My Current Podcast Subscriptions (Updated 5/31/2018)

After years and years of listening to podcasts, I’ve finally hit 100 subscriptions on the Pocket Casts app. According to the app, at the time I am writing this (October 25th, 2017), I have listened to 51 days, 17 hours worth of audio since August 2016 when I originally got the app. According to the app, in this amount of time, I could have gone around the world 17 times in a hot air balloon. Thanks, Pocket Casts. (An update: As of writing this on 5/31/2018, I’ve listened to 91 days, 10 hours of podcasts, during which time 32,924,500 babies were born.)

I realized that while I touch on almost all of these shows at some point in my reviews, there’s plenty I listen to that others might not know about. This list will give quick synopses of each podcast I listen to, both as a sort of legend for my This Week in Podcasts posts and so you might find things that interest you. As a note, I have not necessarily listened to every podcast on this list, and listings are not necessarily endorsements.

I’ll update this post when I add new subscriptions (often) or clean out old ones (about twice a year). I cleaned out some of my subscriptions before writing this post, so it’s going to be just under 100. (An update as of 1/5/18: In trying to clean out and decrease my podcast subscriptions, I accidentally went from 88 to 106.
An update as of 5/31/18: I accidentally added about 50 more subscriptions.)

Last updated: 5/31/2018
Podcast subscriptions: 159

If you’re curious about a specific podcast, I recommend typing CTRL+F so you can search for a specific podcast title instead of going through the list in its entirety. The podcasts are sorted alphabetically. The descriptions come from the shows’ websites where applicable, as indicated by the quotation marks. Each show has a link to the show’s site or a site where you can listen.

2298: “Years after an invasion nearly destroys Earth, a new society has coalesced around the only thing left: the internet. The Network makes sure Profiles eat right & stay focused but no. 24 – thanks to the sudden appearance of a mysterious bird – is finding that difficult.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning. You can listen to the entire completed story in full in their feed or here. You can read my review for this podcast here.
36 Questions: “In this three-part podcast musical starring Jonathan Groff and Jessie Shelton, a couple attempts to bring their marriage back from the brink of divorce using 36 revealing questions designed to make strangers fall in love.” You can read my spoiler-free review of the show here and my review with spoilers here. This podcast was one of my favorite audio dramas of 2017, and it had one of my favorite performances of 2017. It also had some of my favorite writing and episodes of 2017.
99% Invisible: “99% Invisible is about all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about — the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world. With over 150 million downloads, 99% Invisible is one of the most popular podcasts on iTunes (also available via RSS).” This podcast was one of my favorite nonfiction podcasts of 2017, and it had some of my favorite writing of 2017. It also had one of my favorite podcast episodes of 2017.
A Thousand Things to Talk About: “A database of questions and some facts to inform your discussion about them. New short podcast episodes every weekday. Long episodes occasionally. Created by Andrea Parrish, produced by Jeremiah Puhek.” This is a nonfiction podcast with episodes usually clocking in at under five minutes. You can read my review here.
Aftershocks: “It all started when Riley was institutionalized after suffering a psychotic episode, after being treated she was moved to Amber Ridge. There she meets Ryan and Eli, also patients at Amber Ridge. Together, the three of them stumble upon the dark secrets of the institution where they reside.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
Alba Salix, Royal Physician: “Farloria’s Royal Physician has her work cut out for her. As head witch and the only regular staff member at the new House of Healing, Alba’s got an endless lineup of patients and a bickering King and Queen to please. Fortunately, help is on the way. Unfortunately, that help is from Magnus, a troublesome young ex-monk and aspiring surgeon, and Holly, an accident-prone fairy herbalist.” This is a serialized comedy audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
The Adventure Zone: “Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy from My Brother, My Brother and Me have recruited their dad Clint for a campaign of high adventure. Join the McElroys as they find their fortune and slay an unconscionable number of … you know, kobolds or whatever in … The Adventure Zone.” This description is terrible, so I want to point out that this is a serialized actual play tabletop roleplaying game (Dungeons and Dragons, etc.) podcast that should be started from the beginning. I’ve discussed The Adventure Zone several times. The Adventure Zone was my favorite audio drama of 2017, and it had my favorite episodes of 2017. It also had some of my favorite writing of 2017.
The Amelia Project: “The Amelia Project offers a very special service: Faking its clients’ deaths! Its eccentric clientele includes cult leaders, politicians and porn stars, all desperate to disappear and start over… But how long can the secrecy last? [. . .] The Amelia Project is an audio drama podcast by Imploding Fictions (NO/FR) produced in association with Open House Theatre (AT).” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
All Songs Considered: All Songs Considered is NPR’s music podcast.
The Allusionist: “A PODCAST ABOUT LANGUAGE BY HELEN ZALTZMAN.” The Allusionist is Radiotopia’s show about all things linguistics.
The Alton Browncast: The Alton Browncast is Alton Brown’s lifestyle and food podcast.
ars PARADOXICA: “ars PARADOXICA is a love letter to physics, fiction, and the future. It’s a disorienting journey through spacetime and the Cold War. It’s a tome of secret history you stumbled across in a library in the dead of night. It’s an award-winning serial audio drama. When an experiment in a time much like our own goes horribly awry, Dr. Sally Grissom finds herself stranded in the past and entrenched in the activities of a clandestine branch of the US government. Grissom and her team quickly learn that there’s no safety net when toying with the fundamental logic of the universe. Though time is nonlinear, our episode structure isn’t. Start at the beginning.” ars PARADOXICA had some of my favorite production work of 2017, as well as one of my favorite episodes of 2017.
Artcurious: “Welcome to the ArtCurious Podcast where we explore the unexpected, the slightly odd, and the strangely wonderful in Art History. ArtCurious is art history for all of us. This isn’t like a college lecture, droning on about archaic art terminology (like chiaroscuro or contrapposto) or the importance of linear perspective (um, okay). We’re interested in the juicy stuff: did Van Gogh actually commit suicide? Was a British painter actually Jack the Ripper? And how did the CIA covertly support modern art? That’s the ArtCurious difference: we’re all about story first, shining light into unseen corners of art history. Art history is full of fascinating stories– and we want to share them to a broad audience of art lovers and art novices alike. And if you just happen to learn something along the way, that’s just gravy.”
Ask Me Another: “[NPR’s] Ask Me Another brings the lively spirit and healthy competition of your favorite trivia night right to your ears. With a rotating cast of funny people, puzzle writers and VIP guests, it features the wit of host Ophira Eisenberg, the music of house musician Jonathan Coulton, and rambunctious trivia games, all played in front of a live audience.”
At the Table: “Are you a fan of theatre? Do you love new plays? Well we are bringing one of the most important aspects of new works right to you, the table reading. Unlike staged readings, table readings rely entirely on the aural experience. Under the direction of Rachel Flynn, a collection of actors will meet and work through a fantastic new script, which we will then package and deliver to you! At the Table is a fantastic resource for you to discover new authors and plays, as well as listen to a wide variety of genres and topics before they make it to the stage.” You can read my review here.
Athena: “A teenage girl is on a quest to make sense of her world… And what exactly that blue and green sphere is among the stars. An audio journal.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People: “1 phone call. 1 hour. No names. No holds barred. That’s the premise behind Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, hosted by comedian Chris Gethard (the Chris Gethard Show, Broad City, This American Life, and one of Time Out’s “10 best comedians of 2015”). Every week, Chris opens the phone line to one anonymous caller, and he can’t hang up first, no matter what. From shocking confessions and family secrets to philosophical discussions and shameless self-promotion, anything can and will happen!” This was one of my favorite nonfiction podcasts of 2017.
Behold Her: “Behold Her is a podcast that spotlights the bad-ass and inspiring women of the tabletop hobby and that chronicles the stories of being a woman in gaming, experiences that are as diverse as we are. Through interviews and audio stories in monthly thematic episodes, Behold Her’s host and producer Lysa Chen chats with women from every facet of tabletop RPGs: designers, writers, organizers, cosplayers, GMs, podcasters, streamers, illustrators, researchers, newbies, gaming veterans, you name it.”
The Big Loop: “From QRX, Michael Kim presents otherworldly stories from around the globe. Every season features six distinct episodes highlighting the strange, wonderful, and often harrowing experiences of those living on the outer edges of the known world. Parental guidance suggested.” This is a science fiction, magical realism audio drama It doesn’t need to be listened to from the beginning, as each episoede is a different story. The Big Loop had some of my favorite writing of 2017.
Bite: “Bite is a podcast for people who think hard about their food. Join acclaimed food and farming blogger Tom Philpott, Mother Jones editors Kiera Butler and Maddie Oatman, and a tantalizing guest list of writers, farmers, scientists, and chefs as they uncover the surprising stories behind what ends up on your plate. We’ll help you digest the food news du jour, explore the politics and science of what you eat and why—and deliver plenty of tasty tidbits along the way.”
Bitrate: “Join Brendan Hutchins and Mark Steadman as they discuss the latest podcasting news.” You can read my full review of this podcast here.
Blood Culture: “Blood Culture is a bio-medical thriller series which explores 21st century anxieties of the harvesting of personal data, exploitation of Millennial interns and the pervasiveness of corporate control in our everyday lives. The series is a C21st whodunnit (or more of a “what is the evil corporation doing?”) that is told as a high-octane drama by a pair of uncompromising women. The story doesn’t just exist in your ear buds – it blows out across the web in films, blogs, web-sites and interactive phone experience.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
bomBARDed: “DFW band Lindby brings you a musical D&D adventure following the exploits of three bards. New episode every other Tuesday!” This is a serialized actual play audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
Boom: “BOOM is a story about loss and recovery. Porter, a computer technician and outdoor enthusiast, must come to terms with the murder of his best friend–love of his life–Genevieve. It’s far from an easy road. Porter suffers through a long physical recovery as well as a mental one. The lead detective on the case believes Porter is the killer, and his two best friends are trying their hardest to get him back to the guy he once was.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
The Bridge: “It’s an alternate 2016, and Watchtower 10 sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, keeping lonely watch over the Transcontinental Bridge. Each watchtower sits hundreds of feet away from the Bridge, broadcasting regular traffic reports to ensure that proper safety precautions are taken. These lighthouses (for cars) are filled with a carefully selected (and very capable) crew.
Watchtower 10’s necessary personnel happen to be: a generalist DJ who spends her free time relaying folklore from abandoned parts of the Bridge, her supervisor (who’s only there because he lost a bet), an unfailingly optimistic Bridge Travel Agent, and a groundskeeper who has a thing for romantic comedies. Unbeknownst to the general public (but totally knownst to each watchtower’s crew), these stations also hold a secret that could potentially destroy the world…or save it. The Bridge is a fictional serialized fantasy podcast about the monsters we fear, the monsters we can become, and the stories we leave behind.”
The Bright Sessions: “The Bright Sessions is a science fiction podcast that follows a group of therapy patients. But these are not your typical patients – each has a unique supernatural ability. The show documents their struggles and discoveries as well as the motivations of their mysterious therapist, Dr. Bright.” You can hear a 1-minute audio trailer for the show here. In 2017, the show’s creator was named one of Forbes‘s 30 Under 30 Media Luminaries. The show also had some of my favorite writing, performances, and episodes of 2017. It was, unsurprisingly, one of my favorite audio dramas of 2017.
Caliphate: “A new audio series following Rukmini Callimachi as she reports on the Islamic State and the fall of Mosul.” This is a serialized nonfiction that should be started from the beginning.
Code Switch: “Ever find yourself in a conversation about race and identity where you just get…stuck? Code Switch can help. We’re all journalists of color, and this isn’t just the work we do. It’s the lives we lead. Sometimes, we’ll make you laugh. Other times, you’ll get uncomfortable. But we’ll always be unflinchingly honest and empathetic. Come mix it up with us.”
Conversations with People Who Hate Me: “Conversations with People Who Hate Me takes hateful conversations online and turns them into productive conversations offline. As a writer and video maker who focuses on social justice issues, Dylan Marron receives a lot of negative messages on the internet. In this new podcast he calls some of the folks who wrote them to ask one simple question: why? What follows is a complicated and sometimes hilarious navigation of two strangers getting to know each other.” This podcast was one of my favorite nonfiction podcasts of 2017.
The Cryptid Keeper: “What common ground do an Appalachian folklorist and a horror-savvy scream queen have? Cryptids. Come laugh, learn, and get creeped out!”
Darknet Diaries: “Darknet Diaries is a podcast covering true stories from the dark side of the Internet. Stories about hackers, defenders, threats, malware, botnets, breaches, and privacy.” You can read my full review for this podcast here.
DCOMedy: “Join siblings Luke and Emma, and maybe the occasional guest, as they undertake a quest together to take deep dives into every single Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM). Come along with us for one episode a month, plus some bonus episodes here and there, as we bear witness to the kind of chaos that probably has ol’ Walt rolling in his grave.”
Dear Sugars: “Radically empathic advice from Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond.” Another insufficient description. This is a show I like to call “Delilah but good”–it’s an audible advice column with progressive, intersectional, empathetic ideals.|
Done Disappeared: “My name is John David Booter. I am not a podcaster. In fact, I’ve never made a podcast. I am an award winning documentary filmmaker from Davistown, Pennsylvania who has never made a film. Done Disappeared is an investigative podcast made entirely by me?” This is a serialized parody audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
The DoomBuggies Spook Show: “The DoomBuggies Spook Show is “dead-icated” to fans of Disney’s Haunted Mansion and other similarly sinister subjects. We feature Disney theme park history, interviews with celebrities, ghost stories, and more.”
Dream State: “The President’s daughter is abducted through a breach between reality and the Dream State. What would you sacrifice to make your dreams real?” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
EOS 10: “The stories of two maladjusted doctors and their medical team aboard an intergalactic travel hub on the edges of deep space — along with a deposed prince who’s claimed the foodcourt kitchen as his new throne.” This is a science fiction comedy serialized audio drama.
The End of Time and Other Bothers: “An improvised fantasy roleplaying game set in the world of Alba Salix. Where no animals are harmed. We are a group of friends that come together every month to co-create a story in the Alba universe. We are using the Dungeon World roleplaying system and improv to tell our story. Sean and Eli, the creators of Alba Salix, have spent a long time building the world, but even they don’t know how the story is going to unfold. It’s a tale of flightless fairies, half-demons and cafeteria line workers, dystopian empires, magical waterfalls and mysterious books. Oh, and the end of time—that’s in there somewhere too.”
Every Day is Halloween: “Do you really love All Hallows’ Eve? Well you’re in luck! Because here, EVERY DAY IS HALLOWEEN! This is a monthly podcast that gets you into the spirit all year long. You can expect horror film and television reviews, clips from your favorite Halloween specials, spooky vintage music, new frightening mixes, pumpkin beer reviews, scary and kooky video game reviews, streams and screams! Just about any and everything that makes you feel as if it is October 31st again and again! Welcome to the new home for all your Halloween & Horror needs!”
Everything Is Alive: “Everything is Alive is an interview show, but instead of people, host Ian Chillag interviews inanimate objects. In this trailer, you’ll hear from Louis, a can of generic cola, Sean, a subway seat who really loves his job, and Mel, a mousetrap having second thoughts about the job she’s asked to do.”
Everything Is Interesting: “Through the lens of science, hosts Kira Klingenberg & Keera Lindenberg (yes, really) explore surprisingly fascinating topics — like hive minds, sea monkeys, and lactose intolerance — in a way that everyone, despite their inherent level of nerdy-ness, can enjoy.” Full disclosure: I know one of the hosts. Yes, those are really their names.
The Fall of the House of Sunshine: “THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF SUNSHINE is a serialized comedy musical podcast. It was co-created by Matt Roi Berger and Jonathan A. Goldberg. Season 1 is 12 episodes and is availible now. As is our soundtrack! Season 2 will be coming in 2018. SUMMARY: Brushee Sunshine is the host of the children’s’ tooth cleanliness show – The Sunshine Smile Hour. But suddenly he’s murdered via bullets fired through a rip in space time. Detective Dankent is called in to help solve the mystery. The suspects: Flosso, Brushee’s older brother who was relegated to second banana; Braceletta, the buxom beauty with the braces on her legs and her teeth and also fiance to Brushee; Elsa, Bracletta’s assistant who acts like a loyal dog. And that’s only the beginning. Join us as we take an audio adventure of musical proportions.” This is a serialized audio drama that is exactly as strange as it seems (and should be started at the beginning), and it was one of my favorite audio dramas of 2017. You can read my review here.
Family Ghosts: “Every house is haunted. In each episode of “Family Ghosts,” we’ll investigate the true story behind a mysterious figure whose legend has followed a family for generations. Grandmothers who were secretly jewel smugglers, uncles who led double lives, siblings who vanished without a trace…these specters cast shadows over our lives in ways that might not be immediately obvious. But we are all formed in part by our familial collections of secrets, intrigues, and myths. By engaging with each others’ legends, perhaps we can see each others’ realities more clearly.” This podcast is nonfiction.
The Far Meridian: “The Far Meridian tells the story of Peri, an agoraphobic young woman, whose home starts to show up in a new location every day, spurring on a search for her missing brother. Though life is a long, meandering path with many branches, our story moves in a straight line. Start at the beginning.” This podcast had my favorite production work of 2017.
The Ghost Radio Project: “The Ghost Radio Project is a scripted, immersive story podcast with a large ensemble cast recorded in Knoxville, Tennessee. Nearly a decade after the economic, social, and ecological breakdown known as the Collapse, nine pirate radio deejays move together through a post-Capitalism era in the southwestern United States, clinging to one another for survival. Due to the hard-line segregation between civilians living in government-run cities and those who remain outside the system, the region beyond the State’s boundaries has become a desolate, impoverished place, now called the Outlands by most everyone who tries to make a life there. Together, the nine form Ghost Radio, a mobile station carried from one frequency to the next as they tear their way through the bright, arid lands of West Texas.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning. It was one of my favorite audio dramas of 2017, and it had one of my favorite performances of 2017.
Girl in Space: “Abandoned on a dying ship in the farthest reaches of known space, a young scientist fights for survival (and patience with the on-board A.I.). Who is she? No one knows. But a lot of dangerous entities really want to find out. Listen biweekly as the story unfolds for science, guns, trust, anti-matter, truth, beauty, inner turmoil, and delicious cheeses. It’s all here. In space.” This is a science fiction serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
Going Lowbrow: This podcast doesn’t have a description on iTunes, but it’s a comedy musical audio drama.
The Good Place: The Podcast: “Holy motherforking shirtballs! This is the official podcast for NBC’s The Good Place. We don’t care how many points you have, subscribe and you’ll get weekly behind-the-scenes stories, episode insights and anecdotes. Hosted by actor Marc Evan Jackson (Shawn) with a rotating slate of co-hosts and special guests, including actors, writers, producers and more, this podcast takes a deep dive into everything on- and off-screen.”
Grammar Girl: “Grammar Girl provides short, friendly tips to improve your writing. Covering the grammar rules and word choice guidelines that can confound even the best writers, Grammar Girl makes complex grammar questions simple with memory tricks to help you recall and apply those troublesome grammar rules. Whether English is your first language or second language, Grammar Girl’s punctuation, style, and business tips will make you a better and more successful writer. Mignon Fogarty is the creator and host of Grammar Girl. Grammar Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips podcast.”
Greater Boston: “Greater Boston is a bi-monthly full-cast audio drama set in the Boston metro area, blending the real and the unreal, the historical and the fantastical. It all begins with the death of Leon Stamatis, a man so enamored of predictability that the least hint of uncertainty makes life unbearable. But by leaving the world, he has irrevocably changed it.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning. It was one of my favorite audio dramas of 2017 and had one of my favorite episodes of 2017. It also had some of my favorite production work of 2017. You can read about why you should be listening to Greater Boston here.
The Halloween Haunt: “A short audio program celebrating our creepiest holiday. Hosted by the Halloween Haunter. History, customs, traditions, as well as spooky stories and poems.”
Han and Matt Know It All: “Are you addicted to advice columns? Frustrated that there aren’t more hours in the day to read and listen to even more advice columns? Terrified that you’ll be ostracized from your friends and family for falling behind on all the week’s best advice? Well, you’ve come to the right place! No, not a rehab facility—an advice podcast homepage! We’re enablers.
Each week, advice column aficionados Han and Matt re-answer the greatest questions from other advice columns and podcasts as well as fielding new questions (send your questions for the podcast to hanandmattknowitall@gmail.com or anonymously at bit.ly/hanandmatt or to askahelpinghan@gmail.com for Han’s written column). Topics include: relationships, sexuality, roommates, workplace, health, culture, politics, and everything in between. These are the advice columnists who are most frequently cited on the show, including Dear Prudence, Ask Amy, Ask a Manager, Captain Awkward, and many more.” You can read my full review of this podcast here.
The Heart: “The Heart is an audio art project about intimacy and humanity. Founded in Kaitlin Prest’s bedroom in 2014, The Heart is comprised of a community of badass writers, radio makers and artists who make personal documentary work about their bodies and their loves. In 2017, The Heart was named a Peabody Award Finalist.” This podcast was one of my favorite nonfiction podcasts of 2017, and it had some of my favorite writing and production of 2017.
Heaven’s Gate: “In 1997, thirty-nine people took their own lives in an apparent mass suicide. The events captivated the media and had people across the planet asking the same question…‘Why?’ 20 years later, those who lost loved ones and those who still believe – tell their story. Hosted by Glynn Washington of Snap Judgment.”
Hector vs. the Future: “The world’s largest museum of obsolete technology is threatened with closure unless Hector – its cantankerous, turnkey-operated clockwork curator – can match the popularity of the cutting-edge Uptodateum across the road. Only George – the mild mannered in-house caretaker with the mysterious past – steps up to help him. Does nobody care about history? Will anyone ever get to ride the NHScalator? How will postboxes, leeches and face-to-face conversation be remembered if the Obsoleteum closes its doors forever?Meanwhile, the Uptodateum has its own problems to deal with, as harried curator Biz and her guileless half-hologram, half-robot assistant Phil struggle to keep their enormous glass-and-touchscreen tower constantly up to date. If only they could work out what to do with their ever- increasing mountain of outdated exhibits…”
Hello from the Magic Tavern: “Hello! I’m Arnie. I fell through a magical dimensional portal behind a Burger King in Chicago and found myself in a strange magical land called “Foon.” I’m still somehow getting a weak wi-fi signal from the Burger King so I host a weekly podcast from the tavern the Vermilion Minotaur, interviewing monsters, wizards and adventurers.” Another bad description. This is a long-form serialized improv comedy high-fantasy fiction podcast, which sounds terrible, but it’s actually really great.
Heretic: “A young man must face the cult that disabled and excommunicated him if he is to discover the truth about the bodies that are piling up around him.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
The Hilarious World of Depression: “A show about clinical depression…with laughs? Well, yeah. Depression is an incredibly common and isolating disease experienced by millions, yet often stigmatized by society. The Hilarious World of Depression is a series of frank, moving, and, yes, funny conversations with top comedians who have dealt with this disease, hosted by veteran humorist and public radio host John Moe. Join guests such as Maria Bamford, Paul F. Tompkins, Andy Richter, and Jen Kirkman to learn how they’ve dealt with depression and managed to laugh along the way. If you have not met the disease personally, it’s almost certain that someone you know has, whether it’s a friend, family member, colleague, or neighbor. Depression is a vicious cycle of solitude and stigma that leaves people miserable and sometimes dead. Frankly, we’re not going to put up with that anymore. The Hilarious World of Depression is not medical treatment and should not be seen as a substitute for therapy or medication. But it is a chance to gain some insight, have a few laughs, and realize that people with depression are not alone and that together, we can all feel a bit better.”
Horrible Writing: “Writing is hard and lonely, and you don’t have time to suck. This hard-hitting & raw podcast takes you on one writer’s journey through the publishing process. You hear it all; the advice, the trials & tribulations, and any successes that come. Host Paul Sating will share any and all tidbits of advice and help he can in an effort to make your writing journey easier. If you dream of being published one day (traditionally or self-published) & don’t have a lot of time to suck then this show is for you!”
Imaginary Worlds: “Imaginary worlds is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Eric Molinsky about sci-fi and other fantasy genres — how we create them and why we suspend our disbelief.”
The Infinite Now: “THE INFINITE NOW is an endlessly expanding omniverse of written and audio material based on transmissions from outside of time sent by a mysterious entity known as The Timescanner. THE INFINITE NOW celebrates wonder. THE INFINITE NOW explores the past and the future. THE INFINITE NOW tells stories at every scale, from quantum foam to human frailties to the love lives of dark matter galaxies. The show was created by artist and writer Richard Penner based on experimental twitter fiction he started doing in 2011.” This is an audio drama that is not necessarily serialized, because really, what is time?
Invisibilia: “Invisibilia (Latin for invisible things) is about the invisible forces that control human behavior – ideas, beliefs, assumptions and emotions. Co-hosted by Hanna Rosin, Alix Spiegel, and Lulu Miller, Invisibilia interweaves narrative storytelling with scientific research that will ultimately make you see your own life differently.”
It Makes a Sound: “When was the last time you were struck by the EXTRAORDINARY in your life? What wonders are you forgetting to look for? Do you remember how things used to sound? Do you remember the music that first cracked you open and revealed to you the infinite possibilities of the universe? Do you remember Wim Faros? Deirdre Gardner remembers. She knows that the extraordinary once tread upon the green fairways of this now abandoned Golf Course Community, and she is determined to make Rosemary Hills come back to life with the sound of music. It Makes A Sound is a nine-episode serialized fiction podcast about the quest to restore what is missing, and to revive the sound of a generation.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
Jisko Archival Records: “Congratulations! You’re officially a human! Welcome to Earth. Explore tropical beaches, your rigid alien limbs, and the twists and turns of the human psyche that refuse to let you sleep. Jisko Archival Records is a story about identity, companionship, purpose, and warm crusty donuts. New episodes every other Tuesday.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
Join the Party: ” We are a collaborative storytelling and roleplaying podcast. That means four friends create a story together, chapter by chapter, that everyone from seasoned players to true beginners can enjoy. Where else can you get adventure, intrigue, magic, drama, and lots of high fives all in one place? Right here. After each episode we sit down for the Afterparty, where we break down our game and answer your questions about how to play at home. It’s a party, and you’re invited!” This is a serialized actual play Dungeons and Dragons podcasts that should be started from the beginning. It had some of my favorite production work of 2017.
Joseph: “Ear Epic is an audio drama production company founded by Mark Brooks. Our mission has one goal – to deliver a unique storytelling experience by bringing together the most talented actors, musicians, artists, sound mixers and sound designers we an find. Our first series is a Sci-Fic/ Adventure audio-drama called Joseph: The Revenge of Opus.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
Kalila Stormfire’s Economical Magick Services: “Glamour spell gone wrong? Astral projection got you untethered? Want to know why your angry dead rich father is haunting you? Consider Kalila Stormfire’s Economical Magick Services. After a controversial fallout with her coven, Kalila Stormfire must juggle complex clients and an anonymous critic hellbent on besmirching her new business. The decaying urban block where Kal operates appreciates her affordable experience in a broad range of supernatural ailments and remedies. Still, Kal is not sure if her talent is enough to stop whoever has been posting bad reviews and persuading customers to cancel appointments. If you like stories about minority witches in modern-day working class neighborhoods, meddling love goddesses, and morally ambiguous spellcraft…this is the tale for you.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
Kane and Feels: Paranormal Investigators: “In a city that never sleeps, the veil between waking and dreaming can fray at the edges. Enter Lucifer Kane an academic who’s knowledge of the other side is unparalleled, and Brutus Feels, an empathic ex cop with fists of iron. . If you’ve strayed where you shouldn’t, heard what you oughtn’t or looked where you mustn’t, you may require the services of Kane and Feels: Paranormal Investigators.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
The Kind Rewind: “Travis and Teresa McElroy watch and review some of their favorite movies and tv shows and report back to you! Do they hold up? Would someone who’s never seen them enjoy them? What is going to become your new old favorite? Check in with The Kind Rewind and find out!”
Kind World: “Kind World tells intimate stories about people whose lives have been changed by someone else. You can hear Kind World on WBUR’s Morning Edition, online, and on Kind World’s podcast. Kind World is produced by Erika Lantz.”
Lake Clarity: “Five teens head up to Camp Clarity to celebrate their last summer together, but little do they know they’re about to stumble on dark secrets that surround the lake. Caves, concrete structures, and eerie coincidences are a common place around Lake Clarity. Before they know it, the teens find themselves face to face with an evil force that’s been locked away for a long time.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
Limetown: “Ten years ago, over three hundred men, women and children disappeared from a small town in Tennessee, never to be heard from again. American Public Radio reporter Lia Haddock asks the question once more, “What happened to the people of Limetown?”” More bad descriptions. Limetown is a completed horror science fiction audio drama mini-series, and is one of my favorite pieces of media ever. In earlier iterations of this blog, I rated podcasts in quantities of limes as an homage to this show. Limetown also finally announced its second season, slated for a vague “2018.”
Loose Canon: “A biweekly show where librarian & Movie Person Caroline Fulford gets to know her guest through a movie they love for personal rather than critical reasons. Listen along as we try to find the film canon of the individual, and map our movie influences on our personal histories & ourselves.”
Love and Luck: “Love and Luck is a fictional radio play podcast, told via voicemails and set in present day Melbourne, Australia. A slice of life queer romance story with a touch of magic, it follows the relationship between two men, Jason and Kane, as their love grows both for each other and their community. ” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning. You can read my full review of this podcast here.
The Magical History of Knox County: “Thanks for visiting our archive. We’ve collected the first few episodes hosted by Mordecai Dogwood here as a matter of historical record. The Magical History of Knox County is proud to be Central Ohio’s first and only source for magical news and events. Our show was created by Abigail Redwine. Our station tech is Ned Jones.” This is a magical realism serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning. You can read my review for its first season here.
Making Obama: “Former President Barack Obama — along with key advisers, mentors, and rivals — tells the story of his climb from Chicago to the national stage. Season One of Making told the story of how Oprah built a media empire. Now, the story of how Chicago shaped the country’s first African-American president.”
Marsfall: “Marsfall is a new science-fiction series that follows the first colonists settling on the planet Mars. Led by their fearless commander Jacki O’Rania, and assisted by the colonial artificial intelligence unit ANDI, our colonists strive to make a home on the Red Planet while exploring its deeper mysteries.” Marsfall is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
The McElroy Brothers Will Be in Trolls 2: “The McElroy Brothers will be in the movie Trolls 2, even if that information is not yet possessed by Dreamworks, the company making Trolls 2. This is the story of how that happened.” Essentially, The McElorys from My Brother, My Brother and Me and The Adventure Zone are trying to get cameo roles in Trolls 2, and this is them documenting their attempts. The pilot for this show was one of my favorite episodes of 2017.
Millennial: “Millennial is a podcast about coming of age.” Goodness, podcasts need to work on their descriptions. Millennial is a completed nonfiction podcast about coming of age in a digital world, exploring stories from host Megan Tan’s life as well as interviews with guests.” Millennial concluded its run in 2017.
Misadventures By Death: “Misadventure by Death is an audio drama brought to you by Crossroad Stations Productions. Armed with nothing but his trusty recorder and a few dozen flashlights, Neil Hastbury-Rue takes up the mantle of groundskeeper at the definitely haunted, recently opened Harrison Shaw Manor Museum in the middle of the Virginian Appalachian mountains. Easy-peasy…right? Perhaps not. As Neil attempts to settle into his new home, he finds himself having to combat with supernatural shenanigans, a few less than savory fellow staff members, and good old Southern charm. What could possibly go wrong?” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
Misc. Weekly: “Hello! My name is Bridge and over my 21 years of life I’ve gathered a truly fuckin’ crazy number of random things. From knowing why English is so fucked, to facts about meditation, tarot and so much more!”
Most Important Meal: “A breakfast podcast from Brian Hamilton and Allison Truj.”
The Moth: “Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of stories told live and without notes. Moth shows are renowned for the great range of human experience they showcase. Each show starts with a theme, and the storytellers explore it, often in unexpected ways. Since each story is true and every voice authentic, the shows dance between documentary and theater, creating a unique, intimate, and often enlightening experience for the audience.”
Mousetalgia: Mousetalgia is a podcast about all things Disney parks.
My Brother, My Brother and Me: “My Brother, My Brother and Me is an advicecast for the modern era featuring three real-life brothers: Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy. For roughly five-sixths of an hour each week, with new episodes dropping every Monday, the brothers McElroy will answer any query sent our way, each fielding questions falling into our respective areas of expertise. We operate like a streamlined, advice-generating machine. It’s both terrifying and humbling to behold.” This was one of my favorite nonfiction podcasts of 2017.
Mythos: “A space fantasy series where a young mage finds herself crossing the galaxy in search of a mysterious and ancient relic. ALL-NEW AUDIO DRAMA COMING 2018.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
Myths and Legends: “Ever wonder about the original stories behind King Arthur and his legendary knights, Robin Hood, or Aladdin? Did you know that fairy tales weren’t originally for children and are way more bizarre, ridiculous, and interesting than you ever thought possible? Maybe you’ve heard of characters like Thor, Odin, and Hercules from modern movies- stories stretching back centuries. Well, the originals that inspired the adaptations are even better. This show brings you folklore that has shaped our world. Some are incredibly popular stories you think you know, but with surprising origins. Others are stories that might be new to you, but are definitely worth a listen. These are stories of magic, kings, Vikings, dragons, knights, princesses, and wizards from a time when the world beyond the map was a dangerous, wonderful, and terrifying place.”
Nancy: “BFFs Kathy Tu and Tobin Low are super queer, super fun and ready to take over your podcast feed. Join them for provocative stories and frank conversations about the LGBTQ experience today. Because everyone’s a little bit gay…” This was my favorite nonfiction podcast of 2017.
Note to Self: “Join host Manoush Zomorodi for your weekly reminder to question everything. Is your phone watching you? Can wexting make you smarter? Are your kids real? These and other essential quandaries for anyone trying to preserve their humanity in the digital age.”
Oh No Ross and Carrie: “Welcome to Oh No, Ross and Carrie!, the show where we don’t just report on spirituality, fringe science and the paranormal (from a scientific, evidence-based standpoint), but dive right in by joining religions, attending spiritual events, undergoing “alternative” treatments, partaking in paranormal investigations, and more. At Oh No, Ross and Carrie!, we show up, so you don’t have to. Each episode of our show deals with an investigation of a religion, fringe group, or fringe science practice. Join us as we ask tough questions, explore the nature of belief, and always find the humor in life’s biggest mysteries. ”
The Once and Future Nerd: The Once and Future Nerd is a high fantasy serialized audio drama about a group of American teenagers who find themselves transported to a fantastical realm that, while magical, is not free from societal issues and commentary. You can read my review of the show here, and you can read about why you should be listening to it here. This podcast had some of my favorite writing of 2017.
The Orbiting Human Circus of the Air: “Atop the Eiffel Tower, a lonely janitor stumbles into a series of alternately surreal and comic adventures as he becomes part of a mystery: what is the secret behind the wildly popular, bizarrely impossible live radio variety show being broadcast from the tower’s top?” The Orbiting Human Circus of the Air is a very whimsical serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
Ostium: “Jake Fisher discovers a secret town hidden in the far reaches of Northern California. When he discovers the town, he finds it abandoned . . . a town with no people. But he notices something: while there is no one around, there are many, many doors. When he eventually gets inside Ostium he learns that every door has a specific number. None of the doors will open for him, until he starts with the first door. It opens and begins a journey for him that will take him far away from his normal life, through many more doors leading to different places in time and space . . .” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
Our Fair City: “Our Fair City is a campy, post-apocalyptic audio drama, produced by HartLife NFP in Chicago, IL. Founded in 2011 with the help of some incredibly generous Kickstarter donors, Our Fair City has quickly become a notable entry in the audiodrama world. Produced by a staff of Chicago storefront theatre veterans, experienced sound designers, and science educators, Our Fair City has won awards and critical acclaim for its dynamic acting, incisive writing, and high level of production.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
The Pack: “Created by J. Gordon Ross and Ash Catherwood, THE PACK is a post-apocalyptic radio broadcast brought to you by the Jet Pack Cops, as they patrol and protect the wastes.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning. You can read my full review of this podcast here.
Pairing: “Every other week, Emma, your host, talks with various guests about how to pair wine with the things that they love- and they’re not talking about food! Learn more about wine and which bottles to look out for through a discussion of art, books, movies, theater, and more.”
Palimpsest: “Palimpsest is a bi-weekly audio drama about memory, identity, and the things that haunt us. Season one tells the story of Anneliese, who is still mourning the death, years earlier, of her sister Claire. The story is presented as Anneliese’s audio notes to her former therapist, working through her feelings about her sister. The recordings also begin to document the apparent hauntings in her new apartment, and Anneliese’s possibly flawed memories of Claire. The season ran from Oct. 31st, 2017 until March 6th, 2018. Season Two begins on September 4th, 2018.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning. You can read my full review of this podcast here.
The Penumbra Podcast: “Depending on who you ask, the Penumbra is either the grandest railway this side of Nowhere or a twice-monthly podcast series. Each episode takes the form of a 30-50 minute radio play. The Penumbra is all about stories you recognize told in ways you won’t expect. Your femme fatale might be an homme fatale; you might find that not every haunting needs a ghost. Your criminal underworld might advertise on billboards ten miles tall, and when push comes to shove your home might have a bit more heart than you’re comfortable with. It’s never just a heist, a Western, an adventure. It’s the parts we think are still fresh about those genres — along with what we find along the tracks. And what will we find, you ask? Well… see for yourself.” The Penumbra is a sci fi noir serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
The Phenomenon: “Inspired by serialized science-fiction radio shows of the past, The Phenomenon is a fictional podcast with an international cast and rich sound design that follows people from around the world during a catastrophic extraterrestrial invasion.When a supernatural threat drives mankind to the point of extinction, survivors around the globe struggle to endure in a world with just three rules: Do not look outside. Do not look at the sky. Do not make noise.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning. You can read my full review of this podcast here.
Philosophy Bites: “Podcasts of top philosophers interviewed on bite-sized topics…”
Podcast Meander: “One day, an American twenty-something set his life on fire. With no explanation, he left his job, gathered his savings, packed his musical equipment into his 2002 Subaru Forester and started driving. Beginning in Thompson, CT. and heading west – with absolutely no plan and absolutely no destination. Podcast Meander is a semi-fictional travelogue documenting his frantic wanderings across the United States, the people he meets along the way, and the slow reveal of what he’s truly running away from. In the spirit of travel, the show features an ever-evolving format; from musical journalism, to political docufiction, to debauched autobiography, to outright lies.” This is a serialized semi-nonfiction that should be listened to from the beginning. You can read my full review of this podcast here.
Point Mystic: “Point Mystic is the cult radio show of stories that defy explanation. — brought to you by a family of Paranormal Investigative Journalists: Christopher, Marguerite, Fox (and Agatha). Come with us in search of the stories behind the magic, the mystery, and the unexplained. Now on our October 31st anniversary, we are making the leap to podcast with new episodes and a selection of favorites from our story archives. Others claim it is a non-commercial art project dedicated to supporting and celebrating creativity, collaboration, and community among all kinds of artists. Conspiracy theorists believe it is both.” Point Mystic is a not-quite horror magical realism serialized audio drama.
Pop Culture Happy Hour: “Pop Culture Happy Hour is a lively chat about books, movies, music, television, comics and pretty much anything else that strikes a nerve, all in a weekly roundtable from NPR. Features “Monkey See” blogger Linda Holmes and an occasionally rowdy cast of characters.”
Potterless: “Join Mike Schubert, a 25-year-old man reading the Harry Potter series for the first time, as he sits down with HP fanatics to poke fun at plot holes, make painfully incorrect predictions, and rant about how Quidditch is the worst sport ever invented.” This podcast was one of my favorite nonfiction podcasts of 2017. You can read my full review of this podcast here.
Pounded in the Butt By My Own Podcast: “The first in a series of Night Vale After Dark podcasts, Pounded In The Butt By My Own Podcast is a collaboration between celebrated author Dr. Chuck Tingle and Night Vale Presents. Tingle’s short stories (known as “tinglers”) have entertained and aroused readers across the world, and his creative pairings – a man and his own butt, a man and a handsome plane, a man and a dinosaur lawyer – have proven that love is real time and time again. Pounded In The Butt By My Own Podcast features celebrity guests performing tinglers and is hosted by Dr. Chuck Tingle himself. Whether you’re new to the Tingleverse or have lived there for years, Pounded In The Butt By My Own Podcast is the podcast about love that you never knew you needed.”
The Psych Central Show: “The Psych Central Show is a weekly iTunes top podcast offering candid, interesting, and in-depth looks into all things mental health and psychology. Listen in and have fun. Plus, you just might learn something! If you have 20 minutes to eavesdrop on entertaining discussions about mental health and psychology, this podcast is for you!”
Public Domain Universe: “The PDU is a place where Candide is hunted in the Most Dangerous Game, Tom Sawyer witnesses the murder of William Frankenstein, and fairy godmothers use royal balls for recruiting purposes. Like if you fell asleep in freshmen English class after eating a bunch of pixie sticks.”
Queery with Cameron Esposito: “Sit in on an hour long-conversation between host and standup comic, Cameron Esposito, and some of the brightest luminaries in the LGBTQ+ family. QUEERY explores individual stories of identity, personality and the shifting cultural matrix around gender, sexuality and civil rights.”
Radiation World: “An all original post-apocalyptic comedy audio series. In other words, everything you ever wanted. Three thousand years since nuclear devastation has razed society to nothing, humans have moved underground to eke out a meager survival while outside the wild has taken over, mutating beyond anything anyone can remember or imagine. When a group of mysterious visitors arrive on a ship, our heroes must make a quest across the wild, encountering an abundance of adventures along the way.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
Radio Drama Revival: “Radio Drama Revival is a bi-weekly podcast featuring the best of contemporary audio drama (work produced after the golden age of radio). We also occasionally dabble in exploring earlier audio works from a cultural/historical perspective.”
Radiolab: “Radiolab is a show about curiosity. Where sound illuminates ideas, and the boundaries blur between science, philosophy, and human experience.” Radiolab is a nonfiction science and storytelling podcast, and is usually considered a podcasting Holy Grail of a show.
Radiolab Presents: More Perfect: “How does an elite group of nine people shape everything from marriage and money, to safety and sex for an entire nation? Radiolab‘s first ever spin-off series, More Perfect, dives into the rarefied world of the Supreme Court to explain how cases deliberated inside hallowed halls affect lives far away from the bench.”
Reasonably Sound: “Do you enjoy sound? You’re reading a podcast description right now, so chances are good that you do. Mike Rugnetta does, too. And on Reasonably Sound, Mike will provide context, explanation and a little celebration of the complexities and awesomeness of audio, and the various cultures which surround and have grown around it. Not just for audiophiles, Reasonably Sound will be your guide to the world of sound.”
The Red Light Library: “A sex-positive podcast hosted by two fictional employees of an equally fictional all-erotica library. Join head Librarians Jackie and Gavin as they bring the irreverence and immaturity necessary to properly review the cheap self-published erotica they find online.” You can read my full review of this podcast here.
Rough Translation: “How are the things we’re talking about being talked about somewhere else in the world? From a Ukrainian battlefield to a Somali prison cell, an Indian yoga studio and a Syrian refugee’s first date, host Gregory Warner tells stories that follow familiar conversations into unfamiliar territory. At a time when the world seems small but it’s as hard as ever to escape our echo chambers, Rough Translation takes you places.” This podcast had one of my favorite episodes of 2017.
Serendipity City: “Serendipity City is an actual-play podcast that takes place in a sprawling, dieselpunk metropolis with a magical underworld (literally and figuratively). Anarchists fight corrupt companies, shapeshifters fight for turf, dwarves work in the caves underneath the city, and through it all, our intrepid group of questionable heroes just wants to do the job they were hired for.” This is a serialized actual play podcast that should be listened to from the beginning.
Showcase by Radiotopia: “A podcast from Radiotopia featuring original series of all stripes, from emerging and leading producers around the world. The current series, The Polybius Conspiracy, is a weekly seven-part series from Jon Frechette & Todd Luoto about a mysterious arcade game from the ’80s whose alleged existence in the Pacific Northwest is fueled by myth.” You can read my review of The Polybius Conspiracy here. Had it been advertised as an audio drama–which it is–it likely would have been one of my favorite audio dramas of 2017.
Six Cold Feet: “Six Cold Feet is a fiction anthology podcast about music, mystery, and the places we escape to when the real world disappoints us. Season one tells the story of River, who is looking for his recently disappeared sister. He attempts to enlist the help of his fellow townspeople, but we soon learn that they have given up hope, that the town in which they live seems to be rather unusual, and that River has plenty of problems of his own…” This is a serialized audio drama podcast that should be listened to from the beginning. You can read my review of its first story and season here.
Sleep With Me: “The Podcast That Puts You To Sleep | A Lulling, Droning, Boring Bedtime Story to Distract Your Racing Mind” I would explain more, but I have literally never gotten past the opening credits without falling asleep. Honestly, a highly recommended podcast.
Snap Judgment: Snap Judgment is an NPR stories-on-a-theme podcast a la This American Life, but usually with much more personality than This American Life. While the stories are usually nonfiction, there are a few audio drama-type stories thrown in depending on the theme.
Snap Judgment Presents: Spooked: “Spooked features true-life supernatural stories, told firsthand by people who can barely believe it happened themselves. Be afraid. Created in the dark of night, by Snap Judgment and WNYC Studios. WNYC Studios is a listener-supported producer of other leading podcasts including Radiolab, Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media, and many others.”
Solutions to Problems: “Solutions to Problems is a Dear Abby style podcast for the problems happening in YOUR little corner of the universe. Ever wish you knew what to do about your annoying human coworkers? Is your girlfriend acting a little robotic lately? Is your boyfriend suddenly your boyfriends? We have answers. Well, no, we don’t. But we do have 15 minutes of talking about your problems. Join us every other week for a new episode.”
Song Exploder: “Song Exploder is a podcast where musicians take apart their songs, and piece by piece, tell the story of how they were made. Each episode features an artist discussing a song of theirs, breaking down the sounds and ideas that went into the writing and recording. Hosted and produced by Hrishikesh Hirway.”
Song Salad: “Every week, we randomly select a topic and genre and then document the wacky process of writing that song! You’ll hear some bonkers mashups and even learn a bit about music along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what a dubstep song about a 1974 Alan Alda film sounds like or how James Brown would sing a soul song about country a capella album, then Song Salad is your podcast!” You can read my full review of this podcast here.
Spirits: “Spirits is a boozy podcast about mythology, legends, and lore. Every episode, co-hosts Julia and Amanda mix a drink and discuss a new story or character from a wide range of places, eras, and cultures. Learn brand-new stories and enjoy re-tellings of your favorite myths, served over ice every two weeks, on Spirits.” This show pretty much had one of my favorite episodes of 2017. It was also one of my favorite nonfiction podcasts of 2017.
The Splendid Table: “The Splendid Table, hosted by award-winning food writer Francis Lam, has been an original weekend companion, celebrating the intersection of food and life for more than two decades. A culinary, culture and lifestyle program, it has hosted our nation’s conversations about cooking, sustainability and food culture and has introduced us to generations of food dignitaries.”
The Sporkful: “We obsess about food to learn more about people. The Sporkful isn’t for foodies, it’s for eaters. Hosted by Dan Pashman of Cooking Channel’s You’re Eating It Wrong and the book Eat More Better. A Stitcher Production.”
Station Blue: “An Isolation Horror Audio Drama. New Episodes release every other Thursday. If you like movies like “The Thing”, “Alien”, “Ex Machine”, books like “Fight Club” “Kafka on the Shore”, “The Stranger” or bands like “Brand New”, “Tool”, “Radiohead” Station Blue is for you!” This is a serialized horror audio drama that you should listen to from the beginning.
Station to Station: “When Dr Miranda Quan embarks on a 10-week research cruise in the North Pacific, she expects two months of no-nonsense experiments, bad Titanic jokes and marathoning Grey’s Anatomy. Instead, her lab partner has vanished, leaving knee-deep in a mystery she has to solve with nothing but a notebook full of half-finished thoughts and a cassette tape with his last words. With a storm moving in and something sinister lurking below decks, Miranda must untangle the conspiracy surrounding her or be consumed.” This is a serialized horror audio drama that you should listen to from the beginning. You can read my First Impressions review here. This podcast had some of my favorite production and performances of 2017.
Steal the Stars: “Steal the Stars is the story of Dakota Prentiss and Matt Salem, two government employees guarding the biggest secret in the world: a crashed UFO. Despite being forbidden to fraternize, Dak and Matt fall in love and decide to escape to a better life on the wings of an incredibly dangerous plan: they’re going to steal the alien body they’ve been guarding and sell the secret of its existence.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
Still Human: “Join the colonists of Port Wallace and the Copernica Corporation as they explore the sweeping landscapes of a far-away planet teeming with towering forests and sentient alien species!” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning. You can read my full review of this podcast here.
Storied: “The Storied Podcast consists of a series of tales that need to be told. Storied presents true accounts of little-known or unusual aspects of history and lore.” Full disclosure, there’s only one episode, and it’s the first of three parts about the creation of the Haunted Mansion, and it last updated over a year ago. I’m holding onto this one out of pure naive hope that it’ll come back.
The Strange Case of Starship Iris: “In 2189, Earth narrowly won a war against extraterrestrials, but at a tremendous price. Two years later, in a distant patch of space, a mysterious explosion kills nearly the entire crew of the science vessel Starship Iris. The only survivor is Violet Liu, an intrepid, sarcastic, terrified biologist. But as Violet struggles to readjust to life after the Iris, questions abound. Was that explosion really an accident? If not, just what is going on? And why does every answer seem to get more bizarre and more dangerous? If Violet and her newfound allies want to untangle the truth, they’ll need courage, brilliance, and luck – and honestly, a couple of drinks.” This is a serialized science fiction audio drama. It’s been on hiatus for several months now but shows evidence of returning. You can read my First Impressions review here. This podcast had some of my favorite writing and production of 2017.
Strangers: “From Peabody Award-winning producer Lea Thau, “Strangers” features real people telling true stories from their lives, sponsored by KCRW in Los Angeles and part of PRX’s Radiotopia network. Lea was the Executive & Creative Director of the storytelling organization The Moth for 10 years and she created The Moth Podcast and The Moth Radio Hour. Ranging from the hilarious to the heartbreaking, each episode offers a unique take on the theme of “strangers”–the strangers we meet, the strangers we sometimes become, and the strange places we go. It’s about travelers, seekers, dreamers, lovers and warriors. It’s about fateful moments, bad dates, long lost friends, life-saving kindnesses, and those frightful moments when we discover that WE aren’t even who we thought we were.”
This Is Love: “From the makers of the award-winning podcast Criminal, This is Love investigates life’s most persistent mystery. Stories of sacrifice, obsession, and the ways in which we bet everything on one another.”
Terrible, Thanks for Asking: “You know how every day someone asks “how are you?” And even if you’re totally dying inside, you just say “fine,” so everyone can go about their day? This show is the opposite of that. Hosted by author (It’s Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too)) and notable widow (her words) Nora McInerny, this is a funny/sad/uncomfortable podcast about talking honestly about our pain, our awkwardness, and our humanness, which is not an actual word.”
Tides: “Tides is a science fiction audio drama about life in extreme circumstances. It follows biologist Dr. Winifred Eurus, a member of the first manned expedition to Fons, an Earth-like moon wracked by extreme tidal waves due to its orbit around a nearby gas giant. When surveying ocean life her submarine is destroyed, leaving her alone to walk to higher ground before the wave comes back. Along the way, she makes notes about what she finds in the intertidal zone, and gradually realizes that some of the life there is more than what it seems.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning. You can read my full review of this podcast here.
Tiny Desk Concerts: This is the audio recording podcast feed for NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concerts.
This American Life: “This American Life is a weekly public radio show broadcast on more than 500 stations to about 2.2 million listeners. It is produced in collaboration with Chicago Public Media, delivered to stations by PRX The Public Radio Exchange, and has won all of the major broadcasting awards. It is also often the most popular podcastin the country, with another 2.5 million people downloading each episode.”
Tiny Desk Concerts: This is just the audio version of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts series.
Unplaced: “Unplaced is an audio drama that tells the story of a woman who wakes up one day to find that no one can see or hear her, and everyone she knows is slowly forgetting about her. If you like your podcasts to be a mix of introspection and urban fantasy, with a dash of supernatural horror, check it out. Available now wherever you download podcasts, or you can listen below. Released biweekly.” Unplaced is a serialized science fiction thriller audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning. You can read my First Impressions review here.
Untypical: Untypical is an upcoming post-apocalyptic sci-fi fantasy serialized audio drama. You can read my full review of its pilot episode here.
Very Random Encounters: “Welcome to Very Random Encounters, a show where we play pen and paper RPGs in which we’ve randomly determined as many things as possible including characters, villains, names, places, and other weirder stuff. It all comes together to be a very random encounter.” You can read my full review of this podcast here.
Victoriocity: “An unsolvable murder in an unending city. Welcome to Even Greater London. Victoriocity is a six-part detective comedy podcast, arriving 19th October.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
Violet Beach: “a fiction podcast about paranormal happenings, found families, and terrible coffee.” This is a serialized audio drama that should be started from the beginning. You can read my full review of this podcast here.
Wait Wait . . . Don’t Tell Me!: This show is NPR’s weekly comedy news game show. Each week features a notable guest who answers questions on subjects they often know nothing about while panelists answer questions about often-ridiculous news stories.
Waystation: “Luckily we have Lost Girl, a supernatural maze of bisexuality, friendship, mystery, and creative takes on classic mythology. Join us as we make our way through the five seasons of Lost Girl, walking you through the plot, notable outfits, mythological origin stories, and queer goodness that each and every episode has in store. Take a break and grab a drink with us at the Waystation!”
We Came to Win: “Every four years, people all over the world turn their eyes, ears, and hearts toward the most exciting sports competition on the planet: The World Cup. We Came to Win tells the stories behind the tournament’s most memorable moments. Like, how did one player become a God, and a villain, after breaking the rules? How did the semi final of the 1990 World Cup save English soccer from falling apart? And how did one player turn a free-kick into an act of protest? This series from Gimlet Media is an homage to the triumph and heartbreak, victory and defeat that we all experience from soccer (or football, or futbol, or whatever you call it). And it reminds us that so much of what we love about the beautiful game happens off the pitch.”
We Fix Space Junk: “‘We Fix Space Junk’ follows seasoned smuggler Kilner and reluctant fugitive Sam, as they travel the galaxy, carrying out odd jobs on the fringes of the law.” This is a serialized comedy audio drama that should be started from the beginning.
Welcome to Night Vale: “WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE is a twice-monthly podcast in the style of community updates for the small desert town of Night Vale, featuring local weather, news, announcements from the Sheriff’s Secret Police, mysterious lights in the night sky, dark hooded figures with unknowable powers, and cultural events. Turn on your radio and hide.” Welcome to Night Vale is a serialized surrealist comedy audio drama.
What’s the Frequency?: “What’s the Frequency is a “psychedelic noir” audio drama set in 1940s Los Angeles.” This is a serialized horror comedy audio drama. You can read my First Impressions review here, my interview with creator James Oliva here, and read about why you should be listening here. I affectionately call this podcast the “Podcast Problems darling of 2017.” It had some of my favorite production, performances, writing, and episodes of 2017. It was, unsurprisingly, one of my favorite audio dramas of 2017, as it landed on literally every Best of 2017 list except for nonfiction.
The White Vault: “Explore the far reaches of the world’s horrors in the audio drama podcast The White Vault. Follow the collected records of a repair team sent to Outpost Fristed in the vast white wastes of Svalbard and unravel what lies waiting in the ice below. This Fool and Scholar Production is intended for mature audiences.” This is a serialized horror audio drama that should be listened to the beginning.
Within the Wires: “The hit audio drama Within the Wires returns September 5 with a new story told through found audio from an alternate universe. Season two, “Museum Audio Tours,” tells its story in the guise of ten audio museum guides. Over the course of a decade of worldwide exhibitions, these walkthroughs unravel the complex story of a mysterious disappearance of an artist’s mentor.Want to listen from the beginning? Season One, “Relaxation Cassettes,” takes the form of an audio course on full body relaxation issued by The Institute to you, (the listener) a nameless medical inmate. Who is this narrator? Is she relaying something more than just relaxation techniques, and is she to be trusted? And are there subliminal messages hidden within the music? As listeners move through the relaxation curriculum a deeper and more personal story unravels.” Within the Wires is a serialized audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
Wolf 359: “WOLF 359 is a radio drama in the tradition of Golden Age of Radio shows. Set on board the U.S.S. Hephaestus space station, the dysfunctional crew deals with daily life-or-death emergencies, while searching for signs of alien life and discovering there might be more to their mission than they thought. Tune into your home away from home… seven and a half light years away from Earth…” This show is a serialized science fiction audio drama. It has my favorite episode of a podcast ever, “Episode 41: Memoria” (which should only be listened in the context of the full show). Wolf 359 concluded on 12/25/2017, and you can read my spoiler-filled review of the final episode here. This podcast had some of my favorite writing and performances of 2017. It was one of my favorite audio dramas of 2017.
Wonderful!: “Wonderful! is a podcast for joyful and enthusiastic people that like hearing about the passions, big and small, of other people. Each week Rachel and Griffin McElroy will talk about things they love and invite listeners to write in with their treasured items of enthusiasm. Topics may include movies, television, sports, books, drinks, eats, animals, methods of transportation, cooking implements, types of clothing, places in the world, imaginary places, fictional characters, and fonts, to name a few.” This podcast was one of my favorite nonfiction podcasts of 2017.
Wooden Overcoats: “Rudyard Funn runs a funeral home on the island of piffling. It used to be the only one. It isn’t anymore. Rudyard Funn and his equally miserable sister Antigone run their family’s failing funeral parlour, where they get the body in the coffin in the ground on time. But one day they find everyone enjoying themselves at the funerals of a new competitor – the impossibly perfect Eric Chapman! With their dogsbody Georgie, and a mouse called Madeleine, the Funns are taking drastic steps to stay in business…” This is a kind of serialized, sitcom-style comedy audio drama that should be listened to from the beginning.
Words to That Effect: “Words To That Effect was launched in 2017 and is written, produced, and recorded in Dublin, Ireland. I say literary podcast but in reality it is about culture, history, science, and the arts with a literary thread tying it all together. Basically, the podcast answers questions you may not have thought actually needed answering:
- Why did the creator of the rational, scientific Sherlock Holmes fervently believe in ghosts and fairies?
- Why do aliens always land in New York and never in rural Ireland?
- What connects an Italian scientist; Flagstaff, Arizona; and H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds?
- Why was it popular to be nervous in the late 19th century?”
You can read my full review of this podcast here.
Yesterday’s Chip Paper: “Fortnightly(ish) podcast delving into incredible, macabre and bizarre stories from historic newspapers. Violet and Jim are two amateur researchers based on opposite sides of the Atlantic, Violet in London and Jim in New York, and every couple of weeks or so they get together to discuss the stories, poems and letters to the editor that they’ve found in the archives. Whether it’s global headline-making stories completely forgotten today or unusual reporting of famous events, it’s always guaranteed to be downright bonkers.”
ZigZag: “Meet Manoush and Jen. They just left their steady, salaried jobs to launch Stable Genius Productions. They’re taking a huge financial risk while documenting the process of trying to start a media company without becoming bad mothers, bankrupting themselves, or destroying their wonderful creative partnership. And when their first funding comes in the form of cryptocurrency, things get really interesting. Coming June 14 from PRX’s Radiotopia, ZigZag is a meta-mix of voice memos, taped conversations, come-to-Jesus moments, and mini-stories about entrepreneurship, deciding how to align your values with your ambitions, and building strong partnerships.”

Have any podcasts you think I should add to the list? Have any questions about the shows listed above? Feel free to give me recommendations or ask questions in the comments below, in my asks on tumblr, or on twitter.

24 thoughts on “My Current Podcast Subscriptions (Updated 5/31/2018)”

asexualchloe October 25, 2017 — 9:55 am

You should check out We’re Alive! It’s a fairly old and long podcast, but I think it holds up, mostly.

Is buying Pocket Casts worth it? I currently use Overcast, which is a huge upgrade from the iOS app, but I’m not sure if I should upgrade from that.

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  podcastproblems October 25, 2017 — 2:43 pm
  
  Pocket Casts has absolutely been worth the purchase for me. It’s a gorgeous app that functions so smoothly. It also syncs to an account, so if you get a new phone, you don’t have to go hunt down all of your shows again. I hate paying for apps, but this one was well worth the few bucks.
  
  I’ll have to check that one out! I think I tried it a while ago and didn’t get hooked, but maybe it deserves more patience than I gave. Thanks for the recommendation!
  
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moxamaberis October 27, 2017 — 8:26 am

gdi I can barely keep up with the podcasts I’m currently subscribed to (most of which are on this list), and yet I’ve still just added about five more based on these recommendations. Thanks?

If you’re interested in more nonfiction podcasts, I would highly recommend Crimetown, Ear Hustle, and Flash Forward.

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  podcastproblems October 27, 2017 — 8:33 am
  
  Hahaha, I know that struggle too well. I’m curious–which shows did you add from this list? You’re welcome/I’m sorry.
  Crimetown and Ear Hustle surprisingly haven’t really meshed with me. I’ll definitely check out Flash Forward, though!
  
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  1. moxamaberis October 27, 2017 — 11:49 am
    
    I can’t be too annoyed because it usually ends with me listening to more podcasts I enjoy!
    
    I added/am planning to check out Ghost Radio Project, Girl in Space, Imaginary Worlds, Rough Translation, Radiotopia’s Showcase (I unsubbed after being uninterested in their first season/miniseries/whatever but the new one sounds fascinating), and Station to Station. Really impressed with Girl in Space so far!
    
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      podcastproblems October 27, 2017 — 1:39 pm
      
      Glad to hear it! I’m curious to see how Radiotopia is going to tackle these different stories on the same feed–I initially unsubscribed, too. I know they’re looking for more brand loyalty–the same goes for the Two-Up channel that currently has 36 Questions–but I’m not sure they’re going to find it. I honestly forgot about the Showcase feed until the Polybius story came up, and I only heard that because I’m a Polybius nerd.
      
      Girl is Space is so good so far. I’m glad you’re liking it! I hope you enjoy the others as well! 🙂
      
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Ange November 16, 2017 — 10:43 am

As an epic podcast snob, I must say that the Magnus Archive is some of the best storytelling and horror that I have ever heard.

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  podcastproblems November 16, 2017 — 11:08 am
  
  As much as it pains me to say, The Magnus Archives really started disappointing me a ways back. I don’t remember when I stopped listening (sometime around when trypophobia and bugs were the new focus, I think?), but before then, I was a HUGE fan and would talk it up whenever possible. It just started getting really monotonous while also jumping the shark a few times, at least for me. Maybe I’ll get back to it someday; I’ve been wondering if they were able to get back on track.
  
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Amanda Costello January 24, 2018 — 7:50 am

Hi! Was hopping down here to recommend Magnus Archive as well. I think in the middle of season 2 it did get a bit all over the place, but they really start to pull things together and ratchet up the in-universe tension around the end of season 2 (so, around episode… 70ish? if each season is 40 episodes). Season 3 kicked off this autumn, and it’s going deeper into the big picture story. Jony and Alex have said that it will be a contained 5 season story, and then end; I feel like I’m starting to see more of that structure show up as the story nears its (possible) midpoint.

As someone who also has biiiig issues with trypophobia and body horror, I’ve felt comfortable being able to skip over an episode here and there. I know what is fun for me about horror and what is just too much! Hope you give it another try – it’s been a favorite after TANIS really lost its plot.

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  podcastproblems January 24, 2018 — 8:33 am
  
  Hmmmm, maybe it’s time to revisit it! 70 episodes, though, oof . . . I’ll have to see where I left off and then get back to it from there. Thanks for the recommendation!
  
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Dirk Primbs (@dirkprimbs) March 4, 2018 — 12:15 pm

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 🙂
I followed a link on twitter and stumbled onto your blog. This was hands down the best list of podcast suggestions I’ve seen in months and your comments made me subscribe to at least a dozen of those I didn’t already know (I’m subscribed to 120+ right now.)

Cheers from Frankfurt, Germany!
//D

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  Wil Williams March 5, 2018 — 10:25 am
  
  Thanks so much, Dirk! I’m looking forward to listening to your podcast, and I’m so glad to help add more subscriptions to your list.
  
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Anonymous June 1, 2018 — 3:48 am

Thanks so much for hosting each week!! Hugs, Debhttp://cialisyepqk.com/

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kaveinthran (@kaveinthran) July 26, 2019 — 6:37 am

waiting for the 2019 update

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