How to Find the Best Podcast Recommendations
Using Apple’s “best podcast” lists to find new podcasts is like using Nielsen ratings to find new TV shows. You’re missing out on so much good shit. The top lists are dominated by several categories (business, news and real crime) and consistently popular shows such as This American Life and The Joe Rogan Experience . There is nothing wrong with these shows! They might just be … the same.
And that’s when Apple’s charts aren’t invaded by spammers like the business podcast network that has filled the charts with shows like Bulletproof Real Estate and The Sedated Executive . Apple closed this particular spam attack in one day, but it’s a great example of how Apple’s charts are based on a feedback loop that recommends the same shows to everyone. For more variety, try charts in these third-party podcast apps.
Castbox (Android / iOS)
The Castbox app maintains its own “best shows” list, which often resembles Apple’s list but gets less spam. But you should also check out Castbox’s Editor’s Choice and playlists by category such as Movies & Movies and Football Season. The Castbox site has more specific listings like wedding podcasts and popular Brazilian podcasts . If only they would highlight them in the app.
Breaker (iOS)
Breaker is the most promising social media app. I’m trying to switch from Overcast, but I’m still getting used to Breaker’s features. Like Overcast, Breaker lets you “recommend” podcast episodes to your friends (imported from your contacts) in the app. Unlike Overcast, it also lets your friends see what you’ve been listening to. This Spotify-style passive sharing seems appealing. Finally, it allows you to send episodes to specific friends.
Breaker also recommends new podcasts based on what you actually listen to. Each recommendation includes a reason: Since you listened to this particular episode of Punch Up the Jam or this episode of Tides of History , this particular episode of a different show. So far, all of my Breaker recordings have been from concerts that I’ve never heard of. Breaker knows that I don’t need to hear about Serial anymore.
Breaker is still iOS-only; its social features will become much more useful when your Android friends can join it. But if you’re one of those snobs who taunt green bubbles in your text messages, then you’re done.
The app also lists “hot episodes” for the last day, week, and month, which is more transparent than Apple’s “Best Episodes” list, which drifts in eternal void. Breaker (disclosure: I know one of the founders) is still finding his way, but he’s trying a lot of promising things and more podcast apps should follow suit.
Podcast Addict (Android)
As indicated site analytics podcasts CharTable, Podcast Addict (as well as some of the applications listed here, but not Apple!) In fact, lists the number of subscribers for each podcast. This is a good way to check if a show is temporarily at the top of the list. PA scores are low across the board as they are less popular than Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. So remember to treat them in relation to each other, not absolutely.
Flasher (Android / iOS)
Stitcher separates “hit shows” from “hit shows,” so you can watch temporarily hit podcasts. The list looks pretty eclectic now, with headlines including Cigar Nerds , Sassy Tarot , A Deep Dive Into Riverdale, and something in Cyrillic. Definitely not the territory of the “best podcasts”.
Overcast (iOS)
In addition to the usual “top” lists, Overcast includes recommendations from your Twitter friends. This is limited to your friends who also use Overcast – and who use its recommendation feature – but it’s another way to find out what your friends are, not the general public.
Apple Podcasts (iOS)
Apple curates better than it gives algorithmic advice. This is true for music, apps, and podcasts. On the Browse tab of the Podcasts app, select Favorites and browse through their featured collections. You will get to know a lot of shows, but you will find much more variety than in the best charts.