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Where would we be without podcasts? Once an oddity for audiophiles, podcasts have steadily become as much a part of our everyday routines as a favorite TV show. Whether you need something thought-provoking to keep you mind busy on a long commute, a quick way to keep up with what's happening in the news, a bit of indulgence to take your mind off your worries, or intriguing facts to make you think about how your world works, these audio productions cover an almost unfathomable range of topics and styles to suit every taste. Here, we've rounded up some must-listen new entries and ongoing favorites alike that Town & Country editors are obsessed with now.
Archetypes
You don't have to be a royal fan to appreciate Meghan Markle's first foray into the podcast world (though there's plenty to enjoy here if you are.) In fact, her show, which recently wrapped its first season, is all about women, specifically "the labels that try to hold women back". In it Meghan shares conversations with the likes of Serena Williams, Mindy Kaling, Mariah Carey, and Paris Hilton on life, business, race, and creativity, sharing her own thoughts and moments from real life along the way.
Articles of Interest
Avery Trufelman's interrogation on the world of fashion has returned with a new season with a singular focus: the history and meaning behind the proliferation of preppy style. From the establishment of Brooks Brothers and the quads of the Ivy League to the Japanese fashion mogul who crafted the concept of "American Ivy" and the rise of Ralph Lauren, the podcast is a can't-stop-listening deep dive not only on preppy style itself, but on the concept of trends, how culture defines the concept of "cool", and the globalization of fashion.
Royally Obsessed
This all-time T&C editor favorite podcast gives us the scoop on what’s happening in the British royal family in an insightful and hilarious way. From details on every single Meghan or Kate appearance to a dedicated appreciation of the royal kids, this is the perfect podcast for those looking for a weekly update on their favorite royals.
The Trojan Horse Affair
Serial Productions made a name for themselves with one of the first breakout true crime podcast hits, Serial, and years on they continue to prove themselves to be a compelling voice in the space. Their latest show is the product of a years-long investigation on how an anonymous letter to an official in Birmingham, England, detailing a plot by Islamic extremists to infiltrate the city's schools, led to huge changes throughout the country, and digs into the lingering mystery of who sent the letter in the first place.
Normal Gossip
The world is full of celebrity gossip, but the juiciest stories aren't reserved for the A-list. In this show, listeners anonymously submit the most jaw-dropping, hilarious, and scandalous drama from their real lives for us all to pour over with vicarious glee.
Dark House
From the dilapidated Hamptons Estate of Jackie Kennedy’s eccentric aunt and cousin, Little Edie, to the Beverly Hills farmhouse where Sharon Tate and four others were murdered by members of the Manson Family cult, Dark House shines a spotlight on America’s most infamous homes. In each episode, hosts and House Beautiful editors Hadley Mendelsohn and Alyssa Fiorentino take listeners on a journey through the mysterious history of a different house, trying to uncover whether it's haunted by a bad reputation or something more.
If Books Could Kill
The latest of Michael Hobbes's (of Maintenance Phase and You're Wrong About fame) podcast entries, this show, which Hobbes co-hosts with Peter Shamshiri (of the 5-4 podcast) focuses on society and culture through the lens of so-called "airport books"—best-sellers like Freakonomics, Outliers, and The Game—specifically what those books get wrong, and what we, as readers, got wrong by obsessing over them.
Planet Money
NPR's beloved econ podcast manages to create a perfect blend of education and entertainment, truly making good on its promise of “the economy, explained," by delving into everything from inflation to cryptocurrency to current world events with stories that are surprisingly humanizing and relatable, to remind us all of the ways the economy both impacts and reflects our society.
Kuper Island
This 8-part series, which tells the story of four students who attended one of Canada’s most notorious residential schools, isn't an easy listen, but it is a profoundly impactful one. With interviews with some of the survivors of the school's horrific abuses, as well as those who have tried to uncover the truth of what happened there, the podcast explored not only the terrible reality that was inflicted on the Indigenous children at the school but also the ripple effects of trauma through their lives and communities.
99% Invisible
Design-minded fans, take note: this podcast, which investigates the ways design and architecture plays into our everyday lives, will make you aware of the world around you in ways you've never been before. Topics range from how the invention of the multiplex changed the film industry, the ways that city planning influenced urban squirrel populations, and how one Goodnight Moon-hating librarian created children's sections as we know them—all told in the dulcet tones of host Roman Mars.
Radiolab
This long-running podcast covers practically every topic under the sun, making it a great listen for those who like to mix things up. Whether it's the science of how horseshoe crab blood revolutionized the medical industry, the story of how voice actor Mel Blanc may have been saved by his most famous character, Bugs Bunny, or and exploration of why we were all so worried about quicksand as kids, there's always something fascinating, thought-provoking, and often hilarious to be found on Radiolab.
Maintenance Phase
Not your average wellness podcast, this show, hosted by Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes drops knowledge on all things wellness, from the rise of the "obesity epidemic" and the dangers of anti-fat bias, as well as the ephemera like fad diets, the history of calorie counting, and that moment in the '90s when we were all obsessed with Snackwell cookies.
Pivot
Twice a week, tech journalist Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway share their insights on the latest tech, business, and political news. Come for the sharp, incisive analysis, stay for the banter.
Trashy Divorces
If you live for a bit of celebrity romance gossip, this podcast is the stuff dreams are made of. Together, hosts Stacie and Alicia delve into the not so tidy relationships, makeups, and breakups of famous couples. From Elizabeth Taylor's many divorces, to the loves (and lusts) of King Henry VIII, to modern obsessions like the couples of RHONY and, of course, Bennifer this show is sure to sate your schadenfreude appetite.
Borderline Salty
If the kitchen is your happy place, bring an extra infusion of joy with the dynamic duo of Carla Lalli Music and Rick Martinez (both veterans of Bon Appetit) who use their years of experience in cooking and recipe development to offer essential technique tips, dream up perfect dinners, and chat charmingly about all things food.
A Thing or Two with Claire and Erica
Every week, this fast-talking duo extol their latest and greatest discoveries from tips on modern motherhood to the perfect airplane snack to Instagram-worthy earrings. Their on-point recommendations are complemented by interviews with the entrepreneurs you’re about to hear about everywhere.
Switched On Pop
Why do we love the songs we love? Each week, this podcast takes a deep dive into popular music, from choosing an official “song of the summer” to breaking down the latest Beyoncé album, Switched on Pop brings you the stories, musical influences, and history behind every ear worm.
How I Built This
Hosted by Guy Raz, this podcast features interviews with entrepreneurs and founders, sharing the fascinating backstories of some of the most noteworthy startups and companies of our day. Think: Charlie Clifford of Tumi and Roam luggage, Max Levchin of PayPal, and Milk Bar's Christina Tosi. This podcast is a must-listen for any aspiring entrepreneurs.
Decoder Ring
Pop culture is full of mysteries: where did gender reveal parties come from? When did we all get obsessed with hydration? What was the deal with the viral sensation #TheDress? This podcast is aimed at answering all of those questions and more with an approachably snarky attitude that feels like chatting with a shockingly culture-savvy friend.
How to Be Human
"How to Be Human has been an essential listen for me since it launched in 2021. Each week I tune in to listen Anna Toonk and Nina Endrst chat about the feelings and experiences that make us who we are—everything from explorations of forgiveness and resentment, to lively chats about the subconscious. I always walk away with a new perspective and questions to ask that better shape my understanding of myself and the people around me. Bonus: Toonk and Endrst have banter that makes me feel like I'm hanging out with my buddies."—Roxanne Adamiyatt, Deputy Digital Lifestyle Director
Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.
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