Many people today tune in to podcasts instead of music or radio while they’re on their way to work, or simply hanging around the house. If you’re into podcasts like I am, or if you’re looking to try them out, here are a few suggestions of some of the best little-known podcasts out there.
1. My Brother, My Brother and Me
My brother, My Brother and Me (also known as MBMBAM), is one of the cleverest comedy podcasts out there. With almost 400 episodes to date, brothers Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy attempt to answer your advice questions while always ending up at a humorous twist. The McElroys take comedy podcasting to a whole new level as they have branched out to try new concepts, new shows, and have created quite a fan base of dedicated listeners. They stem out from the simple idea of advice and end up with intricate comedy bits you'll be laughing at all day.
2. The Adventure Zone
I was wary to put two podcasts by the same people on this list, but I could not avoid talking about the wonder that is The Adventure Zone. Made by the same McElroy brothers of MBMBAM (and now their Dad, Clint, too!), The Adventure Zone is a story based tabletop gaming podcast that has included some of the funniest podcasting moments for me, but also the most heartfelt. While crafting intricate worlds to explore using games like Dungeons and Dragons, they have taken special attention to inclusivity, breaking fantasy world tropes, and creating an atmospheric listening experience. All in all, it is one of my favorite story-based podcasts, as it pulls you in with laughs, and keeps you staying for the heart.
3. Let’s Make a Music
Let’s Make a Music is a newer podcast started in late 2017, but one of the most unique. A music podcast hosted by Brian David Gillbert, Laura Gillbert, and Jonah Scott, this show centers on creating a song per week based on Twitter suggestions by the audience. Brian takes the vocals, Jonah takes the instrumentals, and Laura takes a managerial position as the trio decides how to tackle different music genres, crazy characters, and new band names that will make you crack up during your daily commute. It’s one of the most unique podcast formats I’ve ever seen, and one that makes me excited to listen every week.
4. The Moth
The Moth is 20 years running NPR radio show where different storytellers come together to share their one-of-a-kind true stories. The Moth is such a wonderful listening experience as it takes these expert storytellers from all walks of life, from all backgrounds, and it brings their words to light. No two are alike, and every episode has something for someone. If you miss the comfort of bedtime stories, have an interest in stand up comedians, motivational speakers, or simply want to hear different perspectives on a wide variety of ideas, The Moth is the program for you.
5. Welcome to Night Vale
Welcome to Night Vale is the most strange and humorous listening experience I’ve ever had listening to a podcast. It centers around a radio news show for the fictional town of Night Vale, where the strange is somehow incredibly ordinary. Host Cecil Palmer describes the daily news, which can deal with anything from fantasmal occurrences to everyday politics in the strange town. Full of dry wit, insanity, and interesting characters, this podcast will have you hooked even if you don’t understand why. You’ll laugh, you’ll find yourself very confused, and you’ll fall in love with the town of Night Vale.
6. CCTV
CCTV is a video podcast put on by YouTube channel Cow Chop. Even if you don’t know the channel, this podcast has an incredibly unique feature that keeps me coming back for more. Every episode the podcast takes place in a new location, but not the conventional sort you’d expect from a podcast. They’ve filmed anywhere from in a junkyard, to floating on paddle boats in the middle of a lake, to even the middle of the desert. Each setting adds something new and unique to the tone of the podcast, which typically discusses different current news topics and the goings on of the YouTube channel. While you can listen to just the audio portion, I recommend watching the video as well, as it’s the only way you can completely appreciate what they’re going through to film a podcast.
7. The Polygon Show
Last but not least, the Polygon Show is a podcast created by video game news company Polygon. The podcast centers in on video game news and culture, but even if video games aren’t your thing you’ll find this podcast fun and interesting, as hosts Simone, Allegra, Chelsey, and Ashley make you feel like you’re having lunch with friends instead of listening to a podcast. I always feel so at home listening to their banter and enjoy listening to their perspectives on video game culture.
