12 Podcasts to Try Until 'Serial' Returns
Enjoy yourself by listening to one of these programs instead
(This article previously appeared on the PBS NewsHour site.)
If you've been suffering from Serial withdrawal — now that the chart-busting, weekly public radio crime-story podcast is on hiatus — keep those earplugs in and try a few of these popular podcasts.
If you are new to podcasts, try this tutorial from Ira Glass, of This American Life which produces Serial, or Google "How to Listen to a Podcast."
Criminal (15-20 min. episodes)
Let’s face it, if you haven’t listened to Serial yet, you probably don’t want to. But this true-crime podcast is the closest thing you may find still generating new episodes. It features stories of people who’ve done wrong, been wronged or who were caught somewhere in the middle. And it’s addictive.
Working (20-40 min. episodes)
Ever wonder what a day in the life of a Google coder, Hollywood screenwriter or a farmer is like? Slate’s David Plotz interviews Americans with interesting jobs about their workdays. Take it from us, the Stephen Colbert episode is both informative and hilarious.
99% Invisible (15-60 min episodes)
This podcast exposes the unseen and overlooked aspects of design, architecture and activity in the world. Its name is taken from a quote by R. Buckminster Fuller who said, “Ninety-nine percent of who you are is invisible and untouchable.” Each episode focuses on a specific element of design to make the sound waves sound three-dimensional.
StartUp (20-30 min. episodes)
Follow host Alex Blumberg, a former producer for NPR’s This American Life, who after years of reporting on other peoples’ businesses decided to launch his own. The podcast is the actual story of his startup recorded in real time, featuring everything from disastrous pitches to investors to difficult conversations with his wife.
How Did This Get Made (20-90 min. episodes)
Have you ever seen a movie so bad, you start to picture the meetings and conversations that took place that led to its creation? That’s the point of this podcast. Join hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas as they try to unscramble nonsensical plots and mock terrible films.
Death, Sex & Money (15-60 min. episodes)
Indulge in this podcast for discussion about those taboo topics that are frequently on your mind but seldom in your conversations. Presented by New York Public Radio, the series addresses timely issues like realizing you can no longer afford to live in New York and more brash experiences like having a former Republican Senator intervene in your love life. Guests include everyone from Joe Schmo to Margaret Cho.
Love + Radio (10-60 min. episodes)
L + R features sonically rich and in-depth interviews on seedy and sublime subjects that are surprisingly compelling. Start with “The Wisdom of Jay Thurderbold,” about an at-home strip club manager whose business card reads “Thunderbolt – Party Naked” and gives a phone number.
Invisibilia (10-60 min. episodes)
Latin for “all the invisible things,” NPR’s Invisibilia exposes the crypt of our own ideas, beliefs, assumptions and emotions that control how we behave. Co-hosted by Radiolab and This American Life expats, the podcast weaves narrative storytelling with scientific research with the hope of altering your own perspective. “I’ll often go into a situation where I have one set of expectations and beliefs, and at certain points they get overturned,” said co-host Alix Spiegel of their adventures. “That’s the point of the show: making you think differently.” afterwards.”
Uhh Yeah Dude (1-hour episodes)
Join hosts Seth Romatelli and Jonathan Larroquette for a weekly comedy roundup of “America through the eyes of two American-Americans” which has been going strong since 2006. It’s really just two guys talking about the news. And while that may sound boring, the chemistry between Romatelli and Larroquette make the show strangely addictive. It’s like hanging out with your buddies who happen to be really funny. Warning: It’s often a little profane.
The Dinner Party Download (40-60 min. episodes)
Want to win your next dinner party? Sample this podcast. Hosted by NPR’s Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newna, each episode is a celebration of culture, food and conversation designed to help you dazzle your friends at this weekend’s get-together.
WTF (90-min episodes)
Standup comedian Marc Maron tries to get to the bottom of some of the most complex philosophical questions with interviews with comedians and writers in the entertainment community. Some notable episodes include chats with Louis C.K. and the late Robin Williams.
Gilmore Guys (60-90 min. episodes)
You can probably guess what this one’s about: Two guys dishing about each episode of Gilmore Girls. They’re fans. And they leave no stone unturned in analyzing and breaking down every pop-culture reference and plot point from the early-2000s TV series. Obviously, only serious Gilmore Girls fans need apply.
