Podcasting as a medium has entered history as the greatest force of narrative, news, and entertainment. Many influential podcasts in 2024 change the nature of public discourse, culture, and policy. Some among those are:
1. "The Daily"
- Host : Michael Barbaro
- Synopsis: "The Daily" from The New York Times remains the daily must-listen for millions of people, bringing in-depth, comprehensive analysis of the biggest news stories of the day.
- Why You Might Listen: As said, "The Daily" is to news what other podcasts are to gossip. It often sets the agenda for other media outlets.
2. "Crime Junkie"
- Hosts: Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat
- This crime podcast takes number one spot with well-researched and engaging storytelling that hooks people.
- Why It Matters: Beyond entertainment, "Crime Junkie" has put people on notice about cold cases and injustices that continue to call for action from law enforcement and citizens alike.
3. "Pod Save America"
- Hosts: Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, Tommy Vietor
- This political podcast is by former members of the Obama staff and remains very outspoken with a negative opinion regarding the politics of America, most specifically to the movement.
- Why It's Influential: "Pod Save America" has become the bellwether for much larger left-wing debates with young voters and activists about what is being discussed.
4. "Armchair Expert"
- Dax Shepard and Monica Padman
- Summary: Dax Shepard's podcast remains one of fans' favorites; it engages candid talks with celebrities, experts, and everyman types about life, mental health, and much more.
- Why It Matters: The level at which a podcast is so free with saying its thoughts on mental health and personal battles makes it break some sort of stigma.
5. "The Joe Rogan Experience"
- Host: Joe Rogan
- Synopsis: As contentious as this podcast has been, maybe most popular of all the long-form interview shows with an incredibly wide range of guests.
- Why It's Influential: For the most part, Rogan's show reaches a listening market size often dictating public opinion on health, culture, and technology.
6. "Stuff You Should Know"
- Hosts: Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant
- Summary: This educational podcast keeps continuously making the listeners brighter and more informed on such a vast range of topics, from history to science, and pop culture.
- Why It's Influential: The podcaster ability to make more subjects accessible and entertaining keeps it at the top of educational podcast charts.
7. "My Favorite Murder"
- Hosts: Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
- Summary: This is a true crime comedy duo, which uniqueness earned it so many devoted followers and turned it into a cultural phenomenon.
- Why It's Influential: Combining the dark subject matter with the humor has been able to redefine the image that will be branded true crime and has inspired other shows to be of the same material.
8. "Serial"
- Host: Sarah Koenig
- Synopsis: A prime example of an influential podcast till date since it created the boom of the true crime podcast. Its last season has engulfed the listeners with deep investigative reporting.
- Why It's Influential: "Serial" is the gold standard of podcast quality, and often its influence means that real life changes and carries consequences.
9. "The Michelle Obama Podcast"
- Host: Michelle Obama
- Synopsis: Former First Lady Michelle Obama's podcast is one of the biggest drops in talks of family, relationship, and society.
- Why It's Influential: Michelle Obama influences much more than the podcast, and sometimes these talks spark broad discussions of social issues that need to be made.
10. "TechStuff"
- Host: Jonathan Strickland
- Summary: This podcast delves deep into the tech world and explains how devices, applications, and companies are created to shape day-to-day life.
- Why It's Influential: Because technology is now part and parcel of daily life, "TechStuff" updates listeners on what's trending and innovational.
11. "Call Her Daddy"
- Host: Alex Cooper
- Summary: Known for raw talks about relationships and sex, this show again breaks boundaries in 2024, and most of their interviews go viral.
- Why It's Important: "Call Her Daddy" is allowing subscribers to help break stigmas as well as have raw, uncensored conversations.
12. "The Dropout"
- Host: Rebecca Jarvis
- Summary: The podcast will still outline the coming up and subsequent downfall of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos through ongoing coverage of tech scandals in 2024.
- Why It's Important: "The Dropout" speaks to ethics in tech how people and investors think .
13. "How I Built This"
- Host: Guy Raz
- Synopsis: Entrepreneurs and inventors share their stories of building successful companies and maintaining inspiration for 2024.
- Why Listen: The podcast inspires businessmen and women from all walks of life to put their entrepreneurial ideas into practice; thus, it's a must for aspiring entrepreneurs.
14. "Maintenance Phase"
- Hosts: Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes
- Synopsis: This podcast de-mystifies health and wellness myths by taking a close look at the diet industry and other fads in health.
- Why It Matters: "Maintenance Phase" not only deconstructs popular yet false health advice but also provides a reliable source for fact-based health conversations.
15. "You're Wrong About"
- Hosts: Sarah Marshall and Michael Hobbes
- Synopsis: This podcast revisits and reinterprets the most misunderstood moments and people in history and pop culture, revising how we think about the past and the present.
- Why it matters: This podcast deconstructs long-held beliefs by making a shift in perspective with history and media on the narratives in society.
Conclusion
Not only have they entertained and informed tens of millions in 2024, but they have changed conversations about politics, technology, health, and culture. Podcasting space is in no mode of slowing down, and their influence on public opinion and cultural trends will grow exponentially. Whether a true crime podcast or politics or a deep dive into the intricate details of any subject, here are some must-listens for 2024.
