Since the inception of the format, the world has been blessed with millions and millions of podcasts. Some have lasted the test of time, and some have simply fizzled out after a few recorded episodes. Some are recorded live in tandem with a Youtube stream or an Instagram stream, while others are painstakingly edited with sound design, music, and effects.
As with any art form or media format, the cream always rises to the top. And for the best podcast hosts that understand the long game of the medium of podcasting, the most popular podcasts around are the ones that have withstood the gauntlet of time and maintained consistent audience approval.
Read More »Some of these vary by format, but the common thread that connects all of the best podcasts together is how well they engage their audiences. After all, without getting the attention of hundreds of thousands of downloaders and listeners, these would have likely fizzled out quickly with so many others.
This American Life Podcast
This American Life is a weekly public radio show broadcast on more than 500 public radio stations to about 2.2 million listeners—and is also one of the longest running podcasts available, having launched as a podcast in 2006. It is produced by Chicago Public Media and hosted by Ira Glass, and it has dominated the personal-interest space for years.
Each week, the podcast presents a theme and assembles stories on that theme, breaking them into a three-act structure, delivered by various journalists, novelists, filmmakers, historians, and academics. The stories are mostly true and mostly short—on average about an hour long each. They’re sometimes funny, sometimes serious, and often surprising.
Notable episodes in its nearly two-decade run include:
• “The Watch” – about the people who are obsessed with timekeeping
• “Harper High School, Pt. 1 and 2” – which won a Peabody Award for its deep dive into a Chicago school where 29 current or recent students were shot
• “Amateur Hour” – in which parents attempt to make their children into child stars
• “24 Hours at the Golden Apple” – a day in the life of a New York City bodega
This American Life is a solid podcast and is one of those you likely have subscribed to but may not listen to every week, but you know that a great episode is there when you need one for a long commute or a plane ride.
WTF with Marc Maron Podcast
If you’re a fan of comedians, then the WTF with Marc Maron podcast is likely one of your favorites. It’s been running for over a decade and has released more than 1,300 episodes. Marc Maron is a comedian who has Interviewed some of the biggest names in comedy on his show, including Chris Rock, Robin Williams, Rosie Perez, Quentin Tarantino, Bonnie Raitt, Billie Jean King, and many more.
WTF typically runs around 90 minutes (or more) and Maron generally doesn’t keep to a schedule. The interviews are in-depth and personal, and Maron does a great job of getting his guests to open up about their lives, careers, and creative processes.
While the show started out as a way for Maron to connect with other comedians, it has evolved into something much more. Maron has used the platform to interview a wide range of people, from politicians to musicians to actors to athletes.
Some of the best episodes include:
• “President Barack Obama” – in which Maron interviews the 44th President of the United States
• “Robin Williams” – a moving conversation with the late comedian
• “Quentin Tarantino” – in which the director talks about his early days in Hollywood
• “Lady Gaga” – in which the pop star talks about her career and creative process
If you’re looking for a long running podcast that’s consistently entertaining and informative, definitely add WTF to your subscribe queue.
The Moth Podcast
The Moth podcast is a spin-off of the live storytelling event series of the same name. The Moth began in 1997 as a way to bring people together through the art of storytelling and has since grown into a global phenomenon.
The podcast features stories from both professional and amateur storytellers, on a wide variety of topics. The stories are often touching, funny, or both.
Notable episodes include:
• “Love Hurts” – in which people share stories about love and heartbreak
• “Growing Up” – in which people share stories about their childhoods
• “The First Time” – in which people share stories about their first times experiencing something
• “New Beginnings” – in which people share stories about starting over
If you’re looking for a podcast that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, The Moth is definitely worth checking out. As with This American Life, it might not be an every-week listen, but it’s comforting to know that it’s available to download any time you need it.
The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast
Controversies aside, The Joe Rogan Experience podcast is one of the most popular and longest running shows in existence. It’s been going for over a decade and has released more than 1,800 episodes.
Joe Rogan is a comedian, martial artist (and a primetime analyst for the UFC), and former host of the TV show Fear Factor. On his podcast, he interviews a wide range of guests, from scientists and philosophers to actors and athletes.
Rogan has a knack for getting his guests to open up and he’s not afraid to ask the tough questions. He also has a knack for occasionally putting his foot in his mouth, which makes the podcast series that much more interesting because you’re never quite sure what Rogan or one of his guests might say. The interviews are often long (several hours), but they’re always interesting.
Notable episodes include:
• “Tony Hawk” – in which the skateboarding legend talks about his career and life
• “Dan Bilzerian” – in which the controversial internet personality talks about his lifestyle
• “Jamie Foxx” – in which the Oscar-winning actor talks about his career and life
• “Post Malone” – in which the rapper talks about his music and career
If you feel like you’ve been missing that entertaining, informative, and often controversial podcast in your life, start listening to The Joe Rogan Experience podcast again.
Savage Lovecast Podcast
Dan Savage is a sex and relationship advice columnist who has been writing the “Savage Love” column for over two decades. He’s also the creator of the “It Gets Better” project, which aims to help LGBTQ+ youth.
On his podcast, he answers questions from listeners about their love lives, relationships, and anything else related to love and relationships. He’s also not afraid to tackle controversial topics, which makes for an interesting listen.
Notable episodes include:
• “The Non-Monogamy episode” – in which Savage talks about open relationships, polyamory, and non-monogamy
• “The Gay Marriage episode” – in which Savage discusses gay marriage and why it’s important
• “The BDSM episode” – in which Savage discusses BDSM and kink with a sex therapist
If you can’t seem to connect with any of the newer love and relationships podcasts available and long for an informative and entertaining podcast about love, relationships, and sex, then the Savage Lovecast is definitely worth revisiting. It’s one of the longest running podcasts out there, and it’s clear that Dan Savage knows what he’s talking about.
The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss is best known for his book, The 4-Hour Work Week, and his “Five-Bullet Friday” weekly newsletters, but he’s also the host of one of the most popular and most long running podcasts available. On his show, he interviews a wide range of guests, from entrepreneurs and athletes to actors and artists.
Ferriss is a great interviewer who always manages to get his guests to open up and share interesting stories and insights. He has a skill for asking tough questions that other interviewers might avoid.
Notable episodes include:
• “Tony Robbins” – in which the life coach and author talks about his life and career
• “Shane Smith” – in which the founder of Vice talks about his life and career
• “Terry Crews” – in which the actor and former athlete discusses masculinity and resisting cynicism
• “Mark Zuckerberg” – in which the Meta honcho talks about long-term strategy, business, parenting, and, of course, building the Metaverse
If you want to hear interesting stories and insights from a wide range of successful people, then check out a newer episode of the long running Tim Ferriss Show.
Stuff You Should Know Podcast
Stuff You Should Know is a podcast series from the HowStuffWorks website and podcast network. The show is hosted by Josh Clark and Charles W. “Chuck” Bryant, who are both a part of the HowStuffWorks team and are super engaging and entertaining.
Every episode of Stuff You Should Know is dedicated to exploring a specific topic in depth. past episodes have explored topics like time travel, ghosts, how a car engine works, the history of Christmas, and even Bitcoin. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find an episode (or ten) that piques your curiosity.
Notable episodes include:
• “How Mindfulness Works” – a discussion and deep dive into the powerful, ancient Buddhist method of dealing with all that life throws at you
• “How Tornadoes Work” – in which the hosts explore one of nature’s most destructive forces
• “How the FDA Works” – in which the hosts explore the history and inner workings of the FDA
• “How Sleep Works” – in which the hosts explore the science of sleep and how it affects our health
The Stuff You Should Know podcast is likely one that you’ve heard before and perhaps even binge a handful of episodes all at once. The super-digestible format is worth reclaiming your podcast-listening loyalty.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to podcasts or a long-time listener, there’s something for everyone on this list of the longest running podcasts. These shows have stood the test of time for a reason, so be sure to give them a listen!
