A podcast cauldron brew: 11 new podcasts to stream this October

Welcome to our October streaming guide filled with new podcasts and old favorites with new seasons. On our list, you’ll learn about one of Britain’s biggest conspiracy theories, hear interviews hosted by sportscaster Stephen A. Smith, and dive into Elizabeth Taylor’s career and life as one of the world’s first influencers. If you love Buffy the Vampire Slayer, check out a new rewatch podcast hosted by “Morbid’s” Alaina and Ash.

Get your true crime dose with a new podcast looking at wrongful convictions, hosted by Kim Kardashian and an investigative team. On our round-up, you’ll also find a motivational podcast sharing advice and life tools, a series hosted by content creator Elyse Myers, a series analyzing profound speeches, and much more.

Elizabeth the First

Narrated by Katy Perry, Imperative’s “Elizabeth the First” examines how Elizabeth Taylor was one of the world’s influencers who leveraged her power and left behind an incredible legacy. This series shares archival audio from the House of Taylor, stories from those closest to Taylor, and more. We’ll hear about Taylor’s acting career – from her early beginnings to how she navigated the male-dominated studio space, entered rehab for alcohol and drug addictions, and raised awareness for issues like AIDS and HIV.

Know Mercy with Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith goes beyond sportscasting in his new interview series that dives into news and top stories from entertainment, politics, society, and business. This season’s guests will include Snoop Dogg, Sean Hannity, LL COOL J, Chris Cuomo, and Sue Bird. Tune in semiweekly for new episodes presented by Cadence13.

The Mel Robbins Podcast

Motivational speaker, author, and podcast host Mel Robbins shares practical advice, life tools, strategies, inspiration, and motivational tips to encourage you to live your best life. In weekly episodes, she shares real-life experiences and covers topics ranging from anxiety to the science-backed topics, insecurities, career challenges, and more. Mel is sometimes joined by her kids as she helps them navigate their issues.

It Was Said

“It Was Said” is back for a new season and sharing some of history’s most impactful speeches. Join Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Jon Meacham and guests as they explore Eleanor Roosevelt’s “On the Adoption of the Declaration of Human Rights,” JFK’s “We Choose to go to the Moon,” Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena,” and Margaret Thatcher’s “The Lady’s Not for Turning”- just to name a few.

Funny Cuz It’s True with Elyse Myers

On “Funny Cuz It’s True with Elyse Myers,” the popular TikTok content creator will chat with some of her favorite friends, comedians, creators, and more to share stories that changed their lives. Recent guests included NSYNC’s Lance Bass, writer/director/actor Paul Feig, and more. If you’re a fan of Elyse’s videos, you’ll definitely love this podcast.

Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra

MSNBC’s new podcast tells the story of when American extremism gets turbocharged and comes close to power. What happens when extremist officials are exposed in their plans against America with the ultra right? In weekly episodes, “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra” examines this story and the extent they’ll go to cover their actions.

Hoaxed

“Hoaxed” investigates a British conspiracy theory about Satanic panic, its victims, and conspiracists who spread lies. When 2 children told police they were abused by a Satanic cult led by their father, teachers, and parents from their school in London’s Hampstead suburb, it was a lie. Starting in 2014, this lie spread on the internet and led to finding the perpetrators who convinced these kids to lie. This Tortoise Media podcast releases new episodes on Thursdays.

Kim Kardashian’s The System: The Case of Kevin Keith

On this Spotify exclusive podcast, Kim Kardashian is looking into wrongful convictions. This season, Kim and her team are investigating Kevin Keith who was charged and convicted for a triple homicide in 1994. In the series, Kim shares conversations from folks on both sides of the case and explains why she believes Kevin is innocent. He is currently serving a life sentence without parole.

Downside Up

What would happen if humans were unable to taste flavors? Or if dogs were never domesticated? What areas of our lives have we accepted as normal that could have taken a different turn? CNN’s Chris Cillizza is joined by futurists, experts, and journalists to share what could have been and look at how the smallest change in the status quo could change the world.

All Relative: Defining Diego

The Binge’s “All Relative: Defining Diego” shares the personal story of a mother and son questioning concepts like family, home, identity, and health. With 20+ years of the family’s archive recordings, listen to Diego’s story growing up as an adoptee and embarking on his self-discovery journey.

The Rewatcher: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

“Morbid” hosts Ash and Alaina are rewatching Buffy the Vampire Slayer and traveling to Sunnydale on Wondery’s new podcast. While Alaina is a Buffy superfan, Ash has yet to watch any episodes. They’re diving into the series one episode at a time, sharing recaps, doling out awards, and chatting with guests like Buffy cast members and fans in episodes. You can catch new episodes on Mondays.