Need something new to listen to? These are the best podcasts of 2021 (so far)
We’re more than halfway through the year, and we’re listening to a ton of amazing new podcasts. There’s a huge library of the best, current, talented voices waiting to be heard. We’ve collected some of the latest and greatest podcasts of this year so far into a handy list spanning a bunch of different genres for your listening consideration.
There are so many podcast options to keep your mind busy. Whether you’re looking for a distraction while in transit or something engaging to listen to while running errands, it’s possible you’ll find a new series, perhaps one from the list below, that’s suitable for you.
HiberNation
Hosted by Mallika Rao, this Headspace Studios podcast shares different stories of sleep. True stories of over a dozen people are captured in this series. Topics like insomnia and how sleep impacts humans are explored. Other episodes cover concepts involving sleep, such as the slumber party tradition. New episodes are released weekly.
Un(re)solved
“Un(re)solved” by Frontline Podcasts revisits cold cases from the civil rights era with host James Edwards. The FBI is reinvestigating over 150 of these killings and listeners will see how the justice system is going to work with the families.
No Place Like Home
Audacy’s Cadence13 original “No Place Like Home” follows the mystery behind a very special pair of slippers that walked away. In 2005, Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz were stolen from The Judy Garland Museum. They inexplicably reappeared 13 years later, and this podcast fills in the gaps of what happened with this mystery and draws listeners into the world of Hollywood memorabilia. Episodes also delve into the life of actress Judy Garland, who played Dorothy.
Reply All
Spotify Original “Reply All” returned this June after taking a break earlier this year. New episodes will be released on Thursdays.
Starting in 2014, this podcast involves human stories and technology. A recent episode discussed search histories with tech journalists.
The Missing
Podimo presents the true crime podcast, “The Missing.” Did you know that every 90 seconds, a person is reported missing in the United Kingdom? Journalist Pandora Sykes hosts this podcast to bring awareness to missing persons stories in Britain. Working in tandem with charities like Locate International and Missing People, each episode explores a different case. Sykes appeals to the audience for tips or clues to help bring these people home.
Lost in Sports
“Lost in Sports” from PRX is hosted by journalist Ben Baskin. He tries to answer questions from sports history. Previous episodes have covered NCAA football games and the brand, AND1. He dedicated an episode to Cleveland Browns’ movie, Masters of the Gridiron. The show is set to run until August 5th.
One Click with Elle Fanning
Audacy’s Cadence13 original, “One Click with Elle Fanning,” explores the diet trend of internet-based purchases of DNP, a drug marketed as a weight loss supplement. DNP is a chemical once used in WWI explosive devices. The drug heats up people’s bodies to unhealthy temperatures. Hosted by actress Elle Fanning and journalist Jessica Wapner, the podcast explains the science behind the drug’s risk factors.
May I Elaborate? Daily Wisdom from JB Smoove
TeamCoco brings “May I Elaborate? Daily Wisdom from JB Smoove” to the world of comedy podcasts. Laugh your way to enlightenment with JB Smoove’s comedic flair, daily affirmations, and tidbits of knowledge. New episodes are released daily and themes center around a motivational quote.
Soft Voice
QCODE’s “Soft Voice” is a dark, scripted comedy written and directed by James Bloor. Weekly episodes follow the saga of Lydia and a voice inside her mind who provides her with step-by-step directions on what to do and what to say. When that voice leaves and is replaced with a different one, Lydia reevaluates her life. This series stars Naomi Scott, Olivia Cooke, and Bel Powley.
Book Talk, Etc.
If you love reading and want to hear about new books, this podcast from hosts Tina and Renee is for you. The show’s hosts discuss new releases, their favorite books, and recommend books based on specific subject matters.
Chilling Tales for Dark Nights: A Horror Anthology and Scary Stories Series Podcast
Chilling Entertainment, LLC & Studio71’s horror fiction podcast is for listeners who enjoy being creeped out. For hardcore fans of the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series, this show features a rotation of talented authors.
Lost Hills
Western Sound and Pushkin’s “Lost Hills” reports on killings in a small community by Malibu Creek State Park. How did police predict a murder was going to occur? And why didn’t they take steps to prevent it from happening? This podcast discloses how a perpetrator was identified by law enforcement and he insists he’s innocent.
Lightning Bugs with Ben Folds
Musician Ben Folds speaks about his artistic process and creativity in his new podcast, “Lightning Bugs” brought to you by Kast Media. He is joined by different guests from the fields of technology, science, medicine, the arts, and politics. Guests like Sara Bareilles chat with Ben about how creativity can be applied to different aspects of your life, outside of work.
Bubble Trouble
Hosted by author/economist Will Page and analyst Richard Kramer, Magnificent Noise’s Bubble Trouble features frank conversations about financial markets. Recent episodes described profits, earning cells, and rating agencies.
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