15 Most Popular Podcasts for 2024: What Everyone is Listening To

If you’re looking for the freshest and most promising podcasts in any category -from politics to sports and from business to comedy- you're in the right place. 

Let's dive into the most popular podcasts of 2024!

15 Most popular podcasts right now

In this guide, we've handpicked the most engaging YouTube, Spotify, and Apple podcasts in 2024 and broken them down into 15 different categories. From toe-curling relationship stories to enthralling serial killer tales, you’re bound to find a good listen.

Our choice of popular podcasts isn’t necessarily the overall most listened to in their category. 

We chose these podcasts based on their growing potential. These podcasts are getting high ratings, they’re fresh on the charts, and they’re on everyone’s minds at the moment. 

Disclaimer: We strive to provide you with a list of the most popular, current, and fastest-growing podcasts. We don't endorse any of these podcasts, nor do we necessarily share or align with their views on politics, religion, sexuality, or cultural matters. We encourage you to engage critically!

So, let’s have a look at the most listened-to podcasts out right now and why everyone’s listening to them:

Most popular comedy podcast: The Joe Rogan Experience

• Host(s): Joe Rogan
• Categories: Comedy, Entertainment, Interviews
• Ratings: Apple (4.6), Spotify (no ranking), YouTube (17.3M subscribers)

In 2009, Joe Rogan launched The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. It’s now one of the most popular podcasts in the world, getting around 11 million listeners each episode. It holds the #1 spot on Spotify's Top Podcasts and is clawing its way up the charts on Apple Podcasts.

Anyone interested in 3-hour-long conversations on topics like politics, UFOs, stand-up comedy, history, psychology, and psychedelics should check this out. 

Joe Rogan is a controversial figure. He’s been on the news for all the wrong reasons, notably for hosting guests that spread Covid misinformation. Joe tends to be a little too open-minded which leads him to host conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones from time to time.

However, Joe Rogan has also hosted reliable science figures like Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Professor Brian Cox, Steven Pinker, and Sir Roger Penrose. It goes to show that Joe will listen to anyone, as long as they have something interesting to share. 

If you want to get a taste of The Joe Rogan Experience, here are the episodes to watch:

• JRE #1368, Edward Snowden — The episode has got 32 million views on YouTube for good reason. The famous whistleblower reveals how the NSA has been spying on people, and how his revelation had the US intelligence community come after him.
• JRE #1315, Bob Lazar & Jeremy Corbell — This one goes into UFO territory, with a fascinating narration by Bob Lazar on Area 51 and the alien tech he came across in the facility.

Check out our full guide on the best Joe Rogan episodes!

Most popular health podcast: Huberman Lab

• Host(s): Andrew D. Huberman
• Categories: Health, Science, Self-help 
• Ratings: Apple (4.8), Spotify (4.9), YouTube (5.95M subscribers)

The most popular Health & Fitness podcast on both Apple and Spotify, Huberman Lab is your top choice to dive deeper into neuroscience. Host Dr. Andrew Huberman is an award-winning scientist and neurobiology professor at Stanford School of Medicine. 

While you may think this show caters to health professionals, this podcast has become popular all round because there’s a lot to learn from Huberman. His show covers mental health, optimizing performance, improving sleep, and more. You’ll also understand how our brain develops and affects our perceptions, behaviors, and mental health.

This podcast is frequently in the top 10 worldwide. And you won’t be disappointed with Huberman’s guests, either. Guests include Lex Fridman, Tim Ferris, and Mark Zuckerberg:  

Here are some of the best Huberman Lab episodes to check out:

• Dr. Sam Harris: Using Meditation to Focus, View Consciousness & Expand Your Mind — From meditation benefits to full-on techniques, this episode covers how meditation can change your life.
• Leverage Dopamine to Overcome Procrastination & Optimize Effort — Gain a better understanding of how your dopamine levels work and what tools you can use to keep yourself motivated.‍
• Dr. Elissa Epel: Control Stress for Healthy Eating, Metabolism & Aging — Huberman and Epel share various techniques, including breathing, meditations, and body scans, to help you fix unhealthy stress patterns.

Most popular tech podcast: Lex Fridman Podcast

• Host(s): Lex Fridman
• Categories: Technology, History, Interviews
• Ratings: Apple (4.7), Spotify (4.8), YouTube (4.23M subscribers)

Lex Fridman is an AI researcher and professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a true expert in technology. His podcast dives into artificial intelligence, quantum mechanics, and hidden brain functions. He sparks deep intellectual discussions on life, consciousness, history, and philosophy.

His podcast features influential tech giants, such as Sam Altman, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk. If a subject is relevant to the future of mankind, you can count on Lex to tackle it with his signature somber and thoughtful approach.

The Lex Fridman Podcast is the most popular technology podcast on Spotify in the U.S. and on Apple Podcasts in the U.K.

Looking for the best episodes? The list would be too long, but have a look a these:

• #393 – Andrew Huberman: Relationships, Drama, Betrayal, Sex, and Love — We’ve already talked about Dr. A. Huberman in this post, but aren’t you curious to know more about his personal life? Get ready for some juicy insights!‍
• #367 – Sam Altman: OpenAI CEO on GPT-4, ChatGPT, and the Future of AI — In this episode, Lex Fridman sits down with Sam Altman, one of the leading minds in the Artificial Intelligence industry. If you have even the slightest interest in AI and how it could shape our future, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Most popular true crime podcast: Rotten Mango

• Host(s): Stephanie Soo
• Categories: True crime, Mysteries, Comedy
• Ratings: Apple (4.8), Spotify (4.9), YouTube (3.5M subscribers)

Rotten Mango is currently the most popular true crime podcast on Spotify and is quickly climbing the global charts. What sets this show apart is Stephanie Soo's cute, spicy, and often entertaining approach to covering "all things spooky."

Rotten Mango deep dives into the most twisted criminal minds, cold cases, and serial killers. It covers a lot of stories from Korea, China and Japan that are rarely found in similar shows. If you don't mind Stephanie occasionally dramatizing already horrific events in her typical K-Drama fashion, her natural storytelling talent will certainly keep you enthralled.

Here are two of her best episodes:

• #15- The REAL Silence of the Lambs Killer *he wears skin (seriously) Case of Serial Killer Ed Gein — Remember Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs? Did his horrifying habit of wearing his victims’ flayed skin as clothing scared the life out of you? This episode is about the real-life story of Ed Gein, the serial killer who inspired the movie.
• #2- 44 Days Of Hell – The Murder of Junko Furuta — This disturbing episode dives into the gut-wrenching case of Junko Furuta, a Japanese schoolgirl who endured 44 days of the sickest, most brutal torture at the hands of a group of teenagers.

Most popular self-help podcast: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Host(s): Jay Shetty

Categories: Self-help, Self-love, Mental Health, Relationships

Ratings: Apple (4.8), Spotify (4.8), YouTube (3.23M subscribers)

Jay Shetty is famous for his wisdom, which he delves into deeply with each episode of his podcast, On Purpose. This podcast has gained massive traction as one of the most popular self-development podcasts. As of September 2024, it is #1 most popular Mental Health podcast on Apple Podcasts, and #2 most popular Health & Fitness podcast on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

You can expect to learn about all areas of life from a wide array of renowned guests by watching On Purpose with Jay Shetty. 

He’s interviewed personalities such as Oprah Winfrey, Gary Vaynerchuk, and John Legend. The topics he’s covered range from strategies on work efficiency and productivity, all the way through to relationships and personality types. 

If you’re looking to improve your life, this is a great podcast to begin with. 

Here’s a few episodes that are worth listening:

• The 1 Habit All Highly Effective People Live By & How To Implement It In Your Life — Curiosity is the strongest driver toward living a healthy and fulfilling life. In this episode, Jay explains why curiosity can improve your creativity and increase your chances of success in life.
• 3 Ways to Stop Feeling Stuck and Start Turning Your Life Around & How to Break Free From the Noise — In Jay's first interview with his friend Tom Bilyeu, they explore the power of self-awareness, how to overcome self-imposed limits, and how to break free from societal expectations.

Just like Jay Shetty, you can record your own podcast in top-quality on Riverside.

Start recording with Riverside

Easily record high-quality podcasts & videos remotely

Get Started

More popular podcasts (and why you should listen to them)

Most popular news podcast: The Tucker Carlson Show

• Host(s): Tucker Carlson
• Categories: News, Politics, Society, Culture
• Ratings: Apple (4.4), Spotify (4.2), YouTube (3.11M subscribers)

Growing incredibly quickly, The Tucker Carlson Show is currently the most-listened-to news podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. It even managed to dethrone The Joe Rogan Experience as the most popular podcast in America—though only briefly.

Tucker Carlson, once considered a potential U.S. presidential candidate, remains a controversial yet incredibly influential media figure. After parting ways with Fox News in 2023, Carlson launched his own podcast focused on political news, social topics, and contemporary debates.

On his show, Carlson offers sharp, sometimes divisive insights that challenge mainstream narratives outside the constraints of traditional media. With Tucker, there’s no middle ground—you either love his rapid-fire monologues, confrontational interviews, and unfiltered truth bombs, or you hate them.

Here are some of the most popular episodes you don’t want to miss:

• Vladimir Putin — Carlson’s interview with the president of Russia sparked one of the most heated debates in recent media history.‍
• Jordan Peterson — During this panel with Jordan Peterson, Carlson addresses the Canadian truckers unrest and protests and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s use of force to disperse them.

Most popular education podcast: The Mel Robbins Podcast

• Host(s): Mel Robbins
• Categories: Education, Self-help, Health
• Ratings: Apple (4.8), Spotify (4.8), YouTube (2.96M subscribers)

The Mel Robbins Podcast is the #1 most popular education podcast in the U.S. on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and for good reason. Her talks offer some of the simplest, most effective ways to take control of your life and change it for the better.

Mel Robbins is a New York Times bestselling author leading a female-led media company. She advises major corporations like JP Morgan Chase, Spotify, Starbucks, and LinkedIn. Her science-backed episodes give practical advice on personal development, career advancement, and how to improve your physical and mental health.

What sets Mel apart is her personal approach. She doesn't shy away from sharing how she learned everything she teaches through her own mistakes. By sharing her own struggles, Mel’s advice feels authentic and deeply relatable.

Here is a short list of episodes you might want to check out:

• How to Deal With Difficult People: One Trick to Live a More Peaceful & Fulfilled Life — Mel teaches us the importance of distinguishing between a toxic person and toxic behavior, and how to set boundaries to keep negativity out of our lives.
• How to Read Body Language to Get What You Want: 6 Simple Psychological Tricks to Be More Confident — Understanding body language helps you build confidence, improve your charisma, and feel better about yourself.‍
• The Secret to Stopping Fear & Anxiety (That Actually Works) — Knowing how to overcome your worst fears and tame your anxiety is a skill that everyone should learn.

Most popular sports podcast: New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce

• Host(s): Jason and Travis Kelce
• Categories: Sports, Entertainment
• Ratings: Apple (4.8), Spotify (4.9), YouTube (2.45M subscribers)

Travis and Jason Kelce are well-known American National Football League (NFL) brothers. With their combined experience, there are no better hosts to share insight into the world of footballing. 

They cover everything from trending NFL news all the way to sharing personal stories and giving viewers a better look into their lives. 

Besides Travis and Jason, you’ll also hear from A-list athletes, including LeBron James and Tyreek Hill. 

If you’re a Swiftie, you might even catch an endearing comment about Taylor from Travis! Travis’s romantic relationship with Taylor Swift brings a whole new audience to their podcast. 

In August 2024, the Kelce brothers inked a $100 million deal to move their popular podcast to Wondery, Amazon's proprietary podcast platform. This lucrative deal is expected to significantly increase the show's global reach and, as their devoted "92%ers" fanbase hopes, further enhance its production value.

Episodes worth listening include:

• Kylie Kelce on life as an NFL spouse, Jason’s Tinder Bio, and Setting Up Travis | Ep 52 — This is a fan favorite! Kylie shares more about her relationship with Jason, including how they met and how she almost gave birth at the Super Bowl.‍
• Chris Jones on Missing Training Camp, Tyreek Hill’s Trash Talk and His NSFW Combine Moment | Ep 52 — Besides the usual banter, you’ll hear about Jones's experience playing for Kansas City Chiefs, including his draft story and his impression of Travis.

Most popular TV and Movies podcast: Nerdrotic

Host(s): Gary Buechler

Categories: TV Shows, Movies, Comics

Ratings: Apple (4.4), Spotify (4.6), YouTube (1.12M subscribers)

Are you into TV shows and comics? Looking for a podcast that doesn’t pull punches? 

Nerdrotic is getting attention for its unapologetic commentary on popular franchises. For example, The Rings of Power, Star Wars: The Acolyte, Dr. Who and Marvel’s She Hulk.

Gary Buechler, the podcast host, is a comic store owner and pop culture junkie. Labeled as a controversial figure by mainstream media, he gained a massive following on YouTube, nearly tripling his viewership in under a year.

He’s known for relentlessly roasting blockbuster movies, TV shows or comic book adaptations that don’t “respect the lore”. He has strong opinions when there are major character or storyline changes with no rhyme or reason.

Because of this, Nerdrotic gives a voice to the general disaffection of fans toward major franchises. 

If you’re tired of mainstream takes and want a podcast that offers critical and unfiltered insights into the world of geek culture, Nerdrotic is definitely worth a listen.

Just have a look at these episodes:

• Indiana Jones 5 is AWFUL | A Massive Disney FLOP — Did you watch Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny in 2023? No? Well, neither did most people, and for good reason. In this episode, he goes all out in destroying Disney and their latest flop in a string of box office disasters throughout 2023.‍
• South Park DESTROYS Disney, and That's a Good Thing — An exhilarating review of South Park’s episode “Joining The Panderverse,” featuring an unforgettable roast of Kathleen Kennedy, the often-criticized president of Lucasfilm.

Most popular podcast for women: Call Her Daddy

• Host(s): Alex Cooper
• Categories: Sexuality, Relationships, Society
• Ratings: Apple (4.5), Spotify (4.1), YouTube (970K subscribers)

Call Her Daddy is a sex-positive dating and relationship podcast that’s becoming increasingly popular among women. Beware! The content features explicit and raunchy, stories, sex advice, girl talk, and millennial culture.

Nothing encapsulates the show better than this New York Post statement:

“Virtually nothing is off-limits for the two roommates (except Cooper’s former relationship with Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard) on their weekly show — which spans the conversational gamut from sex acts like the “gluck gluck 9000” to them listening to each other get it on from the next room. The content went wildfire within two months from 12000 to 2 million listeners.”

The podcast started in 201. But Spotify acquired it in 2021 for $60 million. According to Bloomberg, Call Her Daddy was the third most followed podcast on Spotify in 2024, right behind TED Talks Daily and The Joe Rogan Experience.

Episodes to look out for are: 

• Ep 1, Sext Me So I Know It’s Real — This is a great first time listen to the podcast and an ideal gateway episode for new listeners.
• Ep 3, The Gluck Gluck 9000 — This episode has one of the most iconic moments in Call Her Daddy history. It has over-the-top raunchy storytelling and sex advice. References to this episode can be found in dating apps even today. 
• Ep 92, Miley Cyrus — The episode is an interview with Miley Cyrus where the musician talks about her sex life and past relationships. 

Most popular history podcast: The Rest is History

• Host(s): Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook
• Categories: History
• Ratings: Apple (4.7), Spotify (4.9), YouTube (85.6K subscribers)

Consistently ranking in the top 2 spots of the most popular history podcasts in the U.S. and U.K. on Apple Podcasts, The Rest is History is a favorite among history enthusiasts and casual listeners. More importantly, it's here to remind us that hardcore history doesn't need to be boring.

Tom Holland and co-host Dominic Sandbrook make the podcast a pleasure to listen to with their witty banter and deadpan British humor. 

From exposing the horrors of World War II to unveiling the tale of the mysterious ape man, The Rest is History will keep you glued to your seat as you binge-listen to all their podcast episodes.

Make sure to have a look at these episodes:

• Is Trump Caesar or Nixon? — While the comparison might seem far-fetched, don’t miss this episode recorded just hours after Joe Biden was declared President of the United States.
• Empires — Where does the term "imperialism" come from? Which empires were the most significant in human history, and what did they accomplish? This episode dives into these questions and many more.

Most popular science podcast: Radiolab

Host(s): Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser

Categories: Science, History

Ratings: Apple (4.6), Spotify (4.8), YouTube (84.4K subscribers)

A staple on both Apple and Spotify charts, Radiolab has been one of the most popular science podcasts for over 20 years. A true trailblazer in podcasting, it launched in 2002 and continually amazes its audience with thought-provoking content.

Radiolab is a deeply researched show written by a team of talented producers. It's known for its cutting-edge sound design. Each episode is a deep dive into a fascinating scientific discovery, an intriguing historical mystery, or a provocative philosophical question. 

If you’ve never heard of Radiolab, take a seat and listen. Its carefully crafted narratives will guide you through the most complex scientific concepts, pushing the boundaries of your curiosity.

• Colors — Despite being over a decade old, this 2012 episode remains one of Radiolab’s most fascinating. It explores the science of color perception, how humans experience hues, and how some animals live in a world of colors we might not even know exist.‍
• Playing God — What happens when humans are forced to make impossible choices in life-and-death situations? New York Times reporter Sheri Fink explores ethical dilemmas arising during crises like natural disasters and wars, where split-second decisions can determine who lives and who dies.

Most popular celebrity podcast: Talk Tuah with Haliey Welch

Host(s): Haliey Welch

Categories: Comedy, Interviews, Society

Ratings: Apple (3.4), Spotify (2.7), YouTube (75K subscribers)

While Haliey Welch isn’t exactly a celebrity, she’s definitely doing her best to become one. And she’s faring pretty well so far. In less than one month since she launched her new show, hers is already the 6th most popular podcast on Spotify.

The golden-haired girl from Tennessee went from waking at 3:30 every morning to work at a spring factory to becoming an internet sensation overnight. After her "Hawk Tuah" video went viral worldwide, Hailey showed the world she has much more to offer than a 30-second drunk joke.

Her podcast is still so new that it's hard to say what topics it will ultimately focus on. So far, it’s been a mix of personal life stories and hilarious interviews. Think of it as a raunchier, funnier, and lighter version of Call Her Daddy.

One thing is clear: Talk Tuah has caught a lot of attention. It’s currently ranking as the #4 Top Podcast on Spotify and #2 most popular Comedy Interviews podcast on Apple. This is just one month after launch, so this podcast shows immense potential.

Episodes to look out for: 

• I SAID HAWK TUAH AND NOW I'M HERE w/ Whitney Cummings - Talk Tuah Ep. 1 — The debut episode featuring Whitney Cummings in a hysterical conversation about Hailey's aftermath as a newly-appointed internet celebrity.‍
• I TOLD GRANNY ABOUT HAWK TUAH - Talk Tuah Ep. 2 — Haliey and her best friend Chelsea Bradford tells her grandmother about the night that changed their lives forever. Hilarity ensues.

Most popular relationships podcast: We Can Do Hard Things

• Host(s): Glennon Doyle, Amanda Doyle, Abby Wambach
• Categories: Relationships, Self-help
• Ratings: Apple (4.9), Spotify (4.9), YouTube (23.7K subscribers)

We Can Do Hard Things is a podcast about humanity, personal struggles, and making difficult choices that life throws at us repeatedly. Glennon Doyle, along with her sister Amanda Doyle and wife Abby Wambach, discuss all aspects of life—including tough topics like addiction, divorce, and loss—with raw honesty.We Can Do Hard Things speaks to the deepest emotional experiences. It’s a show about loving and losing, struggling and winning, setting boundaries and gaining freedom. Due to its focus on personal matters and emotional depth, it might not appeal to everyone. Still, its growing popularity speaks to the hosts' ability to connect with listeners seeking authenticity and vulnerability rather than just guidance on what's right or wrong.Here are some of the most thought-provoking episodes:

• 241. Being Left Out: Navigating that Lifelong Ache — In this heart-wrenching episode, Amanda, Glennon, and Abby explore the hardships of exclusion, and how to deal with isolation and rejection.‍
• 340. How Abby Survived Her Biggest Loss — No pain is more excruciating than losing someone we love. In this episode, Abby talks about grief and the overwhelming experience of losing her eldest brother, Peter.

Most popular business podcast: Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin

• Host(s): Nicole Lapin
• Categories: Business, Personal Finance, Economics
• Ratings: Apple (4.9), Spotify (5.0), YouTube (2.4K subscribers)

Tired of constantly struggling to make it through the month? Confused about interest rates before applying for a loan? Want to take charge of your finances but don’t know where to start? Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin is the podcast you’ve been looking for.

For those without an economic background, this podcast is a great way to learn about the economy and how it works. Topics range from classic monetary theories and international trade to current events, taxes, insider trading, and practical advice on saving and investing.

Money Rehab is also an engaging podcast to listen to if you have limited time or if you want to listen to one while doing chores. Episodes are short, lasting between 6 to 30 minutes, and Nicole keeps your attention with her humor and candid approach.

Check these episodes you don’t want to miss:

• Student Loan Cancellation and What it Means for You and the Economy — Did you know you might be eligible for student loan cancellation? If you’re drowning in student debt, this episode can turn your life around for real.‍
• Should You be Quiet Quitting? — Wondering what “quiet quitting” is or whether it is the right choice for you? Check this episode to know everything about this trending workplace phenomenon and how it could impact your work-life balance.

FAQs on Popular Podcasts

What are the top 10 most listened to podcasts?

Podcasts are hosted across several platforms at the same time, and listener data isn't always publicly disclosed. Because of this, pinpointing the exact number of listeners for each is really hard. 

However, according to Edison Research, the 10 most listened to podcasts are arguably 

1. The Joe Rogan Experience
2. Crime Junkie
3. The Daily by The New York Times
4. Call Her Daddy
5. Dateline NBC
6. SmartLess
7. Stuff You Should Know
8. This American Life
9. This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von 
10.  Morbid

What is the number one podcast in the USA?

As of 2024, The Joe Rogan Experience remains the most popular podcast in the USA. It regularly tops Spotify’s and Apple Podcast’s charts with millions of listeners per episode. However, earlier this year, The Tucker Carlson Show dethroned Joe Rogan, although for a very brief period.

What is the number 1 podcast in the world right now?

Globally, The Joe Rogan Experience holds the title of number one podcast. It has 17.4 million subscribers.

How do I choose a good podcast to listen to?

To choose a good podcast, start by picking a niche that matches your interests, such as pop culture, true crime or comedians. 

Check out the most popular shows in that category from our list, or look for highly rated podcasts with engaging hosts. If it’s a mini-series, make sure to start from the first episode, then give it a try.

Most podcast apps also have their own charts. You can check these to see what’s currently trending