20 of the Best Podcasts for Every Mood

Podcasts have truly revolutionised the way we consume information and entertainment. They provide one of the most convenient ways to learn something new and are perfect for daily commutes, busy routines, to wind down with, or simply to keep you entertained when you're completing mundane tasks like washing up.

There are a host of fantastic podcasts to listen to from thought-provoking to comedic, and we're always on the hunt for an addictive new podcast to add to our rotations. 

Whether you're looking for financial advice or simply want to have a laugh, we've rounded up a selection of insightful, inspiring, and binge-worthy podcasts that need to be added to your playlist.

Thought-provoking podcasts

1. Making Sense with Sam Harris

Philosopher, neuroscientist, and author Sam Harris’ podcast Making Sense is incredibly thought-provoking. He delves into controversial yet important questions with highly intelligent guests about the human mind, society, and current events. He touches on various topics ranging from philosophy, medicine, technology, and politics.

2. Revisionist History

Author Malcolm Gladwell marries real-world events with the philosophies and beliefs that they reflect and sustain. Some episodes travel back to moments in history, and some focus on the history-making present, but all focus on moments in time that are overlooked and misunderstood.

3. No Filter

Every episode of editor Mia Freedman's much-loved podcast delves into engaging conversations with interesting people and the stories they have to share. Guests range from athletes, actors, politicians, business leaders, authors, and everyday people who have achieved extraordinary things.

Best relationship psychology podcasts

4. Where Should We Begin

This podcast is fantastic for anyone who wants to foster better relationships and develop better communication skills. In each episode Psychotherapist Esther Perel puts you in the room with couples in therapy as they reveal the most intimate, personal, and complicated details of their relationships. Perel's ability to help couples work through their issues is eye-opening and inspiring.

5. Dear Sugars

For years, an anonymous writer named "Sugar," eventually revealed to be Wild author Cheryl Strayed, offered up her advice in a popular Rumpus column. Now, it's a podcast hosted by original Dear Sugar columnist Steve Almond, that's loved for its “radical empathy” and advice to the heartsick. Together, the hosts answer listeners' deepest and most painful relationship questions.

Best design podcasts

6. 99% Invisible

Produced and created by Roman Mars, 99% Invisible brings to light things we don't typically think about, namely the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world. It divulges into nearly-invisible design processes that you had no idea were incredibly fascinating and then explains why they are.

7. Design Matters

Hosted by designer, author, and educator Debbie Millman, Design Matters was the first-ever podcast about design and a deep dive into the broader world of creative culture. Each episode of this award-winning podcast is brimming with wisdom from some of the greatest creatives on the planet including Alain de Botton and Tina Roth Eisenberg.

Best comedy podcasts

8. My Dad Wrote a Porno

The premise might sound somewhat questionable but those keen to laugh will thoroughly enjoy this hilarious British podcast. Each episode brings together three English friends who read aloud a chapter from a very poorly written erotica novel called Belinda Blinked. The kick? One of the host's fathers wrote it. This feel-good podcast will take you on a wild ride and is sure to produce non-stop giggles.

9. No Such Thing as a Fish

Fans of the quiz show QI and inquisitive people alike will love this podcast. The fact researchers of QI meet weekly to discuss their favourite facts they've discovered over the last seven days. It's broad, fascinating and sometimes silly with discussions ranging from 'prehistoric sippy-cups' to 'frogs with regional accents'.

Best feminist podcasts

10. A Podcast of One's Own

Former prime minister and Chair of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, Julia Gillard's fantastic podcast is a must-listen for women. Each inspiring episode features Gillard in a thoughtful but fun conversation with a diverse range of predominantly women leaders from the worlds of business, entertainment, media, sport, and many more.

11. Mamamia Out Loud

Another podcast produced by the Mamamia team, each episode of this comforting show is relevant and entertaining. Mia Freedman, Holly Wainwright and Jessie Stephens discuss everything from pop culture, politics, body image, motherhood, feminism, and fashion is up for discussion in this clever series that they host three times a week.

Best current affairs podcast

12. The Daily

Powered by New York Times journalism, The Daily podcast provides background and understanding of current affairs in a truly engaging tone. It's produced five times a week and each episode is 20 minutes long so you can genuinely listen on a daily basis. It's a great tool for getting caught up on hard news and each episode focuses on one particular current event or issue with great journalism and excellent interviews.

13. BBC World Service - Global News Podcast

This fair and balanced podcast delves into the day’s top stories from BBC News. Tune in every day to be filled with everything you might need to know about what's going on in the world.

14. The Daily Aus

Presented by co-founders Sam and Zara, The Daily Aus podcast covers the news of the day in a digestible and approachable way with the objective of providing context to these news stories. It's a great listen for savvy young Australians and those who are time-poor as each episode is less than 20 minutes long.

Best Financial Podcasts

15. She's On the Money

Talking about money can be stressful and a bit of a bore, but this podcast helps change that. Targeted predominantly at millennial women, She's On the Money provides you with tips and tricks to help you achieve financial freedom in an accessible and approachable fashion. Each episode is hosted by financial advisor Victoria Devine and co-host Annabelle Lee who dive into how we can change our relationship with money for the better.

16. Australian Finance Podcast

In The Australian Finance Podcast, finance experts Owen and Kate bring you actionable strategies and knowledge that you can put into practice today to help you sort out your finances. It's friendly, approachable, and designed to help take a lot of the stress out of knowing how to deal with money.

Best true crime podcasts

17. Crime Show

There are countless crime podcasts out there, but what we like about Crime Show is that it's a little bit different. Rather than talking about incidences that have happened to other people, each episode of this podcast tells the stories of crimes, by the people who actually lived them. 

18. Serial

If you're a true crime fan, it's highly likely you've already listened to this podcast. If not, we highly recommend it. Serial combines excellent narration, journalism, and production to tell one crime story per podcast season. This investigative journalism podcast, hosted by Sarah Koenig, is engaging and goes into great detail about the cases and what happened, providing listeners with a feeling of transparency and inclusiveness.

Best pop culture podcasts

19. Shameless

Created "for smart people who love dumb stuff", Melbourne journalists Zara McDonald and Michelle Andrews talk all things celebrity and pop culture in this lighthearted podcast. It’s a safe space for dissecting everything from how women are portrayed in the media to whether baby names have become a marker of social status. The duo also drop an In Conversation episode each Thursday where they sit down with someone inspiring for an interesting chat.

20. Bang On

Hosted by music journalists and presenters Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe, Bang On deep dives into the biggest conversations of the week. They also share what they’re reading, listening to, and reflecting on in a friendly and engaging tone.