There’s more to podcasts than true crime…
If you’re looking for your next podcast obsession, take this time to diversify your library away from true crime. From soul-baring interviews to fascinating documentaries, there’s a wealth of podcasts which are just ready to keep you company wherever you are: in the car, on a run, or simply pottering around the house. Better yet, if you want to expand your listening, we’ve got a list of 10 wholesome podcasts that are completely murder-free…
Reply All Podcast. Image via Gimlet Media
Reply All
Hosted by PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman, Reply All is all about the internet, featuring stories about people, the online world and how it has shaped modern life. Exploring internet culture and the obscure corners of the web, Reply All is funny, interesting and delves into the human experience like you’ve never heard before. If you don’t know where to start, give a listen to their viral episode The Case of the Missing Hit about a man attempting to recover a song from his youth that’s been completely scrubbed off the internet.
Bon Appétit Foodcast. Image via Bon Appétit.
Bon Appétit Foodcast
Known as YouTube‘s latest obsession, Bon Appétit, also boasts a weekly podcast following editor in chief, Adam Rapoport talking about food and cooking to a whole host of guests, from chefs, writers and celebrities. If you’re an ardent cook or you simply love food, this is a must-listen podcast. Episodes dive in behind the scenes of Bon Appétit’s well-loved recipes, how Dave Grohl (The Foo Fighters) does barbecue and also features familiar faces (or rather, voices!) from their YouTube channel.
New York Times Modern Love. Image via NPR.
New York Times Modern Love
Popular New York Times column, Modern Love, has been reinvented as a podcast with each episode re-enacting these enchanting true stories of love, loss and redemption. Performed by notable actors like Jake Gyllenhaal, Uma Thurman and more, Modern Love brings different stories to life, celebrating love in all its forms.. Get the tissues ready, this podcast will warm your heart one minute, and break it the next.
The Hilarious World of Depression. Image via Hilarious World.
The Hilarious World of Depression
This fascinating podcast hosted by John Moe tackles mental illness through a series of conversations with top comedians who have all experienced depression or other battles with their mental health. Aiming to help break the stigma against mental health conversations, The Hilarious World of Depression seeks to shine a new light on depression by learning how others have dealt with it and how they managed to laugh along the way.
Stuff You Should Know. Image via iHeartRadio.
Stuff You Should Know
In case you’ve ever had burning questions about the weird and the mundane, from peanut butter, ice climbing, chopsticks or how dogs perceive time, then you should check out Stuff You Should Know. This award-winning podcast is one of the most listened to in the world, educating people on the most random topics. You’re sure to finish this one smarter than you started, though the usefulness of the knowledge is still up for debate.
Conversations with People Who Hate Me. Image via Dylan Marron.
Conversations with People Who Hate Me
In 2017, after another day of suffering from online trolls, Dylan Marron called one of his own online harassers for a chat. From there, he started this podcast about what happens when online haters step out from their computer screens and explain their hate comments. Whether he’s confronting his own trolls or moderating between two people at odds, this podcast features highly insightful, always compelling and surprisingly civil conversations about where people come from and what they believe in.
WTF with Marc Maron. Image via Apple.
WTF with Marc Maron
Dubbed the ‘Podcast King’, Marc Maron’s interview podcast has featured guests from Barack Obama to Will Ferrell. Recorded in his garage, WTF with Marc Maron is one of the most popular podcasts to stream online. With over 1000 episodes and counting, it’s perfect for bingeing! Known for his probing and intimate interview style, Maron allows his guests to open up and create amazingly revealing conversations. This really is a podcast that you cannot get sick of.
Dolly Parton's America. Image via NPR.
Dolly Parton's America
This nine-part documentary series follows the legacy of iconic country singer, Dolly Parton and digs deep into her incredible world. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and featuring Dolly Parton, each episode reveals an intimate portrait of Dolly’s life and those in it. Even for non-Dolly fans, this podcast is an interesting take on one of pop culture’s significant icons and her unifying impact in a divided America.
Freakonomics. Image via Apple Music.
Freakonomics
Serving as a spin-off to their best-selling book, Freakonomics, the podcast version explores the hidden side of pretty much everything. Following authors and hosts, Stephen Dubner and Steve Levitt, each episode melds pop culture and economics to explain why and how everyday life works. This fascinating podcast is a worthy listen to re-think your perspective on what you thought you knew.
Want more podcast recommendations? Try the best true crime listens to keep you hooked, or if you want something up-to-date, give a listen to our best picks of 2020.
