The Top Storytelling Podcasts You Need to Listen to Right Now
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 6 min read

Contents

The Moth

Snap Judgment

This American Life

Risk!

Criminal

Are you looking for some captivating storytelling podcasts to keep you entertained and inspired? Look no further! In this article, we've compiled a list of the top storytelling podcasts you need to listen to right now. These podcasts offer incredible stories that will transport you to different worlds, make you laugh, and even make you think. So, let's dive in and explore these amazing storytelling podcasts.

The Moth

One of the most acclaimed storytelling podcasts out there is The Moth. This podcast is known for its engaging personal stories shared by people from all walks of life. The Moth offers three different types of storytelling experiences:

Personal Stories

The Moth's primary focus is on personal stories narrated by the individuals who experienced them. These stories can be funny, heartbreaking, or thought-provoking, but they are always authentic and genuine. By listening to these personal stories, you'll get a glimpse into the lives of others and maybe even learn a thing or two about yourself.

The Moth Radio Hour

Alongside the personal stories, The Moth also produces a weekly radio show called The Moth Radio Hour. This show features a curated selection of stories from their live events, often centered around a specific theme. The Moth Radio Hour is an excellent way to enjoy multiple stories in one sitting, all connected by a common thread.

Locations

What makes The Moth truly unique is its live events held in cities across the globe. If you're looking to experience storytelling in person, keep an eye out for a Moth event near you. These events offer a fantastic opportunity to hear stories firsthand and even share your own story on stage. From New York to London, The Moth brings people together through the power of storytelling.

Now that you've learned about The Moth, let's move on to some other fantastic storytelling podcasts that you should definitely check out.

Snap Judgment

Snap Judgment is another incredible storytelling podcast that you should add to your playlist. Hosted by Glynn Washington, this podcast combines immersive narratives with a unique blend of music, creating a one-of-a-kind storytelling experience. Here's what you can expect from Snap Judgment:

Storytelling Style

The storytelling style of Snap Judgment sets it apart from other podcasts. Each episode is crafted with a mix of personal stories, interviews, and engaging soundscapes. The music enhances the listening experience by adding emotional depth to the stories, making you feel like you're right there with the storyteller. In short, Snap Judgment creates a truly immersive experience for its listeners.

Themes

Snap Judgment covers a wide range of themes, from love and loss to adventure and mystery. This variety ensures that you'll always find something interesting and relatable in each episode. Whether you're in the mood for a heartwarming tale or a thrilling adventure, Snap Judgment has got you covered.

Locations

Just like The Moth, Snap Judgment also holds live events in various cities across the United States. These events offer a unique opportunity to experience the magic of Snap Judgment in person and immerse yourself in the stories and music. Keep an eye out for Snap Judgment live shows coming to a city near you!

With its captivating storytelling style and diverse themes, Snap Judgment is definitely worth a listen. But don't stop there; let's explore some more storytelling podcasts that you shouldn't miss out on.

This American Life

This American Life is a long-standing, hugely popular storytelling podcast that has captivated audiences for decades. Hosted by the ever-engaging Ira Glass, this podcast takes listeners on a journey through various facets of American life, providing a fresh perspective on everyday experiences. Here's what you can expect from This American Life:

Storytelling

What makes This American Life stand out is its exceptional storytelling. Each episode features stories centered around a specific theme, often told by people who have experienced the events firsthand. The stories are carefully woven together, creating a seamless narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The podcast also includes interviews, helping to provide context and insight into the stories being shared.

Top Episodes

With over 700 episodes, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are a few fan-favorite episodes to help you dive into This American Life:

  1. #129: Cars - A fascinating exploration of our relationship with cars and how they shape our lives.
  2. #241: 20 Acts in 60 Minutes - A unique episode featuring 20 short stories, each told in just a few minutes, covering a wide range of topics.
  3. #492: Dr. Gilmer and Mr. Hyde - A gripping true story of a doctor who uncovers a dark secret about his predecessor.

Locations

This American Life is produced by Chicago Public Media and aired on public radio stations across the United States. Although they don't host live events like The Moth or Snap Judgment, you can still enjoy their captivating storytelling through their podcast and radio broadcasts.

Now that you've been introduced to This American Life, let's move on to another storytelling podcast that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Risk!

Risk! is a daring and provocative storytelling podcast that takes a different approach compared to other storytelling podcasts. Hosted by Kevin Allison of The State, Risk! features true stories told by the people who lived them, without any filters or censorship. These raw, unfiltered stories can be hilarious, heart-wrenching, or downright shocking. Here's what makes Risk! a must-listen:

True Stories

Risk! is all about genuine, unfiltered experiences. The stories shared on this podcast are often deeply personal, shedding light on taboo subjects or exploring the darker side of human nature. The honesty and vulnerability displayed by the storytellers create a unique listening experience, allowing you to connect with each story on a deeper level.

Live Shows

One of the key aspects of Risk! is its live shows. The podcast tours cities across the United States, inviting people to share their stories in front of a live audience. These live events add an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the storytelling, as the storytellers share their experiences in real-time, without any scripts or rehearsals.

Locations

Risk! hosts live shows in various cities across the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. If you're interested in attending a live show, check their website for upcoming events and ticket information. And if you can't make it to a live show, don't worry—you can still enjoy the captivating stories through their podcast.

As we wrap up our exploration of Risk!, let's move on to our final storytelling podcast recommendation, one that delves into the world of true crime.

Criminal

For fans of true crime, Criminal is a storytelling podcast that stands out from the rest. Hosted by Phoebe Judge, Criminal is a thought-provoking show that shares tales of crime from all around the world, exploring the motives, circumstances, and people involved. Here's what sets Criminal apart from other storytelling podcasts in the true crime genre:

True Crime

What makes Criminal truly captivating is its unique approach to the true crime genre. Rather than focusing solely on the gory details and sensationalism, Criminal sheds light on the human side of crime. The stories shared on this podcast explore the complex emotions, relationships, and circumstances that lead people to commit criminal acts — or become victims of them.

Storytelling

The storytelling in Criminal is exceptional, combining thorough research with a compelling narrative style. Each episode takes you on a journey, unraveling the details of a crime and its aftermath. Phoebe Judge's soothing voice and empathetic tone guide you through the story, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of each episode.

Locations

One of the most interesting aspects of Criminal is its exploration of crime stories from around the globe. The podcast features cases from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and beyond, offering a diverse range of stories and perspectives. This variety not only keeps the podcast fresh and engaging, but it also provides a broader understanding of crime and justice across different societies and cultures.

In conclusion, storytelling podcasts like The Moth, Snap Judgment, This American Life, Risk!, and Criminal offer a wide array of stories and styles to suit your preferences. From deeply personal accounts to gripping true crime tales, these podcasts will keep you entertained, informed, and connected to the human experience. So go ahead and give them a listen—you won't be disappointed.

If you're looking to enhance your storytelling skills through illustration, don't miss the workshop 'Storytelling in Illustration' by Arielle Jovellanos. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to bring your stories to life through captivating illustrations.