Anyone else a total podcast junkie? I listen to them every single day while I’m driving, cooking dinner or just hanging out in my room. They’re the best way to pass the time and a great way to learn something new or just have a good laugh.
I listen to a lot of different podcasts but I would say they all fall into either one of three categories: murder, business/self-improvement, or pure entertainment. I am not a history lover or an academic person (sorry nerds) so if you’re looking for those types of recommendations this is not the list for you!
But, that’s kind of the best part of podcasts. There’s something for everyone! If the topics I listed above are ones you’re interested in, here are my favorites below:
MURDER & CRIME
My Favorite Murder (my favorite)
This is not only my favorite podcast in this category, this is my favorite podcast of all time. I have listened to every single episode (became a fan at around episode 102 and went back and listened to all of it), follow their accounts on social media and cried when I saw them live. I am a murderino and proud of it!
I think the reason why I love it so much is 1. the hosts (Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark) are so fucking funny and 2. they started the podcast because they felt like people thought they were weirdos for being so fascinated with true crime and so they wanted to create something for people like them. I have a lot of friends who love true crime (it’s very trendy right now) but I always feel like there’s a limit for them. They don’t like to watch every documentary or read every book and they often consider some stories “too much” for them. This is totally valid because these cases are TERRIBLE and super disturbing but for some reason, I can always keep going.
I’m the weirdo who can listen to a murder podcast every day and keep wanting more. I find it all endlessly interesting and so I love MFM.
Every week they each tell the story of a different murder/crime and they also have a weekly mini-episode where they read “hometown” murders sent in by listeners. They’re not journalists and they don’t do months of research which I think bothers some people. But I find it super approachable and honestly just love hearing their voices. They’re funny and smart and they feel like friends.
You can listen here!
Dirty John
You’ve probably heard of most of the rest of these if you’re into true crime but if you haven’t you are in for a treat!
Dirty John is the insane story of a con artist who tricks a kind (very wealthy) woman into letting him into her life and what happens when she starts to realize he’s not who he says he is. So well told with first-hand interviews!
Listen here!
Serial
Um, DUH. But just in case you’re new. Serial is like the godfather of true crime podcasts and is really what kicked off the trend. The first season is the best in my opinion. If you’re looking for a heavily researched and well-reported podcast that shares fascinating true crime stories this is the one.
Listen here!
Up and Vanished
In the first season (which is long as hell) Payne Lindsey follows the cold case of Tara Grinstead, a missing high school teacher. The coolest part of this podcast is that it wasn’t created after the fact. He used the podcast to document his investigation of the case so you feel like you’re solving it with him. It is still unfolding (don’t google it and spoil it for yourself) today and has a ton of insane twists and great interviews.
Listen here!
Over My Dead Body
The first season of Over My Dead Body covers the story of a couple going through a nasty divorce and how things escalate dramatically. It’s also a case that is still open and unfolding so it’s particularly interesting. It’s made by the same production company (Wondery) as Dirty John so if you liked that you’ll love this.
Listen here!
Dr. Death
Another Wondery production, Dr. Death tells the absolutely outrageous story of a doctor gone bad and might be my favorite of the three. If you’re freaked out about going to the doctor I would NOT recommend this one. But it’s so good you guys. Highly recommend!
Listen here!
Broken Harts
This story is so awful and incredibly sad but I think it’s an important one to hear. It’s about two adoptive mothers who drove a van with themselves and all 8 of their adopted children off of a cliff. It’s obviously sickening but it was a story I hadn’t even heard of before I listened and I think if you can handle it you should give it a listen.
You can find it here.
BUSINESS & SELF IMPROVEMENT
The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast (my favorite)
I love Lauren from The Skinny Confidential blog so I knew I would love her podcast too. I think she’s funny and an incredibly smart and savvy businesswoman who knows her way around the influencer and podcasting industry like no one else. I truly do not know how she finds the time to produce so much content but she does and it’s really inspiring!
She co-hosts the podcast with her husband Michael Bosstick, and I love their dynamic. They interview a wide range of guests but if you’re interested in business, health, self-improvement or blogging then you’ll find them interesting. Lauren also is very into productivity hacks and organization so she shares a lot of great tips.
Listen here!
A Drink With James
This is a great podcast if you’re an aspiring or budding influencer. It’s hosted by the Fohr CEO James Nord. Fohr is an influencer marketing platform so if you’re trying to find out the tricks of the trade this is a great place to start.
Listen here!
Her Dinero Matters
This is a podcast all about women and money hosted by Jen Hemphill. I love it because it’s educational and teaches you all about budgeting, investing, getting out of debt, retirement, etc. all from and for a women’s perspective. She has great guests on and shares real actionable tips for becoming as fiscally fit as possible. Plus it’s all done in a super approachable way so it’s not intimidating to listen to at all.
Listen here!
Style Your Mind
I am a huge fan of Cara Alwill Leyba’s books (click here to read Girl Code, you will love it if you’re looking for something motivational) so when she launched her podcast I instantly subscribed. Cara discusses everything from how to set great goals, time management, self-care to how to grow a successful business. If you’re a writer she’s an especially great resource. She also covers intention setting and manifestation so if you’re into that sort of thing you’ll like her.
Listen here!
The Goal Digger Podcast
Obviously I’m a blogger so a lot of the business podcasts I listen to are targeted towards bloggers. But if you’re one as well then you’ll find this one super helpful!
Jenna Kutcher is a self-made millionaire who grew her following organically over the past several years. She’s a great resource for everything you need to grow your blog or Instagram. She gives actionable steps and covers branding, Instagram hacks, Pinterest strategies and more.
Listen here!
The Influencer Podcast
This is another great listen and I like this one a lot because Julie Solomon has so many amazing bloggers on as guests (Jenna does too but for some reason, Julie’s are always more relevant to me) and she asks great questions. She shares a lot of helpful tips as well but I think her interviews are my favorite part.
Listen here!
Where Should We Begin?
This one is definitely not like anything else on the list but it’s such a beautiful listen if you’re interested in learning about relationships. Esther Perel is a therapist, author, and speaker (and she has the most delightful Belgian accent) who may be the smartest woman alive.
The podcast allows you to listen in as she helps different pairs of people (some are married, some are parent and child, some are sibling, etc.) unpack the inner workings of their relationships and find resolution to their issues. While of course, it’s so interesting to listen to other people’s conversations I find that I learn something new about myself and how I navigate my own relationships every time I listen.
You can find it here!
ENTERTAINMENT
Do You Need A Ride? (my favorite)
I’m just a big Karen Kilgariff fan, okay? The co-host of My Favorite Murder also hosts a hilarious podcast where she drives around with fellow comedian Chris Fairbanks as they interview other comics while giving them rides to and from the airport.
They cover a wide range of topics but honestly, it’s mostly just funny people shooting the shit. It’s a really easy and enjoyable listen.
Find it here!
The Daily Show With Trevor Noah
If you can’t find time to catch up on the show this is a great way to still hear Trevor Noah’s beautiful voice and have a good laugh while also staying somewhat informed on what’s happening in the world.
Listen here!
Tales
This is probably the closest thing to something nerdy you’ll find on this list. Tales is a podcast that tells the real, original versions of fairytales and folklore stories. There’s a ton of the ones you’re familiar with (Beauty in The Beast, Mulan, etc.) with the actual historical context and gory details as well as a lot of stories you’ve probably never heard of but are fun all the same. This is great if you’re having a hard time falling asleep!
Listen here!
Sex With Emily
Emily Morse is the queen of sex and relationship podcasts and has been making her show for 10+ years. She covers a wide range of topics and is not only fun and entertaining to listen to but also really educates her audience. If you have any topics you’re curious about but you’re also too embarrassed to google, she’s your girl.
Listen here!
Call Her Daddy
I feel like an old woman listening to this show because I’m pretty sure it’s targeted towards 18-year-olds BUT I can’t help it, I find it endlessly entertaining.
CHD is hosted by Alex Cooper and Sofia Franklyn and is a comedy podcast covering all things sex and dating. They’re wild and super raunchy and often make me clutch my pearls but I love it. If you’re easily offended this is probably not the podcast for you!
Find it here!
It’s Not She, It’s You
You didn’t think I was going to miss a chance to promote my own podcast did you? Never!
If you don’t already know, I host a dating podcast called It’s Not She, It’s You where I call up my exes and old flames and figure out who exactly is to blame for the relationship (in some cases the relationship is definitely in quotations) ending. I do a commentary on the interview with my best friends and we decided once and for all, was it She or was it him?
Obviously I’m very biased but I think it’s hilarious and so cringy in the best way!
Give it a listen here and if you like it I would be so appreciative if you could take 30 seconds to give it 5 stars and leave a brief review! And if you REALLY like it you can hit subscribe to be the first to know when season two is live 🙂
What are your favorite podcasts? I always love trying something new so share your recs in the comments below!
Xo,
She
