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"I've got a lot of work to do. I need a list of podcasts to listen to at work."
Not all work is created equally. While some work requires our full attention, other kinds of work can use a little....accompaniment. That's why we created this list of podcasts to listen to at work.
Whether you're looking for podcasts with lessons, podcasts to inspire, podcasts to give insights on your industry, or pop culture podcasts to help you momentarily escape, there is a podcast for you. There are probably a dozen podcasts that appeal to your humor and topics of interest.
Even if you're stuck at your workplace completing long hours of repetitive work, we compiled this list of the best podcasts to pass the time while learning something new, getting a little teary-eyed, or having a good lauch. Listen to your soon-to-be favorite hosts talk about creativity, hacks, secrets, mental health, self-help, entrepreneurship, and, yes, true crime.
Get your noise-canceling headphones ready, and let's queue up some podcasts!
Table of Contents
- News Podcasts
- Brainy + Educational Podcasts
- Entertainment and Culture Podcasts
- Career Podcasts
- Mental Health + Wellness Podcasts
- Bingeable Stories + True Crime Podcasts
News Podcasts
The news cycle is a lot to take in, and it never ends. For those of us who want to responsibly ingest news without being exposed to the sheer overwhelm of the 24-hour news cycle, there are some great news podcasts. The following podcasts feature journalists who work hard to give a clear picture of what's happening in the world.
If you want to catch up without entering a classic internet doomscroll, check out these news and current events podcasts.
The Daily
From The New York Times, The Daily is a twenty-minute podcast that is published five days a week. Hosted by Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise, The Daily tackles the biggest stories of our times, Monday through Friday.
Today, Explained
The news comes at you fast. Join us at the end of your day to understand it. Today, Explained is your no-filler, Monday-to-Friday news explainer co-hosted by Sean Rameswaram and Noel King. Every episode features the finest reporters from the Vox Media Podcast Network and beyond.
All Things Considered
All Things Considered is a comprehensive and trusted news podcast from NPR, delivering in-depth coverage of current events and human interest stories. With experienced hosts and diverse perspectives, it offers a balanced and insightful analysis of national and international news, making it a go-to source for staying informed on the most pressing issues of our time.
Consider This
The hosts of NPR's All Things Considered help you make sense of a major news story and what it means for you, in 15 minutes. Consider This boasts a concise format that keeps listeners well-informed and engaged with various topics and current events.
Brainy + Educational Podcasts
Want to know what's happening inside our brains when we hear a certain song?
Hidden Brain
in Hidden Brain, host Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.
TED Radio Hour
TED Radio Hour investigates the biggest questions of our time with guests who are the greatest thinkers and innovators living today. Host Manoush Zomorodi explores big ideas through TED Talks and original interviews, inspiring us to learn more about the world, our communities, and, most importantly, ourselves.
Stuff You Should Know
Stuff You Should Knowis the perfect podcast to get your curiosity going. Hosted by Josh Clark and Charles W. "Chuck" Bryant, this podcast deep dives into subjects ranging from history and science to pop culture and everyday phenomena. Whether you're curious about the inner workings of the human brain, the history of chocolate, or the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle, there's something for you.
The Science of Happiness
The Science of Happiness shares research-tested strategies for a happier, more meaningful life, drawing on the science of compassion, gratitude, mindfulness, and awe. Hosted by award-winning professor Dacher Keltner, listen to this podcast to find out what it takes to live a happier life.
Entertainment + Culture Podcasts
There is no such thing as guilty pleasures when getting through a workday. Here are our favorite entertainment and culture podcasts to queue up at work.
Everything Iconic by Danny Pellegrino
Everything Iconic with Danny Pellegrino is my favorite podcast and often one of the highlights of my week. Hosted by Danny Pellegrino, EI is a love letter dedicated to celebrating all things pop culture and iconic moments in entertainment. With a blend of humor, nostalgia, and a deep love for the world of reality TV, movies, and celebrity gossip, Danny shares his witty commentary and engaging interviews with a variety of guests. It's all of the fun that pop culture brings—without an ounce of mean.
Borrowed and Banned
From The Brooklyn Public Library, Borrowed and Banned tells the story of America's (disturbing) ideological war with its bookshelves. In seven episodes, we'll talk with students on the frontlines, librarians, and teachers whose livelihoods are endangered when they speak up, and writers whose books have become political battlegrounds.
While we have your attention, join the NYPL and readers across the country to protect the freedom for all to read!
Career Podcasts
The Career Contessa Podcast
We're biased here, but, yes, we listen to The Career Contessa Podcast every week.
This weekly advice podcast focuses on women, work, and success at work. Over the past few years, we've spoken to everyone from productivity experts to hostage negotiators to unearth actionable tips on surviving the modern workplace and marching confidently into the future of work—whatever that might hold!
WorkLife
Everybody loves organizational psychologist Adam Grant. Lucky for us, Grant has two podcasts. In WorkLife, Grant takes us inside the minds of some of the world’s most unusual professionals to explore the science of making work not suck. From learning how to love criticism to harnessing the power of frustration, one thing’s for sure: You’ll never see your job the same way again.
Boss Class
In Boss Class, the seven-part series from The Economist, Andrew Palmer goes beyond the satire of his weekly column on management, Bartleby. Ditching the satire, Palmer shares lessons on how to be a better manager. He shares practical tips from the CEOs of giant firms like JP Morgan Chase to upstarts like Slack, and experts on everything from hiring to hybrid work.
The First Ten Years
The First Ten Years is a new podcast from friend and contributor, Danielle Doolen. This career podcast uses our past to propel us into the future. Join Doolen as she reflects on her career so far, and invites professionals and experts to share their experiences.
Mental Health + Wellness Podcasts
Get your wellness ane mental health in check while working. We love these podcasts.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
On Purpose with Jay Shetty is an enlightening podcast hosted by former monk and motivational speaker, Jay Shetty. Shetty delves into profound life lessons, personal growth, and practical wisdom, featuring insightful conversations with guests from various fields. Jay shares valuable insights, making ancient wisdom accessible to modern life, and inspiring listeners to live with intention and purpose.
Therapy for Black Girls
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly chat about mental health. Hosted by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist, the podcast explores various topics, offering practical advice and expert insights on self-care, relationships, and personal growth. It creates a safe space for important discussions and encourages its audience to prioritize their mental health and emotional wellness.
THAT Conversation
For the past 7 years, Tarek Ali has always prefaced his talks with, “I never come to be right. I come to start the conversation.”
THAT Conversation is a series of thought-provoking talks that inspire self-reflection and challenge societal norms—all while providing real tools for self-improvement. Tune in every week to hear Tarek have THAT conversation, either alone or with an insightful guest.
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris is a pragmatic podcast exploring mindfulness and meditation. Hosted by ABC News anchor Dan Harris, it features candid interviews with experts, authors, and everyday people sharing their experiences with meditation. The show offers practical insights and strategies for increasing happiness, reducing stress, and embracing a more mindful life..
Calm It Down
Okay, this one might be more for when you're finishing your work—and gearing up for bedtime!
Calm It Down is a soothing and meditative podcast that offers moments of tranquility in our busy lives. Each episode guides you through relaxation and mindfulness exercises, helping you unwind and find inner peace. With gentle narration and serene sounds, it's the perfect escape for those seeking a calm and centered mind.
Bingeworthy Stories + True Crime Podcasts
Do you have a lot of work to do? Maybe it's time to queue up a good story to work alongside.
If you're like me, then you may have been introduced to the modern podcast through Serial, Sarah Koenig's 2014 series that followed the 1999 murder of Min Lee, a popular high school senior—and everything that happened after that.
This is Actually Happening
What would you do if you found yourself in an absolutely unbelievable situation, like coming face-to-face with a bear or being forced to join a cult?
This is Actually Happening brings you extraordinary true stories of life-changing events told by the people who lived them. From a man who woke up in the morgue to a woman stranded in a Mexican desert fighting to survive, these stories will have you on the edge of your seat, waiting to hear what happens next.
American Scandal
"Every scandal begins with a lie. But the truth will come out. And then comes the fallout and the outrage."
American Scandal takes listeners deep into the heart of America’s dark side to look at what drives someone to break the rules and what happens when they’re caught.
The Wedding Scammer
We all love a good scammer story—from Anna Delvey to Billy McFarland, the stories always amaze (and horrify) us all!
The Wedding Scammer is The Ringer’s first true-crime podcast. Host Justin Sayles follows a mysterious figure who once wronged him. Sayles follows this man of many aliases through a sham media company, a series of ruined weddings, and beyond, trying to find answers.
Modern Love
For 18 years, the Modern Love column has given New York Times readers a glimpse into the complicated love lives of real people. Since its start, the column has evolved into a TV show, three books, and a podcast.
In Modern Love Podcast, host Anna Martin brings you stories and conversations about love in all its glorious permutations, dumb pitfalls, and life-changing moments.
