Everybody loves a great story. Whether it's a book, film, TV show, or podcasts, the next story adventure is up to you. Podcasts range in storytelling but some of the best podcasts offer an immersive experience that provides a fantastic way to hear a story. All stories have different genres including sci-fi, drama, kid-friendly, true life stories, exploring the unexplained, analyzing popular myths, cultural origins and more. Essentially, there are a variety of stories to find, so you'll be able to find an episode or series around your tastes.
Listen to a story-telling podcast while commuting to work or driving, running, cooking, or relaxing at home. To make your story-telling podcast discovery easier, we've sought out the top story podcast recommendations for both the non-fiction and fiction lovers. Enjoy!
Welcome to Night Vale
294
episodes
Twice-monthly community updates for the small desert town of Night Vale, where every conspiracy theory is true. Turn on your radio and hide. Never listened before? It's an ongoing radio show. Start with the current episode, and you'll catch on in no time. Or, go right to Episode 1 if you wanna binge-listen.
Ear Hustle
113
episodes
Ear Hustle brings you the daily realities of life inside prison shared by those living it, and stories from the outside, post-incarceration. The podcast is a partnership between Nigel Poor, a Bay Area visual artist, and Earlonne Woods, formerly incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, and was co-founded with former San Quentin resident Antwan Williams. The Ear Hustle team works in the San Francisco Bay Area, both in San Quentin State Prison’s media lab and from offices on the outside, to produce stories that are sometimes difficult, often funny and always honest. Episodes offer a nuanced view of people involved with the American prison system and those reintegrating into society after serving time.
The Moth
300
episodes
This podcast is dedicated to the fine art of storytelling. However, every true-life story on The Moth may be sad, exciting, happy, or tragic.The host, Marina Klutse, uses her wealth of social experiences to guide the storyteller to spill all the juicy details. Every week, The Moth chooses the best story from their nationwide-stage and delivers it to its audience in grand style.
Serial
82
episodes
This true crime podcast is for the fully-fledged Stephen King lover. It’s perfect for people who have a penchant for crime, suspense, and thriller stories. This podcast show offers the very best of non-fiction drama. Sarah Koenig is no less of a natural storyteller and a skilled investigator. With her personality, it’s almost like being in these thrillers. It’s nearly impossible to ask for a better host.
Slow Burn
117
episodes
Ever heard of a podcast show offering content TV series style? Here’s one. Each season of Slow Burn discusses highly controversial historical events in America, clears the air, and answers, long unanswered questions. Thus far, they've discussed politics and entertainment. There's much more in store. Explore the other side of history with host Josh Levin.
Myths and Legends
418
episodes
Jason Weiser and Carissa Weiser tell stories from myths, legends, and folklore that have shaped cultures throughout history. Some, like the stories of Aladdin, King Arthur, and Hercules are stories you think you know, but with surprising origins. Others are stories you might not have heard, but really should. All the stories are sourced from world folklore, but retold for modern ears. These are stories of wizards, knights, Vikings, dragons, princesses, and kings from the time when the world beyond the map was a dangerous and wonderful place.
Invisibilia
93
episodes
Alix Spiegel and Hanna Rosin take the audience on ever exciting adventures revolving around the unseen things that shape the seen world. What do the words “karma” and “fate” mean? Is there any truth to their meanings? Are there things that defy science? Here's where to have a field day. Join the two friendly podcast hosts for an exploration of all things unseen and supernatural. Lock all doors first!
Unexplained
267
episodes
Fans of the strange, eerie, and terrifying enjoy this podcast every single time. Host, William Shatner, is blessed with the incredible gift of describing mysterious, paranormal tales with such finesse. Most people report that they feel as though they’re experiencing the events, he paints by themselves. Unexplained is the go-to for astonishing stories that sound impossible but are all too true.