30 Podcast Recommendations from 2022
Recommendations from: Arielle Nissenblatt | List curated by: Devon DiComo
We’ve reached the end of the year! It’s officially listicle season. Welcome. Here’s another podcast-related one. But…with a twist. Read on!
As you may or may not know, I love all things podcasts and podcasting. I love interacting with people all across the podcast space — whether it’s hearing about the shows you’re listening to or the ones you’re making. This past year was another incredible one for audio content. I listened a whole lot and found a bunch of new favorites. So, back in April, when I was nearing 10,000 followers on Twitter, I decided to tweet that when I hit that number, I would recommend a podcast episode for every like that the post got. Well, I hit 10k soon thereafter and I ended up getting over 600 likes on that post. Throughout the rest of the year, I tweeted and tweeted and tweeted, and on and on…all podcast recommendations all the time. The cycle should continue well into 2023.
And while the future of Twitter remains uncertain (as of the time of this blog being published in December 2022), I can’t deny that it’s been a pretty powerful tool for me in terms of community building and interacting with podcast industry folks.
Since over 600 podcast episodes (and counting) would be a lot for you to sift through, I decided to create this list on the EarBuds blog to share a more compact grouping of these recommendations. So, while this list is not a comprehensive one of every podcast I listened to and loved this year, it covers a bunch of them. Thank you to everyone who made such beautiful, funny, entertaining, and impactful audio in 2022!
To explore the ongoing Twitter thread of recommendations, head over here.
Photo by Katie Lyke on Unsplash
Here, you’ll find a selection of 30 podcast recommendations for the year. These episodes and podcasts are ones that I could not stop listening to (and a lot of them I ended up finishing the whole season in a couple of days). Some made me laugh, some shocked me, and some challenged my thinking, but most of them taught me a ton of new and really interesting information.
This list contains some one-off episodes and some entire series. Most of these selections were launched or published in 2022, but some may be re-listens from prior years…because they’re just that great.
So, here we go: 30 podcast recommendations from 2022!
Click on the images to listen:
Crime Writers On…
“Will Be Wild”
True crime authors and real-life couple Rebecca Lavoie and Kevin Flynn host this round-table discussion to discuss and review the podcast, Will Be Wild, a podcast about the forces that led to the January 6th Capitol Insurrection and what comes next.
From the Tweet: I listened to this episode of Crime Writers On…and then immediately went to listen to Will Be Wild even though I wasn’t going to because I thought I’d heard enough about January 6th. I hadn’t. This is worth it. I finished the series in an afternoon. Rebecca Lavoie and co. don’t miss!!
Banned: The Mississippi Case to End Roe v. Wade
“A Mississippi Law”
This first episode of the series introduces us to the centering case of this podcast: In 2018, the governor of Mississippi signs into law the most extreme abortion ban at the time, banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. It was a long shot, a law destined to be shot down by federal courts. Because under 50 years of U.S. Supreme Court rulings, Mississippi’s abortion law was clearly unconstitutional. So why bother?
From the Tweet: Listened to the trailer and episode one and am blown away. I lived near the Pink House in Jackson from 2014-2016 and saw these protestors with my own eyes at community events. Thanks for your work on this, WWNO New Orleans Public Radio, PRX, WRKF Baton Rouge Public Radio, and host Rosemary Westwood.
Reclaimed
This second season of Reclaimed explores who Mamie Till-Mobley was before the death of her son, and who she would ultimately become through first-person narratives from her family members and her own words.
From the Tweet: ABC News’s Reclaimed is a short series with host Leah Wright Rigueur. It’s a BioPod of Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till. It’s beautifully laid out and dives deeper into the story of Emmett Till than I think a lot of white folks are aware of or exposed to.
Square Peg
This podcast dives into the story of Rob Collins, an American suburban dad, who accidentally got sucked into the bizarre world of Frank Carver, a vengeful, one-eyed British man on a mission to have his brother imprisoned.
From the Tweet: Here’s the thing. Started listening to this show earlier this week and HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO STOP.
Unexplainable
“Lost Worlds: Why do we have a moon?”
This episode of the four part series, Lost Worlds, questions how Earth got its moon and explores how every story points toward cataclysm.
From the Tweet: Not only is this episode right up my alley in terms of content (i.e. how did we get here, how did early life evolve…etc), it’s also so beautifully sound designed. Love.
The Trail Ahead
“Alex Piechowski-Begay: Kinship, Connectedness, and Activism”
This podcast shares conversations at the intersection of race, environment, history, and culture. Hosts Faith E. Briggs and Addie Thompson talk to a wide range of people, from athletes to activists, to scientists, to comedians, and hold their discussion with the goal of creating change.
From the Tweet: Coolest thing. The interviewee in this episode of The Trail Ahead, Alex Piechowski, tells a story about how his grandfather was part of a group of folks who sequenced the DNA of a longhorn sheep and were able to repopulate them in their area.
Today Explained
“Roe v. Wade v. God”
In this episode of Today Explained, a rabbi, a priest, and an imam discuss their opinions on the abortion debate.
From the Tweet: Today Explained’s latest is 🔥. Hear from a rabbi, an expert in Muslim law, and an expert in U.S. law. It’s about what their traditions say about abortion, how they’re encouraged by religious groups speaking out, and filing lawsuits.
Shameless Acquisition Target
Longtime podcast executive Laura Mayer speaks to experts in the worlds of podcasting, entertainment, and business to learn the value in media and how to make it. At the end, Laura will sell the show itself to the highest bidder.
From the Tweet: If you have any interest in the business of podcasting, Laura Mayer just launched a can’t-miss show. In it, she…tries to get acquired! It’s an exploration into what it takes, merch, ads, and more. And YOU can sponsor it!
Project Unabom
Project Unabom looks to answer all the remaining questions society still has about Ted Kaczynski by speaking with his brother who turned him in, FBI agents, and even looking at Ted’s own writings. Was he a genius who went astray? Or was he a madman who murdered three people in cold blood?
From the Tweet: This entire series from Apple and Pineapple Street Studios is SO well done and captivating the whole way through. The cliffhangers! Please listen!
Work Life with Adam Grant
“How To Pitch Your Best Ideas”
This episode busts all the myths about what it takes to make a great pitch and shares advice from Silicon Valley and Hollywood on ways to make your pitch more successful.
From the Tweet: SO MANY INCREDIBLE takeaways from this episode of Work Life with Adam Grant. I recommend it for anyone who is ever pitching anything, which is to say…everyone.
Natch Beaut
“Cannabis as Self-Care with Ellen Scanlon”
This episode is a conversation about pot education for women, which strain may be right for you, and how to build a CBD routine.
From the Tweet: I LOVE this conversation between Jackie Johnson and Ellen Scanlon on Natch Beaut. It's about the intersection between beauty and cannabis — products, recommendations, and more.
Vigilante
“1 of 5: Welcome to Tim World”
A journalist goes to Texas to speak with Tim Miller, a famous search-and-rescuer for missing persons on a mission to solve his own daughter’s murder case.
From the Tweet: Oh, wow. This is gonna be a great show. It’s not just the story of the search for a serial killer. It’s a newly-minted private investigator’s first case, in which she aids a vigilante attempting to solve his daughter’s murder.
Strangers
“The Schmidts Part 1 and 2”
This is the story of Sequoia Schmidt. Strangers features true stories about the people we meet, the connections we make, the heartbreaks we suffer, the kindnesses we encounter, and those frightful moments when we discover that WE aren’t even who we thought we were.
From the Tweet: Re-listened to this 2020 series because I was stuck on the plane and had nothing else downloaded and wow, it’s so beautiful. And painful. And triumphant!
Missing Pages
“Kaavya Viswanathan: The Untold Story”
At the start of 2006, 19-year-old Kaavya Viswanathan had a six-figure book deal and was enrolled at Harvard University. But by the end of the year, she ended up on a national television apology tour. In this episode, host Bethanne interviews Kaavya herself.
From the Tweet: The hype is real. Missing Pages from Bethanne Patrick and The Podglomerate is a fascinating look at the world of books and publishing. In this episode: what happens when you put your name on something at age 19 and are then accused of plagiarism? Find out!
Vibe Check
“I’m Here For Gay Rights, and Also Gay Wrongs”
Hosts Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about the thievery of Black music, white men failing up, and toxic stan culture.
From the Tweet: Yup. Sam Sanders is just the best. A new pop culture and culture show just dropped with Saeed Jones, Zach Stafford, and Sam. Already a fan!
The Opportunist
This podcast tells true stories of regular people who turn sinister by embracing opportunity. How does an everyday person turn into a thief, a scammer, or a cult leader?
From the Tweet: THIS SHOW IS SO GOOD. Kast Media’s The Opportunist, hosted by Hannah Smith. What I love about this show is that it’s a combo of longer and shorter series. All are thoughtfully reported and equally entertaining! This time…GOLD!
The Loudest Girl in the World
Host Lauren Ober used to always get in trouble, had weird sensory issues, and her anxiety felt off the charts. But in the middle of a global pandemic, she found out why: she was autistic.
From the Tweet: New show from Lauren Ober and Pushkin Industries. It’s about neurodiversity, going after diagnoses, and understanding oneself. Lauren is one of the most talented writers/talkers there is (she discusses that on the show). I could listen to her string sentences together 4ever.
Media Circus with Kim Goldman
“Sandy Hook Mom VS Alex Jones”
This is an episode about Scarlett Lewis, the mother of one of the Sandy Hook shooting victims, and her story of healing, resilience, and justice.
From the Tweet: I recommend this show every week because it’s so damn good. Host Kim Goldman interviews with such empathy. In this episode, we hear from Scarlett Lewis, the mother of Jesse, who was killed in the Sandy Hook shooting. She shares what it was like to deal with Alex Jones’s attacks.
All the Wiser
“Healing From PTSD with Terrorist Attack Girl Meyli Chapin”
This episode of All The Wiser is about Meyli Chapin, a woman who survived a terrorist attack, and her experience with PTSD afterward.
From the Tweet: Incredible episode of All The Wiser featuring Meyli Chapin, who survived a terrorist attack in a hotel in Nairobi. She hid for 17 hours in her room.
Bone Valley
This is a podcast about the murder of Michelle Schofield, the wrongful conviction of her husband, Leo, and the evidence that led to the identification of the real culprit, Jeremy Scott. But Leo Schofield still remains in prison. And based on new evidence, Jeremy is connected to a string of murders.
From the Tweet: WOW. I finished this entire series (available episodes) in less than a day. Thank you for the rec, Crime Writers On…! Listen to Bone Valley so we can all discuss!
How To Start Over
“Parents Are Not All Good and All Bad”
Family relationships can be complicated. In this episode, the hosts work to discuss what can be done to ease the tension in lifelong family relationships, how we can manage our emotional responses to each other, and what it means to change a parent-child relationship as an adult.
From the Tweet: I LOVED this episode from The Atlantic’s How To Start Over. This episode discusses parent/adult-child relationships and what we owe each other.
History Daily
“Robert Smalls Sails a Stolen Ship to Freedom”
This episode is about a slave who steals a Confederate ship during the American Civil War and flees with his family to freedom.
From the Tweet: Lindsay Graham’s History Daily is always a treat but today's episode was so beautifully told. The twists and turns! The stakes.
This Is Love
“Roselle and Michael”
Michael Hingson was on the 78th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11. This is the story of Michael and his guide dog, Roselle, who stayed during the attack and helped him to safety.
From the Tweet: One of my favorite episodes of anything ever comes from This Is Love. It's called "Roselle and Michael." You *will* cry.
Vanishing Postcards
“Postcards from Roadside Oddities - ‘Totem poles, whales, slug bugs and Cadillacs!’”
In this episode, listeners get to visit the roadside oddities Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park, The Blue Whale of Catoosa, and the Slug Bug and Cadillac Ranches to learn about their origins and how they’ve impacted people’s lives.
From the Tweet: This show is such a GOOD time. Host Evan Stern is a Route 66 aficionado and the stories he tells are CAPTIVATING. This episode opens with a note about the "nuttiest city in New Mexico."
Out There
“High on Failure”
Jordan Wirfs-Brock competed in a 550-mile race called Infinitus in Vermont. But she failed to finish the race. This is the story of how this failure turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to her.
From the Tweet: I loved this episode of Out There. As someone who tries to become a runner every year after the NYC Marathon, I was very inspired by Jordan’s story. She competed in a 500+ mile ultra marathon. She didn’t make it. But it taught her that failure is an opportunity.
Grief, Collected from The Mash-Up Americans
“How Do We Grieve Collectively? - Grief, Collected”
Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg joins to talk repentance, repair, and how we do this all together.
From the Tweet: This episode about collective grief from The Mash-Up Americans is GUTTING and healing at the same time. I'd love to know what you think. Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg’s story is fascinating and pairs so well with Rebecca Lehrer and Amy S. Choi's hosting style.
Imperfect Paradise Season 1 & 2
Season 1: “Home is Life”
David Gillanders wants to build housing for people experiencing homelessness in Orange County. When his idea hits more opposition than expected, city officials send him out to try to win over the neighborhood.
Season 2: “The Forgotten Revolutionary”
Oscar Gomez was a star of the 1990s Chicano student movement and then, unexpectedly, he died. A rattling event in host Adolfo Guzman-Lopez’s life spurs him to investigate Oscar’s death.
From the Tweet: This series from LAist and Adolfo Guzman Lopez is a look into the death of Chicano student activist Oscar Gomez. It’s also an exploration of Guzman Lopez’s journalism career and how he came to this reporting endeavor.
Mentally Gil
“Kelsey Darragh / Panic Attacks, Anxiety, and the Rapture”
Kelsey Darragh enters the chat. It’s about sobriety, her comedy being tied to her own mental health, and how intrusive thoughts have caused her panic since childhood. Gil also learns from Kelsey about depersonalization and derealization.
From the Tweet: When I’m feeling particularly anxious, something that really helps is when a friend (or stranger) shares that they also have anxiety. That’s what the latest episode of Gil’s podcast does. Kelsey Darragh shares real stories about how her anxiety manifests and how she copes.
Financial Feminist
“The Dark Truth of Diet Culture with Victoria Garrick”
The toxic AF billion-dollar diet industry perpetuates the message that our bodies are never “enough” (skinny enough, strong enough, curvy enough, whatever enough) using predatory tactics to keep us opening our wallets for the newest “craze” or “fix.”
From the Tweet: In this episode, two very smart women discuss the myths and ridiculousness of diet culture.
There Are No Girls on the Internet
“Elon Musk is buying Twitter. Here’s what it means for marginalized folks”
In this EMERGENCY EPISODE [from March of 2022], Bridget sits down with producer Michael to discuss the news that Twitter’s board accepted billionaire Elon Musk’s $44 billion bid to buy the social media platform and what it means for traditionally marginalized users.
From the Tweet: The latest episode of Bridget Todd’s TANGOTI is a perfect listen if you’re trying to understand the Musk / Twitter situation. Highlights: - will trump come back? - how will this affect minority communities on/off the site? - will Bridget stay?
Thank you for reading this list of (some of) my favorite podcasts of the year! I hope you found some new shows that you like, and if you did, please do reach out to me — I’d love to know your thoughts!
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