Are you on the hunt for the best Apple podcasts that cater to your interests, whether it’s storytelling, news, comedy, or deep dives into niche topics? With an ever-expanding array of podcasts available on Apple Podcasts, finding the perfect one can be both thrilling and overwhelming. Fret not! We’ve curated a list of the most popular and highly-rated podcasts on Apple to enrich your listening experience.
Crime Junkie
If you’re captivated by all things crime-related, look no further than Crime Junkie. Starting as a casual interest, this podcast now fills the true-crime-shaped hole in the lives of countless enthusiasts. Are you the one at the gym tuning into murder stories instead of music, or the friend dropping “fun facts” about infamous local murders while others discuss dinner plans? Maybe you’ve devoured all the mystery books and now find solace in podcasts like Crime Junkie, wishing Gillian Flynn would release more content to satisfy your insatiable appetite. Ever found yourself meticulously scouring the internet for intriguing details about potential friends or lovers, imagining yourself as a born detective? Crime Junkie, since its debut in December 2017, has maintained its dominance atop the charts, boasting over 500 million downloads across 630 gripping stories. Not just a podcast, Crime Junkie has also made a significant impact by donating $643,000 to charity, making it a compelling choice for crime enthusiasts seeking their fix.
Listeners seeking thrilling true-crime narratives consistently turn to Crime Junkie, an ever-popular podcast that has remained at the pinnacle of entertainment since its inception in December 2017. With an extensive library of 630 compelling stories and a staggering 500 million downloads, this podcast has cemented itself as the go-to source for those passionate about crime-related content. It resonates deeply with individuals who find themselves engrossed in murder mysteries rather than mainstream music during workouts or casually dropping chilling facts about infamous local crimes in social conversations. For those whose voracious appetite for mystery books has left them longing for more, Crime Junkie fills the void. This podcast’s allure extends beyond gripping storytelling; it has made a tangible impact by donating $643,000 to charity, reinforcing its significance beyond the realm of entertainment. Dive into Crime Junkie and satiate your fascination for the darker side of human nature.
The Daily
Experience news as it should be heard with ‘The Daily’ podcast, delivering impactful stories of our era narrated by top-tier journalists worldwide. Hosted by Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise, this podcast offers a concise, insightful daily news briefing. In just twenty minutes a day, five days a week, starting at 6 a.m., dive into in-depth coverage of the most significant global happenings.
Dateline NBC
Experience the intrigue of true-crime narratives with Dateline NBC, offering a blend of current episodes and timeless classics. Delve into a world of captivating mysteries, compelling documentaries, and thorough investigations. This podcast keeps listeners on the edge with its gripping storytelling, showcasing a rich collection of true-crime cases and in-depth explorations
SmartLess
“SmartLess,” featuring Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett, is an engaging podcast designed to bridge diverse communities through genuine conversations and spontaneous humor. This podcast uniquely explores shared human experiences through candid discussions and organic interactions. A standout feature of each episode is the surprise revelation of a mystery guest by one of the hosts to the other two, leading to unscripted and authentic dialogues. Listeners can expect laughter, fresh insights, and a stimulating exchange of ideas that nourish the SmartLess audience’s curiosity.
“SmartLess” with its dynamic trio of hosts, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett, invites listeners to join an intriguing journey of shared experiences and unfiltered conversations. This podcast stands out for its genuine and impromptu discussions, delivering a mix of laughter and enlightening moments. A distinctive highlight is the surprise unveiling of a mystery guest in every episode, fostering organic interactions that result in authentic dialogues filled with newfound knowledge and humor, catering to the inquisitive minds of the SmartLess community.
This American Life
Experience the captivating world of real-life stories and compelling narratives with ‘This American Life,’ a globally renowned weekly podcast that unveils unique themes transcending conventional storytelling. Hosted by the illustrious Ira Glass and crafted in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago, each episode of ‘This American Life’ transforms true stories into riveting radio movies. Delve into personal anecdotes laced with humor, intense emotions, and unforeseen twists, creating an immersive audio journey. As the recipient of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for its groundbreaking content, this podcast resonates with audiences worldwide, offering a blend of news stories that reflect the essence of contemporary life.
Morbid
“Morbid” is your go-to true crime and spooky history podcast, featuring an intriguing blend of chilling narratives and captivating storytelling. Hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist, this show offers a unique perspective on true crime stories and creepy historical events. Dive into in-depth research combined with a sprinkle of comedy to make the experience both informative and entertaining. Explore the darkest corners of true crime and unearth eerie historical tales, making “Morbid” a must-listen for those who love a lighthearted yet spine-tingling journey into the macabre.
Up First
Experience NPR’s ‘Up First,’ delivering essential morning news to kickstart your day. Get a concise rundown of the top three stories in just 10 minutes, featuring in-depth reporting and analysis from NPR News. Hosted by a stellar team including Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, and A Martinez on weekdays, this podcast ensures you’re updated by 6 a.m. ET. Additionally, catch Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon on Saturdays at 8 a.m. ET, while Sundays offer a deeper dive into the headlines with ‘The Sunday Story’ hosted by Ayesha Rascoe, available by 8 a.m. Don’t miss the insights and comprehensive coverage to stay informed with ‘Up First.
Huberman Lab
“Explore the fascinating realms of neuroscience with the Huberman Lab podcast, hosted by Dr. Andrew Huberman, a distinguished neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford School of Medicine. Delve into captivating discussions centered around understanding how our brain functions, interacts with our body’s organs, shapes our behaviors, and influences our overall health. The podcast illuminates emerging tools designed to measure and transform the workings of our nervous system, offering valuable insights into neural plasticity—the brain’s incredible ability to rewire itself and facilitate learning of new behaviors, skills, and cognitive functions.
Dr. Andrew Huberman, recognized for groundbreaking contributions in brain development and function, has earned accolades including the Cogan Award for pioneering discoveries in vision studies. His recent research endeavors explore the profound impact of vision and respiration on human performance and brain states such as fear and courage. Additionally, he spearheads clinical trials aimed at enhancing visual restoration in diseases causing blindness and actively develops tools adopted by elite military units, athletes, and technology industries to optimize performance, foster neural plasticity, alleviate stress, and enhance sleep quality. Renowned publications like Nature, Science, and Cell have featured the remarkable work originating from the Huberman Laboratory at Stanford School of Medicine, gaining traction in esteemed media outlets such as TIME, BBC, and Scientific American.”
“The Huberman Lab podcast, inaugurated by Dr. Huberman in 2021, consistently secures its place among the top-ranking podcasts globally. Garnering frequent top-five positions and often claiming the coveted #1 spot in categories like Science, Education, and Health & Fitness, this podcast offers a treasure trove of knowledge and insights into the intricate world of neuroscience. Tune in to explore the cutting-edge research, expert insights, and practical applications discussed on the podcast, shedding light on the inner workings of the human brain and its impact on our lives. Discover the keys to optimizing performance, understanding neural plasticity, and nurturing a healthier mind and body through the Huberman Lab podcast—where science meets innovation for a better understanding of ourselves.”
Hidden Brain
“Hidden Brain, hosted by Shankar Vedantam, ingeniously intertwines science and storytelling to uncover the subtle yet influential unconscious patterns steering human behavior, shaping our decisions, and molding the dynamics of our relationships. Through riveting narratives, Vedantam delves into the depths of our minds, unraveling the mysteries behind the driving forces that determine our actions, preferences, and connections.
Stuff You Should Know
“Stuff You Should Know” is a captivating podcast that delves into an eclectic mix of fascinating topics, ranging from champagne and satanism to the Stonewall Uprising and chaos theory. Hosted by the dynamic duo Josh and Chuck, this show serves as an engaging exploration into diverse subjects. Whether unraveling the mysteries of LSD, discussing El Nino’s impact, exploring true crime stories, or celebrating the legacy of Rosa Parks, Josh and Chuck provide in-depth insights and engaging discussions that cater to the curious-minded.
Listeners are treated to a wealth of knowledge and entertaining banter as the hosts navigate through various subjects, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment. Each episode promises an immersive experience, ensuring audiences walk away with a deeper understanding of these intriguing topics covered in “Stuff You Should Know.” Dive into this podcast to uncover a world of captivating stories and gain a wealth of information about a wide array of subjects.
If you are interested in listening to a variety of podcasts, you may want to check out the best podcasts in various genres such as cricket, true crime, horror, sci-fi, motivational, spiritual, food, parenting, entrepreneurship, for kids, World War II, home automation, learning new languages, starting a podcast, history, finance, cryptocurrency, football, mental health, and wildlife
In Conclusion
Whether you’re a podcast aficionado or a newcomer exploring the world of audio content, these handpicked Apple podcasts promise to deliver exceptional entertainment, knowledge, and storytelling. Dive into these captivating shows on Apple Podcasts today and experience the best in the world of podcasting.
Looking for more podcast recommendations or eager to explore different genres? Stay tuned to our platform for regular updates on the latest and greatest podcasts across various platforms.
Happy listening!
FAQs
1. How were these top Apple podcasts selected?
We meticulously curated this list based on a combination of factors including user ratings, reviews, consistency in content quality, engagement levels, and overall popularity on the Apple Podcasts platform.
2. Are these podcasts available for free on Apple Podcasts?
Yes, all the mentioned podcasts can be accessed for free on Apple Podcasts. Simply download the Apple Podcasts app on your iOS device or access them via iTunes on your computer, search for the podcast title, and start listening.
3. Can I listen to these podcasts on platforms other than Apple Podcasts?
While these podcasts are prominently featured on Apple Podcasts, many of them are available on other podcast platforms such as Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. Check your preferred podcast app to see if these shows are available.
4. Do these podcasts cover a diverse range of topics?
Absolutely! The selected podcasts encompass a wide array of genres and topics, catering to various interests. From true crime and news analysis to comedy, education, and interviews, there’s something for everyone.
5. How frequently are new episodes released for these podcasts?
The release schedules vary for each podcast. While some podcasts follow a daily schedule, others might release new episodes weekly or irregularly. To stay updated, subscribe to the podcasts and enable notifications to receive alerts for new episodes.
6. Can I leave reviews or ratings for these podcasts on Apple Podcasts?
Yes, Apple Podcasts allows listeners to leave reviews and ratings for their favorite podcasts. Your feedback helps other users discover quality content and assists podcast creators in improving their shows.
7. Are there additional recommendations for similar podcasts?
Certainly! Our platform regularly updates recommendations for podcasts across various genres and interests. Stay tuned for more curated lists and recommendations to explore a broader spectrum of exceptional podcast content.
8. How can I support my favorite podcasts?
Supporting your favorite podcasts can be as simple as subscribing, leaving positive reviews, sharing episodes on social media, or even supporting them through platforms like Patreon or merchandise purchases if the podcast offers such options.
9. Can I download episodes to listen to them offline?
Yes, on Apple Podcasts, you can download episodes for offline listening. Look for the download option beside the episodes or toggle the download feature within the app settings to enjoy your favorite podcasts without an internet connection.
10. Are there age restrictions on these podcasts?
Podcasts cater to various audiences, and some may contain explicit content or themes not suitable for all ages. Check the podcast descriptions or respective episodes for any content warnings or age recommendations provided by the hosts.
About Author
The Podcasting Research Team is a dynamic and passionate group of young researchers who are dedicated to exploring the world of podcasting. Whether you’re a podcast creator, a marketer, or simply a curious listener, the work of The Podcasting Research Team can provide valuable insights into the trends and best practices in the podcasting world.
