Like Netflix shows, everyone always seems to be looking for that next groundbreaking podcast.
The first season of Serial seems to be the one that really took the world by storm and put podcasts on the map. I mean, they did a sketch about it on SNL’s Christmas Special.
Since then, people continue to look for that next binge-able listen.
With summer looming and long car rides to the beach or other summer vacations on the horizon, I thought a podcast roundup would be in order.
What makes ME so qualified to tell me what to listen to, you might ask? Well, for the past three summers, I have been trading in my computer for a tractor for 5-6 hours a week to mow my church’s lawn.
During that time on the mower, I have probably gone through about 40 different podcasts ranging from crime dramas to fictional stories about government conspiracies.
Or, you can listen to a couple of local guys talk about sports on some sweet show called Going For 2. Just a suggestion. I hear those guys have some pretty good opinions.
NOTE: This is by no means an end all be all. I purposefully left out some of the more popular ones like This American Life, The Daily, Joe Rogan, and others. You can easily go into your chosen podcasting app and click “Top Charts” to find those.
Don’t see your favorite on here? Comment, share and let us know what you’re listening to. We love hearing all about the new podcasts people are digging on.
Here are a few of my top picks
The Favorite: My Dad Wrote A Porno
Anytime someone asks me for a podcast recommendation, I immediately go to this one. It’s funny AF, as the kids say.
Synopsis: It’s in the title. Jamie, whose dad actually wrote this beautiful piece of literature, sits around the table with his friends Alice and James, and read it aloud while poking fun and making jokes of their own. The books are called Belinda Blinked, and you won’t believe how little his dad knows about sex and female anatomy.
You’ll be hooked after the first 15 minutes.
Perfect for: Road tripping with friends you’re a little too comfortable with.
Crime Mysteries
It’s easy to pick out Serial, or S-Town here, but I feel like most people have already tuned into those. If you haven’t, they are a must.
Dirty John
This is better than Serial. Truly. It’s a web of lies that will have you frustrated and screaming at your speakers, or just aloud to yourself as you walk down the street. You won’t care if you look crazy, because you’ll be so incensed with the person known as Dirty John.
Synopsis: This takes place around a family who is dealing with this cancer of a person ruining all of their lives. It has crazy twists and turns, and at the end, you might even hoot and holler a bit like I did while driving.
Perfect for: Commuting to work when you can’t take another minute of pop radio.
Atlanta Monster
Here’s a story that is almost too surreal to believe. It is more than just a classic whodunnit. It dives into the lives and culture of Atlanta and the string of child kidnappings that happened in the late-80s.
Synopsis: Someone or a group of people kidnapped 27 children from Atlanta’s inner city. No one has a clue as to who did it until they spot someone dumping something off a bridge. They finally make an arrest. But do they have the right man? Did he kidnap and kill all of these kids? It’s a crazy story you need to hear to believe.
Perfect for: A solo car ride to meet up with your out of town friends or family.
Others of note
Storytelling
I’m not sure why, but I was wary to get into the fictional storytelling podcasts as first. Boy, was I wrong. The quality of these sometimes makes it feel like it’s real.
Homecoming
With names like David Schwimmer, Michael Cera, and Amy Sedaris, this podcast’s all-star casts delivers. If you’re into government conspiracies and cover-ups, this one is for you.
Synopsis: Homecoming is an initiative set up by the government portrayed to help soldiers who are suffering from PTSD. They are kept in a remote area while they undergo treatment. Only a select few people know what is actually going on, and the secret eventually gets out.
The Habitat
This podcast plays out like a mockumentary. If you didn’t know it was fake, you might think this is actually happening. It’s extremely well done with and mixes in interesting facts with great characters.
Synopsis: Six strangers are sent to live in a dome for a year to recreate what it would be like to live on Mars. While they are in the dome they are sent questions from Lynn, a journalist, about their experience in the dome. It follows the participants lives both personal and professional while they live in a small dome on the side of a dormant volcano in Hawaii.
Perfect for: A short drive to the beach. The six episodes will get you there and back.
Non-Episodic
Up until this point, all of these podcasts really need to be listened to in order. While I love these podcasts that tell a story, there’s something about being able to jump in on a podcast from time to time when you see a topic that interests you.
Star Talk
Whether it’s Neil DeGrasse Tyson or Bill Nye, you’re always sure to learn something. They will talk about everything from myths of sci-fi to the science of a running show. My favorite episodes are Cosmic Queries. These episodes usually feature Tyson just answering any and all questions.
Perfect for: Day-tripping within an hour radius. Or getting ready in the morning.
Uncivil
This is for the history buffs out there.
Uncivil takes a look at all of the lesser-known stories of the Civil War. I learned so much by listening to this. You’ll find out where the song “Dixie” really comes from. You’ll learn about a covert operation in South Carolina that freed more slaves in one night than the Underground Railroad did throughout its lifetime.
Perfect for: Relaxing on the beach when you don’t want to read a book.
Crimetown
Okay, I’m cheating a bit with this one because to get the most out of this podcast, you’ll want to listen in order. This follows the mob and the role it plays in Providence, Rhode Island. If you’re into The Sopranos, The Godfather, or any other mobster movies, this is for you.
Perfect for: Mowing the lawn with a stogie.
Which podcasts are at the top of your must-listen to list?
