If you walk across campus long enough, you start to notice that almost everyone has headphones in. For a lot of students, that means music. For others, it means podcasts. They fill the time between classes, make long commutes easier and somehow turn boring chores into something slightly more entertaining. Once you find a few shows you like, the next challenge is figuring out what to listen to when you run out of episodes.
With thousands of podcasts out there, finding something new can feel overwhelming. A few shows, though, manage to stand out because of the personalities behind the microphone and the conversations they create.
One of the most chaotic and consistently funny podcasts around right now is “The Bald and the Beautiful.” Hosted by drag queens Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova, the show feels less like a traditional podcast and more like sitting in on a conversation between two friends who have absolutely no plan for where the discussion is going.
Episodes bounce between pop-culture, strange internet rabbit holes and stories from their lives in entertainment. Sometimes the conversation gets absurd. Other times, it unexpectedly turns thoughtful. Either way, the appeal comes from the chemistry between the two hosts who have a way of making even the most random topics entertaining.
For something that feels a little more reflective but still very funny, “Upstairs Neighbors” offers a different kind of listening experience. The show is hosted by friends Dom Roberts and Maya Umemoto Gorman, whose conversations often revolve around relationships, identity and the strange little moments that make up everyday life.
What makes the podcast work is how natural it feels. The hosts move easily between personal stories, cultural observations and listener questions, often finding humor in situations that feel extremely relatable. It’s the kind of show that feels like listening to two smart, funny friends talk through life’s awkward moments.
Another podcast that blends personality with cultural commentary is “A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein.” Hosted by writer and online commentator Matt Bernstein, the show dives into the conversations that tend to dominate the internet, from politics to social issues to the strange dynamics of online culture.
Bernstein frequently brings guests onto the show to help unpack complicated topics. Some episodes take a closer look at political debates happening on social media, while others explore how internet culture shapes the way people talk about identity and activism. The tone stays conversational though, which keeps the podcast engaging even when the subject matter gets serious.
Not every podcast needs to be an hour-long conversation. Sometimes you just want a quick update before starting the day. That is where “Up First from NPR” comes in. Released every weekday morning, the show gives listeners a short rundown of the biggest news stories in about 10 to 15 minutes. It covers everything from major political developments to international headlines, all in a format that is easy to follow. For students juggling classes, work and everything else, it is a simple way to stay informed without spending a long time scrolling through news apps.
Finally, if you are looking for a podcast that feels like pure entertainment, “Ride with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone” is a great choice. Hosted by comedians Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone, the show mixes pop-culture commentary with stories from their lives and careers. Episodes often turn into hilarious conversations about celebrity culture, dating disasters and the strange realities of working in entertainment.
Much like the best comedy podcasts, the real draw is the energy between the hosts, who constantly bounce jokes and stories off of each other. The two also star in the hit Amazon Prime series “Overcompensating,” which was created by Skinner himself, where they play siblings. Their friendship chemistry makes the dynamic feel natural and endearing.
Whether you are looking for something to make you laugh after a long day of classes or help you keep up with the news, there is likely a podcast out there that will become part of your routine. Once you find the right one, those everyday moments with headphones in start to feel a little more interesting.
