10 of the Top Podcasts in the World in All Genres
Podcasts have become an incredibly popular form of entertainment and education. From science to fiction, there is something for everyone in the world of podcasts. Listeners get access to a huge variety of topics and perspectives, delivered by engaging hosts who bring their unique point-of-view to each episode.
People love them because they can learn new things while also being entertained, plus they are often free! They’re convenient too: you can listen on your morning commute or anytime you want without having to be tied down to a certain time or place.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 most popular podcasts in the world today, based on their average listeners per episode.
A Look at the Most Popular Podcasts in the World Right Now
With all these advantages, it’s no wonder why podcasts have become so popular over the past few years, especially among younger generations. Whether you’re looking for lighthearted comedy or hard-hitting news, there’s a podcast out there that’s perfect for you.
1. The Joe Rogan Experience
The Joe Rogan Experience has been running since 2009, and it continues to be one of the most popular podcasts in the world. Hosted by Joe Rogan, a comedian, mixed martial artist, and commentator, the show features long-form interviews with a wide range of guests, including scientists, actors, musicians, and more.
The show’s episodes often run for two to three hours, allowing for in-depth conversations that cover a wide range of topics.
| Title of the Podcast | Host | Launch Date | Genre | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Joe Rogan Experience | Joe Rogan | 2009 | Talk/Interviews | English |
As of 2021, The Joe Rogan Experience has an estimated 11 million listeners per episode, making it one of the most popular podcasts in the world. The show is currently owned and published by Spotify Technology SA and is broadcast from Austin, Texas.
2. Crime Junkie
If you’re a true crime enthusiast, then Crime Junkie is the podcast for you. Hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat, the show has been running since 2017 and has gained a massive following for its in-depth coverage of some of the most infamous crimes in history.
The show’s episodes often feature detailed investigations and interviews with people close to the cases.
| Title of the Podcast | Host | Launch Date | Genre | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crime Junkie | Ashley Flowers & Brit Prawat | 2017 | True Crime | English |
As of 2021, Crime Junkie has an estimated 5.9 million listeners per episode, making it one of the most popular true crime podcasts in the world. The show is currently owned and published by Audio Chuck LLC and is broadcast from Indianapolis, Indiana.
3. Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy is a comedy podcast hosted by Alexandra Cooper that focuses on sex and relationships. The show has been running since 2018 and has gained a massive following for its irreverent and hilarious take on some of the most intimate aspects of life.
| Title of the Podcast | Host | Launch Date | Genre | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call Her Daddy | Alexandra Cooper | 2018 | Comedy & Sex/Relationship advice | English |
As of 2021, Call Her Daddy has an estimated 3 million listeners per episode, making it one of the most popular podcasts in the world. The show is currently owned and published by Spotify Technology SA and is broadcast from New York City.
4. My Favorite Murder
My Favorite Murder is another true crime podcast that has gained a massive following since its launch in 2016. Hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, the show takes a lighthearted approach to some of the most gruesome crimes in history, with the hosts often joking and laughing as they recount the details.
| Title of the Podcast | Host | Launch Date | Genre | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| My Favorite Murder | Karen Kilgariff & Georgia Hardstark | 2016 | True Crime | English |
As of 2021, My Favorite Murder has an estimated 2.9 million listeners per episode, making it one of the most popular true crime podcasts in the world. The show is currently owned and published by Exactly Right Media, Inc. and is broadcast from Los Angeles, California.
5. The Ben Shapiro Show
For those interested in politics, The Ben Shapiro Show is one of the most popular podcasts available. Hosted by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, the show features daily episodes covering a range of political topics, including news, policy, and culture.
| Title of the Podcast | Host | Launch Date | Genre | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ben Shapiro Show | Ben Shapiro | 2015 | Politics | English |
As of 2021, The Ben Shapiro Show has an estimated 2.6 million listeners per episode, making it one of the most popular political podcasts in the world. The show is currently owned and published by Bentkey Ventures LLC (through The Daily Wire) and is broadcast from Boca Raton, Florida.
6. The Daily
The Daily is a news podcast hosted by Michael Barbaro, that provides in-depth coverage of the most important news stories of the day. Launched in 2017 by The New York Times, the show has become one of the most popular news podcasts available.
| Title of the Podcast | Host | Launch Date | Genre | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Daily | Michael Barbaro | 2017 | News | English |
As of 2021, The Daily has an estimated 1.8 million listeners per episode, making it one of the most popular news podcasts in the world. The show is currently owned and published by The New York Times Company and is broadcast from New York City.
7. Office Ladies
Office Ladies is a podcast hosted by Angela Kinsey and Jenna Fischer, the stars of the hit TV show “The Office” (U.S. version). The show provides behind-the-scenes commentary on each episode of the series, along with personal anecdotes and stories from the set.
| Title of the Podcast | Host | Launch Date | Genre | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office Ladies | Angela Kinsey & Jenna Fischer | 2019 | Behind the Scenes commentary | English |
As of 2021, Office Ladies has an estimated 1.5 million listeners per episode, making it one of the most popular TV and film podcasts in the world. The show is currently owned and published by Liberty Media (through Sirius XM/Earwolf) and is broadcast from Los Angeles, California.
8. Pod Save America
Pod Save America is a political podcast hosted by former Obama administration staffers Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Thomas Vietor. The show features discussions about current events, policy, and politics from a progressive perspective.
| Title of the Podcast | Host | Launch Date | Genre | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pod Save America | Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett & Thomas Vietor | 2017 | Politics | English |
As of 2021, Pod Save America has an estimated 1.4 million listeners per episode, making it one of the most popular progressive political podcasts in the world. The show is currently owned and published by Crooked Media, Inc. and is broadcast from Los Angeles, California.
9. Stuff You Should Know
Stuff You Should Know is an infotainment podcast hosted by Charles Bryant and Josh Clark, that covers a wide range of topics, from science and history to culture and current events. The show has been running since 2008 and has gained a massive following for its engaging and informative content.
| Title of the Podcast | Host | Launch Date | Genre | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stuff You Should Know | Charles Bryant & Josh Clark | 2008 | Infotainment | English |
As of 2021, Stuff You Should Know has an estimated 1.2 million listeners per episode, making it one of the most popular infotainment podcasts in the world. The show is currently owned and published by iHeartMedia, Inc. and is broadcast from Atlanta, Georgia.
10. Morbid: A True Crime Podcast
Morbid: A True Crime Podcast is another popular true crime podcast that has gained a large following since its launch in 2018. Hosted by Ashleigh Kelley and Alaina Urquhart, the show provides in-depth coverage of some of the most gruesome and fascinating crimes in history.
| Title of the Podcast | Host | Launch Date | Genre | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morbid: A True Crime Podcast | Ashleigh Kelley & Alaina Urquhart | 2018 | True Crime | English |
As of 2021, Morbid: A True Crime Podcast has an estimated 1.1 million listeners per episode, making it one of the most popular true crime podcasts in the world. The show is currently owned and published by Morbid: A True Crime Podcast LLC and is broadcast from Boston, Massachusetts.
Listening to the Best Streaming Podcasts in All Genres
In conclusion, the above podcasts are some of the most popular podcasts in the world today, catering to a wide range of interests, from true crime to politics, entertainment, and education.
With their engaging hosts, informative content, and large audiences, they represent the best of what the podcast medium has to offer.