Need-to-Know Podcasts for Fans, Nerds, Learners, and Every Teen Inbetween

What it's About: You may be a Whovian, a Potterhead, or part of the A.R.M.Y., but did you know that fandom could spring out of pretty much... anything? That's what this podcast is about: fandoms. All fandoms. Every fandom. If you ever wanted to know what the world (the world here being three Canadian men) thinks about your favorite fandom then this podcast is for you.

Why You Should Listen: The hot takes that the men of Fanthropological give on fandoms are both interesting and informative. If you want to the learn about fandom through an archeological lens then here you are. This podcast is also good when you just want to relax--the hosts are methodical but they also meander calmly through their findings on fandom.

What it's About: The ever-popular Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast is about all things popular. Topics range from fandom, celebrity news, books, movies, influencers, etc.. And really--no topic is off limits.

Why You Should Listen: Each episode's theme is thoroughly- and fascinatingly- explored by the podcast's hosts. If you ever wanted to take a deep dive into your favorite pop culture topics, say Netflix's Tiger King, then look no further.

What it's About: Otaku Spirit is one of the longest-running Anime podcasts for good reason. With 300+ episodes you can find discussion and analysis from seasoned Anime-lovers on pretty much any Anime you like. Sword Art Online? Sure. Ghibli? Absolutely. Coverage of upcoming Anime? You betcha!

Why You Should Listen: Sometimes our friends do not like or have not seen the same Anime that we have. This is where Otaku Spirit comes in. These guys have seen everything and share your love.

Warning: Just like Anime as a whole this podcast has infrequent adult language and content

What it's About: Do you think that Anime is more than just entertainment? Well the hosts of Anime is Lit do too! Anime is Lit is a podcast where two Anime lovers analyse Anime through the lens of literary criticism. In this podcast Anime is more than just fun: it's art.

Why You Should Listen: You and I know that Anime is awesome, but this podcast puts words to why exactly it's so awesome. This podcast is perfect when you just want to geek out.

Warning: Some adult language

What it's About: One of my favorite podcasts of all time, Myths and Legends is one guy on a mission to explain the histories behind our favorite books, movies, and tv shows. Not only does the host really dig in deep with his research, but he makes the history lessons applicable.

Why You Should Listen: Listening to this podcast is like being a little kid again when you were read bedtime stories. There's magic! Romance! Intrigue! Lore from around the world!

What it's About: Three women record their Dungeons and Dragons campaigns. That's it--and it's as good as it sounds.

Why You Should Listen: This podcast is especially for people who wish that they could play D&D 24/7 or, I guess, just really love fantasy and don't want to reread the Lord of the Rings for the 15 billionth time.

Warning: Some adult language and content

What it's About: Another one of my favorites Ologies is about Alie Ward's research into "ologies" or the studies and fields behind any word with the suffix "ology." Along the way things get messy, very funny, and include expert opinions and research in the form of interviews.

Why You Should Listen: There is a field of study on just about every worldly phenomenon. Some of the coolest studies that Ward has covered are spiderwebs, beauty standards, crow funerals, and evil spirits. And that's just the tip of the iceberg!

Warning: Some adult language and episodes that discuss bodily fluids and functions

What it's About: This is a pretty popular podcast that is all about the bizarre things that people stumble across. Mostly the "things" are just weird, but sometimes they're unbelievable, or gross, or dumb. However, all the "things" found make for great stories.

Why You Should Listen: Like Oologies above The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week is totally odd but a total riot. If you are looking for something truly entertaining to take your mind off of the world and your schoolwork then fasten your seat belts because this show is a wild ride.

What it's About: For years the host of Our Fake History has turned his magnifying glass to the legends of history to see if there's any truth to them or if they are indeed just legend.

Why You Should Listen: If you like conspiracy theories then you will love this podcast. This guy goes into it all: Bonaparte and the Sphinx, who invented Rock'n'Roll, and did Atlantis ever exist?

What it's About: This podcast is exactly what it sounds like. There is so much stuff that is not covered in history classes, such as the importance of understanding that no historical event is isolated, things were much dirtier and bloodier than a textbook could ever be permitted to describe, and there's always something funny or strange happening somewhere in the world.

Why You Should Listen: Knowing human history is really important, but who said it couldn't be funny? And interesting? History doesn't have to be stuffy. Bonus: these gals dig into the history of folks who history books often leave out: women, queer folks, and people of color.

What it's About: This is the podcast equivalent of Parts Unknown and Ugly Delicious. The Splendid Table is a long-running podcast all about food: delicious food, how to cook food, where our food comes from, new foods and food trends, and food history.

Why You Should Listen: The newer host Francis Lam is an expert journalist and interviewer. This is also a great podcast to listen to if you want to explore other cultures from the comfort of your couch (or if you're just hungry).

What it's About: Harry Potter and the Sacred Text uses analytic technique traditionally reserved for theological and governmental texts in order to truly examine the series that has touched so many people. The podcast, however, is never dry but is like a conversation with your friends where the only topic is Harry Potter.

Why You Should Listen: We love Harry Potter. We want more Harry Potter. Here is more Harry Potter.

What it's About: First this podcast is hilarious. Second, the idea to have a bunch of adults read their tween and teenage diaries is a stroke of genius. Each episode centers around a single guest, or theme, where diaries are read in front of a crowd of people. The diary entries are always very relatable, usually pretty cringy, and sometimes sad.

Why You Should Listen: Hearing adults go through the exact things that you are going through is pure comfort. You're not alone in the weird bodily habitation that is adolescence!

Warning: "Mortified" is recommended for older teens. Adult language and themes (written by teens) discussed throughout

What it's About: YA literary icon John Green and his brother Hank sit down and talk about their lives, their books, the world, and answer fan questions.

Why You Should Listen: As you probably know John Green is a very relatable guy. He gets the teen experience, and Dear Hank and John is alike all of his other offerings (cough like his second excellent podcast the Anthropocene Reviewed). Every episode is suffused with sincerity (and of course humor!).

What it's About: Welcome to Night Vale is the ultimate classic podcast. If you have not heard of this podcast, or have just never given it a go, then you are in for a treat. Welcome to Night Vale is a totally unique production, but you could say that it follows in the tradition of weird horror and suspense masters Stephen King and Neil Gaiman. The podcast takes the shape of a local news broadcast in a town of unusual occurrences. Think Twin Peaks meets Tim Burton meets War of the Worlds.

Why You Should Listen: This podcast has broad-base appeal. I mean it has its own fan base. It's creepy in a good way and so so funny.

Warning: Some adult language, horror, and suspense

What its About: This is a podcast that takes on the legacy of game shows. Essentially an alternating cast of hosts challenges regular people and famous people to a trivia showdown were all the questions are taken from current news.

Why You Should Listen: This podcast is a good substitute for when you don't want to read the news or when you miss The Big Fat Quiz of the Year.

Warning: Some adult themes