Buzz
The holiday season is upon us, meaning you’ll likely find yourself in the car with your family—cramped alongside lively kids, grandparents, and relatives of all ages. Podcasts can turn that journey to Aunt Cindy’s into a more enjoyable experience. (Yes, podcasts are my go-to solution for everything, and for good reason!)
Tune into one of these 12 podcasts, each designed to entertain and educate both kids and adults. From exploring forgotten jobs to retelling timeless stories and engaging in quirky games, these shows are so captivating that you might even add them to your personal playlist.
Dr. Gameshow
On Dr. Gameshow, Jo Firestone and Manolo Moreno invite callers from around the globe, spanning all ages, to participate in quirky, listener-invented games like “Lights, Camera, Action Figure,” “I Carrot Believe My Ears,” “I Am the Tenth Dentist,” “Rated D for Dolly Parton,” and “Dr. Themesong.” These games are as delightfully absurd as their names suggest. While the rules may seem nonsensical, that’s part of the charm. Kids often steal the show with their imaginative ideas and even get a chance to co-host with Jo and Manolo. What starts as a family listen might turn into your personal late-night binge.
The Ten News
For families eager to stay informed about global happenings, The Ten News is a must-listen. This podcast delivers updates on politics, sports, science, gaming, pop culture, and more in a way that’s engaging for both kids and adults. Hosted by the lively Ryan Willard, the show breaks down complex topics into digestible bits while maintaining a fun, energetic vibe. Featuring notable guests like LEGO Masters Judge Amy Corbett, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Sarah Natochenny (the voice of Ash Ketchum from Pokémon), each episode sparks thoughtful family discussions. Stay ahead with fresh, relevant topics—your kids might just be the ones debating everything from Iranian protests to primate behavior on the playground.
Adventure in Atacama
When children discover something they love—be it a book, song, or movie—they often want to experience it repeatedly. (Remember how many times you had to watch Frozen?) Occasionally, we stumble upon media that captivates kids with its magic and wit while equally enchanting adults. Take Adventure in Atacama, a choose-your-own-adventure podcast where listeners dictate the fate of the characters. Packed with energy, humor, and jokes that appeal to both kids and adults, this podcast offers 12 unique endings, ensuring endless replay value. Available in English and Spanish, it’s a delightful way for kids to explore language while you revisit your high school Spanish. Join a flight attendant, a retired pilot, and a luchador on their jungle escapades. In Azafata en Atacama, you’ll make decisions for the characters at the end of each episode. Let the adventure begin!
Ooh You’re In Trouble
If you’re a fan of RISK!, The Moth, or Mortified, you’ll adore this tween-centric version. Ooh You’re in Trouble gives kids aged 9-13 a platform to share stories of rule-breaking moments from their lives. These tales of rebellion—from sneaking out past curfew to organizing protests—will resonate with adults and entertain kids. Though the show is currently on hiatus, the overwhelming demand in Apple Podcasts reviews for more episodes speaks volumes. Once you dive into the archive, you’ll be clamoring for more, too.
Here Lies Me
Here Lies Me, created by acclaimed author and podcaster Hillary Frank (The Longest Shortest Time), is a fictional drama that masterfully captures the teenage experience. With its blend of humor, cringe-worthy awkwardness, and a universally relatable perspective on growing up, this podcast resonates with listeners of all ages. The immersive sound design, featuring details like squeaky grocery cart wheels, creates a vivid and cinematic world. Perfect for fans of PEN15, Big Mouth, and Stranger Things, the show boasts a stellar cast including Michael Chernus (Orange is the New Black), June Diane Raphael (Grace and Frankie), W. Kamau Bell (United Shades of America), and Rob Huebel (The Descendants).
This Job Is History
This Job Is History delivers a hilarious deep dive into some of the strangest jobs from history that no longer exist. Hosted by Chris Parnell (Saturday Night Live, Rick and Morty), the show features interviews with historical figures like a funeral clown from 82 CE, a garden hermit, and a VHS clerk—all voiced by renowned improv comedians. This unique blend of comedy and history not only educates but also entertains, offering insights into the past while making you laugh. Kids will learn about the world’s quirky history, and you might even gain a new appreciation for your own job. After hearing about roles like sin-eaters, you’ll think twice before complaining about your next work conference.
LeVar Burton Reads
LeVar Burton’s soothing voice evokes nostalgia for fans of Roots, Reading Rainbow, or Star Trek. Now, on LeVar Burton Reads, he offers a relaxing escape from daily stress with captivating stories for the whole family. Burton selects works by literary giants like Neil Gaiman, Haruki Murakami, Octavia Butler, and Ray Bradbury, delivering them with rich, immersive soundscapes. Skip the bedtime book and let LeVar’s comforting (and sometimes thought-provoking) storytelling lull both you and your kids to sleep, reigniting your love for stories just as he did in your childhood.
Forever Ago
Who came up with air conditioning? Why did men wear wigs in the past? How did people measure time before clocks existed? Kids often bombard adults with fascinating questions that can be tough to answer. Instead of suggesting they Google it or making up an answer, turn to Forever Ago. Hosted by Joy Dolo, this podcast offers engaging history lessons for kids and families, exploring the surprising origins of everyday things like ice cream, video games, and baths, revealing how the ordinary was once extraordinary.
Flyest Fables
Flyest Fables is a modern, interconnected anthology of hopepunk stories perfect for today’s audience. Starting with season one, episode one, listeners meet Antoine, a young boy facing school bullying. His life changes when he discovers a magical book that transports him to the world of Princess Keisha, where he helps her save her mother and the Kingdom of Orleans. Whether your family loves fantasy or simply enjoys great storytelling, this podcast will captivate you. Antoine’s journey offers lessons on bullying and fitting in, all wrapped in a fun, engaging narrative without heavy-handed morals.
It’s a Clue
For a family-friendly take on true crime, check out It’s a Clue. Hosts Kelly and Karen dive into beloved teen detective mysteries like Nancy Drew, The Baby-Sitter’s Club, and The Hardy Boys, treating these fictional cases with the seriousness of real investigations. Revisit the stories you secretly devoured as a kid, now revitalized with a fresh, modern twist. Kelly and Karen bring humor, curiosity, and a deep love for these iconic characters as they hunt for clues, ask questions, and solve mysteries, making it a delightful trip down memory lane.
Nice to Meet You
Nice to Meet You transports listeners to Professor Burkhead’s space station, orbiting high above Earth. Each episode features his “Unifier,” a device that sparks conversations between two seemingly unrelated beings—like an accountant and a giant squid or a beaver and an ice cream vendor. Through these quirky pairings, they explore their differences, discover common ground, and learn from each other’s unique experiences. The show blends humor and oddity, packed with jokes and unexpected lessons about embracing diversity. Plus, the theme song is a standout.
Play On!
Got a young theater enthusiast at home? Play On! offers captivating audio adaptations of Shakespeare’s classics, designed to engage older kids and delight adults. With original music and performances by acclaimed actors, the podcast brings plays like Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life in a format tailored for modern listeners. Created by top playwrights, directors, and composers, these productions introduce kids to Shakespeare’s brilliance while offering adults a fresh, immersive experience. It’s the perfect way to spark a love for the Bard in the next generation.
