If You Want Insight, Fast
You don’t want background noise. You want bite-sized brilliance.
- The Indicator from Planet Money
Smart economic insights in 10 minutes or less. Think: inflation, wages, and trends – but actually interesting. - WSJ’s Your Money Briefing
A daily dose of what’s happening with your money – fast, clear, and no frills.
Grammar Girl
Surprisingly addictive tips about writing and language, all in under 10 minutes.
If You Crave Deep Dives — Minus the Rambling
Yes, longform can be good – when it knows where it’s going.
How I Built This (Guy Raz)
Inspiring founder stories with a clear narrative arc – from struggle to scale, without wandering.The Dropout (ABC News)
Storytelling meets investigation. Every episode pulls you deeper into real-world drama, without unnecessary tangents.
Revisionist History (Malcolm Gladwell)
Thought-provoking reinterpretations of events and ideas – highly produced, always purposeful.
If You’re Here for Entertainment Without the Ego
Not every host needs to monologue for 15 minutes about their morning coffee.
No Stupid Questions (Freakonomics Network)
Psychology meets curiosity – quick, quirky, and refreshingly self-aware.Normal Gossip
Imagine your funniest friend sharing outrageous stories from other people’s lives. Juicy, funny, and surprisingly wholesome.
SmartLess
Hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. Yes, it’s famous – but it’s funny because they don’t take themselves seriously.
If You Like the Idea of Podcasts… Just Not the Usual Format
Sometimes the problem isn’t the content – it’s the structure. These rethink what a podcast can be.
Twenty Thousand Hertz
Each episode explores a sound you’ve heard a million times, but never thought about. Sonic storytelling at its best.Radiolab
Immersive audio design, deep questions, and a pacing that keeps you hooked – no filler.
Everything Is Alive
Objects (yes, objects) tell their stories in unexpected, philosophical, and strangely emotional ways.
Still Not Convinced? You’re Not Alone
Q: I just can’t focus when I listen — is it me?
A: Nope. You may just need a shorter format or a more story-driven approach. Try “The Indicator” or “Twenty Thousand Hertz” for an easier entry point.
Q: I don’t want background chatter — I want value.
A: Look for scripted or journalistic podcasts. Avoid ones labeled “casual conversation” or “roundtable.”
Q: I’ve tried. I always give up halfway.
A: Try episodes under 15 minutes. Use Spotify’s “Best of” playlists to find highlights instead of committing to full seasons.
Q: Do I need to follow a podcast from the beginning?
A: Not at all. Many episodes are standalone. Start with a title or topic that catches your eye — no commitment required.
Q: What if I hate the hosts’ voices?
A: Totally valid. Voices matter. Try highly produced shows with narrators (not chatty hosts), like Radiolab or The Dropout.
Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Love Podcasts — Just Find the Right Ones
There’s no shame in being picky. Not every podcast is worth your time — but the right one might just surprise you.
Even if you swore you’d never be “one of those podcast people.”