Society & Culture Podcasts: Best Episodes & Shows of 2020
Selecting a new podcast isn't always easy as it depends on the style of the podcast, host, guests, length of the episode, whether it's an interview or a story, an episode or an entire series, topic at hand, and many other factors. You could waste lots of time randomly listening to podcasts or, with the help of the Repod community, explore the best Society & Culture podcasts as voted upon by the Repod community. Read on to discover podcast recommendations that we've organized by 1) the top episodes and 2) our pick for the top shows.
The Best Society & Culture Episodes for August 2020
Each month the Repod listeners vote on the best Society & Culture episodes on the month. To contribute to the charts download Repod and like 🧡 your favorite episodes.
The list of the top 10 Society & Culture episodes for August 2020 is compliled from Repod’s podcast app chart data. The list below is updated monthly, daily Society & Culture charts can be found inside the app.
- 1
1
This American Life
711: How to Be AloneIn space, in the ocean, by ourselves, or with others—we’re all just figuring out how to be apart.
"The astronaut analogy was spot on describing COVID life"
In space, in the ocean, by ourselves, or with others—we’re all just figuring out how to be apart.
"The astronaut analogy was spot on describing COVID life"
- 2
2
The Joe Rogan Experience
#1482 - Jordan JonasJordan Jonas spent 77 days living alone in the Canadian wilderness to become the winner for the sixth season of the History Channel’s reality television show “Alone.”
"I finished season 6 of the TV show “Alone” and the contestant Jordan was on with Rogan recently. At the timestamp he talks about his time on the show. Rogan didn’t watch Alone so his questions aren’t the best but overall Jordan had lots of juicy details that weren’t aired on the series."
Jordan Jonas spent 77 days living alone in the Canadian wilderness to become the winner for the sixth season of the History Channel’s reality television show “Alone.”
"I finished season 6 of the TV show “Alone” and the contestant Jordan was on with Rogan recently. At the timestamp he talks about his time on the show. Rogan didn’t watch Alone so his questions aren’t the best but overall Jordan had lots of juicy details that weren’t aired on the series."
- 3
3
The Daily Smile
Drone LoveA boy in New York sees a girl across the way and wants to meet her. But first, the boy has to find a way to connect. With everyone sheltering-in-place, it will require a lot of ingenuity.Jeremy Cohen’s TikTok and InstagramSports Commentator Nick HeathTell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.comOur theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes
"How creative have you ever been to impress a date? During this pandemic, this person got really creative. "
A boy in New York sees a girl across the way and wants to meet her. But first, the boy has to find a way to connect. With everyone sheltering-in-place, it will require a lot of ingenuity.Jeremy Cohen’s TikTok and InstagramSports Commentator Nick HeathTell us what’s making you smile! Send a voice memo to smile@wondery.comOur theme song is “Smile” by Ryan Innes
"How creative have you ever been to impress a date? During this pandemic, this person got really creative. "
- 4
4
Decoder Ring
The KarenThe Karen, a white woman who surveys, inconveniences, and terrorizes, service workers and people of color is a relatively new term in the culture, but her character type has been with us for centuries. In this episode of Decoder Ring we explore the history of this type, from the code-names used during enslavement, to the contemporary menace of the COVID age.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Interesting ep about Karens and more. I don’t know why I was surprised to find it in Decoder Ring. "
The Karen, a white woman who surveys, inconveniences, and terrorizes, service workers and people of color is a relatively new term in the culture, but her character type has been with us for centuries. In this episode of Decoder Ring we explore the history of this type, from the code-names used during enslavement, to the contemporary menace of the COVID age.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
"Interesting ep about Karens and more. I don’t know why I was surprised to find it in Decoder Ring. "
- 5
5
The Moth
The Moth Radio Hour: Mismatch, Marriage, and a MarathonA woman follows love to a campsite, a man gets married and divorced and then remarried, and a public radio host runs the Boston Marathon as a guide for a visually impaired man. This hour is hosted by one of The Moth’s Senior Directors, Jenifer Hixson.*The Moth Radio Hour *is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Hosted by: Jenifer Hixson
Storytellers: Horace B Sanders, Peter Sagal, Jessica Lee Williamson
"Fantastic three stories!🙌🏼"
A woman follows love to a campsite, a man gets married and divorced and then remarried, and a public radio host runs the Boston Marathon as a guide for a visually impaired man. This hour is hosted by one of The Moth’s Senior Directors, Jenifer Hixson.*The Moth Radio Hour *is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.
Hosted by: Jenifer Hixson
Storytellers: Horace B Sanders, Peter Sagal, Jessica Lee Williamson
"Fantastic three stories!🙌🏼"
- 6
6
Daddy Issues with Joe Buck and Oliver Hudson
Eddie Vedder: GrungedaddyOn Episode 17 of Daddy Issues, Eddie Vedder (musician, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter) joins Joe and Oliver in a rare interview to talk about everything from Eddie’s life growing up, his rise to fame, his upcoming projects, fathers and fatherhood, surfing…and so much more!Memorable Quote: "Smiles are cheaper than guitar picks"
On Episode 17 of Daddy Issues, Eddie Vedder (musician, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter) joins Joe and Oliver in a rare interview to talk about everything from Eddie’s life growing up, his rise to fame, his upcoming projects, fathers and fatherhood, surfing…and so much more!Memorable Quote: "Smiles are cheaper than guitar picks"
- 7
7
LadyGang
Allegedly Taylor Swift Sent Keltie a Cardigan, That's Wassa HappeningThere’s a lot going on in the world right now. Two words: Taylor Swift. Also, Nicki Minaj is having a baby, Dancing with the Stars has a new host and like, Zac Efron has a dad bod Netflix show? If we know anything it’s that IT’S ALL CONNECTED!
Shout out to our sponsors!
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And shop the LadyGang collection now at express.com!
"Fun episode talking about Taylor Swift’s new folklore album and Zac Efron’s Netflix show. "
There’s a lot going on in the world right now. Two words: Taylor Swift. Also, Nicki Minaj is having a baby, Dancing with the Stars has a new host and like, Zac Efron has a dad bod Netflix show? If we know anything it’s that IT’S ALL CONNECTED!
Shout out to our sponsors!
Carefree – For more information or to buy, check it out on Amazon or Walmart.com. Or you ma y find it at your local grocery store or CVS.
Feetures – Get $100 of your first pair at feetures.com and use code LADYGANG.
Best Fiends – Download Best Fiends for free in the App store or on Google Play.
Hello Fresh – Go to HelloFresh.com/80ladygang and use code 80ladygang to get a total of $80 off, including free shipping on your first box.
Stamps.com – Start your 4 week trial with free postage and a free digital scale at stamps.com. Click th e microphone at the top of the homepage and enter code LADYGANG.
Thrive Market – Go to thrivemarket.com/ladygang to start your risk free membership and get $20 toward your first order.
And shop the LadyGang collection now at express.com!
"Fun episode talking about Taylor Swift’s new folklore album and Zac Efron’s Netflix show. "
- 8
8
The Joe Rogan Experience
#1477 - Tony HawkTony Hawk is a professional skateboarder, actor, stuntman, and the owner of the skateboard company Birdhouse.
"Great episode, Tony Hawk seems like such a nice guy. The stories of Laird Hamilton were great"
Tony Hawk is a professional skateboarder, actor, stuntman, and the owner of the skateboard company Birdhouse.
"Great episode, Tony Hawk seems like such a nice guy. The stories of Laird Hamilton were great"
- 9
9
The Joe Rogan Experience
#1510 - George Knapp & Jeremy CorbellGeorge Knapp is an author, speaker, and the chief investigative reporter at KLAS TV in Las Vegas, NV. Jeremy Corbell is a contemporary artist and documentary filmmaker.
"I love how these guys can talk so openly about Aliens 👽 and other conspiracies 👾 . Episodes like these will always make me return to JRE. "
George Knapp is an author, speaker, and the chief investigative reporter at KLAS TV in Las Vegas, NV. Jeremy Corbell is a contemporary artist and documentary filmmaker.
"I love how these guys can talk so openly about Aliens 👽 and other conspiracies 👾 . Episodes like these will always make me return to JRE. "
- 10
10
Wheel Talks
Episode #26 - Destiney Wendt Like This: PTSD, Perseverance, & Epilepsy WarriorDestiney Wendt shares her incredible story alongside her gifted dog Ramsey, who helps her detect the onset of a seizure as a result of her epilepsy. We discuss everything from PTSD, sexual abuse, the struggle to find one’s purpose, The ins and outs of epilepsy, postpartum depression, and her journey through motherhood. Such an amazing and inspirational guest!
"I absolutely love her story and she is a real warrior. 💪🏻Diagnosed with epilepsy at 15 years old, having her first seizure the night before her prom, getting engaged.....I don’t want to give too many spoilers 😆 but I’m so glad they talked about this disability and being a mom who is epileptic . 💕"
Destiney Wendt shares her incredible story alongside her gifted dog Ramsey, who helps her detect the onset of a seizure as a result of her epilepsy. We discuss everything from PTSD, sexual abuse, the struggle to find one’s purpose, The ins and outs of epilepsy, postpartum depression, and her journey through motherhood. Such an amazing and inspirational guest!
"I absolutely love her story and she is a real warrior. 💪🏻Diagnosed with epilepsy at 15 years old, having her first seizure the night before her prom, getting engaged.....I don’t want to give too many spoilers 😆 but I’m so glad they talked about this disability and being a mom who is epileptic . 💕"
Editors Choice: Top Society & Culture Shows In 2020
With so many different podcasts to choose from, which ones are the best of the best? We've combed through the top podcast shows and have come up with a list of the best Society & Culture podcasts to listen to in 2020.
The list of the top 10 best Society & Culture podcasts of 2020 is a compilation of the editor’s choice + collaboration with the Repod community.
Straight Up with StassiLove her or hate her, but you can’t ignore the sassy, quick-witted Stassi Schroeder, star of Bravo’s “Vanderpump Rules.” Never one to hold back on any topic, Stassi is here with a weekly podcast, “Straight Up with Stassi’, a biting and hilarious look at the world and everyone in it, according to the Queen Bee herself.
Love her or hate her, but you can’t ignore the sassy, quick-witted Stassi Schroeder, star of Bravo’s “Vanderpump Rules.” Never one to hold back on any topic, Stassi is here with a weekly podcast, “Straight Up with Stassi’, a biting and hilarious look at the world and everyone in it, according to the Queen Bee herself.
Bullseye with Jesse ThornBullseye from NPR is your curated guide to culture. Jesse Thorn hosts in-depth interviews with brilliant creators, culture picks from our favorite critics and irreverent original comedy. Bullseye has been featured in Time, The New York Times, GQ and McSweeney's, which called it "the kind of show people listen to in a more perfect world." (Formerly known as The Sound of Young America.)
Bullseye from NPR is your curated guide to culture. Jesse Thorn hosts in-depth interviews with brilliant creators, culture picks from our favorite critics and irreverent original comedy. Bullseye has been featured in Time, The New York Times, GQ and McSweeney's, which called it "the kind of show people listen to in a more perfect world." (Formerly known as The Sound of Young America.)
Morbid: A True Crime PodcastIt’s a lighthearted nightmare in here, weirdos! Morbid is a true crime, creepy history and all things spooky podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist. Join us for a heavy dose of research with a dash of comedy thrown in for flavor.
It’s a lighthearted nightmare in here, weirdos! Morbid is a true crime, creepy history and all things spooky podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist. Join us for a heavy dose of research with a dash of comedy thrown in for flavor.
UndiscoveredA podcast about the left turns, missteps, and lucky breaks that make science happen.
A podcast about the left turns, missteps, and lucky breaks that make science happen.
Where Should We Begin? with Esther PerelListen to the incomparable therapist Esther Perel counsel real couples as they reveal the most intimate, personal, and complicated details of the conflicts that have brought them to her door. This season, she takes on open marriage, racism inside an extended family, coming out in a religious home, and chronic infidelity, among other delicate dynamics. Esther creates a space for us to hear our own lives and struggles articulated in the stories of others. So....where should we begin?
Listen to the incomparable therapist Esther Perel counsel real couples as they reveal the most intimate, personal, and complicated details of the conflicts that have brought them to her door. This season, she takes on open marriage, racism inside an extended family, coming out in a religious home, and chronic infidelity, among other delicate dynamics. Esther creates a space for us to hear our own lives and struggles articulated in the stories of others. So....where should we begin?
The Daily StoicFor centuries, all sorts of people—generals and politicians, athletes and coaches, writers and leaders—have looked to the teachings of Stoicism to help guide their lives. Each day, author and speaker Ryan Holiday brings you a new lesson about life, inspired by the thoughts and writings of great Stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca the Younger. Daily Stoic Podcast also features Q+As with listeners and interviews with notable figures from sports, academia, politics, and more. Learn more at DailyStoic.com.
For centuries, all sorts of people—generals and politicians, athletes and coaches, writers and leaders—have looked to the teachings of Stoicism to help guide their lives. Each day, author and speaker Ryan Holiday brings you a new lesson about life, inspired by the thoughts and writings of great Stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca the Younger. Daily Stoic Podcast also features Q+As with listeners and interviews with notable figures from sports, academia, politics, and more. Learn more at DailyStoic.com.
Without FailCandid conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, visionaries of all kinds—about their successes, and their failures, and what they learned from both. Hosted by Alex Blumberg, from Gimlet Media.
Candid conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, visionaries of all kinds—about their successes, and their failures, and what they learned from both. Hosted by Alex Blumberg, from Gimlet Media.
Dirty JohnDebra Newell is a successful interior designer. She meets John Meehan, a handsome man who seems to check all the boxes: attentive, available, just back from a year in Iraq with Doctors Without Borders. But her family doesn’t like John, and they get entangled in an increasingly complex web of love, deception, forgiveness, denial, and ultimately, survival. Reported and hosted by Christopher Goffard from the L.A. Times.
Debra Newell is a successful interior designer. She meets John Meehan, a handsome man who seems to check all the boxes: attentive, available, just back from a year in Iraq with Doctors Without Borders. But her family doesn’t like John, and they get entangled in an increasingly complex web of love, deception, forgiveness, denial, and ultimately, survival. Reported and hosted by Christopher Goffard from the L.A. Times.
Love MeLove Me is a CBC original podcast about the messiness of human relationships.
Love Me is a CBC original podcast about the messiness of human relationships.
Entertaining Daily Politics, Award Winning Long-Form Interviews and Irreverent, Independent Analysis. For more info see Majority.FM
