I love listening to music, but sometimes I want a really good story to listen to when I’m cleaning, putting on makeup, or on a road trip. For those times, I put on podcasts. I love both the full season deep-dive stories that are available and the stories that are in summed up in just one episode. 

I listen to quite a lot of true crime podcasts, but this list includes other genres to fit any mood! Here’s my list of my top five favorite podcasts, with a few extras, too! You can find podcasts on the Apple app, Spotify, Audible, & more.

Morbid

A true crime podcast, these ladies are my favorite. I find their research top-notch, but their commentary is also a huge selling point for me. They have such a great rapport & sprinkle in humor throughout. Most episode are one-off’s, but there are multi-part stories, too. Episodes run approximately an hour to an hour and a half.

Dateline

I don’t watch Dateline, but I really enjoy listening to the very theatrical audio from the show. Each episode is a different story that usually entails some type of true crime or mystery & most of them have a twist ending (if you already watch the show, you know). Episodes run 30-45 minutes.

Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet

This podcast makes me laugh so hard. Each episode the hosts dramatically read bad reviews for something different… like amusement parks or haunted places. As the title suggests, the bad reviews are usually about the defining characteristic of the place. Episodes run about an hour and half.

Up & Vanished

Investigative series on missing persons where they talk to family, friends, reporters, & police. Each season is about a different case & he did such a great job with them that I couldn’t stop listening. Only two seasons (so far?), each episode is 30-40 minutes long.

Welcome to Night Vale

Ok, this one has been around a LONG time, so you’ve probably heard of it or already listen to it. Basically, it is news reports & updates for the town of Night Vale. But, that really isn’t doing it justice, is it? Night Vale is a fictional town where every conspiracy theory is true. Give it a listen – each episode runs 20-40 minutes.

Extra Podcasts

Serial – Season 1

I LOVED season 1 of this podcast, along with a LOT of other people. It made the news, it got more news coverage for the case, it was a whole thing! If you never listened to it, I recommend!

The Thing About Pam (from Dateline)

This podcast had my mouth open from disbelief. 

Stuff You Should Know

Each episode teaches you something… from the theoretical to the material. It’s a good palette cleanser from the dark & dreary stuff that tops the charts usually.

The Hilarious World of Depression

Each episode is about different facets of depression… but in a humorous way? There are many guest interviews with comedians & it’s just nice to know you’re not the only one with feelings.

Crimetown – Season 1

Investigative series that looks at the crime in a certain city. I was flabbergasted by the first season on Providence, Rhode Island.

Dreams of Black Wall Street – Season 1

Interviews & stories of the history of Tulsa, Oklahoma, specifically the area known as Black Wall Street (Greenwood) and the Tulsa Race Massacre but with lots of histories of all of America. It’s enlightening, educational, interesting, & enriching. 

So, there’s my top five favorite podcasts (& some extras, too!) for you to check out if you haven’t already. Let me know in the comments below some of your favorite podcasts to listen to!