Broadcasting live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, the 2022 VMAs are scheduled for Sunday, August 28, 2022 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Widely considered “music’s wildest night,” the VMAs on MTV will not only include a number of awards, but you will also be able to catch some performances by the biggest names in the music industry.
To help you get yourself ready for the big night, we’ve compiled a list of the some of the top podcasts. Not only will these podcasts include interviews with nominated artists, but you will be able to hear cultural influencers breaking down the work of the nominees, and more.
The Breakfast Club with Lizzo
Switched on Pop with Doja Cat
Produced by Vulture, Switched on Pop is one of the most insightful music podcasts online today. Hosted by musicologist Nate Sloan and songwriter Charlie Harding, Switched on Pop gives fans historical context for some of the biggest songs in pop music while also peeling back the curtain to help fans understand how their favorite songs come together. In this episode with Doja Cat, the artist discusses incorporating Elvis Presley’s 1953 smash hit, “Hound Dog” into his song, “Vegas.” Doja Cat also discusses what it’s like to be nominated for some of the top VMA awards in 2022 including Best Pop, Choreography, Song of the Year, Video of the year, and more.
Popcast
Popcast host Jon Caramanica is joined by some of the biggest names in pop culture on this particular episode of Popcast. Hunter Harris, Larisha Paul, and Peter Rosenberg join Caramanica to talk about Jack Harlow, one of the fastest-rising names in the world of music. It’s no secret that white rappers have long had a different path to the top in hip hop, but Harlow is going about things in a very different way. After all, how many VMA nominees have a meal named after them at Kentucky Fried Chicken?! On this episode, the panel not only discusses Harlow’s meteoric rise to fame, but they also talk about his nominations which include Best Collaboration, Artist of the Year, and more. As always, Popcast is brought to you by the New York Times.
Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
While Willie Geist is a news anchor on MSNBC, his Sunday Sitdown podcast includes interviews with guests from different walks of life. On this particular episode, Geist sits down (no pun intended) with one of the biggest names in pop music today, Ed Sheeran. Recorded in January, Sheeran not only talks about the GRAMMYs, but he also discusses his newest studio project, Equals and how his daughter helped influence some of the tracks on the album. Sheeran also opens up about his personal journey, including how he went from struggling in London to headlining one of the most profitable tours in the world. While Ed doesn’t discuss the VMAs specifically on this episode, he is nominated for multiple VMAs, including Best Pop, Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, and more.
Dua Lipa: At Your Service
Dua Lipa is not only one of the biggest names in pop music, she’s also the host of this iHeartRadio podcast. Since Dua Lipa is such a popular artist, every episode of her podcast is a great way to get yourself ready for the 2022 VMAs. On her show, she interviews some of the biggest names in music both past and present. Guests include Russel Brand, Elton John (where they talk at length about their duet), Megan Thee Stallion, and Bowen Yang. Dua Lips is nominated for multiple VMAs, including Song of the Year for her collaboration with Elton John, Collaboration of the Year for the same song, Best Art Direction, and more.
13: A Taylor Swift Fan Podcast
There’s no way to discuss any sort of musical event without talking about Taylor Swift. While some of the other podcasts that we’re discussing are hosted and produced by music industry insiders, musicologists, and other experts, this is one of the most fun podcasts on the list because it’s made by fans for fans. Presented by Kiddnation, 13: A Taylor Swift Fan Podcast is hosted by four “Swifties” who discuss every song from the pop icon’s career, her relationship “scandals,” who her iconic breakup songs are about, and every other aspect of Taylor’s career. As always, Taylor Swift is nominated for multiple Video Music Awards in 2022 including Best Longform Video, Video of the Year, Best Direction, Best Cinematography, and more.
Pop Culture Happy Hour
Pop Culture Happy hour is one of the few podcasts that puts out a new episode five days a week. On this daily podcast, host Linda Holmes discusses some of the buzziest TV shows, movies, and of course, music. On this particular episode, Holmes is joined by Lil Nas X. While he rose to fame with “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X has cemented his spot at the top of the music industry. On this 26-minute episode, Lil Nas X talks about the rise of his musical career, pop culture influences on his music, how he’s influencing pop culture, and his new album, Montero. Lil Nas X is nominated for several VMAs including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Choreography, and more.
The Drew Barrymore Show
It’s hard to argue that Drew Barrymore is one of America’s sweethearts. While she used to star in some of the biggest movies, she’s now one of the most popular daytime TV show hosts in the world. In addition to her daily talk show, Barrymore’s interviews are also published as podcasts every day. On this short, 9-minute episode, Drew sits down with Billie Eilish. Not only does Eilish discuss her new studio album, Happier Than Ever, she also opens up about why she dislikes the word “fans.” No surprise, Eilish is nominated for several VMAs including Song of the Year, Best Longform Video, Best Pop, Best Direction, and more.
The Zane Lowe Interview Series
The Zane Lowe Interview Series is a great listen, even when we’re not in VMA season. However, this particular episode is one of his best. Harry Styles sat down with Zane Lowe in Palm Springs right after he headlined Coachella, one of the biggest music festivals in the world. Styles talks at length about his new album, Harry’s House, and opens up about how his personal life has changed since the last time he and Zane sat down. Harry Styles is nominated for multiple VMAs this year including Video of the Year, Best Pop, Artist of the Year, Best Cinematography, and more.
VMA season is one of the most exciting times of year for singers, songwriters, and music fans. If you’re looking for ways to get yourself ready for the most unpredictable night in music, start with these nine podcasts. And as always, enjoy the show!
