12 Storytelling Podcasts That You Need To Be Listening To
Storytelling is — what’s the word? — HARD. Use these world-renowned podcasts to learn the art from the masters. Great stories start with a shot of Jose Cuervo, so make the night memorable and Have A Story to tell tomorrow.
posted on Sept. 24, 2013, at 4:19 p.m.
1. The Moth
WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: Weekly short stories on a variety of topics, the Moth podcast features enchanting tales from the best storytellers of our generation.
RECOMMENDED STORY: The Moth, “The Small Town Prisoner“
2. StoryCorps
WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: StoryCorps has made it their mission to capture every story on the planet with the hopes of restoring a culture of listening. They have met with nearly 90,000 people and have archived over 45,000 interviews! Holy Moly.
RECOMMENDED STORY: StoryCorps, “Episode 334: How I Got Over“
3. This American Life
WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: This American Life is an engaging and thought-provoking program which chops a weekly theme into several powerful stories. Also: Ira Glass is delightful.
RECOMMENDED STORY: This American Life, “Episode 203: Recordings For Someone“
4. Other People with Brad Listi
WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: The perfect way to get the story behind your stories. Twice a week, host Brad Listi interviews today’s best authors and puts a voice behind the books. If you feel like you should be reading more, but you don’t feel like reading either, this is PERFECT.
RECOMMENDED STORY: Other People with Brad Listi, “Episode 191 – Elliot Holt“
5. Risk!
WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: It’s a podcast that’s filled with BOLD STORIES FROM BOLD PEOPLE. Kevin Allison hosts this uncensored show that’s filled with hilarious comedic guests who tell the stories they never wanted to tell.
RECOMMENDED STORY: Risk!, “Virgins“
6. True Story
WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: It’s like being at a party without all the awkward small talk! True Story features regular people telling short stories at themed parties in undisclosed locations. The storytellers are not professionals and the audience is mic’d up, so the whole thing has a very authentic vibe to it.
RECOMMENDED STORY: True Story, “Rock-N-Roll Almost Killed Me“
7. Snap Judgement
WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: If you’re more of a “music” person than a “listening to other people” person, this is the podcast for you! Every week, Glynn Washington offers exhilarating stories with a subtle musical backdrop.
RECOMMENDED STORY: Snap Judgement, “Spooked III“
8. Porchlight Storytelling Series
WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: This podcast has a very casual vibe to it because the co-hosts, Arline Klatte and Beth Lisick, are an absolute joy. Each week, they pick a theme and invite six people to tell a 10-minute story without any notes or memorization. Good people telling good stories, what more could you want?
RECOMMENDED STORY: Porchlight Storytelling Series, “It’s Not You: Stories about Heartache, Heartbreak and Break-Ups“
9. Stanford Storytelling Project
WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: It’s a very well-produced radio podcast featuring handpicked stories from the students of Stanford University. Great presentation with a hint of college enthusiasm. WOO SPRING BREAAAAAAK!
RECOMMENDED STORY: Stanford Storytelling Project, “Ep 313: Trial and Error“
10. Love + Radio
WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN: This BLEEPING radio show is BLEEPING amazing. In the same vein as This American Life, it’s masterfully produced and captures incredible stories. Love + Radio showcases bizarre situations without tiptoeing around explicit content.
