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25 Best Podcasts of 2016


If you want to keep up with trends in your industry, hear interviews from your favorite artists or actors, or want to get up-to-date information on certain current events, chances are you've tuned in to a podcast lately. There are also podcasts that are dedicated to one subject or designed for a certain demographic. If you're new to podcasts and aren't sure which ones are worth following, here are our suggestions. These are the 25 best podcasts of 2016.

25. You Must Remember This 13 hours ago - English

You Must Remember This is the perfect podcast for movie buffs and especially for fans of films produced during the Golden age of Hollywood. Film critic Karina Longworth gives you all the details about some of your favorite movies from an era gone by.

You'll also get details about the dark aspects of making the film, as well as sordid facts about the actors in these legendary movies.

24. Design Matters with Debbie Millman: 2009-2016 21 hours ago - English

Design Matters is a podcast that is designed for the creative mind. You'll get lots of thought-provoking commentary on what it means to be part of creative culture, and host Debbie Millman interviews people who are in the design, acting, business and art fields.

23. Slack Variety Pack 22 hours ago - English

If you're bored at work, hate your job, or just need a less mundane way to pass the time, this podcast is for you. Slack Variety Pack is hilarious and informative and there are interesting interviews in every episode.

You'll learn how making small changes in your life could change your perspective and boost your mood, so it's worth tuning in.

22. The Art of Manliness 1 day ago - English

Do you have questions about what manhood really is? Do you want to improve parts of your personality so that you can be a better man and define your own manliness? If so, you may enjoy the podcast The Art of Manliness. You'll also get helpful tips on how to organize your finances, improve your health, and make a great cocktail for your guests to enjoy next time you have a dinner party.

There are also spotlights on notable men in history, so you may end up learning about some of the men you've always looked up to.

21. Millennial 2 weeks ago - English

Your 20s can be filled with lots of confusion. However, there are also some great moments and learning experiences. You may notice that your friendships are changing, you're trying to decide which career path to take, and you may even be considering marriage at this point in your life. Millennial is here to help.

You'll get real advice about how to spend and save your money, how to boost your confidence in the workplace (and the rest of your life), and how to go into your 30s without regretting your 20s.

20. Black List Table Reads 2 months ago - English

If you realize that the best movies are not always the ones that make it to the box office, you'll likely enjoy The Black List Table Reads. The screenplays that were never made into movies are read on the podcast so that you can enjoy audio movies.

You'll also get to hear interviews with the script writers about the inspiration behind their work.

19. Dorm Room Tycoon 3 months ago - English

This podcast will keep you up to date on the things that are going on in the tech and business worlds. You'll also get information about graphic design and the trends that are at the forefront of professionalism. Dorm Room Tycoon also interviews business owners to give you first-hand information on how these professionals became successful.

18. Gastropod 2 weeks ago - English

If you love trying new foods and are interesting in the science and history behind your favorite meals, you'll want to give the Gastropod podcast a try. There's a new episode every two weeks, and you'll get wacky and conversation-worthy facts about your favorite ingredients each time you tune in.

17. The Distance 2 weeks ago - English

Whether you've just opened your own business or you've been a business owner for years, you could learn a few things by tuning in to The Distance. The podcast talks about how to achieve longevity in business. You'll hear stories of business that have been around for at least 25 years, and get information on the people who helps to establish these companies and keep them thriving.

16. The Moth Podcast 7 days ago - English

When you listen to The Moth podcast, you'll hear true stories that are told to a live audience without a script. You'll get a peak in to the personal lives of the storytellers, which can be inspiring, surprising, saddening and shocking. The Moth has stages all around the country, and many of the audiences are standing room only.

15. Surprisingly Awesome 2 weeks ago - English

Surprisingly Awesome is the perfect podcast to help you find the joy and fascination in everyday things. You'll hear interviews from people who are helpful in their communities, and get information on common myths that have been perceived as facts. Most of all, you'll learn how to appreciate the things in life that seem mundane.

14. Happy Sad Confused 1 day ago - English

John Horowitz interviews filmmakers and actors in this interesting and hilarious podcast. You'll get information on the depth of emotion that goes into making a movie. Actors also discuss the emotional conflict and turmoil that often comes with making magic on screen.

13. Call Your Girlfriend 4 days ago - English

If you have a best friend who doesn't live in the same city as you, this podcast is for you. Call Your Girlfriend is dedicated to long-distance besties who want to find creative ways to stay connected to each other. Two actual best friends are the hosts of the podcast (Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman), and you get to listen in as they discuss what's going on in pop culture.

The hosts also talk about things that are specific to womanhood, including workplace discrimination and "that time of the month." Every other week, the podcast features Phone-A-Friend, so you can hear in-depth interviews with other women from various walks of life.

12. The Dinner Party Download 4 days ago - English

The Dinner Party Download provides you with the framework for having a successful and entertaining dinner party. You'll get lots of ideas for conversation starters, including interviews with today's top celebrities and information about the hottest parties in the country.

Of course, there's also great information on the best books to read for dinner table discussion, as well as tips for preparing impressive food and cocktails for your next get-together.

11. Dan Carlin's Hardcore History 1 month ago - English

Are you a history buff? Would you like to be? If this sounds like you, there's a good chance you'll enjoy Hardcore History. You'll get details about events in history that are far more detailed than what you've read in textbooks.

Information about wars and battles in various parts of the country are explored, and the origin of conspiracy theories are also discussed. The podcast will definitely leave you with a lot to think about.

10. How Did This Get Made? 5 days ago - English

Have you ever seen a movie and wondered why it was allowed to be an actual film? If so, you'll love the commentary on How Did This Get Made? Terrible movies are dissected, and you'll get a little more insight into why the movie was allowed to hit the box office (or television) in the first place.

If you've seen a movie that's so bad that it's actually good (in a way), you can contact the hosts of the podcast. June Diane Raphael, Paul Scheer and Jason Montzoukas will watch the movie you recommend and give you their feedback on the show.

9. Slate's Culture Gabfest 6 days ago - English

If you're curious about what others have to say about the latest political debate, or want to know which fashion trends are hot for the upcoming season, Culture Gabfest is for you. You'll also get information on the hottest restaurants and attractions in certain cities. Culture Gabfest gives you a peak into how people feel about relationships and the good of humanity, and you'll find out which new art pieces deserve your attention right now.

Of course, there's talk about celebrities and fashion trends on the podcast as well.

8. Let My People Think on OnePlace.com - OnePlace.com 3 days ago - English

Let My People Think is a refreshing broadcast that provides an in-depth description of the Christian faith. The podcast discusses things like hearing God speak and the ways that we as humans may misinterpret these messages. The subjects of dealing with hardships and heeding to moral teachings are also discussed.

Let My People Think is not pushy and judgmental, and poses lots of thought-provoking questions that make for some pretty revealing discussions with family and friends long after the podcast is over.

7. The Longest Shortest Time 7 days ago - English

The Longest Shortest Time is a podcast dedicated to the hardest job on earth--being a mom. Motherhood goes by so quickly in terms of years, but the days are especially long. Before you know it, your little baby is going off to college! This podcast helps you to navigate all the years in between. You'll also learn about how people entered into their career of their dreams, and inspired their children or parents in the process. Subjects such as adoption and dating as a parent are also discussed.

There are heartwarming and funny stories featured on the podcast regularly, so you're bound to find something that hits home for you.

6. Home Work 1 day ago - English

If you work from home or would like to, the Home Work podcast will provide you with helpful information to move your business forward. You can write or call into the podcasts with your work-from-home concerns or questions, and hear solutions from other freelancers and telecommuters.

Listening to the podcast regularly is one of the best ways to learn how to organize your time and have more productive workdays.

5. Tiny Spark 2 weeks ago - English

Tiny Spark is dedicated to showcasing people who are dedicated to doing good work in the world. You'll get information on how to help less fortunate people in your community and in the world. There are also thought-provoking discussions about how we give back to others, and whether these methods are effective.

Tiny Spark also explores the ways that people are discriminated against, even when trying to do good, and how to make sure that this unfair treatment becomes a thing of the past. The podcast also talks about the role that social media has in activism, and whether or not this hurts or helps worthy causes.

4. Collective Wisdom For Tech Startups 2 months ago - English

If you want to get detailed information on what it takes to build a successful startup, this is one of the best podcasts to listen to. You'll hear interviews from some of the most successful business people in the country (and the world), and get helpful tips for how to make your business thrive even when you don't have much startup cash.

3. Spawned with Kristen and Liz of CoolMomPicks 1 month ago - English

Liz and Kristen from Cool Mom Picks answer your questions in this informative podcast. Spawned also explores thought-provoking subjects, like how much information to share about your kids on social media. There's also information on how to get kids excited about education and reading, as well as tips on how to instill strong and resilient character traits in children.

Spawned also provides moms with helpful tips for balancing motherhood and relationships, and how to boost confidence as a new parent.

2. My Brother, My Brother And Me 1 day ago - English

Do you often find that it's easier for you to figure out life after having a talk with your siblings? If so, you'll enjoy My Brother, My Brother and Me. In this podcast, three brothers give advice about various things in life, and offers advice in their respective professional fields. Of course, there is also a fun element to the podcast, including the details on how to play April Fools pranks on people.

The hosts, Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy also talk about the life skills that are necessary for success.

1. The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast 1 day ago - English

If you've ever wondered why people do what they do, you'll enjoy tuning in to The Partially Examined Life. You'll get some insight into why certain things are so prevalent in society. You'll also hear an analysis of some of the best music out there these days, and hear from the artists who are behind these creative works.

Certain philosophies and schools of thought that have been popular over the decades are also featured in the process, and you'll learn more about how these philosophies fit (or don't fit) into today's society.

Of course, these are just some of the podcasts that you can add to your playlist. Chances are you're interested in a variety of different things, which is why these podcasts can tell you all you need to know to feel happier, get more professional knowledge and even improve your interactions with the people who mean the most to you.

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