The Best Podcasts of 2020

By Sam Verana

Podcasts relaxes us. They tell us stories. Sometimes they’re tragic and sometimes comedic. I tend to lean more toward the comedic podcasts but that’s just me. There are podcasts for everyone. Sometimes weeding out the absolute best podcasts are extremely hard to do. Thankfully I have a system in place where I can look at the best new podcasts from apple or spotify. Sometimes that’s not even enough. To find the best podcasts I dig a little deeper.

Whether it be on instagram or tiktok, or even simply hearing about it from someone, I almost always give new podcasts a listen because many of them could surprise me.

I’ve also been incredibly let down from podcasts before. Because it’s a very easy thing to just simply record audio on your iphone many wannabe newcomers try a few subpar episodes and simply quit if they’re not gaining any traction. I don’t know. I’ve heard quite a few podcast players that if they would have stuck it out a bit longer, who knows they could’ve made some sort of mark on the culture.

So with that said, here are some new podcasts I was turned on by maybe just from seeking out a top 10 list a few have compiled on facebook, twitter or instagram, or my friend simply told me… anyway here they are:

1. Flood lines

This podcast is more of an audio documentary about Hurricane Katrina. It tells the story of the chaos that occurred in New Orleans way back in the Bush administration. I couldn’t stop listening to this particular podcast because of the insurmountable devastation this hurricane caused. It brought me back to those days watching these people in the Louisiana Superdome and it’s roof collapsing, the floods, people calling for help on these roofs, it was a nightmare for them and Floodlines captured this moment in history perfectly.

2. Phoebe Reads a Mystery

This podcast offers such a great relief from the depressing state of mind 2020 has brought us so far. As I’m writing this Phoebe is going through Sherlock Holmes. I highly recommend the episodes where she goes through Jane Eyre. It’s such a calming and incredible journey that Phoebe brings us on in this podcast.

3. Bad Friends

This one features Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino. They’re two stand up comedians. Bobby Lee is known for his Tiger Belly podcast. It’s a great dynamic between these two comics. There is a wide variety of things they talk about like a strange ninja song written by a furniture lady that really annoys bobby, and some other things that really make you crack up. I’ve also seen a poker match on the All things Comedy channel on Youtube where Bobby Lee can’t stop farting and cheating during poker in this video. Santino goes off the entire time on him and puts him in his place. This podcast is no different. I’m not sure exactly when this podcast started but it’s worth checking out if you have the time. I’m also a big fan of Andrew Santino’s other podcast as well called Whiskey Ginger. I’d recommend this podcast.

4. Granmaw’s Blazing

This podcast is mixed with great laughs bizarre and shocking humor. It features Jay Calano and his grandma. He introduces very famous people to her such as PewdiePie, Doja Cat, Cardi B and Mr Beast. She reacts to weird stuff on the internet, and she has these funny ideas that her grandson tries to take on. I love this podcast not just because of the deep belly laughs I get from it but also because I connect to it so much. I was close with my grandma before she passed. She was always very charismatic and loving even when it seemed like she was angry which many elderly people are. It’s really interesting to get into the mind of someone like her and hear a hilarious perspective on life. Although the podcast seems pretty new I’m really interested in hearing what else they are going to talk about. Whenever I listen I honestly can’t stop because I truly don’t know where the conversation is going to lead next. It’s so unpredictably funny but in a good way!

5. Wind of Change

Wind of change is about Culture, the Cold War, history among many other things. It’s really an interesting podcast for people who love to learn about the corners of history that aren’t exactly brought to light unless you’re listening to this podcast or reading from an internet deep dive. Wind of change is a great one to check out if you’re into history as much as I am.

6. Supernatural

If you’re into Aliens and strange mystery deaths this one is for you! It gets nuts. This show is hosted by Ashley Flowers who did a podcast called Crime Junkie. I love the whole Area 51 conspiracy so this podcast is right up my alley. There’s a ton of stuff about the FBI and their alleged involvement with the supernatural. It’s a very cool and inspiring podcast to check out if you’re up to learning about those aliens that is!

5. Uncle Joey’s Joint

Joey Diaz started a podcast this year called Uncle Joey’s Joint this year. It’s a hilarious podcast with just Diaz as he talks about his insane past. Joey Diaz is truly one of the greatest stand up comics alive and this one is really worth checking out. Joey Diaz has been in movies like Spiderman 2 and he played a football player in the Longest Yard. I love the humor Joey puts out every single podcast. It seems like he’s always on his game with everything he talks about. He’s extremely passionate which I love to hear. I also love that he just doesn’t care. He speaks his mind and that’s something I would love to hear more of especially in this day and age. He’s so open and unguarded with every single show he puts out. I would love to hear the old podcast too but they’re on break at the moment. Uncle Joey’s Joint is a great listen in the meantime.

6. Monica and Jess Love Boys

This one is more of a dating podcast! Jess dates in the gay community, while Monica claims that she doesn’t date enough. This podcast was actually turned onto me by a gay friend of mine. (who also turned me onto Madonna as well.) The end of every episode (that I’ve listened to so far) they give themselves a challenge to break bad habits that they have. I have related to ever single one that they’ve named in some form or another. I’ve gotten a ton out of this podcast that I’ve applied in my daily life. I think you will too. This podcast could very well surprise you!! I honestly have no idea what they’re going to say next in this wonderful rainbow of a show.

7. Staying in with Emily and Kumail

I can relate so much to this podcast. I consider myself a struggling writer and listening to 2 writers talk about the struggles of life and their problems is totally my thing. I know Kumail from the show Silicon Valley which has Mike Judge as it’s creator. I sort of missed Kumail so it’s refreshing to hear him once again on a decent podcast. It’s cathartic and a great conversation podcast to check out. Fun stuff.

So that’s it! Those are the top seven podcasts I’d check out for 2020. Some of them are very niche categories and others are for everyone!