The 15 Best Podcasts to Listen to While You Work From Home

By Anna Rahmanan

Working at home, unable to spend time in traditional offices, we are missing out on the camaraderie, and the conversations, that used to pepper our everyday routines.

But thanks to podcasts, we can still listen in and almost feel like we’re right in the room and part of the conversation. From pop culture to health to current events to the downright zany, there’s a slew of listening opportunities no matter your interests or your mood.

To laugh out loud

WTF With Marc Maron

Listen in every week as comedian Marc Maron invites a guest musician, comedian, actor, writer or another interesting person for a revealing interview. He’s talked with former President Barack Obama, actor Stanley Tucci, director Patty Jenkins and New York icon Patti Smith. Which is to say: Maron is clearly onto something.

Why Won’t You Date Me

This let’s-talk-about-romance podcast is hosted by comedian, actress and writer Nicole Byer. You’re in for a whole lot of fun as she dissects all things relationships from singledom to sexual encounters, the meaning of romance, dating, marriage and more.

To learn more about the current state of affairs

The Daily

Informative and easy to digest, in about 30 minutes the New York Times’ Michael Barbaro and staff journalists focus on a single subject, often connected to a recent article in the paper. Barbaro’s soothing voice and thoughtful questions help navigate the news of the day.

Code Switch

This weekly podcast looks at the country’s relationship with race, from a deep dive into the Broadway musical “Hamilton” to reality TV to the sports world to “colorblind millennials.” Following the protests across the country in response to the murder of George Floyd last year, the show became NPR’s top-ranked podcast.

To expand your horizons

This American Life

Host Ira Glass leads a weekly exploration of a theme, usually with three fascinating stories that fit into it in unexpected ways. Themes range from car salesmen to summer camp to superpowers. Standout episodes include “Switched at Birth,” about two baby girls who were sent home from the hospital with the wrong families, and “Act V,” the story of prison inmates who staged a production of “Hamlet.” Expect to be enthralled.

Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People

The premise is a relatively simple one: Every week, comedian Chris Gethard receives a call from an anonymous person. He’s not allowed to hang up no matter what. The result? A free flow of philosophical discussions, family secrets and—of course—absolutely shocking confessions by, well, random people.

To sort of, kind of travel without leaving home

Dolly Parton’s America

Travel alongside country music legend Dolly Parton. This nine-part series takes listeners all around the country, exploring the artist’s early life, superb career, political clout and the importance of her very own theme park, Dollywood.

Armchair Explorer

Listen to “the world’s greatest adventurers tell their best story from the road.” So vivid is each retelling that you’ll feel like you’re the one walking the Amazon, sailing around the world, cliff camping or embarking on a 7,400-mile trek from Cape Town to Cairo.

To itch your true crime scratch

Bear Brook

If you’ve already listened to Serial and S-Town, try Bear Brook next. From the riveting details of this cold case to the discussion of the breakthrough genetic techniques used by detectives and police, this story has changed forever how murders are investigated.

The Clearing

April Balascio is the daughter of Edward Wayne Edwards, an infamous American serial killer. In this podcast, Balascio herself explores the murders of Tim Hack and Kelly Drew in 1980, as she began suspecting her father of being the murderer. Warning: You’ll tremble with fear and won’t be able to sleep until you’ve listened to the whole thing.

To get healthy

Food Psych

“Anti-diet” dietitian and intuitive eating counselor Christy Harrison hosts this podcast about our relationship with food, body acceptance and the true meaning of health. Worry not, you won’t be asked to subscribe to a new-fangled eating plan, as Harrison actually calls out these sorts of “healthy” fads and diets as anything but. 

The Model Health Show

Learn how to burn off fat, how sex can help with your wellness, what chronic fatigue is all about, how to manage stress and more with advice from author and nutritionist Shawn Stevenson. A recent episode focuses on the psychosomatic effects of COVID-19.

Just because they’re good

Every Little Thing

Think about the oddest, most out-there question you can land on and you’ve got the kinds of topics explored every week in this podcast. Listeners call in with questions, and host Flora Lichtman tries to get to the bottom of each query by connecting the callers with experts and other in-the-know folks.

The Alarmist

The greatest tragedies in history get the royal treatment on this podcast hosted by writer and comedian Rebecca Delgado-Smith. From the beheading of Marie Antoinette to the sinking of the Titanic to the Flint water crisis, no stone is left unturned on this gem of a show.

Radio Cherry Bombe

Hosted by Cherry Bombe magazine’s founder Kerry Diamond, go behind the scenes of the food world with stylists, cookbook authors, chefs, bakers and bartenders. Don’t miss the episode on Ina Garten’s take on comfort food.

Program availability may have changed and is subject to change.