Audio blogging dates long before the internet in the 1980s, when people would share their thoughts via audio recordings. With the launch of the iPod, podcasting became more mainstream and developed over the next decade. By 2013, Apple had 1 billion podcast listeners; today, there are over 2.4 million podcasts in various genres and formats. With the increasing popularity, celebrities have also tried to share experiences through the medium.
Prominent media companies have begun investing in audio format, which has given rise to ad revenue as podcasting continues to proliferate. While doing chores, traveling to work, or looking for relaxation, podcasts have become a prominent part of daily routines for millions worldwide. Celebrities from different fields give their take on the experience, from reviewing their television shows to inviting expert guests. Let’s look at the best celebrity podcasts to listen to in 2022.
10 Getting Curious With Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan Van Ness has hosted and starred in a series of shows over the years, including his web show Gay Of Thrones which aired during Game Of Thrones, and is one of the lead members of Queer Eye. The artist also began his podcast Getting Curious, where he discusses his interests with various guests. Along with the Fab 5, Demi Lovato and Gabrielle Union have also been the speakers.
9 The Bellas Podcast
Nikki and Brie Bella first gained prominence for starring in WWE and later as reality show stars with their series. Together the sisters began their podcast, wherein they converse about trending issues in the world, share their experiences as mothers and wives, and invite special guests from their husbands to former WWE castmates.
8 Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations
As one of the most influential personalities around the world, Oprah has achieved skyrocketing popularity in any format that she has tackled, from a talk show to writing books. Her podcast is a series of interviews curated by Winfrey herself, wherein she discusses life’s deeper questions with prominent personalities. From authors like Elizabeth Gilbert to A-list actors like Dwayne Johnson, each guest offers motivation from their life lessons.
7 The Left Ear
The Left Ear podcast was launched in 2019 by Dakota Johnson after she shared a number at the Global Citizen Festival a year before. She urged women to leave voicemails sharing their stories of assault, abuse, and trauma. The podcast comes with a trigger warning, but the actress believes that it is vital that the stories are heard by people everywhere.
6 Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Conan O’Brien started a weekly comedy podcast alongside his co-hosts, producer Matt Gourley and assistant Sona Movsesian, in 2018. Since ending his late-night talk show Conan in 2021, the host has been actively working on his podcast. With comedy guests like Aubrey Plaza, Jeff Goldblum, Billy Eichner, Leslie Jones, and Luke Wilson, Conan discusses funny anecdotes and life experiences.
5 Anna Farris Is Unqualified
While podcasts usually include celebrities offering advice to each other or discussing a set topic, Anna Farris, with her Unqualified podcast, takes questions from callers and, with the help of a celebrity guest or an expert, tries to offer the best advice possible. Her most notable guests include Cameron Diaz, Simu Liu, Dylan O’Brien, Natasha Leggero, and Matthew McConaughey.
4 Office Ladies
Hosted by The Office alums Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, the Office Ladies podcast began in 2019 when the two actors deconstructed each show episode. Many lead members, including Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Mindy Kaling, and Rainn Wilson, have been featured as guests. They won the Podcast of the Year award at the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards in 2021.
3 Sibling Revelry With Kate Hudson And Oliver Hudson
Sibling duo Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson touch upon various topics from mental health to their childhood in the public eye. With other sibling pairs like Paris and Nicky Hilton, Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall Jenner, and the HAIM Sisters, they discuss the complexities of being a sibling and their experiences growing up.
2 Armchair Expert Podcast
Armchair Expert Podcast first premiered in 2018 and was hosted by Dax Shephard and Monica Padman. The podcast was an instant hit and even landed on Vulture’s 2018’s Top Podcasts list. Their show features academic experts, journalists, and celebrities who want to discuss various global issues. Their famous guests include Barack Obama, Tom Hanks, Adam Scott, Kristen Stewart, and Anderson Cooper.
1 The Michelle Obama Podcast
Michelle Obama launched a podcast with her moniker exclusively on Spotify in July 2020 for free and Premium users. Through the podcast, the former First Lady has shared her beliefs, thoughts, and experiences from her childhood and the office. She has had various notable guests on her podcast, including her husband Barack Obama, her brother Craig Robinson, Conan O’Brien, and journalist Michele Norris.
Other notable podcasts include Red Table Talk, Tell Me, Keeping it Real: Conversations with Jillian Michaels, and Just B with Bethenny Frankel. These podcasts become a great escape for people who want to de-stress after a difficult day or listen to experiences that can resonate with them to find motivation.
Sources: Women’s Health, Elle, Hollywood Reporter, Vulture