12 Must-Listen Long-Running Podcasts You Should Start Binge-Listening Now

Since 2014, Kid Fury (known for his YouTube series “Furious Thoughts”) and Crissle West have teamed up weekly for their podcast The Read, diving into topics like current events, social justice, mental health, hip-hop, media, fashion, entertainment, and, of course, plenty of Beyoncé, all with a sharp and hilarious perspective. Their chemistry is magnetic, and their pop culture enthusiasm is infectious. Listening feels like eavesdropping on a private chat where they dissect celebrity antics and the latest Da Baby controversies with biting humor and much-needed critique. Even if hip-hop isn’t your thing or you’ve never heard of DDG, their witty exchanges will keep you hooked. The show’s structure is laid-back, featuring segments like Hot Tops, Kid Fury’s Sports Shorts! (a comedic, often inaccurate sports update), Listener Letters, Crissle’s Couch, and The Read, where they deliver their weekly takes with poetic precision. The hosts are refreshingly transparent about their personal lives (they recently returned from a break for Kid Fury’s mental health), offering genuine insights, stories, and reflections on their highs and lows. While episodes are lengthy, they fly by, leaving you craving more. New listeners are in for a treat, as the show boasts an extensive archive of over 400 episodes to explore.

Since 2010, John Hodgman (famously known as the “PC Guy” from Apple’s Mac commercials) has been presiding over Judge John Hodgman, a hilariously formal court where listeners submit their quirky disputes for resolution. From trivial grievances to deeply personal dilemmas—like a woman still upset about being excluded from her sister’s pog club as a child, or a mother demanding her ashes be flushed down a toilet at Walt Disney World (an episode I personally appeared on)—the show tackles it all. Other cases include debates over odd artwork, family disputes about grandparent nicknames, and even a man avoiding holiday visits to his in-laws due to past trauma.

Judge John and bailiff Jesse Thorn approach these cases with mock seriousness and legal rigor, delivering rulings that are both humorous and fair. When necessary, they handle more sensitive issues with genuine empathy. The show masterfully blends comedy with real-life relationship challenges, offering a hilarious yet insightful look at the absurdities of human interactions, all hosted by two of the funniest voices in podcasting.

Since 2012, Welcome to Night Vale has delivered quirky community updates from the fictional desert town of Night Vale, setting the standard for modern sci-fi audio dramas. Imagine Lake Wobegon narrated by David Lynch, and you’ll get the vibe. The show follows Cecil Gershwin Palmer, Night Vale’s radio host, and other eccentric characters like Dana Cardinal, a former mayor and radio intern, and a five-headed dragon who once ran for mayor. Blending humor and horror, the series satirizes the oddities of American life with a unique format that remains unmatched. Over a decade in, the show continues to innovate, never repeating itself. With its eerie yet hilarious tales, fake advertisements, recurring segments, and even a weather report, listening feels like attending a dark, surreal Broadway performance. And if you ever get the chance, the live shows are an absolute must-see.

While I could be discussing Answer Me This!, the Q&A podcast Helen Zaltzman and Olly Mann started in 2007—before podcasts became mainstream—it’s worth noting that the show, once hailed by The Guardian as one of the world’s top 10 comedy podcasts and a Gold Award winner at The British Podcast Awards, has since concluded. Instead, let’s focus on Helen’s ongoing project, The Allusionist, which explores the fascinating quirks of language. This isn’t just a podcast about word origins; it’s a deep dive into how language shapes our lives, often revealing more about humanity than vocabulary itself. Helen sheds light on how language has been used to oppress marginalized groups and uncovers the often dark histories behind the words we use today. In essence, it’s a language show that’s really about empathy. During the pandemic, Helen introduced The Tranquillusionist, a series of calming mini-episodes where she read 1950s salad recipes and vintage lawnmower ads, providing a comforting escape during a tumultuous time. These episodes proved that Helen could make even a phone book sound enthralling.

Emily Heller and Lisa Hanawalt might not be household names, but their work certainly is. Emily, a comedian, has contributed as a writer and producer for HBO's Barry. Meanwhile, Lisa, an illustrator and production designer, has left her mark on Netflix’s BoJack Horseman and created Tuca & Bertie. What you might not know is that these two talented individuals host a delightful and humorous podcast titled Baby Geniuses. Since 2012, they’ve been delivering a weekly dose of laughter, introspection, and audience interaction. (Yes, listeners send in photos of their bare behinds, which Emily and Lisa review with a mix of humor and body positivity.) The show offers a glimpse into the lives of two extraordinary women—quirky, intelligent, and endlessly fascinating. One unforgettable episode features Emily’s candid discussion about her late-in-life ADHD diagnosis. Over the years, fans have followed their journeys through work, travel, relationships, and everyday annoyances. Highlights include Wiki of the Week, where they explore bizarre Wikipedia entries, and Chunch Chat, where they share updates on Martha Stewart’s horse.

Radio Drama Revival stands as one of the internet's most enduring anthology series, highlighting audio fiction and conversations with its creators. For 16 years, the team has been at the forefront, discovering skilled audio storytellers passionate about the craft of fictional podcasting. Host Elena Fernández Collins exudes a warm, trustworthy vibe, making you feel like you're sharing a pair of headphones with a close friend. Every episode has the potential to spark a new audio fascination or introduce you to a standout artist, each piece a masterpiece of sound. Whether you're a seasoned fan of fictional podcasts or a newcomer, this show celebrates the art form and will undoubtedly draw you in.

This American Life is a pioneer in the podcasting world. Originally a radio show, it transitioned into a podcast and has since introduced countless listeners to the medium. Debuting on November 17, 1995, as Your Radio Playhouse, it has consistently delivered captivating stories crafted by some of the most talented voices in audio. Each episode revolves around a central theme, with host Ira Glass guiding listeners through a three- or four-act narrative. From tales of people racing against the clock to solve problems, to deep dives into tragedies like the Buffalo grocery store massacre, to nostalgic recollections of amusement parks, the show blends humor and emotion in a way that leaves a lasting impact. Its segments have even inspired other podcasts (like Serial, hosted by Sarah Koenig, who started here) and acclaimed films (such as 2019's The Farewell, which originated as an episode).

Launched in 2017 by Earlonne Woods and Nigel Poor, Ear Hustle began when Earlonne was serving time at San Quentin and Nigel was a journalist interviewing him about life behind bars. Earlonne shared personal stories and conversations with fellow inmates, covering topics like prison slang, creative cooking, and the ingenious ways items are smuggled. In 2018, Earlonne’s sentence was commuted, partly due to his work on Ear Hustle. Now, ten seasons in, both Earlonne and Nigel co-host from the outside, continuing to provide an unparalleled look into life in prison. The podcast balances heavy themes—trauma, fractured families, and crime—with moments of levity and humor. Each episode feels like a mini-documentary, zooming in on a person, emotion, or object to reveal the broader realities of incarceration. With raw honesty, Ear Hustle fosters understanding and empathy for those living behind bars.

Originally titled Comedy Death-Ray, Comedy Bang! Bang! has evolved through various formats since 2002, including live performances, CDs, radio, a TV series on IFC, and a podcast. While it appears to be a standard talk show, it’s actually a platform for unpredictable improv comedy, featuring guests who often appear as recurring characters. Its anything-goes approach has attracted comedy heavyweights like Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, and Laurie Kilmartin. With hundreds of hour-long episodes, the show has created a quirky world filled with inside jokes and recurring absurdities, transforming eccentric pop culture icons like Andrew Lloyd Webber (played by podcasting icon Paul F. Tompkins) into beloved cult figures.

Since 2017, the Sklar brothers (Randy and Jason) and Daniel Van Kirk have been spotlighting the most absurd human behavior on Dumb People Town. Each week, they team up with well-known comedians like Mike Birbiglia, Taylor Tomlinson, Bobcat Goldthwait, Dana Gould, and Quinta Brunson to dissect jaw-dropping news stories. From a novice pilot attempting to fly a plane to a bride canceling her wedding after her groom’s wig fell off mid-ceremony, the show dives into the bizarre and hilarious. The hosts take these already ridiculous tales and spin them into even wilder narratives. Interactive segments, such as guessing the age of the people involved, add a fun, game-show vibe. Best of all, the show wastes no time—within minutes, you’re laughing at the absurdity of it all.

In today's world, movie podcasts are everywhere, with a special niche carved out for those focusing on cinematic failures. Among these, The Flop House stands out, recently celebrating its 15th year. Weekly, hosts Dan McCoy, Elliot Kalan, and Stuart Wellington dive into a film that flopped critically or commercially, dissecting its storyline, exploring its failures, and debating if it's a 'bad-bad movie' or a 'good-bad movie' (or occasionally, one they simply enjoy). Their engaging discussions don’t require you to watch the films—in fact, skipping movies like The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure might be for the best. The trio’s genuine camaraderie and humor shine through, with Dan and Elliot bringing their experience from The Daily Show, and Elliot also having written for Mystery Science Theater 3000. Stuart, a Brooklyn bar owner, adds his own brand of wit to the mix.

Starting in 2009, Kaitlin Prest, Jess Grosman, Nora Rohman, Britt Wray, and Linda Tsang introduced a groundbreaking radio show, “Audio Smut,” on Montreal’s CKUT 90.3 FM, which evolved into The Heart. This podcast, launched in 2014, explores the depths of intimacy and humanity through unique audio artistry, tackling the raw and often uncomfortable aspects of life. In 2018, Prest ventured into fiction with The Shadows, and by 2019, she established Mermaid Palace, a hub for innovative podcasts like Asking For It and Appearances. Although The Heart has been quiet since the pandemic, its legacy suggests that Mermaid Palace will soon captivate the podcast world with another groundbreaking project.