35 Best Storytelling Podcasts US Edition 2026

1. This American Life

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
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 Ranking #1 in Apple Charts (US)
Host Ira Glass
Producer/Network This American Life
Email ****@thisamericanlife.org
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 107.8KFacebook 1MTwitter 374.6KInstagram 113.2K Avg Length 60 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

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
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 Ranking #1 in Spotify Charts (US)
Producer/Network The Moth
Email ****@themoth.org
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 29.7K Avg Length 40 min Format Long form Since Mar 2008 Get Email Contact

3. Radiolab

Latest Episode Video
Apple Spotify YouTube
Radiolab is on a curiosity bender. We ask deep questions and use investigative journalism to get the answers. A given episode might whirl you through science, legal history, and into the home of someone halfway across the world. The show is known for innovative sound design, smashing information into music. It is hosted by Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser.MORE Ranking #2 in Apple Charts (US)
Hosts Lulu Miller, Latif Nasser
Producer/Network Radiolab
Email ****@wnyc.org
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 50.2K Avg Length 45 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

4. American History Tellers

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
The Cold War, Prohibition, the Gold Rush, the Space Race. Every part of your life - the words you speak, the ideas you share - can be traced to our history, but how well do you really know the stories that made America? We'll take you to the events, the times and the people that shaped our nation. And we'll show you how our history affected them, their families and affects you today. Hosted by Lindsay Graham (not the Senator). From Wondery, the network behind American Scandal, Tides of History, American Innovations and more...MORE Ranking #6 in Apple Charts (US)
Host Lindsay Graham
Producer/Network Wondery
Email ****@airship.fm
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 19KFacebook 3.3KTwitter 3.5KInstagram 1.7K Avg Length 38 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

5. Snap Judgment

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Snap Judgment mixes real stories with killer beats to produce cinematic, dramatic radio. 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 Ranking #15 in Apple Charts (US)
Host Glynn Washington
Producer/Network Snap Judgment and PRX
Email ****@snapjudgmemt.org
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 12.3KFacebook 116.9KTwitter 25.2KInstagram 8.4K Avg Length 45 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

6. Radio Rental

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Discover real-life horror stories, from bizarre crimes to paranormal activity. These true stories are set inside the fictional world of Radio Rental, an 80's video rental store run by an eccentric shopkeeper, Terry Carnation (Rainn Wilson). This imaginative, cult classic-inspired horror brand blurs the lines of reality, with cutting-edge documentary storytelling and a splash of comedy. From the mind of Payne Lindsey, this is Radio Rental.MORE Ranking #16 in Apple Charts (US)
Host Terry Carnation
Producer/Network Tenderfoot TV
Email ****@hotmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 34.6KTwitter 8.2KInstagram 110.7K Avg Length 28 min Format Medium form Since Oct 2019 Get Email Contact

7. Rotten Mango

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple YouTube
Rotten but still a little sweet! Rotten Mango is a true crime all things spooky podcast. We love doing deep dives into the darkest crimes and we tend to not leave out any details - which can get a little rotten at times. If you want deep dives in the psychology of killers, no holding back storytelling of crimes, and stories of lesser known criminals from around the world this is the place for you.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts to listen to new episodes of Rotten Mango ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.MORE Ranking #20 in Apple Charts (US)
Host Stephanie Soo
Producer/Network SiriusXM Podcasts
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 37.5KFacebook 193.5KTwitter 137.4KInstagram 133.5K Avg Length 57 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

8. Myths and Legends

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Jason Weiser and Carissa Weiser tell stories from myths, legends, and folklore that have shaped cultures throughout history. Some, like the stories of Aladdin, King Arthur, and Hercules are stories you think you know, but with surprising origins. Others are stories you might not have heard, but really should. All the stories are sourced from world folklore, but retold for modern ears. These are stories of wizards, knights, Vikings, dragons, princesses, and kings from the time when the world beyond the map was a dangerous and wonderful place.MORE Ranking #21 in Apple Charts (US)
Hosts Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser
Producer/Network Nextpod
Email ****@jasonweiser.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 31.1KFacebook 14.9KTwitter 15.3KInstagram 11.1K Avg Length 56 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

9. Revisionist History

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Revisionist History is Malcolm Gladwell's journey through the overlooked and the misunderstood. Every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether we got it right the first time. From Pushkin Industries. Because sometimes the past deserves a second chance. To get early access to ad-free episodes and extra content, subscribe to Pushkin in Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus . iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.MORE Ranking #31 in Apple Charts (CA)
Host Malcolm Gladwell
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 74.1KFacebook 832.8KTwitter 652.5KInstagram 388.6K Avg Length 43 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

10. Bear Grease

Latest Episode
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
The Bear Grease Podcast with host Clay Newcomb delivers compelling storytelling through documentary-style episodes exploring the culture, traditions, and history of rural America. He'll dive in deep with hunters, biologists, anthropologists, and hillbillies to learn about human nature and our ancient connection to the land. Bear Grease explores unique people, topics, and stories that reveal the incredible value of life lived close to the land. Part of the MeatEater Podcast Network.MORE Ranking #40 in Spotify Charts (US)
Host Clay Newcomb
Producer/Network The MeatEater Network
Email ****@themeateater.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.9/5Apple Reviews 7.7KFacebook 2MTwitter 102.4KInstagram 1.4M Avg Length 43 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

11. Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
From the creator of the hit podcast Lore comes a new, bite-sized storytelling experience. Each twice-weekly episode features two short tales that take listeners on a guided tour of the unbelievable, the unsettling, and the bizarre. Order the official Cabinet of Curiosities book by clicking here , and get ready to enjoy some curious reading!MORE Ranking #68 in Apple Charts (US)
Host Aaron Mahnke
Producer/Network Grim & Mild
Email ****@aaronmahnke.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 9.5KFacebook 3KInstagram 8.1K Avg Length 11 min Format Short form Get Email Contact

12. Heavyweight

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
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 Ranking #75 in Apple Charts (US)
Host Jonathan Goldstein
Producer/Network Pushkin Industries
Email ****@gimletmedia.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.9/5Apple Reviews 22.6KTwitter 28.1KInstagram 18.3K Avg Length 40 min Format Long form Since Sep 2016 Get Email Contact

13. Forensic Files

Latest Episode
Website Apple Spotify
Forensic Files is a pioneer in the field of fact-based, high-tech, dramatic storytelling. This series of television programs delves into the world of forensic science, profiling intriguing crimes, accidents, and outbreaks of disease from around the world.MORE Ranking #77 in Apple Charts (US)
Producer/Network HLN
Email ****@cnn.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 4K Avg Length 22 min Format Medium form Since Jan 2020 Get Email Contact

14. The Truth

Latest Episode
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
THE TRUTH makes movies for your ears. They're short stories that are sometimes dark, sometimes funny, and always intriguing. Every story is different, but they all take you to unexpected places using only sound. If you're new, some good starting places are: Silvia's Blood, That's Democracy, Moon Graffiti, Tape Delay, or whatever's most recent. Listening with headphones is encouraged! We're a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.MORE Ranking #90 in Apple Charts (US)
Host Jonathan Mitchell
Producer/Network Radiotopia
Email ****@thetruthpodcast.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 5KFacebook 8.1KTwitter 8.6KInstagram 3.2K Avg Length 32 min Format Medium form Since Nov 2011 Get Email Contact

15. Invisible Choir

Latest Episode
Website Apple Spotify
The Invisible Choir true crime podcast examines the most heinous murders through investigative storytelling, primary source audio, and victim testimonials. We aim to bring voice to the voiceless, and visibility to the invisible. Independently recorded and produced by Michael Ojibway and Reach Freaks, LLC. MORE Ranking #98 in Apple Charts (US)
Host Michael Ojibway
Producer/Network Reach Freaks
Email ****@reachfreaks.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 5.9KFacebook 5.1KTwitter 1.5KInstagram 4K Avg Length 65 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

16. Crime Salad

Latest Episode
Apple Spotify
Ashley and Ricky, the husband-and-wife duo behind Crime Salad, serve up a healthy portion of true crime every week. With captivating storytelling and unique perspectives, they dive deep into cases, unraveling twists and exposing the darker side of humanity. Their mission is simple: to tell the stories that need to be heard, the ones that linger long after the episode ends.MORE Ranking #99 in Apple Charts (US)
Hosts Ashley Plum, Rickey Plum
Producer/Network Crime Salad
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.4/5Apple Reviews 3.4K Avg Length 56 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

17. Embedded

Latest Episode
Website Apple Spotify
NPR's home for audio documentaries brings untold stories to light through deeply reported narrative series. We go to hidden corners of the headlines to explore what's been sealed off, undisclosed, or overlooked and the people at the heart of those stories. Support in-depth storytelling that matters by subscribing to Embedded and unlock early access to new episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/embeddedMORE Host Kelly McEvers
Producer/Network Embedded
Email ****@npr.org
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 12.9KFacebook 7.8MTwitter 7.8MInstagram 8.3M Avg Length 28 min Format Medium form Since Mar 2016 Get Email Contact

18. Outside Podcast

Latest Episode
Website Apple Spotify
Outside's longstanding literary storytelling tradition comes to life in audio with features that will both entertain and inform listeners. We launched in March 2016 with our first series, Science of Survival, and have since expanded our show and now offer a range of story formats, including reports from our correspondents in the field and interviews with the biggest figures in sports, adventure, and the outdoors.MORE Producer/Network Outside
Email ****@outsideinc.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.3/5Apple Reviews 2.4KFacebook 978.4KTwitter 425.5KInstagram 1.2M Avg Length 51 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

19. Swindled

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Utilizes narrative storytelling, archival audio, and immersive soundscapes to explore true stories of white-collar criminals, con artists, and corporate evil. From corruption and fraud to Ponzi schemes and environmental disasters, these financially motivated crimes have shaped our world in unimaginable ways. All in the name of greed.Become a ValuedListener™ at ValuedListener.comMORE Producer/Network A Concerned Citizen
Email ****@swindledpodcast.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 12KFacebook 8.9KTwitter 15.5KInstagram 21.8K Avg Length 69 min Format Long form Since Jan 2018 Get Email Contact

20. The Killafornia Dreaming Podcast

Latest Episode
Website Apple Spotify
A deep dive into the darker side of the Golden State hosted by Roseanne with a quietly intense storytelling style and is always ad-free
Host Roseanne Sinclair
Producer/Network Roseanne
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.3/5Apple Reviews 2.3KTwitter 6.4KInstagram 2.3K Avg Length 92 min Format Extended Get Email Contact

21. Red Pilled America

Latest Episode
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Red Pilled America is a weekly storytelling show that tells the tales Hollywood and the Globalist don't want you to hear. You can think of RPA as audio documentaries. This pioneering series is broadcast every Friday and is hosted by Patrick Courrielche & Adryana Cortez. For the full archive of episodes, visit RedPilledAmerica.com. Courrielche's Twitter handle is @courrielche and Cortez's Twitter handle is @RedPilledChica .MORE Hosts Adryana Cortez, Patrick Courrielche
Producer/Network Patrick Courrielche, Adryana Cortez
Email ****@courrielche.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 5.4KFacebook 4.7KTwitter 27.2KInstagram 5.2K Avg Length 46 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

22. Unobscured

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Each season of Unobscured digs deep into one of history's darkest and most misunderstood moments, and sheds light on the true story beneath the myth. Explore the Salem witch trials (S1), the Spiritualist Movement (S2), Jack the Ripper (S3), and Grigori Rasputin (S4) through the narrative storytelling of Aaron Mahnke, along with prominent historian interviews.MORE Host Aaron Mahnke
Producer/Network Grim & Mild
Email ****@grimandmild.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 8.8KFacebook 3KInstagram 8.1K Avg Length 59 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

23. Crimelines® True Crime

Latest Episode
Website Apple Spotify
Crimelines walks you through true crime events, pairing captivating tales with clear storytelling. Host Charlie brings in appropriate historic and cultural context to look beyond what happened and consider why it happened.Crimelines is a registered trademark of Crimelines LLCMORE Producer/Network Crimelines True Crime
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.5/5Apple Reviews 5.4K Avg Length 45 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

24. Project Narrative

Latest Episode
Website Apple
The Project Narrative podcast is built on the idea that storytelling is one of humanity's greatest inventions, a way in which we both seek to understand the world and to change it. The podcast features scholars of narrative in conversation about short narratives that engage in that work of knowing and intervening. In each episode, a scholar reads a narrative aloud and then discusses it with the host of the podcast, Jim Phelan, the director of Project Narrative...MORE Producer/Network The Ohio State University
Email ****@osu.edu
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 13 Avg Length 54 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

25. Future of StoryTelling (FoST)

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
The Future of StoryTelling (FoST) is a passionate community of people from the worlds of media, technology, and communications who believe that better stories can create a better future. Join FoST Founder and CEO Charlie Melcher for a series of conversations with expert storytellers from a range of disciplines to learn how they're navigating the changing media landscape, focusing on how stories can help create positive and lasting change in the world...MORE Host Charlie Melcher
Producer/Network Future of StoryTelling
Email ****@futureofstorytelling.org
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 3.9/5Apple Reviews 350Facebook 32.9KTwitter 10.3KInstagram 13.1K Avg Length 34 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

26. Shannon Cason's Homemade

Latest Episode
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Homemade is short stories and commentary for writer/storyteller, Shannon Cason. Shannon has appeared on countless podcasts and storytelling stages, including Snap Judgment, The Moth, TEDx, and RISK! Shannon Cason's Homemade lays out his life for the listener, blessings and blemishes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.MORE Host Shannon Cason
Producer/Network Shannon Cason
Email ****@shannoncason.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 921Facebook 2.3KTwitter 2.4KInstagram 3.1K Avg Length 21 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact

27. Narrative Voices

Latest Episode
Apple Spotify
Welcome to 'Narrative Voices: Unveiling the Art of Storytelling,' the podcast that brings you closer to the creators of the world's most compelling stories. In each episode, we sit down with book authors and storytellers from various genres and backgrounds to uncover the magic behind their narratives. From the initial spark of inspiration to the challenges of bringing their stories to life, we delve into the creative journeys that shape their work...MORE Host Keith Haney
Producer/Network Keith Haney
Email ****@iowadistrictwest.org
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.8/5Apple Reviews 23 Avg Length 40 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

28. Journey with Story - A Storytelling Podcast for Kids

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Journey with Story is a storytelling podcast for kids ages 3-10. These audio stories are told with a Celtic flavor and calming voice of Scottish author, Kathleen Pelley. She shares fairy tale stories, bedtime stories, classic stories, and her own original children's audio stories.MORE Host Kathleen T. Pelley
Producer/Network Kathleen Pelley. audio story podcaster, children's author
Email ****@kathleenpelley.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.5/5Apple Reviews 531Facebook 342Twitter 145 Avg Length 18 min Format Short form Since Oct 2018 Get Email Contact

29. The Odyssey Storytelling Podcast

Latest Episode
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Each month community storytellers take to the Odyssey Storytelling stage to relate true (well, mostly), personal stories loosely related to a pre-chosen theme in front of a live audience. The stories are not read or memorized, they are told from the life experiences and creativity of the teller.MORE Host Steven Braun
Producer/Network Odyssey Storytelling
Email ****@odysseystorytelling.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 17Facebook 1.5K Avg Length 74 min Format Long form Since May 2017 Get Email Contact

30. The Storytelling Lab

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
The Storytelling Lab covers everything you need to know about personal and professional stories to leverage their power to deepen your connections, increase your sales donations, and serve your audiences better with real-life examples and experts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.MORE Host Rain Bennett
Producer/Network Rain Bennett
Email ****@sixsecondstories.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.7/5Apple Reviews 48Facebook 888Twitter 1.1KInstagram 5.1K Avg Length 49 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

31. The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler

Latest Episode
Apple Spotify
The HoneyDew is a storytelling podcast hosted by comedian, Ryan Sickler. Inspired by Ryan's adverse upbringing, the show focuses on highlighting and laughing at the lowlights of life.
Host Ryan Sickler
Producer/Network The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler
Email ****@ryansickler.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.9/5Apple Reviews 11K Avg Length 69 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

32. Narrative Edge

Latest Episode Video
Website Apple Spotify YouTube
Narrative Edge from Georgia Public Broadcasting highlights books with Georgia connections. Hosted by two of your favorite public radio book nerds who also happen to be your hosts of All Things Considered on GPB radio, Peter Biello and Orlando Montoya . In this podcast Peter and Orlando will introduce you to authors, their writings, and the insights behind their stories mixed with their own thoughts and ideas on just what gives these works the Narrative Edge.MORE Producer/Network Georgia Public Broadcasting
Email ****@gpb.org
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 5/5Apple Reviews 26Facebook 77.2KTwitter 8.1KInstagram 18K Avg Length 18 min Format Short form Get Email Contact

33. The Story Partners Podcast

Latest Episode
Apple Spotify YouTube
The Story Partners Podcast is an immersive storytelling experience that brings to life true stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by Jesus. These Christian testimonies are raw, moving, and powerful—told with authenticity and depth. With no interview questions, no interruptions, just beautifully crafted, uninterrupted storytelling, each story is a testament to faith, resilience, and the transformative power of Christ. Learn more at www.StoryPartners.org.MORE Hosts Walt Manis, Annie Manis
Producer/Network Walt and Annie Manis
Email ****@storypartners.org
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.9/5Apple Reviews 236 Avg Length 45 min Format Long form Get Email Contact

34. Nocturne

Latest Episode
Apple Spotify
A sound-rich storytelling show that explores the night, the landscape of the unseen, and how thoughts, feelings and behaviors transform in the dark. Topics range wildly, encompassing a unique and surprising exploration into the darkness.Episodes are released monthly. Independently produced by Vanessa Lowe since 2014.MORE Producer/Network Vanessa Lowe
Email ****@gmail.com
Estimated listeners
Apple Rating 4.6/5Apple Reviews 1.6K Avg Length 35 min Format Medium form Get Email Contact