By now almost everyone has become familiar with podcasts and the variety of topics that range from true-crime stories, health & fitness, global news, celebrity gossip, and much more. Podcasts have increasingly taken over streaming platforms and are only growing more and more popular as social media influencers, celebrities, and recognized figures are unveiling their own podcasts. The podcast format which consists of simple audio content is perfect for college students who tread a busy lifestyle but still want to fit in a bit of entertainment into their daily lives. Whether you are at the gym, working on homework, taking a study break, or running some errands podcasts offer the convenience and accessibility needed to multitask between getting work done and indulging in some quality entertainment. No matter your interests, you are bound to find the perfect podcast that will draw you in and become your newest obsession. Meanwhile, here is a list of the top five podcasts that should be on every college student’s radar.
- My Favorite Murder
Hosted by two female comedians, My Favorite Murder is a podcast catering to those who are interested in the extensive research and psychological motives behind true-crime cases. This podcast has garnered immense traction throughout the years and now has a cult following also known as the “Murderinos.” You might be questioning what makes this podcast a fan favorite and the answer is in the disturbing, chilling, and shocking stories that are sure to have you on your feet. With over two hundred episodes, this podcast has covered many popular true-crime mysteries such as the JonBenet Ramsey case as well as other uncovered cases such as the gruesome story on Japanese cannibal, Issei Sagawa. Although these stories are not for the weak, in a usual comedic manner, the narrators’ add some lightheartedness to the stories so the reactions are guaranteed to be a great balance between gasps and giggles.
2. You’re Wrong About
This podcast uncovers the most compelling and overlooked facts about significant events and public figures in history that have shaped pop culture today. Hosts, Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbs provide deep research into topics such as the Stone Wall riots, the life of Anna Nicole Smith, The O.J. Simpson trials, the death of Kurt Cobain, and much more. If you’re a sucker for pop culture, history, and the world of entertainment then You’re Wrong About is the podcast for you. The hosts have a special way of connecting with the listeners through their charismatic personalities and humorous tone, but what stands out the most is their storytelling abilities that will leave you questioning who the heroes and who the villains are. You’re Wrong About will play with your emotions and offer powerful insight into what you knew or rather, what you THOUGHT you knew
3. How I Built This
This podcast is perfect for business majors or anyone with an inclination towards entrepreneurship. Guy Raz leads this interview and discussion podcast with various questions about how a brand came to be and how it acclimated great success. Throughout the episodes, Raz interviews different CEOs and founders of popular and globally known brands such as Instagram, Wikipedia, Bumble, Ben & Jerry’s, and much more. This witty and educational podcast gives listeners the in and outs of the business world and tells the personal journeys of the founders and how they managed to start their businesses. Founders reveal their origin stories, silly anecdotes, and creative process to inspire listeners and demonstrate how a simple start-up has the potential to become a multimillion-dollar company. These success stories are the perfect way to motivate college students and demonstrate that with great determination and hard work comes reward. This podcast is the perfect guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs or simply the go-to podcast for those who are curious about their favorite brands. It is more than likely that after listening to How I Built This, you will leave you with the sudden itch to build your own empire from scratch.
4. Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan Van Ness from Netflix’s hit series, Queer Eye, hosts a fascinating and wholesome podcast that basically answers all of your most thought-provoking questions. Ranging from cures for drug addictions, why we demonize poverty, the effects of divorce on child development, what it’s like being a woman in the military, and much more. These powerful conversations between Van Ness and leading experts provide honest and deep knowledge of the many questions we tend to have about life. If you’re an obnoxiously curious person like myself, then Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness will answer all of your questions and even the most bizarre topics such as discussing the purpose of a “therapy clown.” What makes this podcast even better is Jonathan Van Ness’s fierce and charming personality that stands out throughout the episodes. You are sure to become obsessed with Van Ness and his approach towards addressing all these weird yet amusing curiosities in a way that feels raw and genuine.
5. Teenager Therapy
This awkward yet intriguing podcast consists of five teenagers from California who openly discuss their struggles as they continue to navigate and experience life as adolescents. The hosts’ down to earth and genuine conversations range from serious topics such as dealing with internalized homophobia to more comical topics such as the uneventful transition from freshman to sophomore year of high school. There might be times you squirm or cringe at the commentary made by these five teens, but it’s only because you can identify with them from your own personal high school years. These outspoken teens are both hilarious and relatable. The dynamic between the hosts feels very wholesome and you will be impressed when you realize these are merely 16/17-year-olds who are already incredibly in tune with the world that surrounds them. Tuning into Teenager Therapy feels as if you are listening to a personal diary that details all the ups and downs of attempting to find your true identity while going through the most transitional years of your life. This emotional rollercoaster of a podcast is not only targeted towards teenagers but it is also for adults to gain an insight into how society is shaping and affecting the opinions of the younger crowd. Teenager Therapy is a must listen to if you’re ever in the mood for something heartwarming and authentic.
Photos courtesy of Stitcher Radio