As of January 2025, several podcasts have gained significant popularity among listeners. Here are some of the top audio podcasts:
What is your favorite podcast? Or comment with a link to your own podcast.
The Joe Rogan Experience
Hosted by Joe Rogan, this podcast features long-form conversations with a diverse range of guests, including celebrities, scientists, and politicians. It remains one of the most listened-to podcasts globally.
The Daily
Produced by The New York Times and hosted by Michael Barbaro, this podcast provides insightful news analysis and was the most popular show on Apple Podcasts in 2024.
Call Her Daddy
Hosted by Alex Cooper, this podcast delves into topics related to relationships, sex, and personal anecdotes, attracting a large and engaged audience.
Crime Junkie
A true-crime podcast where hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat explore various cases, offering detailed narratives that captivate listeners.
The Bill Simmons Podcast
Hosted by Bill Simmons, this podcast covers sports, pop culture, and interviews with prominent figures, maintaining a strong following among sports enthusiasts.
These podcasts span various genres, including news, true crime, and entertainment, reflecting the diverse interests of today’s listeners.
Podcasts are like the love child of radio and the internet—audio (and sometimes video) shows you can stream or download on-demand. They cover everything from true crime to comedy, self-help to science fiction, and everything in between. Essentially, they’re your favorite talk shows, but without the annoying time slots or the need to fumble with a radio dial.
The term “podcast” itself was born in the early 2000s, a mash-up of “iPod” (remember those?) and “broadcast.” While the concept of downloadable audio content started gaining traction in the late ’90s, it was Apple’s iTunes that really put podcasts on the map in 2005 by integrating them into its platform. From there, podcasts grew from niche tech-geek territory to a mainstream entertainment medium.
So, why are podcasts so popular? For starters, they’re convenient. Whether you’re stuck in traffic, hitting the treadmill, or doing the dishes, podcasts turn otherwise boring moments into time well spent. They’re also deeply personal—listeners get to feel like they’re part of intimate conversations, learning, laughing, or diving into the latest mystery alongside their favorite hosts.
And let’s face it: people love choice. With over 5 million podcasts worldwide, you can find one tailored to your exact mood or interest. Want tips on starting a business? Got it. Need to fall asleep to stories about ancient Rome? There’s a podcast for that too.
Ultimately, podcasts are popular because they’re like having a thousand interesting, funny, or insightful friends you can tune into whenever you want—and they don’t mind if you’re still in your pajamas.