Top Society & Culture Podcasts

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Society & Culture

The Builders

Whose imagination do you want to live in? In this new series, bestselling biographer Walter Isaacson sits down with the most consequential names in AI and tech to understand the futures they're racing to build. Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Alex Karp, Fei-Fei Li, Dario and Daniela Amodei, and more open up about their ambitions, what frightens them, how they think about humanity, and what drives them to build so big and so fast. The conversations are intimate, charming, and sometimes chilling. But mostly, they're impossible to dismiss. Because whether or not you agree with them, it's their imagination we're all starting to live in.

ABOUT THE HOSTWalter Isaacson is the bestselling author of biographies of Elon Musk, Jennifer Doudna, Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin, and Albert Einstein. He is a professor of history at Tulane University and previously served as CEO of the Aspen Institute, chair and CEO of CNN, and editor of Time. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2023.

IN THIS SEASONElon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX, xAI)Peter Thiel (Founders Fund, PayPal, Palantir)Mustafa Suleyman (Microsoft AI, DeepMind)Dario Amodei and Daniela Amodei (Anthropic)and more! 

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Society & Culture

The Ezra Klein Show

Ezra Klein invites you into a conversation on something that matters. How do we address climate change if the political system fails to act? Has the logic of markets infiltrated too many aspects of our lives? What is the future of the Republican Party? What do psychedelics teach us about consciousness? What does sci-fi understand about our present that we miss? Can our food system be just to humans and animals alike? Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. Read More
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3
Society & Culture

METRO with Sarah Koenig

From the team that brought you Serial comes “METRO with Sarah Koenig,” stories about New York City and its most fascinating raw material: New Yorkers. Each week, “METRO” mines a city packed with personality to bring you investigations, personal stories, essays and interviews that take the bigness of New York and make it human-scale and relevant, no matter where you live. Tune in to hear the best storyteller in audio (Sarah Koenig) team up with the country’s best newsroom (the New York Times) to take on the world’s best talkers (New Yorkers). Too bold? Not in New York. Read More
From the team that brought you Serial comes “METRO with Sarah Koenig,” stori Read More
4
Society & Culture

Notes from the Edge

Notes From the Edge is where polished stories end and the truth begins. Hosted by writer, trauma educator, executive advisor, and author Lisa Lacy, this globally ranked podcast explores survival, identity, trauma, addiction, recovery, leadership, relationships, and reinvention through raw, deeply human conversations. No scripts. No small talk. Just the stories we were taught to hide, the roles we performed to survive, and the truths that set us free. What did you perform in order to survive? Welcome to the edge. www.lisalacy.com Read More
Notes From the Edge is where polished stories end and the truth begins. Hosted b Read More
5
Society & Culture

The Shawn Ryan Show

The "Shawn Ryan Show" is hosted by Shawn Ryan, former U.S. Navy SEAL, CIA Contractor, and Founder of Vigilance Elite. We tell REAL stories about REAL people from all walks of life. We discuss the ups and downs, wins and losses, successes and struggles, the good and bad in a respectful but candid way with our guest. We're better than entertainment, we're the REAL thing. Please enjoy the show. Read More
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6
Society & Culture

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered. Read More
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7
Society & Culture

This American Life

Each week we choose a theme. Then anything can happen. This American Life is true stories that unfold like little movies for radio. Personal stories with funny moments, big feelings, and surprising plot twists. Newsy stories that try to capture what it’s like to be alive right now. It’s the most popular weekly podcast in the world, and winner of the first ever Pulitzer Prize for a radio show or podcast. Hosted by Ira Glass and produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago. Read More
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Society & Culture

Sold a Story

Sold a Story is an investigative podcast about how kids learn — what works in the classroom, the science behind those insights and why that research often doesn’t make it into schools. Season 1 revealed why so many kids are struggling to learn how to read, and it sparked a wave of change across the country. In Season 2, we go beyond reading to look at teaching itself. Read More
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9
Society & Culture

On with Kara Swisher

It's on. Twice a week, award-winning journalist Kara Swisher gets to the heart of the story through no-holds-barred interviews with power players across business, tech, media, politics and beyond. So why do her guests show up? “Smart people,” says Kara, “like difficult questions.” Mondays and Thursdays from New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.  Read More
It’s on. Twice a week, award-winning journalist Kara Swisher gets to the h Read More
10
Society & Culture

Freakonomics Radio

Freakonomics co-author Stephen J. Dubner uncovers the hidden side of everything. Why is it safer to fly in an airplane than drive a car? How do we decide whom to marry? Why is the media so full of bad news? Also: things you never knew you wanted to know about wolves, bananas, pollution, search engines, and the quirks of human behavior. To get every show in the Freakonomics Radio Network without ads and a monthly bonus episode of Freakonomics Radio, start a free trial for SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Read More
Freakonomics co-author Stephen J. Dubner uncovers the hidden side of everything. Read More
11
Society & Culture

Radio Rental

Discover real-life horror stories, from bizarre crimes to paranormal activity. These true stories are set inside the fictional world of Radio Rental, an 80's video rental shop. This imaginative, cult classic-inspired horror brand blurs the lines of reality, with cutting-edge documentary storytelling and a splash of comedy. From the mind of Payne Lindsey— this is Radio Rental. Read More
Discover real-life horror stories, from bizarre crimes to paranormal activity. T Read More
12
Society & Culture

Miss Understood with Rachel Uchitel – Rachel Uchitel

New episodes every Tuesday at 12am EST New Patreon episodes every Saturday at 12pm EST This podcast will delve into the lives of those who have been reduced to a single headline. Each episode will take a closer look at the stories of those who are on a mission to change their narrative. Through raw and honest interviews, we will reveal the human behind the headline. Join me, as we uncover the truth behind the misconceptions, shed light on the stories of those who have perhaps been wrongfully portrayed, explore the complexities of the human experience, and celebrate the power of second chances. Read More
New episodes every Tuesday at 12am EST New Patreon episodes every Saturday at 12 Read More
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Society & Culture

Happy Hour with Ina Garten – Vox Media

Beloved hostess Ina Garten welcomes listeners into her New York City apartment for Happy Hour with Ina Garten. Every Wednesday, she sits down with people she’d like to meet from the worlds of culture, food, art, sports, and entertainment for the kinds of conversations you would love to overhear at a great dinner party. Warm, funny, personal, and often unexpected, Happy Hour mixes in-depth conversation with stories, recipes, and, of course, cocktails. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join the conversation. New episodes drop Wednesdays starting September 16th. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Read More
Beloved hostess Ina Garten welcomes listeners into her New York City apartment f Read More
14
Society & Culture

The Why Files: Operation Podcast

The Why Files covers mysteries, myths and legends. We tell stories and seek the truth in a fun and lighthearted way. Our content is heavily researched; we don't release an episode unless we're sure we can bring something new to a topic. Read More
The Why Files covers mysteries, myths and legends. We tell stories and seek the Read More
15
Society & Culture

Behind the Bastards – Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

There’s a reason the History Channel has produced hundreds of documentaries about Hitler but only a few about Dwight D. Eisenhower. Bad guys (and gals) are eternally fascinating. Behind the Bastards dives in past the Cliffs Notes of the worst humans in history and exposes the bizarre realities of their lives. Listeners will learn about the young adult novels that helped Hitler form his monstrous ideology, the founder of Blackwater’s insane quest to build his own Air Force, the bizarre lives of the sons and daughters of dictators and Saddam Hussein’s side career as a trashy romance novelist. Read More
There’s a reason the History Channel has produced hundreds of documentaries ab Read More
16
Society & Culture

Going Public With Ross Mandell

Ross Mandell is a Wall Street veteran turned stock market educator, bringing decades of real-world market experience to a new generation of investors. After spending years inside the financial world — navigating markets, capital, companies, and the realities of Wall Street — Ross now focuses on teaching investors how to think, analyze, and understand the market with greater confidence. His approach combines experience, discipline, market history, and straight-talking education designed for investors who want to go beyond headlines and truly understand what moves stocks. From individual companies and emerging sectors to IPOs, market psychology, and the bigger forces shaping Wall Street, Ross delivers education shaped by decades of experience in the market. Wall Street veteran. Market educator. Investor mentor. Read More
Ross Mandell is a Wall Street veteran turned stock market educator, bringing dec Read More
17
Society & Culture

The Dr. John Delony Show

The Dr. John Delony Show is a caller-driven show that offers real people a chance to be heard as they struggle with relationship issues and mental health challenges. To send us your questions, leave a voicemail at 844-693-3291 or email askjohn@ramseysolutions.com. Dr. John Delony, a three-time national bestselling author and host of The Dr. John Delony Show, helps millions of people navigate relationships and build marriages worth fighting for. He holds two PhDs and spent two decades in crisis response, sitting knee-to-knee with people in their hardest moments, before joining Ramsey Solutions in 2020. John writes, speaks and teaches on marriage, relationships and mental health, and has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN and Fox News. Read More
The Dr. John Delony Show is a caller-driven show that offers real people a chanc Read More
18
Society & Culture

Modern Wisdom – Chris Williamson

Life is hard. This podcast will help. Lessons from the greatest thinkers on the planet with Chris Williamson. Including guests like David Goggins, Dr Jordan Peterson, Naval Ravikant, Sam Harris, Jocko Willink, Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Julie Smith, Steven Bartlett, Ryan Holiday, Robert Greene, Matthew McConaughey, Alain de Botton, Alex Hormozi, Tony Robbins, Chris Bumstead, Mark Manson and more. Read More
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19
Society & Culture

The Oprah Podcast

“The Oprah Podcast” is a weekly video podcast series featuring talk show host, producer and

philanthropist Oprah Winfrey as she hosts conversations around what matters most to people, available

to view for free on her YouTube Channel, accessible globally for an international audience. Global media

leader Oprah welcomes today’s foremost thought leaders, global newsmakers, best-selling authors,

visionaries and cultural changemakers to explore timely themes including happiness, resilience,

consciousness and connection to help listeners on their journey to lead their best life. Special episodes

of “Oprah’s Book Club” feature Oprah as she sits down with the author of her latest selection in front of

a live audience to discuss the book. In its first year, “The Oprah Podcast” was named a winner by the

Gracie Awards in Digital Media for Video Podcast Host, and was nominated in four categories by the

Ambies for Excellence in Podcasting and nominated for a Webby Award. “The Oprah Podcast” is  

executive produced by Oprah Winfrey and Tara Montgomery, co- executive produced by Brian Piotrowicz and Brad Pavone.

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Society & Culture

Heavyweight

Maybe you’ve laid awake and imagined how it could have been, how it might yet be, but the moment to act was never right. Well, the moment is here and the podcast making it happen is Heavyweight. Join Jonathan Goldstein for road trips, thorny reunions, and difficult conversations as he backpedals his way into the past like a therapist with a time machine. 

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Society & Culture

Brooke and Connor Make A Podcast

The Internet’s favorite dynamic duo, Brooke Averick and Connor Wood, make a podcast — and they’re not holding back. Together, the two break down pop culture's biggest moments, share their hottest takes, and push each other’s buttons. Nothing’s off limits. Read More
The Internet’s favorite dynamic duo, Brooke Averick and Connor Wood, make a po Read More
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Society & Culture

The Telepathy Tapes

The Telepathy Tapes is a podcast that explores the origins of consciousness and the unexplained abilities of ESP through science, verifiable experience, formal testing, and human story.

In Season One, non-speaking individuals with autism reveal striking telepathic abilities that challenge everything we thought we knew about the mind.

In Season Two, The Consciousness Cassettes, the lens widens to extraordinary experiences that invite us to rethink reality itself. From near-death experiences to telepathic communication with animals, energy healing to plant intelligence, and the origins of creativity to sudden savant abilities, each episode offers a rare glimpse into the vast terrain of consciousness beyond the brain.

In Season Three, The Reincarnation Records, the investigation deepens with a provocative question: What if memory doesn’t begin at birth? Through children’s seemingly impossible past-life memories, families’ searches for answers, and researchers’ efforts to verify extraordinary details, the season explores whether these accounts could offer clues to one of humanity’s oldest mysteries: Does consciousness survive death?

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Society & Culture

Revisionist History

Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell's journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether we got it right the first time. From Pushkin Industries. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance.

To get early access to ad-free episodes and extra content, subscribe to Pushkin+ in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.

iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.

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Society & Culture

Two Girls One Ghost

Two Girls One Ghost is a paranormal comedy podcast, deemed “The Most Haunted Podcast in America”. Award-winning hosts and best friends Corinne Vien and Sabrina Deana-Roga bring an obsession with the strange, the spooky, and the supernatural to deeply researched stories and listener-submitted encounters from the other side. If you've ever wanted to genuinely be creeped out and laugh until you cry in the same fifteen minutes, this is your show... but be warned: countless listeners have reported their own encounters with the other side after tuning in. Listen at your own risk. To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Read More
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Society & Culture

Chicks in the Office

On Chicks in the Office, Ria and Fran keep you in the know on all things pop culture. The Chicks are the go-to source for entertainment news, TV and film recaps, and interviews featuring some of your favorite celebrities.


You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/chicks-in-the-office

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