The McElroys, educational fun, and ridiculous reviews: 8 of the funniest podcasts not hosted by comedians

Sometimes we want comedy off the beaten path of fan-favorites like “SmartLess” and “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” so we’ve gathered some of the funniest podcasts not hosted by A-list comedians. Witty, bright, and a general good time, each of these shows can shake up your daily listening routines.

Level up your trivia game while laughing through episodes of “No Such Thing As A Fish” and “Hey Riddle Riddle.” On our list, we’ve included shows hosted by folks who do not necessarily self-identify as comedians, a podcast by the McElroy Family, a show tearing into 1-star reviews, and a series about why “Your Kickstarter Sucks.”

Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet

Xandy and Christine Schiefer present “Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet.” This series delivers poignant commentary in one-star reviews written by real people. Hear about their wows and woes in themed episodes reviewing wedding DJs, board games, mall stores, caves, Hallmark Christmas movies, and much more.

No Such Thing As a Fish

Writers of the BBC’s hit show QI host this hilariously informative podcast where they share the most interesting things they’ve learned during the week. Dan Schreiber, James Harkin, Andrew Hunter Murray, and Anna Ptaszynski. Get ready to learn and roll on the floor laughing with over 480 episodes.

Your Kickstarter Sucks

Mike Hale and Jesse Farrar think “Your Kickstarter Sucks,” and they let you in on why in weekly episodes. Robots, useless shoes? Crowdfunding is the norm in our society lining creators’ pockets for wherever their ideas lead. Check out over 250 episodes like “Lotto Losers,” “It’s Giving,” “On Angels Wings,” and “Bean Poison 2022.”

My Brother, My Brother and Me

McElroys got their start in the podcasting world with “My Brother, My Brother And Me.” If you’ve listened to any other one of the McElroy Family podcasts, “Shmanners,” “Sawbones,” “Wonderful!” and many more, then you’ll know what we’re talking about. It doesn’t matter what you’re into or what you’re looking for, because these guys are absolutely priceless.

Hey Riddle Riddle

Adal Rifai, Erin Keif, and John Patrick Coan challenge themselves to a slew of puzzles, riddles, brain-teasers, and whodunnits on Headgum’s “Hey Riddle Riddle.” Get ready to answer questions, and you might learn new facts to ace your next round of bar trivia with friends.

Wooden Overcoats

A miserable brother and sister duo, Rudyard and Antigone Funn, took over their family’s failing funeral parlor on the fictional series, “Wooden Overcoats.” When they learn a new competitor arrived in town, run by Eric Chapman, they are ready to do whatever it takes to keep their business running. This comedy covered a lot of ground over 4 seasons from 2015-2022.

Hollywood Crime Scene

Dive into true crimes and celebrity scandals with hosts Desi Jedeikin and Rachel Fisher on “Hollywood Crime Scene.” Along with hilarious banter, the hosts recently covered Milli Vanilli, Elizabeth Finch (the Grey’s Anatomy writer who lied about everything), and Hollywood’s Garden of Allah hotel.

The Mortified Podcast

Adults unearth their childhood diaries, letters, lyrics, and other relics they made as kids to share some of their most embarrassing stories on Radiotopia’s “The Mortified Podcast.”