In the early 2000s, as the average number of radio listeners began to decrease, the concept of podcasts started to gain a reputation as audio entertainment perfect for portable devices like a phone or laptop. And, in the past five years or so, podcasts have become extremely popular in the United States, with 32% of Americans listening to podcasts monthly, according to data from media company Convince and Convert.
Older adults too have benefited from the thousands of programs available, which can vary in topic from sports to news to comedy and more. According to Edison Research, monthly podcast listening by those 55 and older has increased by 70% since 2014.
And, if you’re looking for something informative or purely entertaining to listen to right now, whether on a long drive or doing work in the garden, we’ve gathered a few suggestions, below.
You Must Remember This
Calling all cinephiles: You Must Remember This is your go-to podcast for exploring the secret and forgotten histories of Hollywood’s first century. Each episode includes guest stars like John Mulaney, Nora Zehetner and Dana Carvey, who discuss their own experiences in classic Hollywood, and also back it up with researched facts of the era.
The Daily
Chances are, you’ve already heard of this podcast from New York Times investigative writer Michael Barbaro. For those who have yet to tune in, the once-a-day podcast is a deep dive into the day’s top news, providing detailed information from reporters who will always keep you in the know.
The Not Old — Better Show
Hosted by award-winning journalist Paul Vogelzang, this weekly podcast is directly intended for audiences over the age of 50. From topics like eating healthy to starting a new career path as an older adult, there’s something for all seniors to enjoy with this niche podcast.
Two Cups of Tea
For those who simply love learning about other people’s lives, Two Cups of Tea is the podcast for you. Within each episode, British writer Chris Heath sits down with older adults like famed editor Wendy Mitchell or inventor Wilf Lunn who have legendary stories to tell.
Into America
This relatively new listen is curated by NBC News and MSNBC, showcasing the power politics and policy have in shaping the lives of everyday people. The host, Trymaine Lee, discusses life in America today, diving deep into topics like why the country was unprepared for a health crisis and how protests against police brutality are unfolding in various states.
Homemade
If you’re a foodie, this two-month old podcast is worth a listen, as it celebrates good food, the people who make it and the historic traditions behind well-known recipes we rely on today. Various famed chefs serve as guest stars too, like Guy Fieri, Aarti Sequeira and more.
Criminal
Dive into truth and justice, love and death and so much more through this true-crime podcast. Since its inception a few years ago, Criminal has received several awards for its storytelling of people who’ve been wronged, done wrong or been caught up in the middle.
Girl Talk: Women, Aging and Sexuality
This in-depth podcast, while not new, is most definitely worth a listen for women over 50 who miss in-person conversations with friends about romance, love and lust. Award-winning journalist Marcia Meier is the host and in each episode she chats with everyone from an erotica writer to a relationship coach, giving you a much-needed dose of girl time.
Relic Radio
For those who grew up in the golden age of radio, you may want to consider downloading a few episodes of Relic Radio, a podcast that unveils gems from radio’s reigning era and discusses the people behind it all. Plus, every episode is different, focusing on everything from comedy to science fiction to horror and more.
Not finding anything you like here? It’s easy to find other options to tune into with platforms like Spotify, CastBox, Stitcher Radio, Google Play Music, the Podcasts app on iPhones and TuneIn.
For more entertaining ways to spend your time right now, subscribe to one of our many newsletters.
