The storytelling podcast is the natural evolution of a tradition that might be said to predate the Homeric ballad. Indeed, “telling a story” is common to most cultures, often in the form of oral histories or religious ceremonies. We tell stories to our children, to our friends over a few drinks, and in places of worship, just to name a few examples. And now, with the rise of storytelling podcasts, the verbal yarn has become even more pervasive.
We consider a “storytelling podcast” one that involves a series of singular, contained narratives told — told, not performed — by one or more narrators. This American Life is one such example, but it’s by no means the only storytelling podcast out there. Here is a list of nine of our absolute favorites.
From BBC Radio 4 comes Short Cuts, a series of narrative nonfiction with a dreamy, escapist tone that’s perfect for late-night listening. Presented by British journalist Josie Long, the show features “audio adventures” that experiment with form and narrative convention, often basing episodes around themes such as “devotion” or telling stories through numbers.
Short Cuts has earned a devoted following who call the show “triumphant,” “humbling,” and “something to be savored.” These fans also leave comments about when and where they listen to Short Cuts: sitting at the window, watching the rain; lying in bed before drifting off; on a dark Sunday evening with a cup of tea. This is a show that inspires us to pause, even if only for a half-hour.
The first show from Britain’s Brock Media, Never Told is an eight-episode series composed of stories and personal essays narrated by the authors themselves. Although many shows have attempted this format, Never Told is the rare gem that actually pull its off. Each episode delivers its narratives with delicious narration and decent production, and also concludes with an engaging interview where the author at hand clarifies the process behind their story.
Each season begins with a writing prompt and the show has kicked off with a doozy: What haven’t you told anyone before? The artists feature have responded in personal and innovative ways, delivering magazine-quality stories. It’s always exciting to see a podcast network prioritize new original work in a field dominated by old favorites and celebrity interviews. Rich in humor and thought-provoking themes, Never Told is already a joy.
We recently wrote a list of the podcasts we wish would bring out new episodes. But despite being cancelled in late 2023, Heavyweight didn’t make it to that article. Why? We hope this storytelling podcast, regularly named one of the best shows of all time, will find a new home on another network. Cancelled or not, the Heavyweight archive is a trove of sentimental stories told with the care that can only come from an alum of This American Life; Jonathan Goldstein was once called “a therapist with a time machine,” and that description couldn’t be more fitting.
Every episode of Heavyweight starts the same way: a phone call. On the other end of the line is a person who wants the answer to a “what if” question, such as a missed chance or a lost love. Rather than wallowing in regret, Heavyweight revisits the past to discover what might have been.
Returning to the past isn’t always cathartic. Closure isn’t guaranteed, even in Goldstein’s capable hands. But Heavyweight balances the apprehension between second chances and disappointment. We hope it finds a new network soon, lest we be plagued by our own “what ifs”.
More than a medical mystery show, Bodies is a podcast that documents hidden medical journeys, with a particular focus on the experiences of those from marginalized communities. Through intimately told stories, the show reveals the insidious ways that racism, sexism, and economic inequality all contribute to misdiagnosis. Put simply, it gives a human voice to worrying statistics.
Bodies is hosted by Allison Behringer, whose name you might recognize from the credits of The Cut podcast. In my review of the show, I noted the way she “fosters connection beyond pity,” a skill that makes her a deft and sympathetic host, even when a story appears far-fetched. Behringer’s uncompromising empathy serves every narrative with the patience it deserves.
When it was turned into a show on Amazon Prime, Modern Love drew mixed reviews. It seemed like a rather pessimistic approach toward a show that celebrates the lasting effects of love, but critics are notoriously cynical. At least the ones I know. But you would need a heart of stone not to feel touched by the stories on the Modern Love podcast. The sentimentality, which can veer dangerously close to saccharine, can certainly wet the eyes. Nevertheless, the podcast makes this list because of its consistent and enduring impact. For lessons of love and loss and as a showcase of the diversity of human emotion, there are few better podcasts.
When you hear someone say “I’ve got the craziest story to tell you,” what do you think of? There’s a good chance you’re bracing yourself for some juicy gossip — and we don’t judge you for being intrigued. Normal Gossip is a comedy-storytelling podcast that’s built up a loyal following over the years. Like most tabloid-adjacent content, you’ll either love this podcast or hate it. Nevertheless, Normal Gossip isn’t a celebrity podcast like Deux U. Instead of A-list drama, the show provides weirdly banal gossip about people who aren’t famous. Not even slightly. Host Kelsey McKinney reads out reader-submitted gossip with her guests, and it isn’t long before they find a story that will raise your brow.
Delivering over 25 years of storytelling is no mean feat. My dad ran out of bedtime yarns by the time I was ten. But The Moth is in the business of storytelling, and it helps that they have given a platform to thousands of people with a tale to share. In fact, in a quarter of a decade, The Moth has told over 50,000 stories and held hundreds of live events. Dad is taking notes.
The Moth tells true stories. So far, so conventional. But what makes every episode of The Moth different is that these stories are told live and without notes. Think of it as a TED Talk, but for the messy, imperfect, and poignant. Some of the stories are heartbreaking, others raucously funny. They are a testament to the diversity of the human experience and prove that even if you don’t personally relate to a narrative, it still has the power to compel with its honesty.
Storytelling podcasts are usually pretty tame, tending to adhere to a familiar format and tone. Snap Judgement, however, presents its stories in a unique manner. Hosted by Glynn Washington, this show utilizes rhythm, music, and cinematic production to captivate listeners with stories you’ll always want to finish. As well, the show amplifies narratives that are frequently neglected or conveyed in incendiary ways. By prioritizing empathy, the show emerges as a a kind of remedy to our often callous media cycle.
The stories on Snap Judgement are as haunting as they are gripping. In an interview with The Guardian, Washington noted, “You have to really manage your story load. You can’t have too many of these emotionally taxing stories back to back to back.” While dealing with heavy material involves substantial editorial responsibility, Washington’s meticulous storytelling over the years has cultivated a deeply engaged audience for good reason.
The premise of this unscripted storytelling podcast is unconventional, even surrealist. Everything is Alive is a traditional interview show — except the subjects are inanimate objects finally given the chance to tell their stories. From cola cans to rental cars to humble baguettes, this podcast is an exercise in both empathy and imagination.
The show’s greatest strength lies in its playful flirtation with satire. As a listener, you’re constantly guessing whether the tone is parodic or sincere. This delightful ambiguity keeps you engaged, while the “objects” charm with their wit and quick responses. Everything is Alive reminds us of “old radio”; the type of late-night show that might be commissioned by the BBC. It might not be the podcast you searched for today, but it will be the one you recommend to friends tomorrow.
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Alice Florence Orr is a staff writer and assistant editor for Podcast Review. She is based in Edinburgh. You can connect with her on Twitter or read her work on aliceflorenceorr.com