The Best Podcasts of 2025
- Lily Cleary
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The podcast industry has grown immensely over the past ten years. With such a large market, there are about a million different genres you can listen to: comedy, self-help, news, true crime, etc. Personally, I have always been a comedy podcast type of girl. I love putting on a podcast while driving; I love it even more than listening to music sometimes. I remember in high school, so many of my friends would talk about how much they hated talk radio, which I hardly disagreed with (I even ended up hosting multiple radio shows throughout college). I listened to the Elvis Duran in the Morning Show on my way to school every single day. It made me feel like I was a part of the conversation, like I was in the room with the hosts, talking and laughing at whatever they were chatting about. Podcasts helped me feel the same way, especially on days when I was feeling low; a good laugh always lifted my spirits. So on that note, I decided that I had to suggest some of my favorite podcasts from this past year. If you love to laugh, love real people, and pop culture, these podcasts are totally for you.
Upstairs Neighbors is a podcast hosted by friends Dom Roberts and Maya Umemoto Gorman. It began as an independently produced podcast but was brought onto the TMG network and is now a studio-produced podcast. Dom and Maya have a sense of humor that I can best describe as your funniest cousins that you only get to see every once in a while. They basically talk about whatever comes to mind, give their takes, discuss pop culture, and offer advice. Episodes are released weekly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Check out their latest episode here.
Caleb Hearon is a force to be reckoned with. The man is a triple threat: hilarious, charming, and exceedingly talented in the comedy and acting space. Caleb has a new guest on the pod every week, where he spends his time thoughtfully interviewing his guests and allowing them to tell their stories and what's "so true" to them. Caleb is a phenomenal host who breaks down walls and isn't afraid to talk about his views on the world while also keeping the vibe lighthearted and fun. Episodes release weekly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Check out his latest episode with Yedoye Travis here.
SNL superstar Bowen Yang co-hosts this comedy podcast with close friend and collaborator Matt Rogers. With a new guest every week, Bowen and Matt are determined to get to the bottom of anything pop culture related. They also started the Las Culturistas Culture Awards this year on Bravo, where they gave over 100 icons unique awards in almost every category you could think of. In 2024, the pod won a GLAAD award for Outstanding Podcast. If you're looking for a laugh, this is the podcast for you. Episodes release weekly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Check out their latest episode with Lucy Dacus here.
Buckle up for a wild ride with this hilarious duo. Co-stars and besties Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone are here to stay and make you laugh your ass off. The pair talk about everything that life brings them and more. Their wittiness and hilarious inside jokes are sure to have you floored every week. The two recently starred as brother and sister in Benny's debut show "Overcompensating" on Prime Video, and not only is their chemistry great on screen, but it's even better on the pod. Episodes release weekly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Check out their latest episode here.
Brooke Averick and Connor Wood, otherwise known as Lady Efron and Fibula, are best friends, but they couldn't be any more different. Brooke is an upcoming author, pop culture fanatic, and bookworm, while Connor is an extroverted, fun-loving comedian. The two crack jokes, give each other life updates, and discuss pop culture news. Although they're opposites, their chemistry is undeniable. If you are looking for a podcast that makes you feel like you're in the room with the hosts, this is most definitely the one for you. Episodes release weekly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, along with bonus episodes for subscribers only. Check out their latest episode here.