### The Top Podcasts of 2024: An Essential Listening Guide
Believe it or not, 2024 has sped past, and it’s time to look back on the podcasts that kept us engaged, enlightened, and motivated during our travels, chores, and daily activities. From nostalgic TV rewatching to dating escapades, life hacks, and in-depth explorations of social issues like gun violence, this year’s podcast offerings genuinely had something for everyone.
Prepare to update your playlist with our handpicked selection of the 20 finest podcasts of 2024.
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### **20. *Life Kit***
If you’ve ever found yourself in need of assistance with life’s hurdles—be it dealing with climate anxiety or getting rid of fruit flies—*Life Kit* is here for you. Each episode presents an expert providing actionable advice on things ranging from the ordinary to the significant. This podcast serves as your trusty guide for gaining confidence in areas you might feel awkward discussing in real life.
**How to listen:** [*Life Kit* is available on Apple Podcasts.](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-kit/id1461493560)
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### **19. *Chess Piece: The Elián González Story***
This captivating series revisits the 1999 story of Elián González, a 5-year-old Cuban child saved at sea, whose custody fight became a political and cultural flashpoint. Host Peniley Ramirez interviews pivotal figures from this dramatic moment in history, examining themes of exile, identity, and family.
**How to listen:** [*Chess Piece: The Elián González Story* can be found on Apple Podcasts.](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chess-piece-the-eli%C3%A1n-gonz%C3%A1lez-story/id1769179092)
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### **18. *Finally! A Show***
Ever wanted to catch a glimpse into another’s remarkable life? This podcast, brought to life by Jane Marie and Joanna Solotaroff, showcases women with intriguing narratives—from an abortion provider linked to the Satanic Temple to a professional cat wrangler. Each episode is personal, thoughtful, and often humorous.
**How to listen:** [*Finally! A Show* is on Apple Podcasts.](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finally-a-show/id1734555088)
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### **17. *Flightless Bird***
New Zealand journalist David Farrier, stuck in the U.S. during COVID-19, investigates uniquely American phenomena such as Costco, RV culture, and fast-food eateries. His whimsical explorations, including an episode centered on Olive Garden’s emotional significance, provide refreshing insights into American culture.
**How to listen:** [*Flightless Bird* is available on Apple Podcasts.](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flightless-bird/id1763461729)
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### **16. *Why Won’t You Date Me?***
Comedian Nicole Byer takes a deep dive into the chaotic and amusing realm of dating, inviting guests from friends to ex-lovers. From ghosting to discussions about fertility, Byer’s frank dialogues remind us that no one’s dating experience is entirely singular.
**How to listen:** [*Why Won’t You Date Me?* can be found on Apple Podcasts.](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-wont-you-date-me-with-nicole-byer/id1314759544)
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### **15. *My So-Called Midlife***
Host Reshma Saujani addresses the truths of middle age with wit and wisdom. Featuring guests like Chelsea Clinton and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, this podcast motivates listeners to accept their age and live courageously.
**How to listen:** [*My So-Called Midlife* is on Apple Podcasts.](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-so-called-midlife-with-reshma-saujani/id1771521157)
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### **14. *Hidden Brain***
Shankar Vedantam investigates the enigmas of human behavior, touching on loneliness, political discussions, and more. Each episode offers an insightful examination of our motivations, making it a comforting and enlightening experience.
**How to listen:** [*Hidden Brain* is available on Spotify.](https://hiddenbrain.org/)
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### **13. *The Secrets We Keep***
This five-part series from New England Public Media explores the hidden truths individuals hold regarding sensitive topics such as abortion and financial struggles. Host Karen Brown investigates how these secrets shape lives and the potential obligation to divulge them.
**How to listen:** [*The Secrets We Keep* is available on Spotify.](https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1244345927/the-secrets-we-keep)
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### **12. *How to Know What’s Real***
In an age overwhelmed with misinformation, *The Atlantic*’s Andrea Valdez and Megan Garber delve into how we comprehend disinformation.