“Tumultuous” is how the New Yorker described the podcast industry this year. “Pretty rough” is how Vulture put it. Amid mass layoffs that forced many beloved shows to end, some have described 2023 as the year big money left podcasting. And yet, critics and fans seem to agree that the best podcasts of this year exemplify the medium — showcasing intimate storytelling that has something new to say about our world. Personal reckonings with grief, conversion therapy and body image. True crime shows that focus less on exploitative murder mysteries and more on community impacts. Our panel of voracious podcast listeners and makers join us to share their top podcasts of the year — and we’ll hear yours. What podcast did you love this year? Why?
Podcasts mentioned:
- Re: Dracula
- What’s The Frequency?
- You Didn’t See Nothin
- Weight For It
- Critical Role
- The Bulwark Podcast
- The Assignment
- Fast Politics
- Snacks
- Classy
- Dear Alana
- Holy Week
- We Out Here
- You’re Wrong About
- I Said No Gifts
- Why Won’t You Date Me
- Maintenance Phase
- The Memory Palace
- The Film That Blew My Mind
- Circle Round
- Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest
- Greeking Out
- Adventures of Cairo
- Charm Words
- Outlander
- Death Panel
- The Retrievals
- I Am America
- Make Me Smart