Top Pods for 2024
Below are my top picks from 2024 (and all-time favourites)- so far. Enjoy!
Short & Sweet
Current Events
Quick, insightful episodes to keep you in the know without feeling overwhelmed.
Today, Explained
Stay informed without feeling like the sky is falling. They make the news hip and relevant. Like me; )
This podcast offers daily updates on major news events, breaking them down in a way that's easy to digest. You’ll get a quick, sharp analysis of the world’s biggest stories, from politics to cultural trends.
Front Burner
Because Canada matters too! Get your dose of Canadian content here.
Front Burner brings you in-depth reporting on Canadian news, adding context and relevance to global stories. With a strong focus on the issues that matter in Canada, it’s an essential listen for anyone interested in understanding the country's role on the world stage.
Science, Politics, Business & Economics
When you want to dive deeper into a topic but don’t have hours to spare.
Freakonomics
I relish every new episode. Kinda nerdy but always super interesting. I hope to be described the same way.
Freakonomics looks at the quirks of human behavior and economics, answering fascinating questions about our world—from why we’re terrible at predicting happiness to the economics of a tuna sandwich.
The Economics of Everyday Things
Short, sweet, and oh-so-fascinating. I love these and my kids do too.
This show explores the hidden economics behind things we take for granted in our everyday lives, from sports to parking. It’s a quick, engaging way to understand the world of economics in bite-sized episodes.
Top Episode: The Economics of Little League – Learn how kids’ sports are a big business!
Acquired
Just got into this. Love the banter between the hosts. Ikea, Costco and Nvida are my faves so far.
This podcast offers in-depth stories about iconic companies and their backstories. Whether you’re into business or just curious, Acquired will give you a fresh perspective on well-known brands.
Top Episode: Costco! We all love Costco right? After this you’ll love them even more. Understated genius!
Science Vs
As a proud skeptic, this is my happy place.
This show is like myth-busting for grown-ups! Each episode tackles a popular myth, trend, or fad, then uses science to set the record straight. It’s entertaining and full of facts, so you can have all the ammunition to argue at your next dinner party.
Top Episode: Are We Drinking Enough Water? – Turns out, we don’t need to drink as much as we think.
The Rest Is Politics: US Edition
Remember Anthony Scaramucci? 11 days as Trump's press secretary last time around. Turns out he’s pretty funny - no matter your political stripes.
For a refreshingly frank and often funny perspective on American politics for an audience outside of the US, this podcast is a must-listen. Scaramucci spills the tea on everything, from behind-the-scenes drama to surprising political insights.
Power Corrupts
Because absolute power does, in fact, corrupt absolutely. This is really old - but I love every episode.
This older podcast still holds up, offering deep dives into the dark side of power, with stories of espionage, betrayal, and corruption.
Fave Episode: all so good.
Find an episode that resonates and then go deep.
History meets journalism, with stories that connect the dots between the past and the present.
Fave Episode: "The Rise of the Evangelical Right" – You’ll learn more about American politics than you bargained for.
Really interesting local takes on local politics. Again - quite nerdy.
Focused on urban development, politics, and culture in Calgary.
Fave Episode: "The Trouble with Suburbs" – Why our love of sprawl could be our undoing.
Kids in Cars
Podcasts for car rides with kids that are bearable for the whole family.
Short & Curly
“Philosophy for curious kids—and adults who still ask why.”
Family-friendly and thought-provoking. Perfect for car rides or dinnertime debates, this podcast challenges young minds to explore big questions about the world.
Top Episode: Is Santa a bad person?
Greeking Out
“Ancient myths told with humour and flair.”
Perfect for when you want to feel smarter and entertained. Greeking Out brings to life the epic tales of gods, heroes, and monsters in a fun and accessible way for kids and adults alike.
Top Episode: The Original Greek Avengers – Gods, monsters, and drama galore.
Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest
“Fairy tales with a darker twist for curious kids and grown-ups alike.”
Classic fairy tales told with a creepy, sometimes gory, and almost always weird edge. If you like your fairy tales with a little more drama and a little less happy ending, this one's for you.
Top Episode: Pick any – You can’t go wrong!
Timeless Tales
Long Form Stories
Perfect for immersive listening or a deep dive into epic true stories. Sorry, no true crime here.
Wind of Change
Spies, rock stars, and a conspiracy about the Cold War’s catchiest ballad.
This podcast investigates the rumor that the CIA secretly wrote "Wind of Change" by the Scorpions. It’s a thrilling, unpredictable journey through rock history, espionage, and political intrigue.
“An absolutely wild ride. Buckle up—you won’t believe where this story takes you.”
Unravels a decade-long tale of catfishing, deception, and betrayal. Sweet Bobby is a gripping, emotional rollercoaster you won’t be able to stop listening to.
S-Town
“So weird, but also so wonderful. What a tale.”
A journalist’s journey to uncover a mystery leads to a deeply human story. It's part investigative reporting, part philosophical exploration, and completely unforgettable.
Sold a Story
A must-listen for anyone who cares about education and anyone who’s had a kid who’s struggled with reading.
Investigates how children are taught to read—and how it’s gone wrong. This podcast is an eye-opening exploration of the educational system and the battle over teaching methods.
Wild! Love, cults, and madness in the Twin Flames community. It’s a thing apparently.
This series explores the bizarre world of the Twin Flames phenomenon, where people believe they’ve found their soulmate—and things quickly spiral into obsession.
Enjoy!