It seems as if every social media influencer is hosting a podcast nowadays; it can be hard to weave through the amateur podcasters and discover a channel you genuinely enjoy. After exploring a variety of podcasts, I’ve found some gems of different genres.

“Hidden Brain”

The secrets of the human brain are a privilege that only scientists and doctors can seem to obtain. However, Shankar Vedantam, an American writer, journalist and social science correspondent for NPR, hosts the podcast “Hidden Brain.” In this podcast, he extends his expert knowledge to the public. Using science and storytelling, Vendantam reveals mysteries about human behavior. Topics include unconscious patterns that drive certain behaviors, the decoding of emotions and the psychology of self-doubt. The Hidden Brain is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

“Man In The Window: The Golden State Killer”

For my true crime junkies, this chilling podcast follows the Golden State Killer’s path through the perspectives of his victims. Hosted by Paige St. John, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter, this podcast reveals details about the man who becomes one of California’s most deadly serial killers. From the L.A. Times, “Man In The Window: The Golden State Killer” recounts the tragic events and reveals never-heard-before information about the Golden State Killer. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

“Overheard at National Geographic”

Ever wonder what goes on at the National Geographic Headquarters in Washington, D.C.? In this podcast, hosted by editor Peter Gwin and Executive Editor Amy Briggs, every episode reveals some bizarre yet fascinating conversations that have been overheard in the National Geographic headquarters. This podcast is amusing, informative and astonishing as you learn about the conversations held by the explorers, scientists and photographers of National Geographic. This podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Amazon Music.

“Justice In America”

This podcast is hosted by Josie Duffy Rice, president of the nonprofit news organization for criminal justice reform, The Appeal. “Justice In America” is a news and politics podcast that illuminates the wrongdoings of the criminal justice system from the perspective of the persecuted. Rice, alongside co-host Clint Smith III, covers a different social justice topic in each episode, featuring interviews with experts and activists. Justice in America is available on iTunes, Soundcloud and LibSyn RSS. 

“How I Built This”

Hosted by Guy Raz of NPR, the “How I Built This” podcast focuses on the backgrounds of the creators of some of the world’s most successful companies. Guests such as Mark Cuban, Jimmy Wales of Wikipedia, Joe Gebbi of AirBNB and many more share their struggles, failures and eventual triumphs through engaging and intimate interviews. “How I Built This” stands as a motivational master class on leadership, innovation and problem-solving. It is available on Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music.