Podcasts have grown immensely in popularity as a source of entertainment, education, and inspiration. With so many options out there, it can be daunting to find the ones worth your time. After scouring the podcast universe, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 podcasts we listened to this year that you should consider adding to your queue.

1.”The Daily” – For those looking to keep up with current events, “The Daily,” by The New York Times provides a summary of the most important news stories in just twenty minutes. Insightful and well-produced, it’s perfect for your morning routine.

2.”Radiolab” – A show that delves into scientific and philosophical questions with narrative storytelling techniques, “Radiolab” is both educational and fascinating, making complex subjects accessible and entertaining.

3.”Serial” – This groundbreaking investigative journalism podcast from the creators of “This American Life” tells a single story over multiple episodes. Each season uncovers the gripping details of real-life events and keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.

4.”The Joe Rogan Experience” – One of the most popular podcasts globally, Joe Rogan chats with public figures from various fields, navigating through long, unscripted conversations that range from comedy to deep philosophical discussions.

5.”Stuff You Should Know” – Hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant explore myriad topics in this educational podcast. With a casual tone, they dissect everything from science to history to cultural phenomena.

6.”My Favorite Murder” – True crime enthusiasts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark discuss notable murder cases with humor and respect for the victims. This podcast has spawned an enthusiastic community of fans known as ‘Murderinos’.

7.”TED Talks Daily” – Bringing the famous TED stage to audio form, this podcast offers thought-provoking talks from some of the world’s most innovative thinkers across various disciplines.

8.”Freakonomics Radio” – A podcast that looks at the hidden side of everything with an economic lens. Learn about unusual aspects of everyday phenomena in an engaging way that might change how you look at the world.

9.”Revisionist History” – Malcolm Gladwell revisits overlooked or misunderstood aspects of past events, giving them proper scrutiny and insight. Each episode reframes something from history to reveal its hidden dimensions.

10.”The Michelle Obama Podcast” – Combining warm conversation with impactful dialogue, former First Lady Michelle Obama discusses relationships, health, politics, and more with a roster of distinguished guests.

Whether you’re looking for entertainment during your commute or educational content to spark new ideas, these podcasts cover a broad spectrum that caters to all kinds of listeners seeking quality audio experiences throughout the year.