I consider myself to be a bit of a podcast junkie. Most of the time, when I get a recommendation for a movie, book, or song I’ll add it to some proverbial list that I never really get to. For some reason, when I get a podcast recommendation I almost always add it to my queue and listen.

I love podcasts, and it is my belief that everyone should join in on this glorious activity. So I’ve put together a guide of everything I listen to, or have at one point listened to, hoping that it will help those of you who are nervous about joining the world of podcasts get your feet wet.

There’s a lot here. So, I’ve split them into categories (and sometimes sub-categories) with just a quick sentence or two describing the podcast. I’ve also added an (E) on those podcasts which contain explicit content.

Disclaimer: I do not agree with everything said on all of these podcasts. In fact, I have probably disagreed with every single one of these podcasts at one time or another. You would think that does not need to be said, but it does. So be discerning with what you hear. Learn to be a critical thinker not merely an absorbent for information. That is how you’ll get the most out of podcasts.

Christianity

• Happy Rant Podcast
  • One of my favorite podcasts. Three guys ranting about topics ranging across the Reformed Christian subculture. Yes, it is possible to be Reformed and still have a sense of humor.
• Ask Pastor John
  • Short 10-15 minute podcasts where John Piper answers theological, personal, biblical, and pastoral questions
• Wretched Radio
  • A daily conservative Christian talk show with host Todd Friel (Mr. Mr. Mr. Friel, as he prefers to go by). Tackles tons of different pressing issues through a biblical lens in an engaging and helpful way
• Doctrine and Devotion
  • Pastor Joe Thorn and elder-candidate Jimmy Fowler (or wait, is he an actual elder now?) smoke cigars and talk about theology. And sometimes they banter. Well, a lot of the time they banter.
• Brian and Kathleen Podcast
  • A Moody Radio production where two Christians with vastly different personalities have open discussions about somewhat controversial issues. Yes, it is possible to have hard conversations without hating one another. And no, you don’t have to be an expert to start having them. Also, sometimes Kathleen sings.
• The Briefing
  • Daily 30-minute Christian news podcast with Al Mohler. Stay informed with what’s happening in the world and how it affects the Church.
• For the Church Podcast
  • A podcast hosted by @JaredCWilson for, well, the Church.
• Just Thinking Podcast
  • Darrell B. Harrison and Virgil Walker tackle various social and theological questions pressing the Church.
• Sheologians
  • Are you a Christian woman and you aren’t listening to Sheologians? Then you are doing something very wrong. Also, if you’re a Christian man and aren’t listening to this podcast you’re doing something very wrong.
• Age of Minority
  • A podcast for young people, hosted by Jaquelle Crowe and her father. If you’re a young person trying to understand how to think biblically and live out your Christian life, this is for you. Also, if you like random rabbit trails about British Baking Shows or cats, then this is for you.
• Culture Matters
  • The Village Church brings in various guests to talk about how Christians should engage with different aspects of culture. Topics include sports, politics, abortion, art, racism, humor, movies, and much much more.
• Love Thy Neighborhood
  • I once did an internship for this company. Listen to their podcast. It essentially asks the question: How can we love others well?
• Sermons
  • The Village Church – Sermons (Matt Chandler)
  • GraceLife Pulpit (Phil Johnson)
  • Substance Church Podcast (Ronnie Martin)
  • T4G Podcast
  • Redemption Church Tempe

Culture (AKA nerd Culture…the only kind of culture I know)

• The Comic Conspiracy (E)
  • Another one of my favorite podcasts. A group of guys just talking comics (and by talking I of course mean passionately arguing).
• Binge Mode (E)
  • A production of THE RINGER (great website). First season they went through A Song of Ice and Fire, this season they’ve captured my heart as they recap all seven books and 8 movies of the Harry Potter franchise. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and most of all you’ll fall in love with Harry Potter all over again. And if you don’t like Harry Potter then you can go ahead and just get off my website. (I’m kidding. Sort of.)
• Journey Into Misery (E)
  • Do you feel lost when you get out of the latest superhero flick and start talking to an actual comic book nerd? You are not alone. Join Kieren as he explains various different comic characters and story arcs. His co-host, Helena, will make you feel right at home with all of her gasps, sighs, frustrations, and questions as she discovers just how convoluted comics can be.
• Jay & Miles X-Plain the X-Men (E)
  • I think the title says all you need to know: Jay and Miles X-plain the X-Men!

Sports

• Bill Simmons Podcast (E)
  • This is really a combo between sports and the wider culture, as Simmons interviews guests from all different kinds of cultures (including a segment called 4Reelseez, where he discusses teenage culture with his 13-year old daughter. Yes, I too get very lost during this segment).
• Fantasy Footballers
  • By far the best fantasy football podcast on the market. Entertaining and informative.
• Empire of the Suns
  • If you’re interested in being depressed about the Phoenix Suns along with me, go ahead and tune in.
• The Ringer NBA Show (E)
  • As simple as it sounds: a podcast by the Ringer (great website) where they talk NBA.

Learning

• Joe Rogan Podcast (E)
  • Another favorite of mine. If you want to learn, you need to listen to this podcast. It will infuse you with a new sense of excitement about just how fascinating this world is. Politics, biology, diet, conspiracy theories, sociology, comedy, psychology, MMA, etc. Christians, of all people, should love to learn. This is a podcast just for that.
• Uncommontary
  • I debated whether to put this under “Christian” or “Learning”, as the podcast is hosted by evangelical Marty Duren, but he often has on guests who don’t share his biblical beliefs. They talk through various topics including theology, Islam, incarceration, conservatism, sexual abuse, abortion, race, and much more.
• Reply All (E)
  • A podcast about the internet. The internet truly can be a crazy place…learn all about that here.
• Stuff You Should Know
  • Josh and Chuck tell you about all the stuff you should know in life. And a lot of stuff you probably didn’t know that you should know.
• Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know
  • Conspiracy theories. I love them.
• Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History
  • Not for the faint of heart, Hardcore History is a long form (and I do mean long) podcast teaching you about history in a compelling way. If you’re a history geek like me, this is for you. If you aren’t a history geek, well, you’re missing out. History is fun.
• Civics 101
  • Take a step back from all the drama that is our political landscape today and relearn the basics of civics that every American should, but most likely doesn’t, understand.
• Planet Money
  • Who doesn’t like money? Well, you can learn all about the complicated nature of the economic system in this podcast here.
• Start-Up
  • A production of Gimlet radio sharing stories of real-life people who had a crazy idea that turned into a full-scale business. Perfect for making you depressed about your current job.

GutCheck

• GutCheck Podcast
  • GutCheck gets a category of their own because, well, they’re in a world of their own. Taco reviews? Check. Live readings of the great American novel Re-Raptured and Re-Raptured: Again? Check. Endless references to Die Hard? Check. Lashing? Check. Become an expert in all the things that truly matter in life as you embark upon this “weekly” podcast with podcast/coffee/writing/Nineties Studies/T-Shirt moguls Ted Kluck and Zachary Bartels. Join the GutCheck Army TODAY and change your life forever. PSA: Don’t listen in public. You will laugh hysterically and catch some unwanted attention.

I hope this list helps you find some podcasts you love! Feel free to share some recommendations of your own in the comments!

neil godding