podcast that I’ve been a fan of for a long time . The show has faced controversy in the past for perpetuating sexist stereotypes and offensive comments, but it has undergone a transformation for the better and its new content is much more inclusive. “Call Her Daddy” is the most listened-to podcast by women, and the host, Alex Cooper, has shattered the glass ceiling in podcasting by signing a $60 million 3-year deal with Spotify. Cooper interviews female celebrities and shares her own experiences regarding dating, navigating female friendships and the overall experiences of being a woman in her 20s. This podcast uses comedy to break down the stigma around sexuality and mental health. Cooper has also tackled serious topics such as sexual harassment, homophobia and online bullying through her interviews and personal stories.

The Mel Robbins Podcast 

The host, Mel Robbins, is a famous and accomplished writer whose advice and self-help books, “The Five Second Rule”’ and “The High Five Habit,” have led her to become a New York Times bestseller and have one of the most watched TED Talks ever. Robbins interviews a variety of guests spanning from medical professionals to psychologists to discuss relatable topics such as relationships, mental health and procrastination in an honest way and gives science-backed tips to her listeners. Robbins’s honesty and vulnerability in sharing her experiences is refreshing. Her wisdom on overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating your 20s and healing have helped me immensely.

Binchtopia

Hosts Eliza McLamb and Julia Hava are both young podcast hosts who are hilarious and have really insightful views on culture, politics and society. They use sociological and psychological perspectives on a variety of topics ranging from serious ones, such as reproductive rights and diet culture, to much lighter ones, such as horse girls and furries. This podcast is one of my recent favorites, and I find their commentary both hilarious and educational. Their discussion about the Manosphere inspired this article, so you should definitely check it out! 

Why Won’t You Date Me

Nicole Byer is the host of this podcast and a self-professed “perpetual singleton.” Byer’s podcast is refreshingly sex-positive and invites her friends and fellow comedians to share their crazy dating stories. I was introduced to “Why Won’t You Date Me” through her interview on “Call Her Daddy,” and I was drawn to Byer’s wit and personality. Women of color are underrepresented in the podcasting sphere, and this podcast is breaking old norms by openly talking about dating as a Black woman.

I hope this list of podcasts inspires you to give them a listen and boost female-led podcasting. There are so many great options to escape the podcast manosphere – and expand your worldview in the process! 

With categories from news and science to fiction and arts, there is a podcast out there for everyone. As someone who only started actively listening to podcasts recently, I can firmly say that all it takes is one good podcast to become a frequent listener. They are great to listen to in the morning for your daily news or after classes or work to relax and maybe even laugh a little. I’ve compiled a list of my best recommendations for podcasts spanning several of the most popular categories. Happy listening!

The Daily

“The Daily,” a daily news podcast by The New York Times, covers the biggest news stories of the day. Hosted by Michael BarBaro, “The Daily” uses a mix of soundbites and interviews with journalists who are covering the story to report the news for 20-30 minutes, five days a week. This is a great podcast to start off the day with as you can listen during your morning routine or as you’re drinking your coffee. 

Up First

The NPR podcast “Up First” is news for those crunched for time. With reporting and analysis of the three biggest news stories of the day in roughly 10 minutes, this podcast is perfect for a quick overview of the daily news. It’s great for people who want to stay up to date but don’t have the time to spare for a 30-minute news program.

My Favorite Murder

Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstock, hosts of “My Favorite Murder” talk audiences through true murder stories as well as mini-episodes featuring stories from listeners’ hometowns. Every full episode starts with a good amount of non-murder related conversation between the hosts and then goes on to feature two stories with each host taking their turn to tell the tale of one of their favorite murders. While the conversation topics can be grisly, Kilgariff and Hardstock are charismatic and enjoyable to listen to –  although a little gossipy-sounding at times. For fans of true crime, this podcast offers a multitude of stories, some of which may be unknown. For those who are a little skeptical of listening to stories of murder, but are interested enough to try, this is a great place to start.

Ologies

“Ologies” is a podcast for people who are curious. Every episode, host Alie Ward interviews an -ologist with her own questions as well as questions submitted from the audience. This podcast has covered everything from oceanology to quantum ontology. If you have an interest or a curiosity about almost anything, there is probably an episode about it. Even if the subject of an episode is one you have never heard of before, the information is fascinating. Some educational podcasts, especially those in the realm of science, can make you feel as though you’re in way over your head, but thanks to the entertaining host and knowledgeable -ologists, this podcast does a good job of keeping the listener on the same page. “Ologies” is the perfect podcast for anyone who wants to learn something new or dive deeper into a topic of interest.

The Two Princes

In the genre of fiction podcasts, “The Two Princes” is one of a kind. Following Prince Rupert as he seeks to break the curse that is destroying his kingdom and meets prince Amir, a prince from another kingdom on his own quest, “The Two Princes” is humorous and heartfelt. The voice actors are phenomenal and the storyline is full of entertaining twists while continuing to be funny and easy to fall into. This podcast is the place to start for someone not too interested in non-fiction podcasts but would like to still join the craze while enjoying a good story. 

In an age when technology has advanced far beyond families listening in on Roosevelt’s fireside chats, radio programming still exists – only in a much more portable form. Over 100 million people listened to a podcast per week in 2019. Podcasts are free and can be listened to while doing practically anything, from commuting, to working out, to tuning out your professor. 

YouTubers, Bachelor alumni and journalists alike have taken to producing this ridiculously accessible form of media, making the number of podcasts balloon up to 850,000 – and that’s just on iTunes.  However, with this mass availability, it can be difficult to know what podcast to play. Unlike the next big blockbuster or Netflix series, podcasts aren’t frequently advertised or seen trending on social media. All the podcasts I love I’ve heard about via word-of-mouth. Luckily for you, you don’t need to know an avid podcast fan to become one. I’ve compiled my top podcasts sure to spice up the walk to class, long drive home or an afternoon of folding laundry – all available free of charge on Apple podcasts and various other streaming services.

Armchair Expert

This podcast, hosted by actor Dax Shepherd and Monica Padman, is my go-to for a long drive. Each episode is 120 minutes, making it the longest of my favorite podcasts. Celebrity guests such as Elizabeth Banks, Bill Hader and many others open up to Shepherd about their childhoods, relationships and careers. At the end of every episode Padman “fact checks” the conversation, providing researched information on statistics Shepherd mentioned.

In “Armchair Expert: Experts on Expert,” Shepherd talks to guests with less recognizable names who are experts in their fields, such as scientists, professors or authors. The thing that makes “Armchair Expert” such a noteworthy podcast is Shepherd’s vulnerability. His willingness to openly discuss addiction, atheism, fatherhood and finances – along with his willingness to listen to differing opinions without hate – prompts his guests to speak openly. These interviews are far from the surface level stuff typically broadcast by celebrity gossip magazines. Whether it’s Bill Nye talking about climate change or Chelsea Handler discussing how her brother’s tragic teenage death rerouted her life, “Armchair Expert” has genuinely changed the way I view the world. 

My personal favorite episodes are those featuring Monica Lewinsky, Adam Devine and Tony Hale. 

Heavyweight 

“Heavyweight,” hosted by Jonathan Goldstein and produced by Gimlet media, dives into questions of peoples’ pasts in an attempt to gain answers. Always wondered why your best friend in sixth grade quit talking to you? Wanting to find your birth mom? Wishing you knew why you got cut from the basketball team? Goldstein is ready to make every phone call and deep-dive necessary to find an answer. 

Goldstein’s balance of witty commentary and heartfelt storytelling make this podcast something special. This quirky host is always down for a quirky plotline. My favorite episode is “Rob,” in which a man named Rob tells Goldstein that he broke his arm as a kid. Rob’s entire family, however, doesn’t remember him breaking his arm, claiming that it never happened. Goldstein talks to childhood friends, finds old photographs and even seeks out medical records on his quest to find the truth. 

Often times, the “answers” are less black-and-white conclusions and more personal closure. “Heavyweight” reminds listeners that the messiness of their past doesn’t mean a chaotic future. My other favorite episodes include “Jesse,” a man who finds the driver who hit him in a devastating accident, and “Rose,” a girl who has always wondered why she was kicked out of her college sorority without warning.   

Up First

I listen to “Up First” every morning as I walk to class. The National Public Radio (NPR)-produced news podcast gives a 10-15 minute rundown on the three top stories for the day. Uploaded every morning at 5 a.m., this podcast is reliable in both content and access. 

While it is definitely a left-leaning podcast and can get a bit monotonous with its selection of President Trump as the primary story most mornings, NPR is a reputable and trusted news source. “Up First” is great for anyone who doesn’t have much time in the mornings but still wants to stay up-to-date with the major happenings in Washington. 

How I Built This 

Another NPR podcast I love to listen to is “How I Built This,” in which Guy Raz interviews individuals who started big-name businesses. The founders of Starbucks, Southwest Airlines, Kendra Scott, Bumble and many others have all sat down to talk about what inspired them to start their business, all the bumps in the road and how they managed massive growth. 

This podcast is always inspirational. Listening to the daunting challenges some of the biggest businesses in the world overcame makes their success stories all the more motivating. Many guests give practical advice for anybody looking to start their own business. Additionally, the podcast always features an up-and-coming entrepreneur to help them gain exposure. 

My favorite episodes include “Spanx: Sara Blakely” and “Patagonia: Yvon Chouinard.” 

TV Recaps 

These last podcasts are more niche, but still noteworthy. Television recap podcasts are some of my favorite podcasts, but these recommendations are only applicable to those who watch the corresponding television show. 

“Here to Make Friends” is a Bachelor recap podcast hosted by HuffPost writers Emma Gray and Claire Fallon. There’s nothing like listening to two well-educated feminists dissect a show focused on rushed heterosexual romance. Each episode summarizes and critiques an episode of “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette,” or “Bachelor in Paradise” – complete with special guests and all egregious actions ranked on the “Feminism Fail Scale.” 

It’s the perfect combination of snark and fangirling, ready to make listeners laugh out loud and to help regenerate a few of the brain cells killed off while watching America’s favorite guilty pleasure.

Maybe The Bachelor isn’t your thing and you prefer mockumentary, paper-centered comedies. Yes, I’m referring to “The Office.” “Office Ladies” is a podcast hosted by Jenna Fisher and Angela Kinsley, who played Pam and Angela on “The Office.” 

Fisher and Kinsley recap each episode of the hit comedy in chronological order, providing funny insights into both the production of the show and their personal lives. They discuss scenes that never made it to air, the provenance of certain props, and behind-the-camera details. They also answer fan questions about the show. Notice a bit of discontinuity? Ever wondered why Kelly sits in the back of the office when everyone else in her department sits up front?  This podcast is a must-listen for any avid “The Office” fan wishing they could go back and watch the show for the first time again. 

Don’t let the multitude of free podcasts at your fingertips become overwhelming. These six different podcasts are all great starting points to help you turn any moment into a moment of discovery.