9 Podcasts You Should Be Listening To

In 2016, traditional radio is dramatically shifting and most people don’t have time for TV. Luckily, information and entertainment are now as portable as ever. With podcasts, you can bone up on the political world and hear the latest pop culture news on your morning commute to work. Here are some great ones that you may not know about.

1. Call Your Girlfriend

Named after Robyn’s catchy dance pop tune, Call Your Girlfriend exists for the purpose of promoting female relationships. As “a podcast for long-distance besties everywhere,”  this podcast covers a wide variety of topics, from relationship advice to celebrity gossip. Hosts Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow are always providing interesting banter.

2. How Did This Get Made?

Each episode, comedians Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas discuss a movie that falls into the “so bad it’s good” category. Listeners are told in advance what the movie will be, so they can watch it in preparation for the discussion. Many of the episodes are filmed in front of a live audience, so you’ll feel like part of the fun.

3. Yo, Is This Racist?

It isn’t always easy to tell when you’re being insensitive about someone else’s culture. That’s where Andrew Ti comes in. Based on his blog of the same name, “Yo, Is This Racist?” gives listeners the opportunity to ask the host to judge whether or not certain comments or situations are actually racist. With a lighthearted tone, Ti is able to keep things interesting while addressing serious problems.

4. This American Life

Hosted by Ira Glass, “This American Life” offers a wide range of content. Set around a specific theme each week, most of the segments are devoted to journalistic efforts, but there are also personal essays and short fiction. This way, the podcast is able to provide something for just about every listener. It’s perfect for that subway ride to work each morning.

5. Who? Weekly

Filled with “everything you need to know about the celebrities you don’t,” Who? Weekly lives up to its name by focusing on up-and-coming names in show business and others who may have slipped through the cracks. Hosts Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber paint an intriguing (and hilarious) portrait of relatively unknown people in the industry.

6. Another Round

A product of Buzzfeed, “Another Round” gives Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton a platform to discuss pressing social issues and pop culture news. While the podcast can deal with serious topics, its main goal is to entertain, so there are many celebrity guests who make appearances. During the various segments, the hosts can get very personal.

7. Tragedy Plus Time

The title comes from the old saying often attributed to Carol Burnett: “Comedy is tragedy plus time.” Funny or Die’s Anthony Troli serves as host of this podcast, inviting celebrities to come on air and share embarrassing or tragic stories from their past. The hope is that they are distanced enough from the events to be able to laugh at them, no matter how difficult they may have been. The conversations lead to a great humorous break from stress and a humanized look at our favorite stars.

8. Savage Lovecast

There is no question too big or too small for Dan Savage. Callers bring their workplace woes and relationship drama to him and he does his best to provide them with helpful advice. Each episode depends on the questions presented by the callers, so each and every one is unique. As an advice columnist, Dan Savage is able to bring relief to people all over the country.

9. Editors’ Choice: EVEsdropping

Introducing “EVEsdropping,” aka Earn Spend Live’s official podcast! Every Wednesday, you’ll get to hear Elise and Meleah, ESL’s co-founders, talk about personal finance, career-ladder climbing, and adulting (in-between cackling at our own jokes, of course). Available on iTunes, Podbean, and here on the site!