Whether it be on a long car ride or a day at the pool, podcasts are a great way to pass time and keep the mind engaged by learning something new. Podcasts offer a wide variety of topics to listen to, ranging from true crime stories to lighthearted movie reviews, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s mood and interest. Here are a few favorite podcasts that have never failed to entertain me.
“Call Her Daddy”
Hosted by Alex Cooper, “Call Her Daddy” is one of the most popular female-hosted podcasts on Spotify. Launched in 2018 as a relationship-focused podcast geared towards women, it has since evolved into an interview and discussion-based program featuring guests such as actress Millie Bobby Brown and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Cooper’s interviews focus on guests’ personal lives and career journeys, allowing listeners to gain more insight about the life of their favorite well-known figures.
With an average of 10 million listeners per episode as of June 2024 according to YPulse, the podcast’s reach and influence has grown significantly since its creation. “Call Her Daddy” is a great listen for anyone looking for a relatable and authentic podcast.
“Pop Culture Happy Hour”
For those interested in movies, TV, music and more in the entertainment field, “Pop Culture Happy Hour” is a must-listen. Airing five days a week, this podcast brings together art journalists Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson and Aisha Harris, often joined by a guest, to break down the latest releases in the pop culture world.
Episodes cover everything from reviewing the live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” to debating the song of the summer. Produced by NPR, this show is perfect for anyone craving an entertainment update.
“SmartLess”
“SmartLess” is known for casual, comedic and authentic conversations between hosts actor Jason Bateman, comedian Sean Hayes and comedian Will Arnett. The premise is simple but effective: each episode has one of the hosts invite a mystery guest whose identity remains unknown to the other two hosts until recording begins.
Guests range from former president Joe Biden to pop star Ariana Grande, leading to improvised and unscripted conversations full of surprising and humorous moments. The unpredictable format helps accomplish the show’s mission to connect “people from all walks of life,” according to Spotify, making the listener feel as if they are sitting in on a conversation between friends rather than listening to celebrities.
“Ted Talks Daily”
For busy people looking to learn more about a wide array of subjects, “TED Talks Daily” offers thought-provoking episodes, often in 18 minutes or less, according to their website. Episodes are presentations by experts in various fields around the globe and are meant to share “ideas worth spreading” in an accessible way.
Episodes cover a wide range of topics from artificial intelligence to weightlifting to environmental conservation, ensuring that there is always a new subject to explore. The variety of speakers helps include new perspectives and ideas. Whether wanting to dive into a new scientific breakthrough or hear a personal story, “Ted Talks Daily” has something for everyone.
