Name: Top 10 Most Popular Podcasts on the Planet
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feels like she just got sucked into this world.

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most influential podcasts.

From shows that are racking the highest streams to those that dominate social media discussions, these ongoing titles are all the rage, even if they are between seasons right now.

And at first, nobody says that Colin Albert was even at the house that night.

10. This Past Weekend – Debuted 2016 Theo Vaughn brings his unique comedic flair to this free-flowing podcast, where he interviews friends, celebrities, and political figures alike. Thanks to his stand-up experience, his conversations not only flow seamlessly, but are witty and at times downright chaotic. His ability to bring out the candor of his guests and genuinely empathize with them proves his talent as an interviewer. He doesn't hesitate to throw in a risque joke here and there, but is never toxic or deliberately offensive in an attempt to rage beta's listeners. This past weekend is a pleasant time that will also feed your curiosity about worldly topics.

9. Armchair Expert – Debuted 2018 Dax Shepard has long been known as one of the funniest actors in Hollywood. So when he launched a podcast with Monica Padman about all the shenanigans we humans get up to, it naturally found a massive audience.

10. White Lotus – Debut 2018 His star-studded guest list comes as no surprise, given his own status as an A-lister. But it is the authenticity of his chats with them that captivates fans. We get our favorite celebs opening up like never before in this, and in turn, humanizes them. Through the podcast's light-hearted yet profound episodes, famous figures like Stanley Tucci and Matt Damon became more relatable than we'd ever imagine.

8. Serial – Debut 2014 If you like your dose of true crime with a serious investigative reporting, this is the podcast for you.

Every season, Post's Sarah Koenig dives deep into an intriguing case, explores all possible angles, and most importantly, raises new questions about what we know.

To never find out if her story helps or hurts your case. That makes no sense whatsoever.

She is hands-on with her journalism and substantiates her material with loaded interviews – one of which she conducted with a Taliban. No wonder Serial crossed the 5 million download mark on iTunes Store faster than any other podcast with its first season in 2014.

In fact, the show is so impactful, even SNL and Family Guy parodied it.

7. WTF – With Marc Maron – Debut 2009 You're not a true podcast aficionado unless you've given this one a listen. One of the OGs of the podcasting world, WTF takes listeners on an intimate journey with eminent guests, who usually have something very important to say, or rather, get off their chests. Despite Maron's reputation as a comedian, he's in no mood to joke around when he sits down with his interviewees. Instead, he forges a genuine connection with them, giving them a safe place to lower their guards. One such memorable episode starred Robin Williams, in which he spoke frankly about living with depression. Someone needs to be facilitating these conversations, and we're glad it's Marc Maron doing so.

6. Call Her Daddy – Debut 2018 There are two types of therapy. One you get from a professional, and another from Alexandra Cooper, spilling the tea with her refreshingly transparent guests. So unsurprisingly, Call Her Daddy is one of the most buzz-worthy podcasts at the moment. Alex started the show with Sophia Franklin as a way to vent about their private lives, no matter how problematic. These days, it's more of a confessional, where celebrities are confronted about topics ranging from their relationships to fame, feminism, and mental health. Cooper's guests offer unfiltered honesty, and the casual vibe resembles a conversation between friends. What's not to love?

5. Stuff You Should Know – Debut 2008 We wouldn't fault you for thinking an educational podcast wouldn't really have mass appeal. However, Stuff You Should Know is exactly what will prove you wrong. This isn't your run-of-the-mill, condescending lecture about facts you could easily go without bothering about. Instead, Josh Clark and Charles W. Bryant offer an insightful coverage of everything, from Cher to Area 51, history and high art.

Remember, that one weird question you thought of in the shower on a random Thursday? You'll probably find an episode dedicated to it here. So, jump right in, because there is, indeed, a lot of stuff you should know that you probably don't yet.

4. This American Life – Debut 1995 If you have an insatiable need for storytelling, look no further than this Pulitzer Prize-winning podcast by Ira Glass.

TAL highlights stories of people belonging to all walks of life, adhering to a particular theme per show. The tales are exceedingly fascinating, giving epic proportions to the mundane. The story goes like this when he was getting together with Marissa's mom. Marissa's mom, Debbie, drove across the country to move in with Ron in Florida. As it has been on the air since 1995,

This American Life is a part of history itself and has captured slices of the bygone eras in its episodes. It was even turned into an Emmy-winning TV show and birthed the aforementioned serial podcast, as well as spin-offs like S-Town and The Trojan Horse Affair. So Glass, quite literally, paved the way for today's podcast generation.

3. Crime Junkie – Debut 2017 Although this podcast's reputation has been tainted by multiple plagiarism accusations, its success remains unstoppable. In Crime Junkie,

Brit Prowitt joins longtime BFF Ashley Flowers as they uncover the gritty details of the most chilling criminal cases. Ashley's dark retellings are punctuated by the funniest reactions from Brit, who brings some much-needed levity into the mix. The final product hits the sweet spot between being immersive but not traumatizing enough that you'll have nightmares about the events discussed in the show. It's the perfect indulgence for any true crime fanatic.

2. The Daily – Debut 2017 This New York Times podcast is for anyone who barely has the time to turn on the news, let alone pick up a newspaper.

The question hovering over President Trump's first 100 days in office is whether his extraordinarily aggressive approach to everything from tariffs to deportations is exactly what most Americans wanted. The Daily is where you can get your current affairs briefing on the way to or from work, while completing chores or even running errands.

The bite-sized episodes offer crisp reporting complete with expert interviews so that you're always up to date with what's happening in the world. Hosts Michael Barbaro and Sabrina

Tavernese's friendly approach also helped popularize the audio series. Since Sabrina's exit from the show, journalists Rachel Abrams and Natalie Kitchroeff have taken her place alongside Michael. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

The Mel Robbins Podcast – Debuted in 2022. If you want life advice, take it from Mel.

Acquired – Debuted in 2015. Learn about the A to Z of business.

First, we have to ask you about your shirt and what you're wearing.

Radiolab – Debuted in 2002. This is science and philosophy made fun.

Smartless – Debuted in 2020. Come for the celebrities, stay for the banter.

All In – Debuted in 2020. Understand the world from the perspective of four venture capitalists.

Is that this project is going to end in disastrous failure despite having put its finger on some important concerns. Not Gonna Lie – Debuted in 2024.

Kylie Kelsey is charmingly honest in her pop culture pod.

My kids were teenagers in the White House. I mean, those years were just like, okay.

Welcome to Night Vale – Debuted in 2012. Fictional supernatural mysteries delivered right to your headphones. Wednesday has been cancelled due to a scheduling error.

What if the truth about our reality has been hidden in plain sight? I'm Rob and this is

Unveiled, a podcast that dives headfirst into the biggest mysteries of our time.

Each episode, I sit down with thought leaders, insiders, experiencers, and visionaries to explore the unknown.

The reality is that there's people out there that have reported terrifying experiences with these things. And the term abduction comes to mind.

From the UAP phenomenon and government coverups to alien abductions, remote viewing, and the metaphysics of consciousness.

This is not your average UFO podcast. Unveiled is about peeling back the layers of reality, of belief, of ourselves. So if you're ready to challenge the mainstream narrative, expand your mind, and discover what lies beyond the veil, check out Unveiled and join me on this journey into the unknown.

Number 1. The Joe Rogan Experience – Debuted in 2009.

Hosted by UFC analyst Joe Rogan, the JRE podcast has taken the world by storm.

I mean, this certainly has taken over the mind space of the world to a degree that is quite shocking. Yeah. Well, out of nowhere. That's what's crazy. It's like, you go back to November, nothing. Now here we are, December, January, February, March, April, May, six months.

It boasts a cult following and usually holds the top spot on Spotify's podcast charts.

The show shot to fame with Rogan unraveling conspiracy theories about aliens and pizza gate. However, in recent years, it's taken a more distinct anti-woke tone, partly due to several guests pushing that rhetoric on its platform.

Meanwhile, the host himself has been accused of political incorrectness.

Notably, Rogan invites voices from various political groups to JRE, but his personal support for Donald Trump in the 2024 US election ruffled some feathers.

Nevertheless, the Joe Rogan Experience continues to dominate new media, and its influence is showing no signs of slowing down.

If you could only listen to one podcast for the rest of your life, which one would it be? Tell us in the comments down below.