According to PodNews, there are over 150,000 podcasts publishing weekly episodes on Spotify. With so much content and so little time, how do you know if a podcast is worth your time?
I like to listen to different types of shows for different occasions. Sometimes I’m interested to hear an expert’s take on a current trend. I also listen to shows to learn new things and catch up with my favorite creators.
But if I’m being totally honest, the main reason I listen to podcasts is to keep me company as I go through my everyday life.
As a solopreneur who works from home, I’m on my own a lot! But it’s nice to feel like I’m listening in on a conversation with a friend while I’m washing dishes, folding laundry, or going for a walk.
In a world where everyone is busy and scheduling with friends seems more complicated than ever—“are you free seven Thursdays from now between 1-2pm??”— it’s nice to have on-demand comfort creators in your ear and even be in control of the conversation topic and length.
That’s why I tend to gravitate towards lifestyle podcasts with hosts that feel like they could be friends, who sometimes go on tangents and who cover a variety of topics.
I’ve broken them out into some general categories below to help you figure out what you may like best and am even recommending the best episode to tune into if it’s your first time listening.
I hope you find your new favorite show!
The Best Lifestyle Podcasts to Listen To
Dating/Relationships:
Match Made in Manhattan
Match Made in Manhattan is hosted by three friends Katy Bellotte, Colbie Cassidy, and Adam Harrison. This podcast delves into navigating your twenties in New York City, covering relationships, work, and social life.
The trio recap their weekends, share dating stories (both good and bad) and comment on the changing dynamics of their careers, friend groups, NYC, and what they ultimately want in life.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
Dear Shandy
Hosted by married couple Sharleen Joynt and Andy Levine, this podcast offers sound relationship advice infused with humor, providing life and dating guidance alongside entertaining commentary.
Sharleen’s prior experience as a contestant on The Bachelor led to them recapping the show but they also answer listener relationship questions and bring on experts to discuss hot topics.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
Self-Development:
Note to Self
Note to Self is hosted by full-time creator Payton Sartain and provides candid conversations on health, business, relationships, and life, aiming to inspire and entertain listeners.
Payton’s approach to the podcast is very unfiltered and self-aware and I appreciate that she only brings on guests when she feels like it. She also answers listener questions in Ask P episodes.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
Digital Media & Content Creation:
The Creative Edition
The Creative Edition podcast is hosted by full-time creator Emma Cortes. This podcast offers insights into content creation, branding, and navigating the digital space for aspiring creatives with a helpful and friendly feel.
Emma does solo episodes but also brings on guests from brands like LTK and Edelman as well as fellow creators who are thriving in the space to share their tips and ideas with TCE listeners.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
Create & Consume
Launched in 2024 by content creator Austen Tosone, this is a podcast about what we make, watch and buy in the era of digital content.
From topics like getting out of a style rut and makeup application tips to social media industry trends and commentary, this podcast is for anyone who is chronically online, creating and consuming on repeat.
I’m not at all biased and I’ve heard this one is excellent!!
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
Books & Pop Culture:
Bad on Paper
Hosted by Olivia Muenter and Becca Freeman, this podcast features discussions on books of all genres and interviews with authors, with monthly book club episodes.
However, this podcast is not limited to books and publishing—some of my favorite episodes the hosts do are more broad lifestyle episodes where they discuss TV shows, music, and internet culture at large.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
Game of Roses
Hosted by writers Chad Kultgen and Lizzy Pace, this podcast offers a humorous and analytical deep dive into the world of reality dating shows, particularly focusing on The Bachelor franchise. They podcast under the usernames BachelorClues and PaceCase.
The duo have expanded coverage beyond The Bachelor and also discuss shows like Love is Blind, The Traitors, Survivor and more and also discuss reality unions, editing contradictions and how social media can influence people’s performances in the show.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
Gilmore to Say
Hosted by fans of the show Tara Llwellyn and Haley McIntosh, this podcast delves into all things Gilmore Girls, discussing episodes, characters, and the show’s cultural impact. They met through TikTok sharing their love of the show.
Rather than directly recapping the show (which they do on their Patreon) they comment on themes, characters and takeaways of the show in an analytical and fun way and even react to listener voicemails.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
Beauty:
Gloss Angeles
Hosted by Los Angeles-based beauty editors (as the name would suggest) Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan, this podcast covers the latest trends, products, and news in the beauty industry.
Gloss Angeles features interviews with industry professionals and discussions on skincare, makeup, and more. I love Kirbie and Sara’s honest takes and insights and the thoughtful questions they ask guests who come on!
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
Fat Mascara
Hosted by beauty editors Jessica Matlin and Jennifer Goldstein, this podcast offers expert insights into beauty products, treatments, and trends, along with interviews with industry insiders.
I love Jess and Jenn’s friendship and banter and how they can balance sharing opinions and remaining more objective with their journalistic backgrounds.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
Which show will you be subscribing to next? Let me know in the comments!
yours,
Austen
