It’s no secret that I’m hooked on podcasts. I love listening while I’m driving, editing photos, or cooking. There are so many different kinds of podcasts dealing with everything from feminism, relationships, finances, career advice, to real life stories and more. The podcasts listed here are ones that will keep you coming back for more, at least that’s what happened to me! So go for a long drive, settle in at home, but get ready to learn something new.

Criminal

Despite the fact that I can’t watch even the non-scariest scary movies, I am somehow hooked on podcasts that tell true crime stories. Criminal is a collection of stories of those “who’ve done wrong, been wrong, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle” created by Lauren Spohrer, Phoebe Judge, and Eric Mennel. Some of the favorite episodes are:

• The Money Tree – this episode is about a daughter and father whose identities have been stolen by someone they never even expected. This one caught me by surprise too!
• Jolly Jane – a nurse who lived in 1880’s was known for her cheerful nature. But few realized her sinister side until it was too late.
• Brownie Lady – meet the very first Brownie Lady, an inspiring story of activism and living life how you want.
• Angie – This podcast hit close to home. Set in Philadelphia, it tells the story of a gruesome murder on the banks of the Schukyill River.

Invisibilia

“Invisibilia” (Latin for invisible things) is about the invisible forces that control human behavior – ideas, beliefs, assumptions and emotions.” If you like trying to understand why people do the things they do, this is a great podcast to turn on. My favorite episodes include Flip The Script (the psychology of hostility and kindness), Fearless (what would it look like if we didn’t feel fear?), and The Problems in Solutions (interesting story of why families board strangers in their homes who are also mentally ill patients). Co-hosted by Lulu Miller, Hanna Rosin and Alix Spiegel.

How I Built This

“How I Built This is a podcast about innovators, entrepreneurs, and idealists, and the stories behind the movements they built.” This podcast just launched but I’m already hooked. I love hearing the story of how Instagram began and how VICE became the news global phenomenon it is today.

Ted Radio Hour

Ted Talks are infamous in their groundbreaking information, and emotionally moving speeches from experts around the world touching on technology, entertainment and design (T.E.D.). This podcast is vast in topics so you’ll have no problem finding something that will hold your interest. Everything from the human brain, the power of vulnerability, to the mind behind Tesla. Dig into their archives, there’s something there for everyone.