Engaging in routine tasks like folding laundry, going for a run, or preparing children’s lunchboxes often calls for something in your earbuds. Perhaps you seek to catch up on current events or hear the latest analysis of a recent game. You might be interested in a film critic’s recommendations for weekend streaming, or a celebrity interview that evokes laughter—or a deeply felt emotional release. You may even desire to immerse yourself in a true-crime investigation. For anyone who has ever found themselves staring blankly at Spotify or YouTube, pondering what to play, this compilation holds an option for you within the category of the
An examination of the nearly I’ve since beginning my focus on podcasts has revealed the profound evolution of the medium. Historically, achieving widespread recognition didn’t necessitate A-list status or a professional studio setup. Figures such as Roman Mars, Mike Duncan, Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbes, Hrishikesh Hirway, and Phoebe Judge all gained prominence in the podcasting realm without the benefit of a Hollywood career. From the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s, a microphone and a desire to were often sufficient. This inherent accessibility ultimately spurred a podcasting surge in the late 2010s, which intensified when numerous individuals were confined to their homes during COVID-19 lockdowns and sought to combat monotony and solitude.
Podcast hosts are no longer merely unseen voices. YouTube, the globe’s largest video platform, now asserts its position as the , drawing 1 billion monthly global viewers to its podcasting content. Reflecting , publications such as the New York Times are encouraging their writers and podcasters to appear on camera, adapting to the changing consumption patterns of news and other media on platforms including TikTok and Instagram.
The transformation of the medium has prompted a change in emphasis. Prominent podcast producers have largely moved away from extensive investigative journalism and distinctive comedic personalities, instead prioritizing widely recognized figures. This encompasses previously independent successes such as () and Bill Simmons (). However, they more frequently forge agreements with pre-established celebrities like the Smartless cast members or retired athletes such as LeBron James—as well as and . Yet, not all renowned individuals excel at podcasting. (The challenges of a late-night show apply here too.) A significant portion of curating this list, particularly regarding this type of podcast, entailed distinguishing between those capable of conducting incisive interviews or constructing engaging monologues and those who merely possess celebrity status.
Nevertheless, influence is a frequent topic at TIME—we do release an annual list of , after all. And that list increasingly The enduring impact of programs such as , , and , which innovated within their genres and established trajectories for future content, was a crucial consideration in this selection process. Serial contributed to —and the that arose alongside it. 2 Dope Queens exemplified a period where relatively obscure comedians could secure an HBO special. Do you recall when WTF, and it was considered a momentous occasion? and Kamala would have been unlikely if Obama had not appeared in Marc Maron’s garage.
Therefore, I incorporated some shows that have concluded their broadcasts. My aim was to select podcasts that, even if not perpetually relevant, possess a substantial archive suitable for re-engagement—series that feature humor that remains current or discuss books and films that are still accessible, allowing for a deeper appreciation by reading or watching them before listening to a particular episode. With , my objective was to identify the pinnacle of content, creating a comprehensive database that can be categorized by genre. While considerable discourse has centered on the parasocial bonds listeners form with podcast hosts, and indeed, it is sensible not to become overly connected to an unfamiliar individual, I personally view my preferred hosts as hypothetical companions I interact with each week. I trust you will discover new companions as well.