What Are the Best Podcasts All Time? Top 10 Revealed

In a world where over five million podcasts compete for our earbuds, finding those rare gems – the best podcasts all time – can feel like searching for a needle in a digital haystack! With so many options, how do we separate the merely good from the truly exceptional for the average podcast listener?

That's why we've taken up the challenge to identify the absolute cream of the crop – the podcasts that have not only survived the test of time but have fundamentally changed the medium itself. 

From captivating storytelling to mind-expanding education, these shows represent the pinnacle of audio excellence. They've redefined what's possible in the podcast space and continue to influence new creators daily. Let's dive into our carefully curated collection of the best podcasts all time that deserve a permanent place in your listening rotation. If you're looking for a podcast to listen to, this post is for you!

How We Curated Our Definitive Collection

Before revealing our top picks, it's worth explaining our methodology. We didn't simply choose personal favorites or the most downloaded/popular podcasts (though popularity certainly matters). Instead, we evaluated podcasts based on several factors: cultural impact, innovation, production quality, longevity, and critical acclaim.

Though this wasn't intentional, none of the shows we chose are fiction podcasts. But, they consistently show up in the charts as some of the most popular podcasts.

We considered shows that pioneered formats later adopted across the industry. We looked at podcasts that sparked important conversations or introduced audiences to new perspectives. And most importantly, we focused on shows that consistently deliver exceptional content year after year. These aren't flash-in-the-pan hits but enduring audio institutions that have shaped how we think about spoken-word entertainment. 

The Evolution of Podcasting: From Niche Medium to Global Phenomenon

What is a podcast really? The term "podcast" was only coined in 2004, but in less than two decades, the medium transformed from an obscure tech hobby to a mainstream cultural force. What began as short, often amateur audio blogs has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem of professional productions with Hollywood-level talent both behind and in front of the microphone. 

The medium's watershed moment came in 2014 when Serial captivated millions with its investigative storytelling approach. Suddenly, everyone was talking about podcasts. Streaming platforms took notice, advertisers followed, and major media companies rushed to develop their own shows. Today, podcasting represents one of the most vibrant and diverse spaces in media, with something truly for everyone.

Top 10 Best Podcasts All Time That Redefined Audio Storytelling

Here are our picks for 10 of the best podcasts of all time:

1. This American Life: The Gold Standard of Narrative Audio

When discussing the best podcasts all time, This American Life invariably tops the list – and for good reason. Since 1995 (predating the term "podcast" itself), Ira Glass and his team have perfected the art of audio storytelling through carefully structured episodes exploring American life from every conceivable angle.

What makes This American Life so special isn't just longevity but consistency. For over 25 years, they've maintained extraordinary quality while constantly experimenting with form. Each hour-long episode typically features a prologue and several acts connected by a theme, ranging from heartbreaking personal stories to laugh-out-loud comedy.

It started as a radio broadcast, and eventually became a podcast as well – though their show is still syndicated on more than 500 public radio stations throughout the United States. 

The show has fundamentally influenced countless podcasts that followed, essentially creating the template for narrative non-fiction audio. With over 4 million listeners weekly (both podcast and radio audiences combined), its cultural footprint is enormous. In 2020, it won the Pulitzer Prize for audio journalism, cementing its reputation as the medium's most prestigious program. 

For newcomers, episodes like "#513: 129 Cars" offer perfect entry points into the show's unique storytelling approach – following car salesmen trying to hit their monthly quota, it transforms seemingly mundane subject matter into riveting drama.

Related: 8 Best AI Tools for Podcasters

2. Radiolab: Transforming Science Communication Through Sound

Few podcasts have reimagined what audio can accomplish quite like Radiolab. Founded by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich (now hosted by Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser), this groundbreaking program uses innovative sound design to tackle complex scientific concepts in ways that feel accessible, emotional, and utterly engaging. 

What sets Radiolab apart is its distinctive production style. The hosts weave interviews, expert commentary, music, and sound effects into a tapestry that doesn't just explain difficult ideas but makes you feel them. Episodes often start with a simple question that spirals into unexpected territories, challenging listeners to reconsider their understanding of the world.

Radiolab has won multiple Peabody Awards and inspired countless imitators, but none have quite captured its magical blend of curiosity, technical innovation, and emotional resonance. Essential episodes include "Colors," which explores perception through science and personal stories, and "Space," which contemplates our place in the universe with both scientific rigor and poetic reflection. 

3. Dan Carlin's Hardcore History: Immersive Historical Storytelling

History podcasts are plentiful, but Dan Carlin's Hardcore History towers above all others. Each meticulously researched multi-hour episode (sometimes stretching across six-part series) offers an unparalleled deep dive into pivotal moments in human history, from the fall of the Roman Republic to the nuclear age.

What makes Carlin's approach so compelling is his ability to maintain academic rigor while infusing historical narratives with cinematic intensity. He doesn't merely recite facts; he transports listeners to ancient battlefields and the halls of power, considering multiple perspectives and the complexities of historical context.

Hardcore History episodes require commitment – some run upwards of four hours – but the investment pays off in a profound understanding impossible to achieve through typical history podcasts. The "Wrath of the Khans" series about the Mongol Empire and "Blueprint for Armageddon" covering World War I represent some of the finest historical content available in any medium.

4. Serial: The Show That Launched a Thousand Podcasts

While not the longest-running entry on our list, Serial earns its spot among the best podcasts of all time for its seismic impact on the medium. When its first season investigating the murder conviction of Adnan Syed debuted in 2014, it became the first true podcast phenomenon, reaching five million downloads faster than any show before it. 

Created by Sarah Koenig and Julie Snyder from This American Life, Serial pioneered a new approach to investigative journalism in audio form. Its week-by-week deep dive into a single case captivated listeners worldwide and demonstrated the potential for podcasts to drive cultural conversations and even impact real-world legal proceedings. 

Serial's influence extends far beyond its own success. It inspired countless true crime podcasts, normalized serialized storytelling in the medium, and brought millions of new listeners to podcasting who'd never previously considered the format. The first season remains essential listening for anyone interested in understanding how podcasts evolved from niche to mainstream. 

Also see: How Much Money Can Podcasters Make? 20 Proven Methods to Make Money

5. The Joe Rogan Experience: Conversational Podcasting at Scale

Love him or hate him, Joe Rogan's impact on podcasting is undeniable. The comedian and UFC commentator has built his long-form conversation show into an empire that attracts millions of listeners per episode and secured a reported $250 million Spotify deal. Rogan is one of the highest paid podcasters of all time. 

What distinguishes The Joe Rogan Experience is its format: unstructured, often three-hour conversations that give guests room to express complex ideas without time constraints. Rogan's approach – curious, open-minded, and occasionally controversial – has made his show a unique platform for everyone from scientists and philosophers to comedians and politicians. 

Though sometimes criticized for platforming controversial figures, Rogan's influence has fundamentally changed podcasting economics and demonstrated the potential for independent creators to build massive audiences through consistency and authentic conversation. Whatever your opinion of specific episodes, his show's place among the best podcasts all time is secured by its unprecedented reach and influence.

6. 99% Invisible: Finding Beauty in Everyday Design

Roman Mars' 99% Invisible has carved out a unique space in the world of podcasting by focusing on the design and architecture that shapes our world but often goes unnoticed. From the surprising origins of everyday objects to the invisible systems that make cities function, this show consistently transforms seemingly mundane topics into fascinating explorations. 

What makes 99% Invisible special is its ability to make listeners see their surroundings with fresh eyes. After an episode about Norman doors or desire paths, you'll never experience the built environment the same way again. Mars' soothing voice and impeccable production create an almost meditative listening experience while delivering genuine intellectual insights. 

The show has expanded from a one-man project to a full design and storytelling studio, spawning books and a network of related podcasts. Its blend of accessibility, creativity, and genuine curiosity about how things work represents podcasting at its finest.

7. Reply All: Internet Culture Explored with Heart and Humor

Before its controversial ending, Reply All stood as perhaps the definitive show about internet culture, technology, and our relationship with digital life. Hosts PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman tackled everything from obscure memes to complex scams with equal parts technical knowledge and emotional intelligence. 

What elevated Reply All above other tech podcasts was its focus on human stories. Rather than just explaining technology, the show explored how digital tools impact real lives, often with unexpected emotional depth. Episodes like "The Case of the Missing Hit" and "Long Distance" showcased the hosts' willingness to go to extraordinary lengths to solve listeners' tech mysteries. 

Despite its premature conclusion following internal controversy, Reply All's archive remains an essential document of internet culture during a transformative period in digital history. Few shows have better captured both the promise and problems of our connected world. 

Related: Learn How to Start a Podcast of Your Own

8. The Daily: Redefining News for the Podcast Era

In just a few years, The New York Times' The Daily has transformed how millions consume news. Host Michael Barbaro and a team of journalists distill complex stories into focused 20-minute episodes that provide context and human perspective often missing from headlines. 

What makes The Daily stand out is its intimate approach to news reporting. By focusing on a single story most days and featuring the journalists who reported it, the show creates an emotional connection to current events that traditional news formats rarely achieve. The thoughtful pacing, music, and production elevate news delivery to a form of storytelling. 

With more than four million daily downloads, The Daily has not only become a major platform for Times journalism but has inspired dozens of similar daily news podcasts from other outlets. Its influence on how journalism adapts to the audio medium secures its place among the best podcasts all time.

9. WTF with Marc Maron: Vulnerability as Podcast Art

Comedian Marc Maron's interview podcast WTF pioneered a raw, deeply personal approach to conversation that has influenced countless shows that followed. Broadcasting initially from his garage, Maron's authentic style – mixing self-deprecation, neurosis, and genuine curiosity – created a space where guests reveal themselves in ways rarely seen in traditional media. 

What makes WTF special is Maron's evolution as an interviewer. From early episodes centered on comedy scene dynamics, the show expanded to feature musicians, actors, directors, and even President Barack Obama. Throughout this evolution, Maron maintained his signature vulnerability and willingness to explore difficult topics – from addiction to creative failure. 

With over 1,000 episodes spanning more than a decade, WTF has documented the comedy world while expanding far beyond it. The show's emotional resonance and consistent ability to elicit surprising revelations from well-known figures earns its place in podcast history.

10. S-Town: Podcast as Literary Nonfiction

When the team behind Serial and This American Life released all seven episodes of S-Town simultaneously in 2017, they demonstrated yet another possibility for podcasting: audio as literary nonfiction. What begins as an investigation into an alleged murder in rural Alabama transforms into an intimate character study of a brilliant, troubled man named John B. McLemore. 

What distinguishes S-Town is its novelistic quality. Host Brian Reed crafts a narrative with the depth, complexity, and emotional resonance of great literature, raising questions about mental health, sexuality, class, and the meaning of a well-lived life. The show's structure—complete with foreshadowing, thematic development, and careful pacing—elevates podcasting to high art. 

Though some criticized the show's treatment of its subject's privacy, S-Town's artistic achievement remains undeniable. Its 40+ million downloads demonstrated audience appetite for sophisticated storytelling and cemented its place among the best podcasts all time.

Why These Shows Dominate the Best Podcast Rankings

Admittedly, some of the most popular podcasts today are about sex like Call Her Daddy, true crime like Crime Junkies, or comedy like Smartless. Others are fiction podcasts like Welcome to Night Vale. Still, we feel that our list of podcasts truly represents some of the best in the audio medium. And hey, they often rank in the top charts with their loyal fans that return regularly.

Looking across our selections, certain patterns emerge. The best podcasts all time share several key characteristics: distinctive voices (both literal and figurative), innovative approaches to their subject matter, exceptional production quality, and the ability to create genuine emotional connections with listeners. 

These shows don't just deliver information – they create experiences. Whether through Dan Carlin's historical epics or Radiolab's sonic explorations of science, they transport listeners and expand our understanding of what audio storytelling can accomplish. They respect their audiences' intelligence while remaining accessible to newcomers in their respective fields. 

Another common thread is evolution. The most enduring podcasts have grown and adapted over time, refining their approaches while maintaining their core identities. This American Life sounds very different today than it did in 1995, yet its fundamental commitment to quality storytelling remains unchanged.

How to Create Your Own Podcast Worthy of Greatness

After exploring the best podcasts of all time, you might be inspired to create your own show that could one day rank among these legends. Here's how to start your podcasting journey with the right foundation:

Focus on Compelling Storytelling

What makes podcasts like "This American Life" and "Radiolab" stand out is their exceptional storytelling abilities. Before diving into equipment and marketing, focus on developing a unique perspective and narrative approach that will captivate listeners. The most successful podcasts typically feature distinctive voices (both literal and figurative), innovative approaches to their subject matter, exceptional production quality, and the ability to create genuine emotional connections with listeners.

Invest in Quality Production

While you don't need Hollywood-level equipment to start, good audio quality matters. The evolution of podcasting has transformed it from an obscure tech hobby to a sophisticated ecosystem of professional productions. Invest in a decent microphone, learn basic audio editing skills, and create a consistent recording environment to ensure your content sounds professional.

Streamline Your Workflow with Castmagic

Creating high-quality podcast content involves more than just recording. The post-production process can be time-consuming, which is where tools like Castmagic come in. This all-in-one transcription and AI-content platform can help you automate many tedious aspects of podcast production.

With Castmagic, you can upload your audio files and automatically transcribe your episodes, removing filler words and splitting content by speakers. The platform then uses AI to generate various content assets including show notes, timestamps, titles, and keywords. This can save you hours of manual work in the post-production phase. 

Castmagic's features extend beyond basic podcast transcription. You can generate social media posts, email newsletters, blog articles, quotes, clips, and other promotional materials directly from your podcast audio. The platform even allows you to customize content outputs to match your tone, style, and format, giving you full control over how your podcast is represented across different channels.

Be Consistent and Evolve

Looking at the top podcasts, one common thread is evolution. The most enduring shows have grown and adapted over time, refining their approaches while maintaining their core identities. This American Life sounds very different today than it did in 1995, yet its fundamental commitment to quality storytelling remains unchanged. 

Commit to a regular publishing schedule that works for you, whether that's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Consistency helps build audience expectations and loyalty. Additionally, be open to evolving your format and content based on listener feedback and your growing skills as a podcaster.

Ready to Start Your Podcast?

Creating a great podcast takes time, creativity, and the right tools. By focusing on compelling storytelling, investing in quality production, streamlining your workflow with tools like Castmagic, and committing to consistency and evolution, you'll be on your way to creating content that resonates with listeners. 

Who knows? With dedication and the right approach, your show might one day rank among the best podcasts of all time! 

Try Castmagic for free today and transform how you create and distribute your podcast content.