Best of 2022: Podsauce’s favorite podcasts of the year

As the year comes to a close, Podsauce has gathered some of 2022’s best podcasts. Whether you’re a true crime junkie, love to laugh, or crave unforgettable stories, we have our top picks right here at your fingertips.

There are investigative documentary podcasts, a rewatch series, and a true crime show hosted by retired investigator Paul Holes and investigative journalist Kate Winkler Dawson. For more lighthearted picks, check out “Normal Gossip,” “Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade,” and “Funny Cuz It’s True with Elyse Myers.”

The Sunshine Place

“The Sunshine Place” is an 8-part investigative documentary series about Synanon, an experimental drug rehab facility in the 1960s and 1970s that turned into one of the most dangerous and violent cults. On the podcast, hear from survivors, former members, chroniclers, and host Sari Crawford, the daughter of Synanon’s former leader, Bill Crawford. This series is presented by C13Originals, Susan Downey, and Robert Downey Jr.

Slow Burn

“Slow Burn” season 7 examines the journey to Roe v. Wade and shares forgotten stories from the late 1960s and early 1970s. Host Susan Matthews walks listeners through stories like 22-year-old Shirley Wheeler’s, the first woman convicted of manslaughter for having an illegal abortion in 1970. Hear how Catholic speakers Jack and Barbara Willke started the pro-life movement. When Yale Law student Ann Hill learned she was pregnant in 1968, her choice to either get an illegal abortion or give birth paved the way for Roe v. Wade. 

Normal Gossip

“Normal Gossip” spills everyday tea about strangers you don’t know and will probably never meet. Tune in for Kelsey McKinney and guests sharing banal, funny, odd, and juicy gossip submitted by listeners on weekly episodes.

Back to the Beach with Kristin and Stephen

For the first time in 18 years, Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County stars and former high school sweethearts Kristin Cavallari and Stephen Colletti are rewatching MTV’s series. On “Back to the Beach with Kristin and Stephen,” the duo dish on what really happened, share behind-the-scenes stories, and relive their most memorable high school moments. This podcast is presented by Dear Media.

Buried Bones

“Buried Bones” examines compelling crimes from history with retired investigator Paul Holes and investigative journalist Kate Winkler Dawson. With complementary areas of expertise, the hosts reinvestigate old cases with modern forensic techniques and 21st century insight.

I Was Never There

“I Was Never There” looks back at West Virginia’s countercultural movements from the 1970s and 1980s. Jamie Zelermyer and her mother Karen investigated their friend Marsha “Mudd” Ferber’s disappearance. Throughout the series, they uncovered more mysteries, explored their own backstories, and reflected on their lives. Jamie discusses her unconventional upbringing while Karen makes sense of her choices and what followed. This series is presented by Wonder Media Network.

Fed Up

“Fed Up” detailed Emily Gellis’ whistleblowing journey when she heard countless negative reports about F-Factor, a trendy diet program that allegedly had adverse effects on its followers. The podcast explained how Emily exposed F-Factor and its creator, Tanya Zuckerbrot, on social media – a public feud that led to lawsuits.

Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Relive SNL’s finest moments with comedians, hosts, past and present cast, musical guests, and writers on “Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade.” The 2 iconic alum hosts are joined by guests like Chris Rock, Jeff Goldblum, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Tom Hanks, and so many more in weekly episodes by Cadence13.

Funny Cuz It’s True with Elyse Myers

On “Funny Cuz It’s True with Elyse Myers,” the content creator chats with some of her favorite friends, comedians, and creators to share unforgettable stories that changed their lives. They’re digging into cringe-worthy moments that got funnier as time passed. Elyse and guests like Lance Bass, Jonathan Van Ness, and Meghan Trainor are sharing how they lived through these kinds of scenarios and why they’ve found humor in these moments.