Listen & Learn with Top Interview Podcasts

The interview. Although initially perceived as "a dangerous method of communication between our public men and the people," this distinctively American invention has evolved into a powerful tool. And top interview podcasts are continuing to make waves with their ability to share stories.

Since the first credited interview went to print in 1859—who could forget the thrilling literary volley between the New York Tribune's Horace Greeley and controversial leader of the Mormon Church, Brigham Young—many interviews have stepped onto the podium of greatness.

When you think about it, there's a spattering of interviews that have resonated so deeply and captured the zeitgeist so perfectly, that they have ingrained themselves within the psyche of an entire generation. 

Oprah and Meghan Markle, Nixon and Frost, Diana and Bashir. Need we say more?

While press, radio, and TV have consistently dominated the interview space for decades, a new kid is in town. Podcasts. Now podcasters from all sorts of backgrounds and industries are carving out interview nooks of their own. And it's certainly changing the interview landscape.

Podcast Interviews: Listen and Learn 

Podcasts allow interviewers to untie themselves from the usual restraints of other mediums. Longform. Short form. There are literally no limits. Unlike most televised interviews (which often get whittled down to a mere six minutes), and printed interviews that become lost behind the dreaded paywall, podcasts offer interviews in all shapes and sizes and cater to today's on-the-go, content hungry culture. Something that you just can't find elsewhere.

Listen and learn. That's the name of the game with most top interview podcasts. Although the subject matter can span across many topics, podcast interviews can teach us so much about ourselves and the world around us. They can introduce us to new ideas and ways of thinking, offer insight into the lives of fascinating people, create social movements, and enforce real change by providing fresh perspectives on life, business, history, culture, and so much more.

Additionally, they can help teach us how to interview some for our own podcast and demonstrate how to be a good podcast host.

Interview podcasts are definitely worth your time investment, and these are some of the best out there.

The Top Interview Podcasts

How I Built This

Business life can be tough. Anyone walking the entrepreneurial path will understand that the road can be long and often lonely. So, why not hear from experienced voices to give you some guidance?

The incredibly popular How I Built This is a narrative-styled podcast that offers audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of brands. Hosted by Guy Raz, journalist, correspondent, radio host, and now podcast tycoon, this show takes a standard interview and turns it into a masterpiece.

Raz provides entrepreneurs with a safe space to share their business stories—the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Produced by NPR, HIBT began in September 2016 with a tête-a-tête between Spanx founder Sara Blakely and a very eager Mr. Raz. This premiere episode set the stage for a business podcast that certainly isn't dry. In fact, it's much easier to swallow than 99% of its counterparts.

Speaking with The New York Times, Raz stated that, "Business is filled with crisis and failure and sadness and tension and discomfort and then triumph," pointing towards How I Built This as a show about vulnerability above anything else. 

There’s a reason this show remains one of the top interview podcasts year after year.From the enviable bank of guests to the impeccable sound design, this podcast informs and entertains in a way that very few podcasts could even dream of achieving.

Recommended for: Curious cats who love well-told origin stories about business and entrepreneurship. If you have 30 minutes to an hour to spare each week, this could be for you.

WTF With Marc Maron

It seems that every actor on the planet has their own podcast at the moment. But then there's Marc Maron. The ultimate OG of celebrity podcasting.

Marc's craft has been honed to such a point that it's hard not to have your heart pricked by this intimate and easy-flowing podcast. The Guardian once wrote, "Maron's mix of swagger and self-loathing, of alpha and beta male, is a curious combination," and it's true. This fireball blend is what endears listeners and guests alike. Maron elicits answers with such ease that topics like addiction, mental health, failure, and mortality appear to just melt out his guests with minimal prodding.

WTF launched in September 2009 after Marc's radio show Breakroom Live with Maron & Seder was canceled. With a few podcast episodes already under his belt, Maron moved from New York to California. This is where he set up his famed home garage recording studio nicknamed "The Cat Ranch."

Originally intended to be a podcast filled with joke-fueled conversations between Maron and fellow comedians, WTF has since evolved throughout the 1000+ episodes to become a celebrity interview powerhouse. 

"It became clear that WTF was a showcase where you could just be amazing," says comedian and past WTF guest Patton Oswalt in an interview with Entertainment Magazine. "Despite all his neuroses, Marc wants his guests to become better and more human." And that's just what you get.

Benedict Cumberbatch, Halle Berry, Sarah Silverman, Alice Cooper, the late Robin Williams, and even President Barack Obama have all parked their keisters in Maron's garage.

Recommended for: WFT isn't a show for the celebrity-obsessed. Instead, think of it more as a podcast for those who have an open mind and want a better understanding of the human condition. Even if it is from some of the planet's most revered individuals. Expect deep conversations peppered with laughter, and the occasional conflict. 

My First Million

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “How do they do it?” My First Million is the podcast for you. Hosted by tech entrepreneurs Sam Parr and Shaan Puri, this podcast demystifies the art of making it big. Sam and Shaan invite on guests to uncover their innovative business ideas, clever strategies, and sometimes unconventional paths that lead to building, well, your first million.

What sets My First Million apart as one of the top interview podcasts? The hosts have a knack for mixing humor with hard-hitting insights, which keeps the energy high and the banter real. It’s not just a business podcast—it’s a conversation between friends who are hungry for success and eager to share what they’ve learned (and what they’re still figuring out) along the way.

In an episode with investor Andrew Wilkinson, the conversation veered into fascinating territory, exploring the power of media businesses and why "boring" industries are often the most profitable. And that’s the beauty of My First Million—you never quite know where the next insight will come from, but it’s always something you can apply, whether you’re a aspiring entrepreneur or just trying to understand the constantly changing industry of modern business.

Recommended for: Anyone who wants to learn how to think like an entrepreneur, whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to scale. Expect lively conversations, actionable ideas, and a wealth of takeaways that will leave you scribbling down notes or wondering, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

As a bonus, host Sam Parr has also launched another interview podcast called MoneyWise. On this show he sits down with high-net-worth individuals to get raw about finances: what are they making, and how are they spending. It’s great for all of us wondering “what would we do with $1 million?!”.

The Daily

There's a lot of noise in our world today. Trying to decipher what on earth is happening and staying abreast of the big issues in the news can be challenging. That's why The Daily is such a breath of fresh air.

The podcast tagline says it all:

This is how the news should sound. Twenty minutes a day, five days a week.

We couldn't agree more. Hosted by Michael Barbaro, the premise behind The Daily is to explore current news stories reported by New York Times journalists. What they do exceptionally well, is break down complex news into digestible clusters of narrative. This podcast is designed so that anyone who is even half listening can comfortably get the gist. 

Instead of trying to cover all the current news, this podcast does an excellent job of sticking to one particular recent event at a time. Which means that listeners can become clear and informed on a specific topic without venturing into other confusing distractions. 

Recommended for: Anyone short on time but craves a global news fix. It's a firm fan favorite, and is often cited as being part of listeners' morning routines. So, grab your morning cup of coffee, and tune in to what's happening. 

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepherd

At first glance, Armchair Expert looks like just another celebrity interview podcast. But spend a few minutes with Dax Shepard and co-host Monica Padman, and you’ll quickly realize there’s something deeper at play. Dax isn’t your typical host—he’s more like the curious, open-hearted friend who’s not afraid to dig into the messiness of life. And his guests? They respond in kind, giving listeners refreshingly real conversations that are as raw as they are insightful.

Launched in 2018, Armchair Expert has become a go-to for unfiltered dialogue about life’s imperfections—whether it’s addiction, insecurity, parenting, or career failures. 

While Shepard’s charm might lure you in, it’s the unexpected depth and vulnerability from the guests that keep you hooked. And Shepherd helps lead those interviews in the right direction.  In an episode with Brené Brown, for instance, the conversation seamlessly moves from exploring vulnerability to a full-on breakdown of emotional resilience, and then back to laughing over silly parenting moments.

Monica’s fact-checking segment at the end of each episode is a grounding feature, offering a lighthearted, yet earnest, recap of the show’s discussions, giving listeners a chance to reflect and laugh along.

Recommended for: Fans of podcasts that feel more like an honest conversation between friends, rather than a stiff, rehearsed interview.

The TED Interview

The premise behind the TED Interview may seem like something that we've heard a billion times before. But, as we see it, it offers something a bit more intellectually exciting than the usual interview format. 

Yes, host and founder of TED, Chris Anderson interviews guests. But, there's often a push and pull within the conversation. While this could seem like the perfect formula for conflict on paper, it achieves quite the opposite. There's often a drive from both parties to explore how we, as a species, can evolve our collective consciousness and positively impact our world. 

Having these kinds of narratives at your fingertips is, quite frankly, incredibly empowering. 

With episodes circling topics like "The science and ethics of rewriting our DNA," "Can planting trees really stop climate change?" and "Reckoning with racial injustice in the US," anyone tuning in can expect to hear challenging, complex topics explored in a simple, quiet way. 

Recommended for: Information addicts looking to take on the more challenging questions. While the conversations can be deep, you end up coming away from each episode more enlightened on subjects you wouldn't ordinarily seek out. 

The Turn Around With Jesse Thorn

If you're a podcaster striving to be a better interviewer, this podcast is a virtual master class. 

As we've established, the world is saturated with celebrity interview shows, so it can be easy to avoid the format altogether. But, there is a shining light among them. What if the tables were turned and the interviewer became the interviewee? Well, ponder that conundrum no more because we have The Turn Around hosted by Jesse Thorn. 

What makes a good interviewer a great one? That's what Thorn's trying to figure out with The Turnaround. So, in his quest, Thorn interviews professionals that are usually on the delivering end of the questions. This includes a varied range of guests from the likes of the infamous Ira Glass and the master of conflict Jerry Springer to the legends Larry King and Dick Cavett. Jesse brings us into his "weird form of journalism school" as he scrambles to learn all he can from the best in the biz.

There's a wealth of takeaways for anyone to consume with these candid conversations. Full of insider gossip, celebrity diva, backstage shenanigans and true insight from the titans of media. 

Recommended For: Anyone who wants to ask better questions—whether that's in podcasting or life. Peek behind the curtain and get a sense of the lives and careers of some of the world's greatest interviewing legends in this limited series about the art of interviewing.

Call Her Daddy

Bold, brash, and unapologetically real, Call Her Daddy is the interview podcast that refuses to play by the rules—and that’s exactly why its audience can’t get enough. Hosted by Alex Cooper, the show made its explosive debut by diving headfirst into topics that most podcasts skirt around, mixing outrageous humor with raw discussions about sex, relationships, and the chaos of modern dating.

What started in 2018 as a raunchy guide to hookup culture has evolved into something much more layered, and taken a spot in the top interview podcasts. Alex, with her razor-sharp wit and no-holds-barred honesty, now sits down with high-profile guests ranging from celebrities to psychologists, offering listeners a blend of shock-value entertainment and genuinely thoughtful conversations. 

One of the defining elements of the show is Alex’s ability to make her guests feel comfortable enough to get more real than they would elsewhere. This is something that also makes her stand out as a great host as well. In an episode with Miley Cyrus, the discussion ranged from career pressure to sexual identity, creating a space where listeners felt like they were eavesdropping on a conversation between close friends. That’s the magic of Call Her Daddy—it pulls you in with its wild energy, but keeps you hooked with its deeper explorations of identity, vulnerability, and the messiness of being human.

Recommended for: Those who aren’t afraid to get real, and who are looking to perfect their hosting skills as well. Call Her Daddy is for listeners who want a mix of fun and fire, with candid conversations that challenge societal norms around sex, relationships, and personal growth. Expect to laugh, cringe, and maybe even rethink how you approach life’s more intimate moments.

Grit & Growth

Grit & Growth is where business meets inspiration, sharing the incredible stories of entrepreneurs from Africa and South Asia. Hosted by Darius Teter of Stanford Seed, the show serves as both a masterclass and a motivational platform for business leaders across emerging markets. But don't let the academic label fool you—this isn’t a dry lecture series. Instead, it’s a deeply human exploration of the grit it takes to build something meaningful, especially in the face of adversity.

Each episode dives into real stories from entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who have had to overcome enormous challenges to grow their businesses. Grit & Growth gives a voice to the entrepreneur stories that we may miss, and rather than focus only on success, they share all sides to a story. Whether it's navigating political instability, securing funding in a high-risk environment, or tackling supply chain issues, every episode highlights the resilience and ingenuity required to thrive in tough conditions.

Darius brings a level of empathy and understanding that encourages guests to open up about their toughest moments. In one episode with Wandia Gichuru, CEO of Vivo Fashion Group, and Chris Makena Muriithi, CEO of BOLD Network Africa the conversation explores something often taboo - LGBTQ rights in Africa. In their community, queer people often face discrimination and violence, they decided they wanted to do something about it using their collective strengths in business, fashion, and advocacy.  It’s this kind of storytelling that makes Grit & Growth more than just a podcast about business—it’s a window into how entrepreneurship can be a force for positive change.

Recommended for: Listeners who look for inspiration, and stories from incredible entrepreneurs in Africa and South Asia. Expect deep insights, real-world stories, and a clear-eyed look at what it really takes to build something that lasts.

Today In Focus

The Guardian’s Today in Focus is another incredible example of an interview podcast and journalism. Every day they choose one topic to explore deeper, in some cases this involves an in-depth interview with one individual, in others they conduct multiple interviews to piece together a larger story.

In every episode, Michael Safi and Helen Pidd do an incredible job of not only reporting,but of sharing the raw emotions of the people behind the stories. They look at things from multiple perspectives and share opposing narratives in order to show the full story.

While it is a great podcast to inform yourself on current events, it’s also a great podcast to learn the art of interviewing, and of approaching a conversation with empathy and journalistic drive to share the real story.

Recommended for: hose who want to gain a deeper understanding of today’s most pressing news stories and hear firsthand accounts from the people directly involved. The interviews may stir strong emotions, but they offer real, unfiltered conversations—an incredible testament to honesty in discussing the critical issues of our time.

The Road to Why

Hosted by Katie Nixon, Chief Investment Officer at Northern Trust, The Road to Why goes beyond surface-level business stories and is as much about introspection as it is about strategies. Nixon and her guests explore the broader question of why: "Why am I building this wealth, and how can I make it meaningful?"

The show brings a business down to a personal level, having guests share not only how they have arrived where there are, but what drove them to such aspirations. 

Katie’s interviewing style is both thoughtful and informed, allowing for deep, meaningful discussions that make listeners question their own approach to wealth and purpose. In an episode featuring wealth psychologist James Grubman, they discuss the emotional complexities of wealth and how families can navigate conversations about money with transparency and empathy. 

Recommended for: Individuals who want to go beyond the numbers and think about wealth in a holistic, purposeful way.

Closing Thoughts on the Top Interview Podcasts

The humble interview isn't going anywhere. There is always a conversation to be had, no matter the subject. Podcasts are the ideal way to get wise on the world around us and hear from some of the planet's most interesting people.

However, with more and more options available, it's hard to filter through and find good interview podcasts. Hopefully this comprehensive and diverse list will provide some kind of guidance to help fill your time.
Want to launch your own interview podcast? Lower Street’s stellar team of podcast producers can help you become an excellent host and launch a brand interview podcast that will reach your audience. Get in touch.

Note from the author: This is a list that will continuously evolve and change as more and more podcasts grace our airwaves. If you have any suggestions or comments, send them our way!