If you’re big into podcasts, chances are you’ve probably heard of (or listened to!) This American Life. It’s an investigative podcast that takes true stories and makes them oh-so-intriguing, no matter what the topic. And there are a LOT of topics with over 300 episodes, This American Life has told sooooo many stories!
If you like podcasts that keep things smart, light, and entertaining, This American Life is a great podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you <3 listening to podcasts best, or you can listen to it a day early on The New York Times Audio App.
Dying for more? We thought so. That’s why we’re sharing a round-up of similar podcasts for you to binge! Continue reading to check them out. 🙂
10 Podcasts Like This American Life
I Am America
I Am America is a podcast hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross that aims to broaden our sense of community and deepen our understanding of identity, all while inspiring us with the possibilities of our country’s future. Each episode is an “audio portrait” of an American working to mend a social or cultural issue. Cool, right? It’s super empowering and insightful!
Our recommendation: Nurturing Masculinity with Kier Gaines, “Injustice in Health” with Dr. Rachel Hardeman, and Ethics in AI with Timnit Gebru, PhD
Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story
If you like stories so intriguing they keep you on the edge of your seat, take a listen to Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story. It’s a podcast hosted by Sara Ganim and Karen Given that details the story of Coco Berthmann, who became famous for sharing her story of surviving sex trafficking. (Lauryn and Michael of Him & Her even interviewed her!) Yet, in 2022, Coco Berthmann was arrested for raising money for a fake cancer diagnosis, which called her entire life story into question. This one will have you on the edge of your seat!
Our recommendation: start at Episode 1: Something’s Not Right!
Summer of Gold
The Summer of Gold is a history podcast collab between Dear Media and TOGETHXR. Summer of Gold tells the story of the 1996 Olympic Games through the lens of the women Olympians who dominated that summer. These women trailblazed a path for female athletes today, resulting in the foundation of the WNBA and numerous gold medals. This is the definition of GIRL POWER. It’ll have you wanting to rock this ”Strong for A Girl” crewneck with pride!
Our recommendation: start at Episode 1: See it. Be it.
Who’s On Content?!
Who’s On Content?! explores and dissects the influential, behavioral altering power of content through thought provoking, culturally relevant and industry shifting dialogues. (Yeah, that’s a mouthful, but seriously. It’s so interesting.)
It’s hosted by DBA’s SVP of Special Projects, Ernest “EJ” James. Who’s On Content?! will host relevant guests like social platform leaders; executives from top brands; media journalists and content creators contributing to the influential content shaping the global society we live in today. They’re all pumped to share their knowledge on how to navigate the digital world. (And, we’re pumped to hear it.)
Our recommendation: The Content of Living and Inviting Positivity into Your Life Through the Content You Consume and How Content Investigator, Dulma Altan’s Content Makes the Industry a Little More Digestible, One TikTok at a Time
The Dissenters
If you love stories of heroes challenging the status quo and making the world a better place, this one’s for you. Debra Messing and Mandana Dayani host The Dissenters, a podcast where they get to talk to their heroes about the change they made in the world. These Dissenters will give you the courage and hope to find your purpose and chase your passion. Basically, it’s like, “You go, girl! Do your thing!”
Our recommendation: Mark Bustos: The Humanit-hair-ian, on The Power of Kindness and Dr. Edith Eva Eger: The Healing Survivor on Trauma, Healing, and Forgiveness
The Toast
The Toast is a hilarious pop culture news podcast hosted by Jackie O. and Claudia Oshry. With episodes released every weekday morning, you’ll be in the loop for all the latest hot goss. Plus, these two are full of laughs we literally can’t think of a better way to start your morning!
Our recommendation: I Am Woman Hear Me Roar and FunnyD Deficient
The Moth
The Moth podcast feature re-airs of new episodes of The Moth Radio Hour, which has told THOUSANDS of stories since the show began in 1997. That’s right, this podcast has been around for over 25 years! With such a long-standing reputation for storytelling, it’s sure to impress. (Hear it from us, it is GOOD.)
Our recommendation: Truth and Power–Global Stories of Women and Unexpected Community
Serial
Serial is a podcast from the creators of This American Life. It’s an investigative journalism podcast hosted by Sarah Koenig that narrates a wildly interesting story over a series of episodes. It’s thought-provoking and totally binge-worthy! And, if you fall in love with this one, here are more podcasts like Serial!
Our recommendation: start with Episode 1: The Alibi.
The Shine Series
There’s so much to learn from those who are willing to break barriers and stand out amongst the crowd and one of the scariest places to do that is in the fashion scene. If you want to make it, you’ve got to be brave and risk falling flat on your face. The Shine Series hosts discussions about the struggles and successes of some of the fashion industry’s biggest trendsetters. Learn a thing or two about entrepreneurship, confidence, and perseverance with The Shine Series!
Our recommendation: Serena Williams on the G.O.A.T. of Shoes, Being Bold, and More
Good Morning, Monster
Some podcasts are so inspiring they can actually change your life. That’s what Good Morning, Monster is likely to do if you take a listen! Told from the perspective of Catherine Gildiner, Good Morning, Monster follows the emotional recovery of some of Catherine’s most heroic and memorable patients. If you’re looking for a feel-good podcast that may lead to some emotional recovery for you, too, check this one out! (And, then all the good vibes will give you an excuse to don this “Damn Good” crew!)
Our recommendation: start with Session 1: Madeline
Entertain yourself with the stories of these amazing people!
There you have it! 10 A list of AMAZING podcasts that will inspire you to be your best and change the world. These podcasts can change your life, because hearing other’s stories can lead you to chase your passion and connect with others. Whether you’re into stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, want behind-the-scenes details from different industries, or simply enjoy hearing about the lives of people like you, we’ve got something for everyone.
Looking for more? Check out our list of shows or hop over to the blog to see what’s new over at Dear Media! You won’t be disappointed.