‘SmartLess’ and more podcasts whose hosts have the best chemistry

We’re not going to lie. There are some podcasts we’d listen to regardless of the topics just because the hosts are so fantastically engaging. From hot takes to comedic interviews, we’ve selected several podcasts whose hosts have the best chemistry and set each other up for success each and every time. In no particular order, we’ve listed some of our favorite podcasts where the hosts seem to genuinely enjoy each other’s company in conversations and jive so well that we keep tuning in.

On our list, check out a true crime show, a comedy interview series, and a podcast remembering formative pop culture moments. There’s a podcast debunking health tips and wellness myths. Another show finds answers to things the public might have misunderstood from history. Check out these shows and more on our round-up of podcasts that thrive on the amazing hosts’ chemistry.

And That’s Why We Drink

Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz have one of the funniest true crime podcasts out there filled with witty banter, paranormal stories, true crimes, and more. Raise a glass of your favorite beverage (milkshakes, green juice, wine, whatever you want) to “And That’s Why We Drink.” For more content with Em and Christine, check out Parcast’s series “Rituals.”

Back Issue

You might crack up listening to Pineapple Street Studios’ “Back Issue,” a podcast remembering peak moments in pop culture. With their amazing dynamic, hosts Tracy Clayton and Josh Gwynn are showing listeners that nostalgia is more than a feeling as they tackle culture questions like “How did we let this happen?” and “Why do we still love this?” Tune in for episodes covering Mariah Carey’s Glitter, iconic Video Music Award moments, Bachelor Nation drama, and more.

Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

SNL alums Dana Carvey and David Spade are chatting with past and present SNL cast members, hosts, musical guests, and writers. They’ll reflect on memorable sketches, share about writing some of the most iconic moments for TV, and tons of lore from the sketch comedy and variety show. This comedy interview series is presented by Audacy’s Cadence13.

You’re Wrong About

In “You’re Wrong About,” journalist Sarah Marshall is fascinated with the past and revisits a person or event that’s been misconstrued by the public each episode. From 2018-October 2021, Sarah was joined by co-host Michael Hobbes. Their co-hosting style worked so well since they’re both writers and journalists on a quest for truth. In episodes, they covered Stockholm Syndrome, how the term Alpha Male inaccurately creates a human behavior template based on animals, and more.

Stuff You Should Know

Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant enthusiastically deliver episodes on a variety of topics ranging from LSD to true crime, the Stonewall Uprising, nose jobs, chaos theory, and so much more. While the average episode clocks in under an hour, there are short episodes under 15 minutes if you’re in a time crunch. “Stuff You Should Know” is presented by iHeartPodcasts.

SmartLess

Wondery’s “SmartLess” is still one of our favorite interview podcasts, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. Every episode, one of the hosts surprises the other two with a guest for free-flowing conversations, riotous improvisations, and authentic connections. Previous guests have included Bill Maher, John Mulaney, David Spade, Cate Blanchett, and Dave Grohl just to name a few.

The Breakfast Club

From The Black Effect Network comes the world’s most dangerous morning show, “The Breakfast Club,” hosted by DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne Tha God. Tune in for daily episodes, interviews with guests, recurring segments like “Donkey of the Day,” and they’ll open the phone lines for your calls.

Maintenance Phase

Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes are debunking health fads, ridiculous nutrition advice, and wellness info on “Maintenance Phase.” On episodes, Aubrey and Michael are constantly making each other laugh while doling out the facts on topics like Twinkies, QAnon, celery juice, body positivity, calories, Presidents’ physical fitness tests, and more. They take a lighthearted approach to some of the more serious topics. Hobbes previously co-hosted “You’re Wrong About.”

Doughboys

If you’re looking for hilarious conversations about food with great guests, tune into weekly episodes of “Doughboys,” hosted by comedians Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger. Along with guests, they’ll review chain restaurants and fast food establishments where they’re up to debate anything and everything. They’ll rate restaurants on a scale of 0 to 5 forks and unleash hilarious conversations in their archive of over 350 episodes.

The Boo Crew

“The Boo Crew” started when friends and horror fanatics Leone D’Antonio, Trevor Shand, and Lauren Shand came together to share their favorite things on a podcast. They chat with horror film stars, musicians, actors, authors, and other folks inspired by the horror genre and the spookier sides of life. This series is presented by Bloody Disgusting Podcast Network.

An Acquired Taste Podcast

Bethany Watson and Kathleen Heaney met working together at a radio morning show in NYC and decided to start “An Acquired Taste Podcast.” In episodes, the hosts are chatting about their lives, the world, and sharing their unique perspectives on an assortment of topics. This series is presented by Audioboom Studios.

No Such Thing As A Fish

On “No Such Thing As a Fish,” the writers from BBC’s QI show unpack the most interesting things they’ve learned during the week. Hosts Dan Schreiber, James Harkin, Andrew Hunter Murray, and Anna Ptaszynski riff as they share their facts and sound like they have a blast doing so. It’s a super-informative and fun listen, with the average weekly episode running an hour.