#TGIF: 5 podcasts to stream this weekend

On Podsauce’s latest weekend guide, we’ve included an investigative series covering new topics each month, a self-improvement podcast hosted by a former NFL player, and a true crime show. Also on our list is an educational podcast and a series about the wonderful world to broaden your mind this weekend.

Check out our list if you’re looking for listening recommendations! Some of our picks are easily bingeable in a day.

The 11th

From Pineapple Street Studios comes “The 11th,” a mystery box podcast, where listeners are surprised with the content of each episode posted on the 11th of each month. This month, filmmaker Kelly Loudenberg hosted a three-episode arc on The Landmark Forum, a personal development program that has faced controversy. In the program, people pay hundreds – sometimes thousands – of dollars in hopes of personal transformation in multi-day group sessions. Learn more as Loudenberg investigated the program’s method, the company, and its founder. Previous episodes shared from Professor Anita Hill and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, music writer and poet Hanif Abdurraqib, and more.

The Thing About Helen & Olga

Helen and Olga were two elderly ladies in LA who financially helped down-and-out men when times got tough. When two of the guys turned up dead, an investigation ensued. This six-part series delves into Helen and Olga’s lives, motives, and if they had anything to do with the deaths. Listeners will hear about the case and what resulted. This series is an NBC presentation.

Stuff You Should Know

iHeartRadio’s “Stuff You Should Know” is an educational society and culture podcast hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant. Each episode covers a fascinating topic. From chaos theory to food fads, empathy to embalming, this series is never short on subjects to cover. The average episode length is an hour, and the show’s “Short Stuff” minisodes run under 20 minutes. New episodes are available biweekly.

Straight Up with Trent Shelton

Former NFL wide receiver Trent Shelton hosts his self-help podcast, “Straight Up with Trent Shelton.” Since 2019, Shelton has been sharing wisdom with listeners in episodes ranging from 20 minutes to an hour. Shelton is joined by guests like speaker and author Mel Robbins to discuss self-love and taking control of your life. In other episodes, Shelton explored things you need to know about haters, inner peace, and perseverance, just to name a few recent topics. With over 100 episodes to choose from, “Straight Up with Trent Shelton” might be an inspirational listen if you’re into self-help podcasts.

Overheard at National Geographic

“Overheard at National Geographic” takes listeners inside the magazine’s offices to hear conversations with scientists, explorers, photographers, and more about our wonderful world. Hosted by Peter Gwin and Amy Briggs, we’ll hear about artificial caves, ancient musical instruments, Mars, bats, “The Frozen Zoo,” and more. Average episode length is 30 minutes, and there are over 70 episodes to choose from. Check out new, weekly episodes.