“From smart conversations to gripping narrative to comedy across genres, these 10 Spotify podcasts have it all: There’s a podcast out there for everyone with a niche from The Joe Rogan Experience’s long-form interviews to The Michelle Obama Podcast’s family friendly conversations. These podcasts offer a range of content, from true crime (Crime Junkie) to relationship advice (Call Her Daddy) to daily knowledge (Stuff You Should Know). “In every episode, there’s something for everyone to learn from or laugh with.”
In Image: Microphone and an Headphone
The Experience of Joe Rogan
In Image: Joe Morgan
In the podcasting world, The Joe Rogan Experience is a goliath, about whom the very linchpin of the medium is built: unfettered, long-form dialogue. Hosted by comedian Joe Rogan, this hit podcast discusses everything from pop culture to science and science to philosophy and politics. Rogan’s conversational technique makes it possible for academics, politicians, scientists and celebrities alike to engage in sometimes night-long deepdive discussions.
The casual and deep-dive nature of the podcast is what makes it special. Because of his easygoing style, Rogan generates spontaneous talk that can devolve into hilarious give-and-takes — and surprising disclosures. The idea is for the show to go deep, trying to understand complicatess issues or events.
The juggernaut fandom surrounding the podcast, as well as its parade of big-name guests, is testimony to both far-reaching impact and reach. Prominent episodes include conversations with Elon Musk, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Edward Snowden. Each one has a unique take to share on the program and adds to its reputation as a home for intellectual conversation.
Podcast’s dominance in the digital realm was further solidified in 2020 when Rogan signed an exclusive license deal with Spotify. Not only did the agreement make it available to more people, but it also showed its massive impact on the podcasting industry. Those interested in deep dives and pretty much everything under the sun may still find a lot to love about The Joe Rogan Experience.
Call Her Daddy
In Image: Alex Cooper
One was Call Her Daddy, a hugely popular podcast about relationships and lifestyle. Hosted by Alex Cooper, the show does a frank, at times mockish, take on dating these days, personal experiences and romantic advice. Cooper takes a frank approach to everything from sex and relationship problems to mental health and self-determination.
The podcast succeeds because it can put together mind-bending analysis with fun. Cooper’s tight narrative and candidness about her own experiences resonate with a wide audience, and especially resonate with younger listeners dealing with similar issues. And there are guest interviews interspersed throughout episodes, indicating even more nuance and diversity.
Call Her Daddy has been a cultural phenomenon since its launch across all platforms, moving the needle on conversations about modern love and sexuality. The numbers on its fans and streaming numbers repeat its success. It is a particular standout among lifestyle podcasts for its willingness to grapple with polarized subjects in equal measures sober and jocular.
Call Her Daddy’s well-established podcasting position ensures just that, after Cooper signed a multi-year deal with Spotify in 2021.
Crime Junkie
In Image: Crime Junkie Logo
For fans of true crime, Crime Junkie is a compelling hybrid of investigation and journalism. The podcast by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat — which examines real criminal cases — does it in a thorough and captivating manner. Each episode delves into a different case, with cold cases and old murders as well as current events.
What this podcast excels at is narration and research. Flowers and Prawat make an effort to tell the stories accurately and sensitively, treating each case thoughtfully and with care. Their genial manner lends a human touch that helps listeners digest the thorny and often grim subject matter.
Crime Junkie has attracted a big audience in part because of the quality of its production and the hosts’ dedication to shining a light on underreported cases. Fans of true crime flock to the podcast for its compelling storytelling and thorough investigation that has listeners sitting on the edge of their seat.
Live tours and an ever-growing empire of ancillary products — including the podcast “Court Junkie” — have solidified the program’s brand. Crime Junkie (Starts at 85%): With millions and millions of downloads, Crime Junkie is one of the biggest names in true crime and still delivers solid episodes and the consistency that comes with a level of quality.
The Daily
In Image: The Daily Host Michael Barbaro
If you want to know what to know, The Daily, a daily roundup of news and commentary by The New York Times, is essential listening. Michael Barbaro, the podcast’s host, spends 20 minutes unpacking the biggest news stories of the week, working in reporting, deep-dive interviews and analysis.
The broadcast has a mobile-friendly format, designed for those interested in a quick yet detailed overview of what is happening in the world. To provide listeners more than news updates at the surface, the show — led by Barbaro’s interviewing style and the podcast’s editorial approach — is able to delve deeper into the background of stories and implications of the news.
The Daily explores the day’s news in-depth but varies widely over social issues, the political scene and international news. Perhaps one reason the podcast has twin commercial viability is that it has made a conscientious effort to pursue quality journalism over optical sensationalism and has a gift for distilling declensions into cleanly digestible material.
A hallmark of The Daily since its debut has been smart reporting, and the podcast has become a destination for learning what’s happened in the news in recent days. Its success signals the growing appetite for short but nimble newscasts and cements it among the upper rungs of the media.
Stuff You Should Know
In Image: Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant
One show that does the heavy lifting for you when it comes to learning is Stuff You Should Know. Its hosts, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, explore a hodgepodge of subjects, from pop culture trends to odd tidbits to historical moments to scientific principles. Each episode tackles complicated topics, and somehow leaves even the most challenging parts of them feeling divulged and even fun through the host’s curiosity-exploration approach.
Format that eschews style for the glee of its parade of sources, so so research-heavy. Thanks to the rapport and humor that Clark and Bryant share, they do, and that’s also why you end up having a better understanding of an enormous breadth of topics as they distill complex information down to digestible bits.
Since its debut in 2012, The Smartest Man in The World has built up a loyal following thanks to its engaging tone and insightful information. Because of its various content, the program will appeal to a wide audience interested in six specific topics.
And Podcast library is extensive, EPISODE, and is one of the most podcasts to be released on Spotify. Stuff You Should Know still draws an audience of listeners who want information to appreciate new things.
The Michelle Obama Podcast
In Image: Michelle Obama
That behind-the-scenes glimpse of the lives and experiences of former First Lady Michelle Obama might be tucked inside The Michelle Obama Podcast. In each episode, Obama has an open conversation with each of her guests — her friends, relatives and special guests in her life. The podcast discusses a variety of topics, from relationships, to public service, to social issues, to self improvement.
In her unique, candid style, Michelle Obama opens up the door to her world, writing about the experiences that have shaped her — how she found her voice, how she continues to refine her values, the lessons she’s learned along the way. Data up to October 2023Train on data up to October 2023Its emphasis on such profound discussion and personal narratives gives the program an accessible and aspirational quality.
Since it debuted, The Michelle Obama Podcast has drawn praise for its candor, and the breadth of its conversations. It’s truly a fresh take regarding these subjects, revealing to us that Obama is dedicated to encouraging meaningful communication and understanding.
Its popularity in the motivational/inspirational podcast category attests to the increasing appetite for rich stories that touch on leadership and the human experience.
My Favorite Murder
In Image: My Favorite Murder
My Favorite Murder is a comedy podcast embedded in the real stories of crime. The show is hosted by Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff and centers on their favorite murder cases — more often than not delivered with a comic spin. The podcast has a cult following, thanks to its quirky blend of serious subject matter and jocular back-and-forth among the hosts.
Kilgariff and Hardstark’s irreverent manner and chemistry are completely entertaining and instructive. They run the gamut from high-profile crimes to lesser-known incidents, never shying away from offering their personal perspectives and opinions.
My Favorite Murder has become an American cultural sensation, with a hardcore fan base, known as “Murderinos,” that engages with the podcast on social media and at live shows and via merchandise. It testifies to the power of the trifecta of comedy, personal commentary and crime.
Armchair Expert
In Image: Dax Shepard
Dax Shepard is the host of a podcast called Armchair Expert, which is known for its frank, often amusing conversations with celebrities, professionals and regular folks. So the tone of the show is to have in-depth discussions about life lessons, study hiccups, and personal experiences.
The interview style of Shepard is relaxed and engaging, so guests really get the opportunity to tell their story the way it’s meant to be told. The podcast covers many topics surrounding mental health, but also dating, career development and self improvement.
Armchair Expert gained acclaim through its impactful and thought-provoking content. That relationship between Shepard and guests, and between her and listeners, as well as Shepard’s ability to make difficult issues approachable and relevant, is credited with helping turn the podcast into a hit.
The program’s massive popularity and high-profile guests have contributed to making it one of the top podcasts on Spotify.
The Pat McAfee Show
In Image: The Pat McAfee Show Logo
Pat McAfee Show is hosted by Pat McAfee, a former NFL punter. The program features interviews with athletes, McAfee’s comments about current sporting events and discussions about pop culture and other things.
Whether you are a sports fan or you just happened across his podcast while listening and are wondering why it is so popular, you will soon figure out that there is no ignoring McAfee’s outsized personality. The style of the program is a mixture of interactive, interviews and analysis that creates an active experience.
The Pat McAfee Show, a highly successful sports media brand, attracts large audiences because of its entertaining programming and McAfee’s unique personality. For what it’s worth, the success of the podcast suggests there is an appetite for new and entertaining sports voices.
Most of the time on the show will also focus on pop culture beyond sports discussion, giving listeners a range of entertainment from outside of sports. McAfee’s own pro athletic background and razor-sharp wit give a nice authenticity to the goings-on. Offering an intelligent and comedic blend of content that could go viral or even report breaking sports news or have a conversation about a softer story, The Pat McAfee Show has something for everyone.
The Happiness Lab
In Image: The Happiness Lab Logo
The Happiness Lab: For the people who can still be optimistic. The series is hosted by Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale University professor of psychology. It examines evidence based practices associated with greater happiness and better mental health.
Via a combination of research expert insight and practical guidance mixed with stories, Dr. Santos aids her audience understand and apply complex concepts in the world of psychology. Other areas in the program include gratitude, mindfulness and the impact of social connections on wellbeing.
The Happiness Lab has been praised for its scientific perspective and for its ability to arm listeners with tips and tricks to help them, too. So far, the program — intended to help people with subjects and suggestions on satisfied habits and positive psychology — has become an invaluable resource for anyone thinking of bringing their overall well-being to the next level.
It made the podcast super well known because with the rise of self-improvement, with the new dawn of self-realization and mental health, people were trying to buy it, it was a good tool to live a happy life.
In Summary
Here, 10 top pods on self-improvement, education, comedy and sports from the Spotify collection. Long-form interviews such as The Joe Rogan Experience, frank relationship discussions like Call Her Daddy and dramatic real crime odyssey serialized stories like Crime Junkie. As for the others, check them out if you have to: The Michelle Obama Podcast is also well worth your time as is the Armchair Expert if deep dives into personal and social issues is your jam. At ‘The Daily, on the other hand, every podcast … has ‘its own voice and style … appealing to different listeners and à la popular modern podcasting.