Embarking on a sonic journey through the digital airwaves, podcasts have become an integral part of our daily lives, offering a diverse array of content that spans genres, interests, and perspectives. As we step into 2023, the podcast landscape continues to evolve, bringing forth an intriguing mix of entertainment, education, and enlightenment. In this exploration of the auditory realm, we unveil the curtain on The 10 Most Popular Podcasts of 2023, showcasing the captivating narratives, thought-provoking discussions, and engaging personalities that have captured the hearts and ears of millions around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned podcast enthusiast or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of spoken-word content, this curated list promises an auditory feast that resonates with the pulse of the times.
The List of the 10 Most Popular Podcasts of 2023
10. My Favorite Murder
Interested in joining the ranks of Murderinos? That’s what enthusiasts of the widely acclaimed true crime podcast My Favorite Murder proudly call themselves.
Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark go beyond the realms of true crime, delving into profound issues within the genre, such as sexual abuse, mental health, women’s rights, and sex work. The hosts also candidly share aspects of their personal lives, discussing struggles related to mental health, addiction, and religion.
In 2020, the podcast garnered an impressive 35 million monthly downloads. With bi-weekly episodes ranging from 60 to 120 minutes, My Favorite Murder offers a compelling and multifaceted exploration of true crime and beyond.
9. Morbid: A True Crime Podcast
If you’re a fan of true crime and horror narratives, tune in to Morbid: A True Crime Podcast, where hosts Alaina Urquhart, an autopsy technician, and Ashleigh “Ash” Kelley, a hairdresser, unravel gripping tales.
Within the podcast, anticipate engaging content on murder mysteries, chilling myths, eerie history, and haunted locales. Rest assured, the show isn’t all about darkness—there’s a generous sprinkling of humor to balance the somber themes.
8. Office Ladies
Longing for the nostalgic charm of The Office and eager to reminisce about the good old days? Look no further than Office Ladies, where Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesly) and Angela Kinsey (Angela Martin) take you on a delightful trip down memory lane.
In this podcast, the two provide commentary on episodes from The Office and engage with fan questions. Notable guests, including co-stars, producers, and writers from The Office, grace the show, with Rainn Wilson being among the most noteworthy.
Maintaining the lighthearted spirit of the TV show, the hosts showcase fantastic chemistry as they playfully tease each other and share amusing stories about their lives and the behind-the-scenes magic of crafting the TV episodes.
Each podcast episode kicks off with a brief summary of The Office episode, followed by a meticulous scene-by-scene analysis and intriguing tidbits about the filming process, props, and scripts.
7. Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy is a dating and relationship podcast with a sex-positive approach that has gained popularity, particularly among women. The content is explicit and bold, featuring stories, sex advice, girl talk, and discussions on millennial culture.
Capturing the essence of the show, The New York Post stated, “Virtually nothing is off-limits for the two roommates (except Cooper’s former relationship with Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard) on their weekly show — which spans the conversational gamut from sex acts like the ‘gluck gluck 9000’ to them listening to each other get it on from the next room. The content went wildfire within two months from 12,000 to 2 million listeners.”
Commencing in 2018, the podcast was acquired by Spotify in 2021 for a substantial $60 million.
6. The Ben Shapiro Show
The Ben Shapiro Show stands out as a premier podcast representing the right end of the political spectrum.
Ben Shapiro gained prominence following his debate on gun control with Piers Morgan, showcasing his rapid and articulate speaking style that resonates well with conservative intellectuals.
The podcast delves into American political events, news, and cultural discussions, offering a conservative perspective.
5. Pod Save America
For those inclined toward a politically left-leaning podcast delving into the week’s political news, this is a must-listen.
Initiated by three former Obama staffers in response to Donald Trump’s presidency, the early episodes concentrated on the unfolding events during Trump’s term.
The podcast features notable interviews with influential figures such as Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, and Joe Biden.
While Pod Save America primarily centers on American politics, those seeking international coverage can explore Pod Save The World.
4. Stuff You Should Know
Do you have a curiosity about the world and a keen interest in understanding how things operate? If so, dive into Stuff You Should Know, affectionately referred to by fans as SYSK.
With a vast library of over 1400 episodes, just the titles themselves will entice you to grab your headphones and start listening immediately. Examples include intriguing topics like “How Police Interrogation Works,” “How Money Laundering Works,” and “How Schizophrenia Works.”
Rooted in science and factual information, the creators aimed to craft a show that demystifies a wide range of subjects. Each episode spans an hour, featuring two hosts with delightful banter and rapport, making the podcast an engaging and informative listening experience.
3. This American Life
This American Life, commonly known as TAL and hosted by radio personality Ira Glass, clinched the Pulitzer Prize for best audio journalism in 2020.
Renowned for its exceptional storytelling, TAL employs a captivating blend of field recordings, unconventional music, essays, and radio monologues to delve into the genuine experiences of everyday individuals in America. The narratives presented are intimate, humorous, poignant, and often unexpected.
Despite being one of the more seasoned podcasts on the roster, This American Life remains remarkably popular among podcast enthusiasts.
2. The Daily
Eager to explore a podcast delving into the latest and most pertinent news stories? Look no further than The Daily, the world’s second most popular podcast, trailing only the Joe Rogan Experience.
Consider The Daily as the New York Times in auditory form, with each episode spanning a duration of 25 to 45 minutes. Hosted by Michael Barbaro, the podcast features insightful interviews with New York Times journalists who have covered the day’s most compelling stories. Elevating the production value and storytelling are the inclusion of impactful music and relevant audio clips throughout the episodes.
Launched in 2017, The Daily provides in-depth coverage of domestic and international politics, along with major news events. By 2020, it had amassed an impressive 2 million downloads per episode.
1. The Joe Rogan Experience
In 2009, Joe Rogan introduced The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, swiftly rising to become one of the globe’s most widely embraced podcasts.
While predominantly attracting a male audience, this podcast is a captivating choice for anyone intrigued by extensive three-hour dialogues spanning politics, UFOs, stand-up comedy, history, psychology, psychedelics, and a myriad of other subjects.
Joe Rogan, though at times a contentious figure, has garnered attention for hosting guests who have disseminated misinformation about Covid. His penchant for open-mindedness occasionally leads him to feature conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones.
Nevertheless, Joe Rogan has also played host to reputable figures in the scientific community, including Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Professor Brian Cox, Steven Pinker, and Sir Roger Penrose. This demonstrates Rogan’s willingness to engage with individuals from diverse perspectives, provided they bring something intriguing to the table.
The podcast boasts an impressive audience of approximately 11 million listeners per episode.
Conclusion
As we bring our auditory expedition to a close, the diverse landscape of the The 10 Most Popular Podcasts of 2023 stands as a testament to the ever-expanding richness of the podcasting universe. From gripping true crime narratives to enlightening discussions on science and culture, these podcasts have woven a tapestry that mirrors the multifaceted interests and curiosities of today’s global audience. As we bid farewell to this curated selection, it becomes evident that podcasts have transcended mere entertainment, becoming powerful vessels for connection, learning, and exploration. In an era where voices echo across digital waves, these popular podcasts have not only entertained but have also sparked conversations, challenged perspectives, and left an indelible imprint on the evolving landscape of spoken-word content. As we look ahead, the world of podcasts promises an exciting journey into uncharted sonic territories, where discovery awaits with each play button pressed.
