10 podcasts that make you want to catch up with your best friend

Suggested episode: No one tells Josh Gondelman the good gossip

things mom never told you

For a quick recap, an in-depth movie review, or a multi-episode feature, tune in to “Stuff Mom Never Told You,” a research-based podcast from iHeartRadio. Co-hosts Anney Reese and Samantha McVey tackle intersectional issues on a variety of topics, with ongoing installments devoted to feminist films, fictional icons, and happy hour reports, to name a few. Although some of the episodes are more academic in tone than others, Reese and McVey approach a variety of topics with sensitivity and vulnerability, discussing the issues in the context of their own lives. Regardless of the topic, their genuine friendship makes each episode feel like catching up with a close friend.

Suggested episode: the obedient daughter

sad in the city

At this point, we all realize: adulthood is hard. On their new podcast, “Sad in the City,” co-hosts Taylor Tomlinson and Brianna Peters take a deep dive into adjusting to life on the road, dating struggles, mental health, apartment hunting and everything in between. others that comes with being a Twenty-something trying to navigate life. Tomlinson, a comedienne known for her Netflix specials “Quarter-Life Crisis” (2020) and “Look At You” (2022), is open about how lonely it can be to be in a city like New York. Though she and Peters talk about their journey to making friends as adults in the Big Apple, Tomlinson admits, “They also see me making friends with Brianna, which was like 30 percent of the reason I started this podcast.”

Suggested episode: Rawdoggin Life with Marissa Meizz

Jemele Hill doesn’t bother

Award-winning journalist and host Jemele Hill is the kind of podcast best friend you’re lucky to hang out with, honestly. She’s down to earth, she’s funny and direct in everything she does, whether it’s analyzing last night’s game or talking about the reverberations of the “smackdown” speech. Hill’s podcast also proves that her list of real-life friends is as A+ as you take it, with guests on “Jemele Hill is Unbothered” ranging from actors Daniel Kaluuya and Kerry Washington to Snoop Dogg. Whatever cultural or political topic Hill and her guests tackle each week, she can be sure she’ll know exactly what questions to ask.

Suggested episode: BIG SEAN – “Deep Bow”

We can do hard things with Glennon Doyle

Looking for a go-to friend who knows exactly how to deliver a feel-good pep talk, everything’s going to be alright in the moments when everything sucks? If his social media is any indication, Glennon Doyle is that friend to over 300,000 people on Twitter alone. She has made a name for herself as an author and podcast host who knows what to say when self-care and compassion feel particularly difficult. On her podcast, Doyle, along with her sister Amanda and her wife, soccer star Abby Wambach, promise to do “the only thing that’s ever made life easier”: be honest and talk about the hard stuff. . If you’re looking for a cathartic pick-me-up after a bad day (or a new BFF therapist), this is the one for you.

Suggested Episode: Natalie Portman: How to know when to say YES

disk soup

Do your ordinary friends, “in person”, have a limit to how much of a hockey nerd you can be? We’ve got an antidote for you: get your steady dose of “Puck Soup” hockey talk, whenever and wherever you want. In this podcast, hockey pundits Sean McIndoe of The Athletic and Ryan Lambert of EP Rinkside talk not only about the major happenings in the world of hockey (and the fan culture that surrounds it), but add amusing commentary on movies. , television and more. . Whether you’re looking to keep up with the latest news in the sport or just listen to some fun guys hanging out (and occasionally roasting each other), “Puck Soup” has you covered.

Suggested Episode: The Curse of the Upside Down Disco Soup

crazy and stupid fangirls

Not a big fan? If you’d rather keep up with celebrity gossip than sports games, there’s a podcast for you, too. Hosted by YouTubers Elle Mills and Michelle Platti, “Crazy Stupid Fangirls” keeps listeners informed on “Old Disney drama,” reality shows, and everything in between. Guest stars range from a “High School Musical” alum to a former “Dance Moms” child star, and no matter the topic, you’re guaranteed a juicy fun time. Whether you’ve never gotten out of your Bethany Mota phase or are still a DCOM kid at heart, this podcast will make you feel like you’re at an epic high school sleepover in the best way.

Suggested episode: “How Scripted Is Reality TV Really?” with Courtney and Savannah from The Circle

Why don’t you want to go out with me?

Unapologetic and constantly hilarious actress/comedian Nicole Byer explores the minefield of modern dating with a rotating series of special guests, including comedian Lil Rel Howery, drag queen Willow Pill and actor Penn. Badgley. Whether it’s checking out her Tinder profile, talking about one night stands, or sharing past traumas, there’s something everyone can relate to (especially if they’re also trying to navigate the dating world). Even as she talks about her struggles with dating. apps and beyond, Byer remains upbeat, flickering between brutal honesty and black humor as she regales her guests with stories.

Suggested episode: The 5 Love Languages ​​(with Warren Burke)

Rose and Rosie, Parent Guidance

Do you know what a rung above very, very close friends is? Try two women who have been together for over 10 years (and married for seven). Rose Ellen Dix and Rosie Spaughton are internet-famous YouTubers who have been chronicling and joking about their lives online since their third date, so they better believe they have a lot of dirt on each other. They also recently had a son, who, spoiler alert, is also the subject of their most recent podcast. In “Parental Guidance,” “the girls” (as they call themselves) approach parenthood from a wide variety of angles, with episodes dealing with everything from the misadventures of finding a sperm donor to a detailed description of the your child’s life (a marathon in length). ) birth.

Suggested episode: Lights, camera, contraction! Achievement. louis pentland

the weekly planet

If you want to fall down a movie-themed rabbit hole, look no further. Co-hosts James Clement and Nick Mason bounce between movie reviews, celebrity gossip and fan theories as they keep up their friendly banter in each episode, ranging from a quick 20-minute chat to a themed two-hour compilation of movie reviews. With mostly action movies, Clement and Mason particularly enjoy comic book adaptations and spotlight movies from studios big and small. With new episodes every few days, there’s no shortage of comic book-themed content to consume.

Suggested Episode: Best spin-offs of movies and series


Joy Ashford can be reached at [email protected]. Follow them on Twitter @joy_ashford. Maya Homan can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @MayaHoman.