22 Best True Story Podcasts

1. This American Life

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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 Monthly Listeners 1M+
Recent Guests Andy Bloch, Jack Hitt +32 more
Apple Rating 4.5/5Apple Reviews 111.1KFacebook 1.1MTwitter 374.6KInstagram 168.8K Avg Length 64 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. The Moth

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On Tuesdays and Fridays The Moth's podcast feed presents episodes of the Peabody-Award Winning Moth Radio Hour and original episodes of The Moth Podcast. Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of true stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. The storyteller and the audience embark on a high-wire act of shared experience which is both terrifying and exhilarating...more Hosts Dan Kennedy, Meg Bowles
Producer/Network The Moth
Email ****@themoth.org
Estimated Monthly Listeners 1M+
Recent Guests Mary Mack, Parvathy Anantnarayan +55 more
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 30.4K Avg Length 35 min Format Medium form Since Mar 2008 Get Email Contact

3. Heavyweight

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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 Monthly Listeners 1M+
Recent Guests Elyse, Tony +5 more
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

4. This Is Actually Happening

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What if you were trafficked into a cult...or were mauled by a grizzly bear...or were stabbed 27 times by a serial killer - what would you do? This is Actually Happening brings you extraordinary true stories of life-changing events told by the people who lived them. From a man who woke up in the morgue to a woman stranded in a Mexican desert fighting to survive, these stories will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to hear what happens next. Audible subscribers can listen to all episodes of This Is Actually Happening ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app.more Host Whitney Missildine
Producer/Network Wondery
Email ****@wondery.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 250k-1M
Recent Guests Michael Mason, Rachel Waters +16 more
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 12.9KTwitter 1.5KInstagram 31K Avg Length 47 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

5. Snap Judgment

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Snap Judgment mixes real stories with beats to produce cinematic, dramatic audio. Snap's raw, musical brand of storytelling dares listeners to see the world through the eyes of another. It's storytelling... with a BEAT.more Host Glynn Washington
Producer/Network Snap Judgment and PRX
Email ****@snapjudgment.org
Estimated Monthly Listeners 250k-1M
Recent Guests Amika Mota, Jim Davidson +13 more
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 12.6KFacebook 116.2KTwitter 25.2KInstagram 8.6K Avg Length 47 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

6. Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People

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1 phone call. 1 hour. No names. No holds barred. Thats the premise behind Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, hosted by comedian Chris Gethard (the Chris Gethard Show, Broad City, This American Life, and one of Time Outs 10 best comedians of 2015). Every week, Chris opens the phone line to one anonymous caller, and he cant hang up first, no matter what. From shocking confessions and family secrets to philosophical discussions and shameless self-promotion, anything can and will happen! Theme song by Shellshag.more Host Chris Gethard
Email ****@chrisgeth.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 250k-1M
Recent Guest Potter
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 11.9K Avg Length 67 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

7. Against The Odds

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Humans are resilient. In our toughest moments, we will fight, we will struggle, and we will triumph...often against the odds. In this immersive series, host-adventurers Mike Corey and Cassie De Pecol will share thrilling stories of survival. From the daring rescue of a soccer team trapped in an underwater cave in Thailand, to a woman taken hostage by Somali pirates, these stories made headlines around the world...more Hosts Mike Corey, Cassandra De Pecol
Producer/Network Audible
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 250k-1M
Recent Guests Dr. Elizabeth Norman, Chris Lemons +12 more
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 10.3KFacebook 165.4KTwitter 107.1KInstagram 196.2K Avg Length 34 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

8. RISK!

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If you like The Moth, This American Life or Snap Judgment, take a walk on the wilder side with RISK! Your colorful host Kevin Allison (of the legendary comedy group The State) helms this surprisingly uncensored show where people tell jaw-dropping true stories they never thought they'd dare to share in public. RISK! is hilarious, heart-wrenching and remarkably real. Think you've heard it all? Fasten your seatbelt.more Host Kevin Allison
Producer/Network RISK!
Email ****@risk-show.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 250k-1M
Recent Guests Jobim Santos, Amy Brooks +80 more
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 7.1KFacebook 14.1KTwitter 8.5K Avg Length 59 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

9. I Survived

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What is it like to face death and make it out alive? Based on the groundbreaking A&E television series, I Survived documents harrowing stories of human endurance. In their own words, survivors recall how they overcame unbelievable circumstances that changed their lives forever.more Host Marisa Pinson
Producer/Network A&E Crime & Investigation
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 250k-1M
Recent Guests Jose Ramirez Gonzalez, Mitch Roberts +52 more
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 6.9K Avg Length 42 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

10. StoryCorps

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Stories of the human heart. A candid, unscripted conversation between two people about what's really important in life: love, loss, family, friendship. When the world seems out of hand, tune in to StoryCorps and be reminded of the things that matter most.more Host Kamilah Kashanie
Producer/Network NPR
Email ****@storycorps.org
Estimated Monthly Listeners 250k-1M
Recent Guest Dan Leger
Apple Rating 4.5/5Apple Reviews 4.4KFacebook 8.1KTwitter 4.6KInstagram 3.1K Avg Length 22 min Format Medium form Since Jan 2019 Get Email Contact

11. The Secret Room | True Stories

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What's the one secret you've never told anybody? Welcome to The Secret Room, a podcast about the true stories no one ever tells. Hosted by Ben Hamm.
Host Ben Hamm
Email ****@thesecretroompodcast.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 50k-250k
Recent Guests Hollie, Biscuit +13 more
Apple Rating 4.5/5Apple Reviews 3.1KFacebook 12.9KTwitter 4.2KInstagram 29.1K Avg Length 64 min Format Long form Since Feb 2016 Get Email Contact

12. What Was That Like - True Stories. Real People.

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A storytelling podcast, with first-hand amazing stories presented by Scott Johnson and Meredith Hackwith Edwards. Each storyteller tells their own personal true story, with all the details of what happened. Animal attacks, plane crashes, mass shootings, and more you'll hear what happened directly from the person who experienced it, and the inspirational outcome of how they came out on the other side. more Hosts Scott Johnson, Meredith Hackwith Edwards
Producer/Network Scott Johnson & Glassbox Media.
Email ****@whatwasthatlike.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 50k-250k
Recent Guests Elaina, John +16 more
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 2.2KFacebook 2.1KTwitter 768 Avg Length 44 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

13. Israel Story

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Israel Story is an award-winning podcast that tells true stories you won't hear on the news. Hosted by Mishy Harman, the weekly show brings you extraordinary tales about ordinary Israelis. The show is produced in partnership with The Jerusalem Foundation and The Times of Israel . For Hebrew episodes, see סיפור ישראלי , or go to our website: israelstory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.more Host Mishy Harman
Producer/Network Israel Story
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 50k-250k
Recent Guests Sarah Tuttle-Singer, Robbie Gringras
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 1.7KFacebook 12.6KTwitter 1.8KInstagram 4.2K Avg Length 36 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

14. Radio Diaries

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First-person diaries, sound portraits, and hidden chapters of history from Peabody Award-winning producer Joe Richman and the Radio Diaries team. From teenagers to octogenarians, prisoners to prison guards, bra saleswomen to lighthouse keepers. The extraordinary stories of ordinary life. Radio Diaries is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Learn more at radiotopia.fmmore Host Joe Richman
Producer/Network Radiotopia
Email ****@radiodiaries.org
Estimated Monthly Listeners 50k-250k
Recent Guests Bridgette McGee, Leqaa Kordia +1 more
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 1.6KFacebook 12.1KTwitter 11.2K Avg Length 21 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

15. Our American Stories

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Our American Stories tells stories that aren't being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we'll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.more Host Lee Habeeb
Producer/Network iHeartRadio On-Demand
Email ****@ouramericanstories.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 50k-250k
Recent Guests Roger McGrath, Favi Gutzwiller +15 more
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 852Facebook 6.9KTwitter 3.5KInstagram 290 Avg Length 22 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

16. True Stories with Seth Andrews

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Inspired by the classic radio broadcasts of Paul Harvey, 'True Stories' episodes are short vignettes (averaging five minutes in length) featuring strange, compelling, and entertaining human stories from our past and present. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/true-stories-with-seth-andrews--5621867/support .more Host Seth Andrews
Email ****@sethandrews.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 10k-50k
Apple Rating 4.9/5Apple Reviews 297Twitter 64.7K Avg Length 6 min Format Bite size Get Email Contact

17. Dark Winter Nights

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Hear amazing true stories from Alaska told by the people who experienced them!
Host Robert W. Prince
Producer/Network Rob Prince
Email ****@alaska.edu
Estimated Monthly Listeners 10k-50k
Recent Guests Richard Mustain, Polly Napik Andrews +19 more
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 267Facebook 2.8KTwitter 129Instagram 984 Avg Length 31 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

18. FORGOTTEN NEWS PODCAST

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Welcome to the Forgotten News podcast. This is your window to hear true stories from long ago. Stories that once made headlines. Stories that people thought would be unforgettable, but soon were lost in the sands of time, or were buried deep in the dustbin of history. In this podcast, we brush off the sand and dust, and share those stories with you, today — as fresh as when they were first told.more Producer/Network Forgotten News Podcast
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 1k-10k
Apple Rating 4.1/5Apple Reviews 110Facebook 965Twitter 3.8KInstagram 74 Avg Length 63 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

19. Hong Kong Stories

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True stories told before a live audience in Hong Kong. It's better than drama, it's better than comedy, it's real life.Hosted by Rachel Smith
Producer/Network Hong Kong Stories
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 1k-10k
Recent Guests Gautam, Niharika +2 more
Apple Rating 3.5/5Apple Reviews 81Facebook 2.4KTwitter 722Instagram 1.2K Avg Length 11 min Format Short form Since Sep 2016 Get Email Contact

20. Writers Read 5 Minute Personal True Stories

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A literary forum promoting established and emerging writers through curated live and digital performances celebrating the spoken word. It's a high-quality platform for true personal stories—two pages and 650 words long, read aloud by the writer before an audience. Writers Read places a strong emphasis on the craft of writing—word choices, sentence structures, the arc of the narrative. Our submission-based events are developed around broad themes that invite a wide range of expression.more Host Edward McCann
Producer/Network Writers Read™
Email ****@read650.org
Estimated Monthly Listeners 1k-10k
Recent Guests Mercy, Cindy Clement Carlson +6 more
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 20Facebook 3.1KTwitter 263Instagram 1.6K Avg Length 13 min Format Short form Get Email Contact

21. The Nutshell True Story Hour

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True stories performed live on the In a Nutshell Storytelling stage, followed by honest conversations about how those stories were made. Performance, process, and a love letter to live storytelling—all in one episode. www.inanutshellstorytelling.commore Producer/Network In a Nutshell Storytelling
Email ****@gmail.com
Recent Guests Amy Bee, Keith Lowell Jensen +5 more
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 1 Avg Length 60 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

22. TRUE

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TRUE features the often weird but always true stories of strange events and unforgettable moments.  Each episode explores unusual, obscure, sometimes funny, sometimes creepy stories.  Stories that are so bizarre that you won't believe that they're real… but they are, because, yeah, they're TRUE.  New episodes published every Tuesday morning.more Host Erik Krosby
Producer/Network Imperative
Email ****@krosbyaudio.com
Estimated Monthly Listeners 50k-250k
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 894Instagram 779 Avg Length 34 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact