Positive vibes all around! 12 pick-me-ups embracing absurdist humor, comedic interviews, and ridiculous news

No bad vibes here! If you’re looking for fun listens, hilarious chats, or generally upbeat (sometimes bizarre) news stories, check out our positively radiant list of podcasts.

For interviews, tune into comedian-hosted shows including “Comedy Bang Bang: The Podcast,” “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” and “I Said No Gifts.” Have a laugh and maybe learn some new trivia on educational podcasts like “Hey Riddle Riddle” and “No Such Thing as a Fish.” We’ve also included a series all about Dolly Parton‘s life, a podcast reading 1-star reviews, and a food debate show.

Scroll through to check out our complete list of podcasts sharing good vibes.

Bananas

Kurt Braunohler and Scotty Landes dish on the world’s most interesting, bizarre, and cuckoo “Bananas” news in weekly episodes with guests. Since 2020, the duo has also shared listeners’ stories, read your confessions, laughed out loud, and more for over 170 episodes that go beyond standard headlines.

I Said No Gifts

Host and comedian Bridger Winegar tells his guests not to bring any gifts and means it! In Exactly Right’s podcast, Bridger is joined by friends and “people he’s secretly trying to destroy” like Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Connor Ratliff, and SuChin Pak. Every single guest goes against his wishes and comes bearing gifts. The conversations meander toward what’s wrapped inside and hilarity ensues.

Dolly Parton’s America

Why is Dolly Parton America’s sweetheart? Host Jad Abumrad dives into the icon’s life to answer this question in conversations with Dolly herself and additional guests in 9 episodes, presented by Radiolab. Episodes share how she rose as a cultural icon, continues to create inclusive environments for fans, and much more.

Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet

Xandy and Christine Schiefer dramatically read 1-star reviews on “Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet.” Real people are dishing out real and sometimes ridiculous reviews posted online for establishments ranging from shops to restaurants and holiday movies.

Valley Heat

Starburns Audio’s “Valley Heat” follows Doug Duguay’s self-appointed investigative saga when he starts keeping track of sketchy activity in his Burbank neighborhood, Rancho Equestrian District. The podcast features original music from the band Cephalopods Are People.

Sal Vulcano & Joe DeRosa are Taste Buds

In “Sal Vulcano & Joe DeRosa are Taste Buds” the comic hosts are joined by guests to debate different foods, drinks, or restaurants. There are dessert-themed episodes like cannolis vs. eclairs, Twinkies, and caramel vs. marshmallows. This series is presented by No Presh Network. 

Hey Riddle Riddle

Join Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, and John Patrick Coan for a slew of puzzles, riddles, brain-teasers, and whodunnits on “Hey Riddle Riddle.” Gear up for challenging questions and you might learn new facts to ace your next round of bar trivia with friends. This series is presented by Headgum.

Comedy Bang Bang

Host Scott Aukerman combines character sketches with conversations in “Comedy Bang Bang,” a podcast based on the TV show by the same name. Guests float in and out of episodes and love to riff with Scott, his characters, and fellow guests.

No Such Thing as a Fish

Writers Dan Schreiber, James Harkin, Andrew Hunter Murray, and Anna Ptaszynski share the best facts they learned over the past week when prepping for QI’s show on BBC. Funny, informative, and smart, “No Such Thing As a Fish” episodes might make you LOL.

My Dad Wrote a Porno

Jamie Morton’s dad wrote a dirty book and is reading it aloud chapter-by-chapter. Along with his friends James Cooper and Alice Levine, Jamie is learning new things about his father and laughing for 6 seasons of this award-winning podcast. 160+ episodes are now streaming.

Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend

Conan O’Brien hosted Late Night for 25 years and had yet to translate his guests’ interactions into friendships. He seized the opportunity to make friends and chill with dozens of people on his podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.” Previous guests have included Nicole Byer, Leslie Jones, Kevin Nealon, Rivers Cuomo, Mila Kunis, and more. This podcast is brought to you by Team Coco.

Three Bean Salad

Comedians Mike Wozniak, Henry Paker, and Benjamin Partridge are a “Three Bean Salad!” They’re spilling the beans on 1 theme each week suggested by listeners. Episodes run the gamut from inanimate objects like sandwiches and glass to live beings, activities like going to Disney World, and many more in over 60 episodes.