Best NPR Podcasts (2024)

1
Cruel songs for the cruelest month 50:33

9m ago50:33

50:33

Is April, as T.S. Eliot put it, the cruelest month? We reflect on the question with a mix that's both cringe-inducing and hilarious, from the cruelest takedowns to the most insidious earworms. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
#2433: Leland Pulls a Heel 36:57

9m ago36:57

36:57

Leland lives just outside Atlanta and his car won't 'pull a heel'. Has Leland stumped Click and Clack with a bit of local automotive jargon? Or is Leland pulling their heels and their legs, too? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org…

1
My Way 18:47

9m ago18:47

18:47

In "My Way," the new season of the StoryCorps podcast— stories from people who found a rhythm all their own and confidently marched to it their whole lives. Our first episode features a graduate of Hamburger University, one man's remarkably brave appearance on conservative radio in the 1990s, a New Yorker who took his mugger out to dinner, and more…

1
The Burden 36:26

1h ago36:26

36:26

This week, Latino USA brings you an episode of The Burden podcast. In the 1990s, Detective Louis N. Scarcella was legendary. In a city overrun by violent crime, he cracked the toughest cases and put away the worst criminals. “The Hulk” was his nickname. Then the story changed. Scarcella ran into a group of convicted murderers (who all say they are …

1
NPR News: 04-23-2024 2AM EDT 5:00

1h ago5:00

5:00

NPR News: 04-23-2024 2AM EDT Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

51
How Minority Rule Threatens Democracy 45:44

1h ago45:44

45:44

Journalist Ari Berman says the founding fathers created a system that concentrated power in the hands of an elite minority — and that their decisions continue to impact American democracy today. Berman's book is Minority Rule. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy…

1
WWDTM: Judith Butler 48:08

36m ago48:08

48:08

This week, Judith Butler joins panelists Roy Blount, Jr., Maz Jobrani, and Faith Salie to talk about gender, performativity, and their dream of becoming a clown. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Best Of: Salman Rushdie's Survival / A New Kind Of Whodunit 48:53

12m ago48:53

48:53

Writer Salman Rushdie talks about the knife attack that nearly killed him — and his life since then. In 2022, he was onstage at a literary event when the assailant ran up from the audience, and stabbed him 14 times. His new book is called Knife. Also, Diarra Kilpatrick talks about writing and starring in the new series, Diarra From Detroit, a dark …

1
#2432: Your Boyfriend is a Knucklehead 37:22

1h ago37:22

37:22

When Valerie ended up in the hospital her boyfriend didn't bring her flowers or donate his kidney, but he did take her brand new car out onto the highway to see how fast it would go. How fast did Click and Clack tell her to dump him? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when yo…

1
FTX and the Serengeti of bankruptcy 25:27

22h ago25:27

25:27

For the last year and a half, the story of FTX has focused largely on the crimes and punishment of Sam Bankman-Fried. But in the background, the actual customers he left behind have been caught in a financial feeding frenzy over the remains of the company. On today's show, we do a deep dive into the anatomy of the FTX bankruptcy. We meet the vultur…

1
Remembering PBS Anchor Robert MacNeil 46:27

42m ago46:27

46:27

Longtime PBS news anchor Robert MacNeil died last week at 93. He spoke with Terry Gross a few times over the course of his journalism career. We revisit those conversations. Also, we listen back to Eleanor Coppola's 1992 interview about her documentary, Hearts of Darkness. It chronicles the chaotic filming of Francis Ford Coppola's movie Apocalypse…

1
Ban the Box: Should We Banish the Criminal History Check Box from Job Applications? 53:15

2h ago53:15

53:15

Former criminal offenders in the United States face challenges reentering the job market after incarceration and so-called “Ban the Box” policies aim to fix this. This criminal justice initiative calls for removing questions about criminal history from job applications and delaying background checks. Those against "the box" argue former offenders s…

1
So Awkward: How to embrace the embarrassing 50:21

21m ago50:21

50:21

Forgetting a name, a poorly executed hug, the 7th grade — awkwardness is part of our lives whether we like it or not. But what if we put the embarrassment aside and embraced our awkward selves? Guests include social scientist Ty Tashiro, cartoonist Liana Finck, journalist Melissa Dahl and sex and relationship counselor Erin Chen. TED Radio Hour+ su…

1
So Awkward: How to embrace the embarrassing 50:21

4h ago50:21

50:21

Forgetting a name, a poorly executed hug, the 7th grade — awkwardness is part of our lives whether we like it or not. But what if we put the embarrassment aside and embraced our awkward selves? Guests include social scientist Ty Tashiro, cartoonist Liana Finck, journalist Melissa Dahl and sex and relationship counselor Erin Chen. TED Radio Hour+ su…

1
New Music Friday: Taylor Swift's 'Tortured Poets' and the best albums out April 19 50:24

13m ago50:24

50:24

NPR Music's Ann Powers and Hazel Cills dig into Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department,' which hit streaming services last night, and share a handful of other new albums out Friday, April 19. Featured Albums: • Taylor Swift, 'The Tortured Poets Department' • Bbymutha, 'Sleep Paralysis' • claire rousay, 'sentiment' • Pearl Jam, 'Dark Matter' …

1
Toxic Labor 52:27

3d ago52:27

52:27

This is a special episode by Futuro Investigates, in collaboration with The Center For Public Integrity and Columbia Journalism Investigations. In the absence of federal or state data showing how many disaster restoration workers get sick every year because of their labor, we document for the first time how prolonged exposure to dangerous toxins af…

1
Our Fragile Food System 44:08

2h ago44:08

44:08

Fast Food Nation author Eric Schlosser says mergers and acquisitions have created food oligopolies that are inefficient, barely regulated and sometimes dangerous. His new documentary with Michael Pollan is Food, Inc. 2. Also, Justin Chang reviews the film The Beast. Keep up with Fresh Air, learn what's coming next week, and get staff recommendation…

1
Lizzie No's 'Halfsies' is like an epic role-playing video game 41:33

5h ago41:33

41:33

The Nashville-based musician modeled her latest album as a video game journey, complete with a character named Miss Freedomland. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

101
Hounded from Spooked 48:40

4d ago48:40

48:40

Some roads are long and some roads wind. Some roads show you things you’d never think you’d find… This week we’re featuring stories from our evil twin podcast Spooked! You can listen to Spooked for free on any podcast platform. Be afraid. STORIES Demon Dog A mysterious wolf creature hunts Chuck and his family on winding mountain roads. Chuck can ha…

1
Grocery prices, credit card debt, and your 401K (Two Indicators) 17:41

1d ago17:41

17:41

What's going on with consumers? This is one of the trickiest puzzles of this weird economic moment we're in. We've covered a version of this before under the term "vibecession," but it's safe to say, the struggle is in fact real. It is not just in our heads. Sure, sure, some data is looking great. But not all of it. What's interesting, is exactly w…

1
A Death Doula Says 'Get Real' About The End 45:06

1d ago45:06

45:06

Alua Arthur works with families, caretakers, and people close to death who want to be intentional about the end of life. She's learned through her work and her own experiences with loss that facing the inevitable can help lessen the anxiety and fear so many of us have around death. Her new book is called, Briefly Perfectly Human. Also, we remember …

1
Alt.Latino's best new music round-up: Angélica Garcia, Young Miko and The Mavericks 40:01

1d ago40:01

40:01

Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite new music, from Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko's boundary-pushing new music, to Alejandro Escovedo's genre-bending rock and Angelica Garcia's electro-cumbia. Songs featured in this episode: • Young Miko, "Tamagotchi" • The Mavericks, "Moon & Stars (with Sierra Ferrell)" • Angélica Garcia, "…

1
Alt.Latino's New Music Roundup: Young Miko, The Mavericks and more 40:01

1d ago40:01

40:01

Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras round up their favorite new music, from Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko's boundary-pushing new music, to Alejandro Escovedo's genre-bending rock and Angelica Garcia's electro-cumbia. Songs featured in this episode: • Young Miko, "Tamagotchi" • The Mavericks, "Moon & Stars (with Sierra Ferrell)" • Angelica Garcia, "…

1
Salman Rushdie On Surviving Attempted Murder 45:38

2d ago45:38

45:38

Rushdie was onstage at a literary event in 2022 when he was attacked by a man in the audience: "Dying in the company of strangers — that was what was going through my mind." His new book is Knife. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Maggie Rogers made 'Don't Forget Me' with the pedal to the floor 19:22

2d ago19:22

19:22

The singer-songwriter spent just five days at Electric Lady Studios making her latest record. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
The Contenders, Vol. 7: The songs we can't stop playing this week 47:52

3d ago47:52

47:52

This week's update to our list of the year's best songs includes thunderous shoegaze from Wisp, a classic Cuban piano piece from Dánae Olano, a deeply moving story from Pedro The Lion and more. Featured artists and songs: 1. Pedro The Lion: "Modesto," from 'Santa Cruz' 2. Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly: "Destejer," from 'Mestizx' 3. She…

1
#2431: Pork Chop Boy's Revenge 32:21

3d ago32:21

32:21

What are you going to do if two NPR hosts proclaim that you are so friendless you have to hang a porkchop around your neck just to get the dog to play with you? And what if those heartless hosts were your very own uncles? Find out on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up fo…

101
How I Made It: Flor De Toloache 15:53

3d ago15:53

15:53

When Mireya Ramos found herself subject to scrutiny and machismo as the only woman mariachi singer in the male-dominated mariachi circles, she decided to do something about it. So she founded Flor De Toloache in 2008, the first all-female mariachi in New York City. The Latin Grammy winning group's new album, 'Indestructible' features beautiful harm…

1
Tune in to a mini-concert with Lo Moon 23:11

3d ago23:11

23:11

The LA-based psychedelic pop band performs songs from their latest album, I Wish You Way More Than Luck. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
A First Date Turns Into A Whodunit In 'Diarra From Detroit' 44:36

7d ago44:36

44:36

Growing up, when Diarra Kilpatrick watched murder mystery shows with her grandmother, she never saw Black women driving the narrative. Her new BET+ series seeks to change that. It's called Diarra From Detroit. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
WWDTM: Bill Cowher 47:40

6d ago47:40

47:40

We're live in Pittsburgh this week, where Steelers legend Bill Cowher joins panelists Negin Farsad, Mo Rocca, and Maeve Higgins to talk winning the Super Bowl, yelling on NPR, and why his 20th high school reunion was such a nightmare. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy…

1
#2430: Max and the Schnauzer 39:34

6d ago39:34

39:34

As far as tall tales go, it isn't quite 'War and Peace', but 'Max and the Schnauzer' is about as epic as it gets in the world of auto repair, and it's on this episode of the Best of Car Talk. Get access to hundreds of episodes in the Car Talk archive when you sign up for Car Talk+ at plus.npr.org/cartalk Learn more about sponsor message choices: po…

1
Best Of: Andrew Scott / Women Behind The Wheel 45:41

6d ago45:41

45:41

Andrew Scott stars as a con artist with no conscience in the new Netflix series Ripley. It's an adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novel The Talented Mr. Ripley. He spoke with Terry Gross about tapping into his darker side for the role — and playing the "hot priest" in Fleabag. Also, we hear about how cars became our most gendered technology. Wom…

1
TikTok made me deduct it 20:19

6d ago20:19

20:19

TikTok, and other apps like it, are filled with financial advice. Some of it is reliable, some... less so. There are videos about running a business, having a side hustle, generating passive income. And also, there are a lot of tips and tricks, many of them questionable, about saving on your taxes. On this show, we run some of the greatest hits of …

1
Laura Jane Grace confronts past pain on 'Hole In My Head' 22:22

6d ago22:22

22:22

The musician, and founder of punk band Against Me!, talks about her latest solo album. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
What's In A Face: How technology uses our faces 50:09

7d ago50:09

50:09

Original broadcast date: December 9, 2022. We think our faces are our own. But technology can use them to identify, influence and mimic us. This week, TED speakers explore the promise and peril of turning the human face into a digital tool. Guests include super recognizer Yenny Seo, Bloomberg columnist Parmy Olson, visual researcher Mike Seymour an…

1
What's In A Face: How technology uses our faces 50:09

6d ago50:09

50:09

Original broadcast date: December 9, 2022. We think our faces are our own. But technology can use them to identify, influence and mimic us. This week, TED speakers explore the promise and peril of turning the human face into a digital tool. Guests include super recognizer Yenny Seo, Bloomberg columnist Parmy Olson, visual researcher Mike Seymour an…

1
Should Congress Stop Funding the War in Ukraine? 53:15

7d ago53:15

53:15

The U.S. has provided more than $75 billion in aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia. Some Congress members question whether we have done enough to help, and they say increased funding sustains strategic interests and demonstrates support of democratic values. Those who say we should stop funding the war, argue that Ukraine can’t win and additio…

1
The History Of King Kong & Godzilla 46:36

7d ago46:36

46:36

Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire is the latest film starring two of cinema's biggest monsters. Today we take a look at the first time they were introduced to audiences. Film historian Rudy Behlmer tells us about the 1933 film King Kong. And Steve Ryfle wrote a book about the making of the 1954 Japanese film Godzilla. Also, film critic Justin Chang r…

1
New Music Friday: The best albums out April 12 46:14

7d ago46:14

46:14

NPR Music's Sheldon Pearce and WRTI's Nate Chinen take you through the biggest new releases of the week, including Maggie Rogers, Shabaka Hutchings and more. Featured albums: - Shabaka, 'Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace' - Maggie Rogers, 'Don't Forget Me' - Lizz Wright, 'Shadow' - Leyla McCalla, 'Sun Without the Heat' Other notable albums…

201
Nikole Hannah-Jones: Beyond the 1619 Project 55:36

7d ago55:36

55:36

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones rose to instant recognition when she published the 1619 Project in 2019. Since then she’s received countless praise, awards and recognition, but the project also engulfed her into a media firestorm with many on the far-right going after her and her work, with some states even banning the teachin…

1
The Trials of Lt. McFadden 49:16

11d ago49:16

49:16

Melissa McFadden always saw police officers as protectors. But when she became an officer, she found herself with almost no one to protect her. This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Lt. McFadden for sharing your story with us! Check out McFadden’s book: Walking the Thin Black Line Funding for this …

1
The 'Land Grab' Displacing The Maasai People 43:58

7d ago43:58

43:58

Atlantic journalist Stephanie McCrummen says foreign interests are acquiring Serengeti territory in Northern Tanzania, effectively displacing indigenous cattle-herders from their traditional grazing lands. McCrummen spoke with Dave Davies about the billionaires, conservation groups, and safari tourism in this story. Also, John Powers reviews the TV…

1
Lindsay Lou taps into the divine feminine on 'Queen of Time' 11:33

7d ago11:33

11:33

The Nashville singer-songwriter's latest album features collaborations with Jerry Douglas and Billy Strings. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
How much does this cow weigh? (Classic) 17:37

8d ago17:37

17:37

This episode originally ran in 2015. About one hundred years ago, a scientist and statistician named Francis Galston came upon an opportunity to test how well regular people were at answering a question. He was at a fair where lots of people were guessing the weight of an ox, so he decided to take the average of all their guesses and compare it to …

1
The High Pressure Experiments That Made D-Day 44:32

9d ago44:32

44:32

What happens to the body in the deep sea? You need oxygen to survive, but too much oxygen can be deadly. Also, if you rise to the surface too quickly, nitrogen bubbles can form in your body and kill you. We'll talk with author and scientist Rachel Lance, who has conducted research for the military, using a hyperbaric chamber in which the air and th…

1
Brigitte Calls Me Baby is riding a retro rock and roll wave 26:12

8d ago26:12

26:12

The Chicago band showcases their nostalgic, yet fresh, sound on This House is Made of Corners. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Internet Brain & The Age Of Overthinking 45:11

9d ago45:11

45:11

Linguist Amanda Montell says our brains are overloaded with a constant stream of information that stokes our innate tendency to believe conspiracy theories and mysticism. Her book is The Age of Magical Overthinking. Also, Maureen Corrigan reviews Lionel Shriver's new novel, Mania. Subscribe to the Fresh Air newsletter for a peek behind-the-scenes a…

1
Listen to Hermanos Gutiérrez's hypnotic guitar interplay 18:02

9d ago18:02

18:02

The brother duo perform a blissed-out set recorded at last year's AMERICANAFEST in Nashville. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Songs to make you laugh, with 'Weird Al' Yankovic 54:37

10d ago54:37

54:37

"Weird Al" Yankovic helps curate a mix of some of the funniest songs of all time, from classics like Tom Lehrer's "The Elements," to more fringe discoveries from The Hazzards, Tonio K. and more. Featured artists and songs: 1. Tonio K: "H-A-T-R-E-D" 2. Robbie Fulks: "Fountains of Wayne Hotline" 3. Tenacious D: "Tribute" 4. Spike Jones: "Der Fuehrer'…

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