Ever wondered what podcasts fuel the curiosity of MakeUseOf's tech experts? As seasoned writers and editors, we polled our team on their go-to shows for learning, storytelling, and entertainment. Here's our curated top 20 from 2015.
A podcast is a digital audio program you download from the internet—like radio, but on demand. No schedules to juggle; listen anytime. Though around for years, podcasts keep growing, captivating new audiences with fresh content.
Our team nominated over 50 podcasts we tune into regularly. Six favorites topped multiple lists, with 14 more standout shows still thriving in 2015. We start with the top six...
Produced by: Roman Mars, in collaboration with Radiotopia by PRX.
Recommended by: Justin Pot, Tina Sieber, and Jessica Coccimiglio.
What makes it unique: Curious about great flag design, the hashtag's origin (aka octothorpe), or humanity's first designed objects? Host Roman Mars and guests unpack these through design's lens. It's a captivating audio dive into a visual world.
Produced by: NPR
Recommended by: Justin Pot, James Bruce, and Jessica Coccimiglio.
What makes it unique: Planet Money delivers fun, clear takes on economics. Hosts Adam Davidson, David Kestenbaum, and guests break down the Trans-Pacific Partnership, secret salaries' impacts, election betting bans, and beyond.
Produced by: Stephen Dubner, in collaboration with WNYC
Recommended by: James Bruce, Tina Sieber, and Jessica Coccimiglio.
What makes it unique: Based on the bestseller, Freakonomics explores life's hidden sides. Host Stephen Dubner (with Steve Levitt) covers Nobel strategies, why belts outshone suspenders, and smarter anti-terror tactics—sparking fresh perspectives on everyday riddles.
Produced by: NPR
Recommended by: Justin Pot and James Bruce.
What makes it unique: Invisibilia (Latin for 'all things unseen') reveals invisible forces shaping behavior. Hosts Lulu Miller and Alix Spiegel blend stories and science on fear-free lives, becoming Batman, or category power—unlocking the human mind.
Produced by: WBEZ Chicago Public Media
Recommended by: Justin Pot and James Bruce.
What makes it unique: This American Life offers weekly deep dives into American stories. Ira Glass and team deliver masterful journalism on Jeep sales slumps, clashing school worlds three miles apart, or babies switched at birth.
Produced by: Tim Ferriss
Recommended by: Mark O'Neill and Rob Nightingale.
What makes it unique: Bestselling author Tim Ferriss (The 4-Hour Workweek) dissects world-class performers in investing, sports, and arts. Episodes on Thomas Edison's greatness formula, Wim Hof 'The Iceman,' or chess prodigies offer actionable strategies for your success.
These picks from individual MakeUseOf staffers may not be universal hits, but they're highly recommended gems.
Produced by: BBC
Recommended by: Christian Cawley
Who should listen: Fans of witty interviews, humor, and British accents.
Produced by: WNYC
Recommended by: Justin Pot
Who should listen: Those curious about media creation and its challenges.
Produced by: Jerod Morris and Demian Farnworth with Copyblogger
Recommended by: Saikat Basu
Who should listen: Writers, marketers, and content creators sharpening their skills.
Produced by: BBC
Recommended by: Daniel Price
Who should listen: Curious minds who love science and laughs.
Produced by: A Little Silly
Recommended by: Dave Parrack
Who should listen: Gamers, geeks, and pop culture enthusiasts.
Produced by: Sarah Koenig and Julie Snyder with WBEZ Chicago and This American Life
Recommended by: James Bruce
Who should listen: True crime, legal drama, and serialized story fans.
Produced by: Sarah Koenig and WBEZ Chicago
Recommended by: Tina Sieber
Who should listen: Chronic wanderlusters.
Produced by: NPR
Recommended by: Tina Sieber
Who should listen: TED fans and idea enthusiasts.
Produced by: Art Bell
Recommended by: Ryan Dube
Who should listen: Science buffs into mysteries.
Produced by: Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage
Recommended by: Harry Guinness
Who should listen: MythBusters fans.
Produced by: Virginia Foundation for the Humanities
Recommended by: Bertel King Jr.
Who should listen: History buffs seeking deeper American insights.
Produced by: W. Kamau Bell and Kevin Avery
Recommended by: Bertel King Jr.
Who should listen: Film lovers and Denzel fans.
Produced by: Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D.
Recommended by: Kannon Yamada
Who should listen: Health and fitness science seekers.
Produced by: The Partially Examined Life
Recommended by: Rob Nightingale
Who should listen: Philosophy enthusiasts.
Ready to tune in? Explore our guides for top podcast apps on iOS (like The Best iOS Podcast Apps for iPhone and iPad), Android (App Showdown: What Is the Best Android Podcast App?), Windows (What Is the Best Podcast Manager for Windows?), and lightweight audio players (Which Lightweight Music Player Should You Choose?). Some even have video versions on YouTube or Twitch.
We're big fans of NPR, BBC, and WBEZ Chicago for their storytelling prowess. The beauty of podcasts? They lead to more discoveries—hosts often shout out new shows. For fresh finds, check our guide: What Is the Best Way to Find New Podcasts?
We've rounded up more: 10 for book lovers (Listen Up, Book Lovers: 10 of the Best Podcasts for Bibliophiles), 8 on finance (Top 8 Podcasts About the World of Finance), 6 for writers (6 Podcasts to Listen to for Novelists, Screenwriters, and Storytellers), 7 on productivity (Let's Talk Productivity: 7 Must-Listen Podcasts for Awesome Work), biohacking faves (Top Podcasts to Take Your Biohacking to the Next Level), and 10 for gamers (Attention Gamers! Here Are the Top 10 Gaming Podcasts).
What's on your playlist? Share your top podcasts we missed in the comments!
