8 Music Podcasts That’ll Transform Your Listening Habits
illustration by Beyza Durmus
1. Popcast
Hosted by the pop music writers of the New York Times, Popcast explores both the current trends and history of music, formatted through loosely-structured conversations. Episodes can delve into the appeal of current superstars (Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Luke Combs to name a few), or the political drive of musical movements such as the impact of stan culture, Lil Baby’s “The Bigger Picture,” and pop music’s place during a pandemic. The hosts and weekly guests have widely varying perspectives and tastes, each bringing a different side to the discussion.
Show Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ugDIELXIU7erW5Xp49tWp?si=aujKS5DRSv6AGreWb9mj0w
2. Song vs. Song
Hosted by Todd Nathanson (a.k.a. YouTube pop music reviewer Todd in the Shadows) and SyFy Wire’s Dany Roth, Song vs. Song takes two songs with similar appeal and compares them to find the superior track. Previous battles include Halloween jams “Men In Black” vs. “Ghostbusters” and boy band classics “Bye Bye Bye” vs. “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”
Show Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZPOSfyq3NwIsGGTPY1I10?si=IdyFO51mROqDMExib3H_QQ
3. Switched On Pop
This podcast has a deep, loving appreciation and respect for pop music not just as a genre, but as a medium of expression. Musicologist Nate Sloan and songwriter Charlie Harding explore a slew of different subjects, from how M.I.A. flipped a sample by The Clash into “Paper Planes,” a deep dive into the “Baby Shark” phenomenon, and a dissection of the environmental themes in “All Star” by Smash Mouth. Alongside their analysis-driven episodes are interviews with musicians like Carly Rae Jepsen, producers like FINNEAS, and songwriters like Emily Warren.
Show Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1sgWaKtQxwfjUpZnnK8r7J?si=H8AjOG0kRpaN8Xvg7FJiuw
4. Zach Sang: Just The Interviews Podcast
On the Just The Interviews Podcast, radio personality Zach Sang talks with a variety of artists both big and small, from superstars like Ariana Grande and Shawn Mendes to up-and-comers like Ashnikko and Wallows.
Show Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6QRSZ1xqP5uUMgmHw3gBPL?si=31zk-vtiT-uSVJ3Kp8XaQQ
5. Song Exploder
Ever wanted a behind-the-scenes peek at how your favorite songs were made from start to finish? Hosted by Hrishikesh Hirway, Song Exploder consists of interviews with the performer and producers behind a song, detailing the songwriting process from demo to final mastered recording. There’s an episode for every facet of musical taste, whether you’re into Soccer Mommy or Slipknot, Janelle Monáe or Jack Johnson. And if you’re interested in taking your Song Exploder experience to another level, you can also check out the Netflix series.
Show Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/10lMwCjvzLCLwth2AW6cLG?si=OqguAppnQcGf3UcfldZFew
6. And The Writer Is… with Ross Golan
Taking a look behind the music industry’s closed doors, And The Writer Is… shines a light on the essential and sometimes overlooked figures in music—the songwriters that help all of your favorite artists hit their stride. Host Ross Golan interviews artists, producers, and songwriters alike, from Ariel Rechtshaid to Victoria Monét.
Show Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/26gzyiPD2ix1VaO1fHDKCk?si=G4LYFnQLTGuZnJjX1rNNUA
7. Pop Shop Podcast
If you’re an avid chart-watcher and musical trend forecaster, then this is the podcast for you! Billboard co-director of charts Keith Caulfield and Billboard.com senior editor Katie Atkinson give a weekly half-hour dissection of chart trends and musical news.
Show Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Up21LReNRTrMTa6O3mkKJ?si=kg9cINWzTXKsJuVl3TXycA
8. Name 3 Songs
It’s no secret that teenage girls have immense power in moving the music industry. With Name 3 Songs, hosts Sarah Feigin and Jenna Million unpack all the ways that power manifests, and also the ugly reactions it can spawn. Taking on topics like groupie culture, One Direction’s rise to fame, and internalized misogyny in pop hits, Name 3 Songs takes a full-on deep dive into topics that haven’t always been addressed in the mainstream. Not only that, but you’ll get fresh music recommendations from the hosts at the end of each episode.
Show Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CRaSHTnL2KGm3fVnymYIJ?si=0sxRlJbkT9O0F7a7Ki0Utw