PODCASTS ARE only getting bigger. In 2018, there were 75 million monthly podcast listeners in the United States, and now 164 million people are projected to be listening by 2024[1]. One of the main appeals of podcasts is their flexibility—with over 800,000 active podcasts that cover almost any topic imaginable[2], all you need is a device and a pair of earphones. Here are some of the lesser-known exciting podcasts available today.

Crime podcasts

   Crime is a podcast genre all thrill-seekers and voyeurs will enjoy. Podcasts like The Apology Line document the anonymous confessions of cheating partners, thieves, and murderers. These horror stories are sometimes narrated with skin-crawling detail and suspenseful story arcs that leave listeners at the edge of their seats. The true thrill is in the anonymity—for all you know, the testimonial from a cold-blooded hitman could be from someone near you. Other podcasts like Criminal cover cases of violence and murder committed against racial minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, and even victims of Nazi Germany. These podcasts shed light on the injustice minorities face in America, and unveil the harsh reality that hundreds of people are suffering every day.  

Cooking podcasts

   With the lockdown forcing restaurants to shut down, there has never been a better time to learn how to cook. Although cooking podcasts are typically geared towards foodies and chefs, beginners can try their hand at replicating 5-star recipes at home with easy-to-understand audio instructions in real-time. Unlike the frenetic pacing of cooking TV shows geared for entertainment, podcast hosts approach their audience with a calm demeanor and well-worded explanations. In The Kitchen Counter, host Roger Anderson’s steady and slow pace gives listeners time to follow the complicated instructions. In Home Cooking, the helpful tips from the hosts, Krishikesh and Samin, guide listeners through advanced recipes even without a visual medium.

Insomnia podcasts

   With insomnia cases on the rise, screen-less content that gives their eyes a break before bed is the ideal medium for insomniacs[3]. Podcasts with hosts like Drew Ackerman, who himself suffered from insomnia as a child, could be the answer for those who are having trouble falling asleep[4]. Ackerman’s Sleep with Me narrates bedtime stories to the audience to help them fall asleep, covering mundane everyday topics. The secret to Ackerman’s entrancing narration is his baritone voice. By eliminating both a bright screen keeping them awake and the temptation of checking their phone, listeners can concentrate on his voice that lulls them to sleep.

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   Crime, cooking, and insomnia podcasts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amount of audio content available today. Their diversity makes them appealing to everyone, and their flexibility ideal for a hectic lifestyle. Intense podcasts genres like crime can stimulate the audience’s imagination, while educational podcasts can satiate their curiosity.

[1]Statista

[2]Forbes

[3]CNN

[4]The New Yorker