25 Best Podcasts to Listen to at the Beach

Comedy and Feel-Good Podcasts

Light, funny celebrity banter, comedy and feel-good chat that make easy, carefree company for a relaxed beach day.

1. Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

Play Watch Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
After 25 years at the Late Night desk, Conan realized that the only people at his holiday party are the men and women who work for him. Over the years and despite thousands of interviews, Conan has never made a real and lasting friendship with any of his celebrity guests. So, he started a podcast to do just that...more Host Conan O'Brien
Producer/Network Team Coco & Earwolf
Email ****@teamcoco.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 75.6K Avg Length 46 min Format Long form Get Email Contact Get access to full database of 2.7M podcastsCreate podcast lists, export in spreadsheet or CSV file with email contacts and start your podcast outreach in minutes.Sign Up for Free with Email Continue with Google

2. SmartLess

Play
Apple Spotify Episodes
"SmartLess" with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter and newfound knowledge to feed the SmartLess mind.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of SmartLess ad-free and a whole week early...more Hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett
Producer/Network SiriusXM Podcasts
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 68.1K Avg Length 60 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

3. We Can Do Hard Things

Play Watch Video
Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Come do life with Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle. With more than half a billion plays, We Can Do Hard Things is a hilarious, raw, comforting “support system for braving the everyday.” The Pod Squad goes hard ($56 Million raised in global aid) and stays soft: meet here on Tuesdays to laugh, talk, and cry our way through the pain and magic of being human. Subscribe, Follow, and join our social media community here: https://linktr.ee/wecandohardthingsshowmore Hosts Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Amanda Doyle
Producer/Network Glennon Doyle and Audacy
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 51.1K Avg Length 68 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

4. Maintenance Phase

Play Watch Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Debunking the junk science behind health fads, wellness scams and nonsensical nutrition advice.
Hosts Aubrey Gordon, Michael Hobbes
Producer/Network Aubrey Gordon & Michael Hobbes
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 23.3KTwitter 83.2KInstagram 153.6K Avg Length 66 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

5. Giggly Squad

Play Watch Video
Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Welcome to Giggly Squad. Each week, Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo make fun of everything, but most importantly themselves. They discuss pop culture, fashion trends, television, horoscopes, mental health, dating, and expose their personal lives. Also, they can't be managed.more Hosts Hannah Berner, Paige Desorbo
Producer/Network Hannah Berner & Paige DeSorbo
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 18.9KInstagram 1.1M Avg Length 52 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

6. Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet

Play Watch Video
Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
A comedy podcast featuring dramatic readings of one-star reviews written by real people with not-so-real problems. Hosted by siblings Xandy and Christine Schiefer.
Hosts Christine Schiefer, Xandy Schiefer
Producer/Network Forever Dog
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 6.3KFacebook 10.3KTwitter 9.5KInstagram 39.7K Avg Length 55 min Format Long form Since Dec 2018 Get Email Contact

True Crime and Mystery Podcasts

Gripping true crime, mystery and true-crime-comedy series that are perfect to binge through a long, lazy day in the sun.

1. Crime Junkie

Play Watch Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else...more Hosts Ashley Flowers, Brit Prawat
Producer/Network audiochuck
Email ****@audiochuck.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 409.8KFacebook 916.2KTwitter 134.2KInstagram 1.5M Avg Length 55 min Format Long form Since Dec 2017 Get Email Contact

2. My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

Play Watch Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921.  My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network..more Hosts Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark
Producer/Network Exactly Right
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 209.3KFacebook 499.7KTwitter 300.7KInstagram 888.5K Avg Length 63 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

3. Serial

Play Watch Video
Apple Spotify Episodes
Our newest podcast, “The Last 12 Weeks” is out now. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. Serial Productions makes narrative podcasts that have transformed the medium. Sign up for our newsletter at nytimes.com/serialnewsletter to find out about new shows, get behind the scenes stories, and see photos and videos you can’t see on a podcast. To get full access to Serial Productions shows, and to other New York Times podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify, subscribe at nytimes.com/podcasts...more Hosts Sarah Koenig, Dana Chivvis
Producer/Network Serial Productions & The New York Times
Email ****@nytimes.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.5/5Apple Reviews 103.3KFacebook 422.1KTwitter 264.9KInstagram 63.2K Avg Length 39 min Format Medium form Since Oct 2013 Get Email Contact

4. Dr. Death

Play Watch Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Dr. John Schneider rode into town like a character out of a Western: an outsider on a Harley-Davidson, in trademark cowboy boots. He promised relief to patients suffering in Wyoming and Montana. He seemed like the hero they needed. But when surgeries go wrong and a strange letter exposes a bitter feud, medical professionals and government officials search for the truth about this cowboy doctor. They discover claims of broken bodies, bullying, fraud, and lawsuits.more Host Laura Beil
Producer/Network Audible
Email ****@laurabeil.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 101.2K Avg Length 18 min Format Short form Get Email Contact

5. Criminal

Play Watch Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Criminal is the first of its kind. A show about people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle. Hosted by Phoebe Judge. Named a Best Podcast of 2023 by the New York Times. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.more Host Phoebe Judge
Producer/Network Criminal Productions
Email ****@thisiscriminal.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 50.1KFacebook 50.8KTwitter 32.7KInstagram 61.3K Avg Length 42 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

Relaxing and Calming Podcasts

Soothing sleep, meditation and mindfulness audio to help you unwind and switch off while you relax on the sand.

1. Nothing much happens: bedtime stories to help you sleep

Play Watch Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Can’t sleep? You’re not alone—and there’s help. Nothing Much Happens is a bedtime story podcast beloved by millions. Yoga and meditation teacher Kathryn Nicolai tells soothing, cozy stories where—just as the title says—nothing much happens. That’s the magic. Instead of spiraling thoughts or anxious scrolling, you’ll be gently guided to a calm, comfortable place. Each episode is read twice, with a slower second telling to ease you into rest. Trusted by listeners for over seven years and streamed more than 180 million times, it’s a ritual of safety, comfort, and sleep...more Host Kathryn Nicolai
Producer/Network Nothing Much Happens
Email ****@nothingmuchhappens.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 16KFacebook 15KTwitter 2.1KInstagram 30.4K Avg Length 45 min Format Long form Since Apr 2018 Get Email Contact

2. Meditative Story

Play Watch Video
Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Meditative Story combines extraordinary human stories with meditation prompts embedded into the storylines — all surrounded by breathtaking music. Think of it as an alternative way into a mindfulness practice, through vivid stories and cinematic music and production values. Meditative Story is an original series produced by WaitWhat and supported by our members. Our community tells us that they listen to the same episodes over and over again, and according to data provided by Apple Podcasts, Meditative Story may have the highest engagement of any podcast in the world...more Host Rohan Gunatillake
Producer/Network Masters of Scale Network
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 3.9KFacebook 2KTwitter 2.3KInstagram 11.3K Avg Length 31 min Format Medium form Since Jul 2019 Get Email Contact

Celebrity and Pop Culture Podcasts

Easy, bingeable celebrity interviews, pop culture and gossip for relaxed, low effort listening at the beach.

1. Office Ladies

Play
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
The Office co-stars and best friends, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, are doing the ultimate The Office re-watch podcast for you. Each week Jenna and Angela will break down an episode of The Office and give exclusive behind the scene stories that only two people who were there, can tell you.more Hosts Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey
Producer/Network Audacy
Email ****@earwolf.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 102.3K Avg Length 66 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

2. Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Play
Apple Spotify Episodes
Hi, I’m Dax Shepard, and I love talking to people. I am endlessly fascinated by the messiness of being human, and I find people who are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and shortcomings to be incredibly sexy. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment. What qualifies me for such an endeavor? More than a decade of sobriety, a degree in Anthropology and four years of improv training...more Host Dax Shepard
Producer/Network Armchair Umbrella
Email ****@armchairexpertpod.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 84.8K Avg Length 100 min Format Extended Get Email Contact

3. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Play
Website Apple Spotify Episodes
Julia Louis-Dreyfus returns for Season 4 of her award-winning podcast, Wiser Than Me™. Each week, she has funny, touching, personal conversations with iconic older women who are brimming with the kind of unapologetic attitude and wisdom that only comes with age. Julia sits at the feet of some extraordinary teachers this season, and of course her 91-year-old mom, Judith. Tune in to laugh, cry, and get wise. All Hail Old Women! Photo: Ryan Pfluger and August Imagemore Host Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Producer/Network Lemonada
Email ****@lemonadamedia.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 12.4KFacebook 8.9KTwitter 10.5KInstagram 84K Avg Length 58 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

4. Normal Gossip

Play Watch Video
Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Normal Gossip delivers juicy, strange, funny, and utterly banal gossip about people you’ll never know and never meet. Host Rachelle Hampton discusses reader-submitted comedic gossip with guests, diving into the lives and decisions of complete strangers. The second-hand truth really is stranger than fiction. Produced by Se'era Spragley Ricks and Jae Towle Vieira. Created by Kelsey McKinney and Alex Sujong Laughlin. Show art by Tara Jacoby. https://normalgossip.komi.io/more Host Rachelle Hampton
Producer/Network Radiotopia
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 7.1KTwitter 3.3KInstagram 81K Avg Length 54 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

Travel and Escapism Podcasts

Breezy travel tales and holiday escapism that match the vacation mood and fuel your wanderlust by the water.

1. Alan Carr's 'Life's a Beach'

Play
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Life’s A Beach sees Alan giving Judith Chalmers and Michael Palin a run for their money as he invites a famous guest each week to discuss their favourite places in the world. Bursting with anecdotes, laidback chat and laugh out loud travel tales - if this podcast was a suitcase you’d have to sit on it.“My Life’s A Beach podcast is the escapism we ALL need right now. I sat down and chatted with some of my famous friends about everything travel. From caravanning in Rhyl to private jetting to the Maldives, my guests spill the beans on their holiday horrors and dream destinations...more Host Alan Carr
Producer/Network Keep It Light Media / Travesty Media
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 7.3KFacebook 834.6KTwitter 18.4KInstagram 2.1M Avg Length 36 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

2. The Thoughtful Travel Podcast

Play Watch Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
The Thoughtful Travel Podcast with Amanda Kendle is a show for travel lovers. Each episode is packed with travel stories from fellow travel addicts on topics like using foreign languages, meeting the locals, getting lost and what we learn from our travels.more Host Amanda Kendle
Email ****@amandakendle.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 210Facebook 2.5KTwitter 3.1KInstagram 2.8K Avg Length 28 min Format Medium form Since Mar 2016 Get Email Contact

Storytelling and Narrative Podcasts

Immersive true stories, narrative journalism and curious explainers that pull you in while you soak up the sun.

1. This American Life

Play Watch Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Each week we choose a theme. Then anything can happen. This American Life is true stories that unfold like little movies for radio. Personal stories with funny moments, big feelings, and surprising plot twists. Newsy stories that try to capture what it’s like to be alive right now. It’s the most popular weekly podcast in the world, and winner of the first ever Pulitzer Prize for a radio show or podcast. Hosted by Ira Glass and produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago.more Host Ira Glass
Producer/Network This American Life
Email ****@thisamericanlife.org
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.5/5Apple Reviews 111.1KFacebook 1.1MTwitter 374.6KInstagram 168.8K Avg Length 63 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

2. Stuff You Should Know

Play Watch Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Hosts Josh Clark, Charles W. Bryant
Producer/Network iHeartPodcasts
Email ****@iheartmedia.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.5/5Apple Reviews 106KFacebook 822.1KTwitter 89.5KInstagram 105.6K Avg Length 37 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

3. You're Wrong About

Play
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Sarah is a journalist obsessed with the past. Every week she reconsiders a person or event that's been miscast in the public imagination.
Host Sarah Marshall
Email ****@remembersarahmarshall.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.5/5Apple Reviews 30.9KTwitter 139.2K Avg Length 86 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

4. Heavyweight

Play Watch Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Maybe you’ve laid awake and imagined how it could have been, how it might yet be, but the moment to act was never right. Well, the moment is here and the podcast making it happen is Heavyweight. Join Jonathan Goldstein for road trips, thorny reunions, and difficult conversations as he backpedals his way into the past like a therapist with a time machine. more Host Jonathan Goldstein
Producer/Network Pushkin Industries
Email ****@gimletmedia.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.9/5Apple Reviews 26.2KTwitter 28.1KInstagram 19.3K Avg Length 38 min Format Medium form Since Sep 2016 Get Email Contact

5. Love Letters

Play
Website Apple Spotify YouTube Episodes
Love stories. Dating stories. Relationship stories. Stories about romance, marriage, partnership, sex, loss, and the human heart. Served with a side of advice. Hosted by Boston Globe advice columnist Meredith Goldstein.more Host Meredith Goldstein
Producer/Network The Boston Globe
Email ****@globe.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.5/5Apple Reviews 1.7KFacebook 49.3KTwitter 3.9KInstagram 8.9K Avg Length 29 min Format Medium form Since Mar 2018 Get Email Contact

Books and Beach Reads Podcasts

Beach read picks and bookish chat to help you choose your next page-turner for the sand and the sun lounger.

1. Books, Beach, & Beyond

Play
Apple Spotify Episodes
Join Elin Hilderbrand , #1 New York Times bestselling author of 30 titles and the “Queen of the Beach Reads,” and Tim Ehrenberg , creator of the popular Tim Talks Books , as they talk shop and host spirited discussions with special guests from bestselling and internationally recognized authors, to publishing industry insiders, to local island legends who feature prominently in Hilderbrand’s prolific Nantucket stories...more Hosts Elin Hilderbrand, Tim Ehrenberg
Producer/Network Elin Hilderbrand, Tim Talks Books, N Magazine
Email ****@yahoo.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.9/5Apple Reviews 879 Avg Length 52 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

---

---