Best Podcasts to Listen to While Sheltering-In-Place
Under shelter-in-place orders, it can be hard to stay engaged and entertained all day. When out of shows to binge or books to read, try podcasts! There are tens of thousands available, ranging from talk shows and interviews to news commentaries to recounts of true stories-- and most of them are free. Not sure where to start? Here are some best podcasts everyone should listen to:
S-Town
When it first debuted in 2017, S-Town captivated the nation with a record-breaking 10 million downloads within four days of its release. A true story, the podcast follows a reporter after he receives a call from John McLemore, a resident of small-town Woodstock, Alabama. After John claims a man is bragging that he committed murder, the reporter comes and investigates-- but things don’t go quite as planned. This podcast is not one to miss; listen to the first episode here.
Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!
This podcast, which has aired almost every Saturday since 1998, is a weekly game show based on current events through NPR. It’s laugh-out-loud hilarious, making light of the news and featuring panelists of comedians and celebrities alike. Check out the most recent episode, with late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert as the guest.
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
In this interview podcast, Conan O’Brien, who has been a late-night host for over 25 years, talks with celebrities to try and form long-lasting friendships. His quirky personality and engaging questions make for hilarious conversations, setting him apart from other interview-style podcasts. His first podcast, with renowned actor Will Ferrel, will have you hooked.
Mobituaries
Hosted by renowned journalist and humorist Mo Rocca, this podcast revisits people of the past. With a motto of “great lives worth reliving,” it shares the stories of people who you didn’t know had an impact. It’s deeply poignant and moving-- listen to the first episode, narrating the poisoning of an overlooked tree and a corresponding college rivalry, here.
