Top English Podcasts to Follow on Apple Podcasts

Whether you’re commuting, cleaning, or just looking for a mental break, a good podcast can turn those mundane moments into mini‑adventures. Apple Podcasts houses thousands of English‑language shows, but a handful consistently rise above the noise thanks to storytelling flair, production polish, or just plain fun. Below is a curated list that balances true‑crime thrills, linguistic lessons, and a dash of humor—perfect for anyone who wants to make the most of their listening time.

1. Serial – The Gold Standard of Narrative Journalism

If you’ve ever wondered how a single story can hook you episode after episode, Serial is the place to start. Each season tackles a single case, unpacking it with the careful pacing of a courtroom drama. Season one’s investigation into Adnan Syed’s 1999 murder conviction still feels fresh, and later seasons explore topics from the U.S. prison system to the politics of a small-town election.

• Why it works: Meticulous research meets a conversational interview style, making complex legal details feel like a friendly chat.
• Best for: Listeners who love deep dives and don’t mind a slower, methodical pace.

2. The Daily – News in Bite‑Size Packages

Produced by the New York Times, The Daily delivers a polished, twenty‑minute roundup of the day’s biggest stories. Host Michael Barbaro’s calm voice guides you through each segment, often featuring a reporter who was on the ground.

• Why it works: The show blends thorough reporting with personal anecdotes, turning abstract headlines into relatable narratives.
• Best for: Busy professionals who need a quick, trustworthy briefing before work.

3. 99% Invisible – Design Meets Culture

Architectural details, brand logos, and even the sounds of everyday life become fascinating topics on 99% Invisible. Host Roman Mars has a knack for turning the seemingly invisible—like the design of a road sign—into a story worth listening to.

• Why it works: Episodes are meticulously edited, with sound design that mirrors the subject matter.
• Best for: Curious listeners who enjoy learning why the world looks and feels the way it does.

4. Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips – Language Made Simple

Grammar doesn’t have to be a chore. Mignon Fogarty, the eponymous Grammar Girl, serves up bite‑sized lessons on everything from misplaced modifiers to the Oxford comma. Each episode is under ten minutes, making it ideal for a quick language refresher.

• Why it works: Conversational tone and clear examples turn intimidating rules into easy takeaways.
• Best for: Students, writers, or anyone who wants to sound a little sharper in emails.

5. My Favorite Murder – True Crime with a Side of Laughter

Hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark blend true‑crime analysis with their trademark banter, creating a community that feels like a weekly hangout. While the cases are serious, the hosts never lose sight of the importance of humor and mental health.

• Why it works: The juxtaposition of grisly facts with heartfelt comedy creates a safe space for a genre that can otherwise feel heavy.
• Best for: Fans of crime stories who also appreciate a supportive, humorous vibe.

6. Radiolab – Science Meets Philosophy

Radiolab’s sound‑rich episodes explore big questions—“What is time?” or “How does the brain create music?”—through interviews, experiments, and a touch of wonder. Hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich (now often joined by a rotating team) make complex ideas feel approachable.

• Why it works: Innovative audio layering turns abstract concepts into immersive experiences.
• Best for: Listeners who love science but also enjoy a poetic, narrative twist.

7. The Moth – Real Stories, Unscripted

If you’ve ever wanted to hear strangers tell personal stories without a script, The Moth is the go‑to. Each episode stitches together a handful of live performances, ranging from hilariously awkward first dates to profound moments of loss.

• Why it works: The raw, unedited nature of the storytelling creates genuine emotional connections.
• Best for: Anyone craving authentic human experiences that feel like listening to a friend.

8. How I Built This – Entrepreneurial Journeys

Guy Raz interviews founders of well‑known companies—from the creator of a tiny home‑cooking startup to the mind behind a global tech giant. The focus isn’t just on success; it’s on the messy, often doubtful path that led there.

• Why it works: The conversational interview style reveals both triumphs and failures, making the stories relatable.
• Best for: Aspiring entrepreneurs or anyone fascinated by the human side of business.

9. Song Exploder – Dissecting Music, One Track at a Time

Musicians break down their own songs, layer by layer, explaining the inspiration, the technical decisions, and the moments of serendipity. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or a casual listener, you’ll hear familiar tracks in a completely new light.

• Why it works: Direct insight from the creators adds depth that reviews alone can’t capture.
• Best for: Music lovers who love to peek behind the curtain of their favorite tracks.

10. Stuff You Should Know – Curiosity Delivered

Hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, this improv‑flavored duo tackles an eclectic mix of topics—how pizza became a global staple, the science behind sleep, or the history of the Eiffel Tower. Their chemistry makes even the most obscure subjects feel like a friendly chat.

• Why it works: A relaxed, conversational tone turns learning into a pastime rather than a lecture.
• Best for: Listeners who enjoy a little everything and love to collect random facts.

Choosing Your Next Listen

Pick a show that matches the mood you’re in. Need a quick language refresher? Grammar Girl fits nicely into a coffee break. Craving a deep narrative? Serial or Radiolab will reward you with hours of intrigue. The beauty of Apple Podcasts is its seamless library—just tap “Subscribe,” and the episodes line up automatically.

Remember, the best podcasts are the ones you return to, episode after episode. So start with a couple from this list, let the algorithm suggest similar shows, and soon you’ll have a personal lineup that makes every idle moment feel a little richer.