A Round-Up of Podcasts to Start Listening To Right Now, No Matter What Genre You’re Into
If you’re new around here, let me tell you that I am obsessed with podcasts. It really grew at the start of quarantine, but even before, I was listening to podcasts on my way to work, on long walks and drives, and when I went to the grocery store. Now, I listen to them as I work, cleaning, doing dishes, cooking dinner in addition to on long drives and shopping. Sometimes, I have a hard time choosing a podcast because I’ve listened to all of them and I have to find a new one!
So, there’s a podcast for everyone! True crime junkies, aspiring comedians, influencers-in-training, bookworms, and of course, the reality TV-obsessed. So, here are just a few podcasts to listen to—sorted into four genres. And as always, comment any suggestions down below!
For the Bookworms:
Before I start this list of book podcasts, I want to also include my separate blog post that details five bookish podcasts for the one who’s looking for their next read.
Bad on Paper Podcast
Grace Atwood (blogger and founder of TheStripe.com) and Becca Freeman (freelance marketing consultant and co-creator of RomComPods), are 30-something bookworms and friends and they join together in this podcast to give a dose of books, banter, and folks you should be following. Each month, they have a book club pick and they always devote one episode that month to discussing the book. (Sometimes, they even interview the author as a bonus episode!) Other episodes, they talk about politics, life things, and more recently, their favorite quarantine activities and quirks. They also interview various guests to have important conversations. This one is one of my must-listens!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Books and the City
Your new book BFFs! I was just listening to this today, and oh my, it doesn’t disappoint. All four hosts on this podcast come together to talk about their most recent read (all different), but also their monthly book club pick. They’ve interviewed authors and other influencers to talk about books and other life things.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
The Stacks
Hosted by Traci Thomas, The Stacks includes book reviews, recommendations, listicles, and other bookish thoughts. A virtual book club for bookworms, Traci also interviews guests from film and TV, community leaders, publishing professionals, and bestselling authors. They talk about books but also how books have an impact on society. Highly, highly recommend!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
For Those Looking for Lifestyle and Girl Chat Podcasts:
Again, I’ve written about lifestyle podcasts that you can listen to in quarantine. I’ll link it here, but most of them are on this list as well.
Gals on the Go
Hosted by influencers and YouTubers Danielle Carolan and Brooke Miccio, you’ll find girl chat and story times in each episode. They talk about everything from their travel adventures, favorite things, small businesses, navigating college and post-grad life, and other topics that are submitted by listeners. They also interview guests from the Tik Tok star to college students with side hustles. Highly recommend for the gal who is looking for girl chat podcasts!
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Thick and Thin
Okay, I love this podcast because it’s not your typical “girl chat” podcast. Katy Bellotte, the host, is a fantastic storyteller who shares stories of iconic people from the past but also shares her own personal experiences and offers advice. Past episodes have included the life and legacy of Selma Burke, stress spirals and the history of stress, and the history of the high heel. Highly, highly recommend for if you’re going on a long road trip or just taking a long 45-minute walk.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Real Pod with Victoria Garrick
Former Division 1 volleyball player and TED Talk speaker, Victoria Garrick, talks about mental health, body image, and eating disorders on this podcast. She brings guests on to talk about anything around success, failure, life, and challenge.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
But Honestly Podcast
This is a new podcast, but I still recommend for some much-needed girl chat! But Honestly is hosted by two New Yorkers, Lily Moe and Shannon Haupert, who chat about everything from Trader Joe’s to being a twenty-something in New York City. Again, listen for some much needed, relatable NYC lifestyle content.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Happy Hour with Gretchen Geraghty
This is another story time, girl chat podcast where Gretchen Geraghty, the host and lifestyle YouTuber, chats about post-grad life, struggles of a twenty-something, current favorites, relationships, and being totally open and real. She brings on guests to chat about anything and everything. Some recent episodes have been about body image, friendships, grief, depression, and authenticity and she’s interviewed guests like Danielle Carolan, Anna Heid, and Tori DeSimone. Truly, you will not regret this podcast because Gretchen is one of the most positive YouTubers out there!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
But What’s Next? With Michelle Reed
Michelle Reed, a YouTuber and content creator, hosts this podcast and talks about the post-grad question we all ask ourselves: what’s next? She brings on some of her personal mentors to shed some light on topics like negotiating your first salary, budgeting, and finding a career path. Some of her recent episodes have included daily habits and self-discipline, post-grad anxiety, giving grace, and starting a fitness routine and interviewing fitness trainer and business owner Sydney Cummings.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
I Love You So Much with Kenzie Elizabeth
Kenzie Elizabeth is a lifestyle YouTuber who interviews influencers, artists, authors, experts, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and thought leaders on her podcast, I Love You So Much with Kenzie Elizabeth. Topics include branding, relationships, productivity, mental health, and more. Some recent episodes include interviews with Jamie Kern Lima on believing in yourself and perseverance, with Maggie MacDonald on giving up alcohol and personal growth, with Marianna Hewitt, the founder of Summer Fridays, and an interview with Rachel Cruze on her new book about breaking bad money habits. Highly recommend this podcast if you want to learn more about different subjects that Kenzie talks about.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
The Real Reel Podcast
Hosted by content creator and entrepreneur Natalie Barbu, The Real Reel Podcast discusses real life, real people, real careers. Natalie interviews different experts in their field, including founders of health and wellness brand “Whimsy Official,” Jess Hunichen, co-founder of a talent management agency, and influencers like Katy Bellotte and Shelby Church. Highly recommend!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
For Fans of Reality TV and The Bachelor:
Bachelor podcasts have gotten increasingly popular over recent years. While some podcasts gloss over it on various segments, some podcasts dive in-depth on each episode and talk about important topics regarding the franchise.
The Blckchelorettes with Vic and Mi
Join two Black womxn, Vic and Mi, where they discuss Blackness, activism, and the Bachelor franchise. While they talk about the Bachelor, they also try to amplify Black voices and pressing issues of social justice—and highlight organizations that do the same. Some recent episodes talk about the latest season of The Bachelor and bring on guests (even contestants!) to recap the show.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Off the Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe
If you watch the Bachelor but don’t know who Kaitlyn Bristowe is … then what are you doing? Kaitlyn, on her podcast, keeps it real with her audience and guests by sharing laughs, important and honest conversations, taboo topics, unfiltered advice, and of course, wine. She even interviews people not from The Bachelor, including the Bella twins, some of her Dancing with the Stars fellow contestants like Jeannie Mai and her own partner, Artem. Some of her most recent episodes are with Abigail Heringer of Matt James’s season, Olivia Caridi, and Matt James himself. Listen if you absolutely love pop culture and sarcasm, because let’s be real, Kaitlyn is the dose of sarcasm and humor that you need.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Bachelor Happy Hour
The official Bachelor Nation podcast, hosted by Rachel Lindsay and Becca Kufrin (both former Bachelorettes), discuss and share their stories and experiences on this podcast. They discuss all things Bachelor-nation related, discuss each episode after it airs, interview contestants and the leads themselves, and chat with fellow show alumni. They also talk about important conversations, as I highly recommend one of their most recent episodes about race in the franchise, “Rachel & Becca Discuss Accountability Within Bachelor Nation, Jessenia Joins” with Jessenia Cruz, one of the contestants on Matt’s season. Highly, highly recommend!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Justin Takes the Bach
This podcast is all about The Bachelor franchise and hosted by Justin Cole Adams, who brings on guests each week—including past contestants—for weekly recaps on the current season, updates from Bachelor Nation, and exclusive interviews with cast members. Some recent episodes include Eric Bigger and Tik Tok star Zachary Reality.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
The Popcast with Knox and Jamie
Let me preface by saying: this podcast isn’t just for Christians! What I love about The Popcast, hosted by Jamie and Knox, is that even though the hosts are Christians and do talk about pop culture within the realms of Christianity, they do not make it solely faith-based. This is one of the perfect intersections between faith and pop culture. However, I do recommend for Christians who are obsessed with anything pop culture … and that includes The Bachelor! If you love The Bachelor(ette) like me, Jamie and Knox actually do recaps of the franchise episodes on their podcast.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
For Christians:
Before I list out a few podcasts, I have a blog post on faith-filled podcasts! These podcasts are good for anyone who wants to dive deeper into their faith, explore Christianity, and hear from inspirational guests on important conversations.
Whoa That’s Good Podcast
Sadie Robertson is a writer, author, speaker, and founder of “Live Original” in addition to hosting the podcast Whoa That’s Good. Sadie interviews authors, athletes, musicians, speakers, and stars of film and TV. Some recent episodes include a part 1 and part 2 episodes with Pastor Ben Stuart of Passion City Church DC, Bachelor star Ben Higgins and his fiancée, and even Sadie’s great-grandmother who gives advice. Highly recommend for the gal who’s looking to dive deep into her faith!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
The Bible Binge
The Bible Binge is hosted by Knox McCoy and Jamie Golden from The Popcast (another great podcast!), who recap the Bible as if they’re recapping a TV show. Love pop culture? Want to know the Bible more? Listen to this podcast, like stat.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Bought + Beloved With Kirby Minnick
Kirby Minnick is a young twenty-something who teaches the Bible through not only this podcast, but various speaking events and her YouTube channel. Each podcast episode dives into either a particular passage or chapter from the Bible or on an important topic that’s Bible-related. Her podcast is very much rooted in God’s Word and if you need a podcast to learn more about God, I highly recommend Kirby’s podcast!
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Becoming Something with Jonathan Pokluda
Jonathan Pokluda, pastor at Harris Creek Baptist Church, discuss life in your twenties with two other hosts and help twenty somethings navigate tough questions that you may be going through. Some episodes have included topics about dating, singleness, modesty, and spiritual gifts and also episodes with special guests including Tara-Leigh Cobble and Jeanine Amapola.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
For the True-Crime Obsessed:
My Favorite Murder
This one, I’ve definitely been recommended by the true crime-obsessed. Hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, each episode covers different murders and the hosts tell their favorite tales of murder and hear hometown crime stories from friends and fans. Interestingly enough, Karen Kilgariff is a stand-up comedian so I’m sure you’ll laugh at some parts of each episode.
Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Crime Junkie Podcast
This one, I highly recommend for all the true crime junkies, name pun intended. The hosts, Ashley Flowers and Brit are true crime junkies who are truly crime-obsessed. They report on stories that I’ve hardly even heard of and stories that have been talked about for years. Pro tip: do not listen right before you go to bed.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
