Top 15 Pop Culture Podcasts 2023

In a world where pop culture evolves at the speed of an X trend and trends go viral faster than anything else, staying in the loop has never been more exhilarating – or challenging. The new era of pop culture's podcasts hits a lot of audiences. This rise of pop culture podcasts has provided a dynamic and immersive solution for enthusiasts and trend-seekers alike.

The audio gems have emerged as a go-to source for real-time insights, engaging discussions, and entertaining analysis of the ever-changing world of pop culture. It doesn’t matter if you're a cinephile, music aficionado, fashionista, or simply someone who enjoys being at the cutting edge of what's "in," as these podcasts are your ticket to staying up-to-date and in tune with the ever-evolving world of pop culture.

In this exploration, we embark on a journey to discover the best pop culture podcasts to keep you informed and entertained while catering to your insatiable hunger for the latest trends.

1. Pop Culture Happy Hour

NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour covers many pop culture topics, from movies and TV shows to music and books. The hosts discuss what's trending and provide insightful commentary. It is a show you will get obsessed listening to, thanks to the hosts’ ability to bring the best content to you. Every episode features some guests who discuss developments and the latest trends within the entertainment world.

2. The Popcast with Knox and Jamie

Knox McCoy and Jamie Golden host it and dissect the latest pop culture trends with humor and wit. They often dive into the more profound cultural implications of what's popular. The hosts are entertaining and will leave you asking for more content. Their takes on pop culture are hilarious, and you will not regret investing your time and energy in this podcast.

3. The Watch

Hosted by Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald, The Watch gets into the world of TV, movies, and streaming platforms. The hosts offer recommendations and commentary on the latest releases. These two writers from The Ringers thoroughly analyze different pop culture topics, making their show enjoyable. It is a top-tier pop-culture podcast show with insightful conversations and one worth every minute.

4. Still Processing

Jenna Wortham and Wesley Morris host this podcast and are The New York Times journalists willing to explore the intersection of culture, race, and identity on this show. They discuss current events, movies, and art in a thought-provoking way. What makes it one of the most exciting podcasts is that the hosts’ understanding of pop culture often reflects our fears, fantasies and wounds.

5. Binge Mode

Binge Mode by The Ringer is a deep dive into these worlds if you're a fan of shows such as Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, or Star Wars. They analyze every detail and episode with enthusiasm. The hosts have consumed almost every show, comic book and movie. It makes it easy for them to share their expensive knowledge on these topics with you. Therefore, check out their reviews and recaps, as there is a massive collection to choose from at any time.

6. Keep It

Hosted by Ira Madison III, Louis Virtel, and Aida Osman, Keep It is a humorous and insightful podcast that discusses the intersection of pop culture and politics. They also feature celebrity guests, artists, activists, politicians and others to discuss different things happening in the entertainment world. It is perfect for anyone willing to know a little bit of everything.

7. The Good Place: The Podcast

For fans of the TV show "The Good Place," this official podcast offers behind-the-scenes insights, interviews with the cast and crew, and discussions about the show's philosophy. It features behind-the-scenes conversations and stories from the set with their listeners. The hosts bring a lot of guests on the show, including writers, producers and actors. This show is also ideal for anyone who appreciates television art, as there will be a lot to love in this heartfelt podcast.

8. You Must Remember This

The show is ideal for anyone interested in Hollywood history and entertainment. It explores some of Hollywood's controversial stories, especially from past celebrity stories. You will get to know the rise to fame of Marilyn Monroe, her downfall, and more scandalous entertainment stories. It is fascinating to look at the entertainment industry and learn some things you might not know.

9. The Gist

It is an unfiltered podcast show that breaks many entertainment stories, pop culture and more Hollywood drama. The host, Chris Vetrano, looks at some of the hottest headlines in the celebrity world and interviews guests to dive deep into different pop culture moments, from what is happening in The Real Housewives franchise to some of the best red carpet moments. Think about this show as your one-stop shop for all the pop culture news.

10. All Fantasy Everything with Ian Karmel

It is a delightful podcast that revolves around the whimsical and imaginative world of fantasy drafts. Hosted by comedian Ian Karmel and featuring a rotating cast of fellow comedians and guests, the show invites participants to engage in lighthearted, hilarious drafts of various topics from pop culture, ranging from the mundane to the extraordinary.

Whether drafting the ideal movie snack, creating a dream team of fictional detectives, or assembling the ultimate hangover cures, the podcast combines camaraderie, humor, and nostalgia as participants passionately defend their picks. "All Fantasy Everything" offers a delightful escape into fantasy drafting, where creativity knows no bounds and laughter is guaranteed.

11. WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

The "WTF with Marc Maron Podcast" is an engaging and candid exploration of the human experience through the lens of conversations. The host, Marc Maron, a comedian and actor, digs deep into the lives and minds of his diverse guests, including fellow comedians, actors, musicians, and cultural icons.

What sets "WTF" apart is Maron's unique ability to create a space where guests feel comfortable sharing their personal stories, struggles, and insights. With a blend of humor, empathy, and raw authenticity, the podcast invites listeners to connect with the universal threads that bind us all and find meaning in the shared experiences of the human condition.

12. The Sarah Silverman Podcast

The Sarah Silverman Podcast is a dynamic show hosted by the renowned comedian and actress Sarah Silverman. With her signature wit and humour, Sarah dives into candid and often hilarious conversations with guests from entertainment, politics, and culture. This podcast explores everything from personal anecdotes and social commentary to pop culture and current events, all while offering listeners a unique blend of laughter and thought-provoking insights.

Whether dissecting essential issues or simply sharing amusing anecdotes from her life, Sarah Silverman's podcast is a refreshing and entertaining take on the world. Her thoughtful analysis and humor make this podcast one of the best shows on the internet today.

13. Song Exploder

Are you interested in understanding the thought process of a songwriter when writing a particular song? Then, this podcast is a perfect match for you. The Song Exploder Podcast is a captivating dive into the creative process behind some of the world's most beloved songs. Hosted by musician and producer Hrishikesh Hirway, each episode features an in-depth exploration of a single track, dissecting its composition, lyrics, and production with the artists who brought it to life.

Through intimate interviews and isolated audio tracks, the podcast offers listeners a unique opportunity to understand the inspiration, decisions, and challenges that shaped the music they love. Whether you're a music enthusiast or simply curious about songwriting, The Song Exploder Podcast provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the magic that goes into crafting a hit song.

14. Black Men Can't Jump [In Hollywood]

The podcast is a dynamic exploration of racial representation in film and entertainment. Hosted by talented comedians and actors Jonathan Braylock, Jerah Milligan, and James III, the podcast looks at underrepresented and misrepresented experiences of Black actors in Hollywood.

The podcast dissects films, characters, and the industry's diverse landscape through insightful discussions, humorous commentary, and thought-provoking analysis. This sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of Black actors while promoting essential conversations about race, culture, and equality in the entertainment industry. It is not just a podcast but also a platform for critical dialogue and celebration of Black talent in cinema.

15. The Sartorial Geek Podcast

The Sartorial Geek Podcast is a captivating exploration of the intersection between pop culture, fandom, and fashion. The hosts talk about the world of nerdy fashion, from cosplay and gaming-inspired attire to the latest trends in geeky clothing.

With engaging interviews, insightful discussions, and a passion for celebrating the diverse and creative ways people express their love for their favorite fandoms through clothing, The Sartorial Geek Podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to embrace their inner geek while looking stylish and confident.

Recapitulation: Are These Pop Culture Podcasts Worth Your Time?

The simple answer is yes! The podcasts above are some of the best podcasts you will ever come across if you are trying to familiarize yourself with pop culture gossip. Each has a different format based on their target audience, but will all keep you updated on the latest Hollywood drama and some of the most scandalous moments in the entertainment industry.

Also, try us out to figure out other pop culture podcasts that are worth your time and not discussed in this post!