Podcast Roundup January 2026

I don't want anyone to freak out, but it is 2026. Every time I type the year, it seems crazy. We're living in the future. 

So, podcasts. Here's what's been in my earballs.

Pluribus the Official Podcast - Have you watched Pluribus? It's so good. The podcast is great, too. I learned a lot of behind the scenes things. 

The Birth Keepers from The Guardian - Batshit crazy story of two women who went around talking about how awesome free birth was. What's free birth? You know, no medical experts, no medication, nothing but you and maybe your partner. Preferably in a tent. And it will not come as a shock to you that women and babies died, will it?

Curse of: America's Next Top Model - I remember watching America's Next Top Model when Tyra Banks lost her shit at a model named Tiffany and thinking that Tyra was very unbalanced. Turns out that Tyra is probably not unbalanced, but is probably all about the dolla dolla bills. This was an interesting take on ANTM and its place in the culture. There's nothing terribly surprising here, I don't think, but I liked hearing from the models who were on the show.

Camp Shame -  It would come as no surprise to you that the largest weight loss camp in the country created a culture of eating disorders and unhealthy body image, would it? This was interesting, but I found it frustrating at times, too, because we never really heard from the camp leaders.

The "Planet Money Does a Pop Culture Draft: 1999 Edition" episode of Planet Money - This was amusing and, more importantly, I legit saw two of those movies IN THE THEATER. Dudes, I didn't always boycott the movies. 

The "Zoo's Clues" episode of Sidedoor - Most of Sidedoor is pretty boring history shit about the Smithsonian. In general, I think this podcast should be more interesting. But the National Zoo is affiliated with the Smithsonian and did you know that if so much as a squirrel dies on the sidewalk at the National Zoo, they do a necropsy on it? And did you know that there's a person who does those? And you can hear her talk about it? FASCINATING. That's why I keep Sidedoor on my podcast list, even thought 90% of the episodes are lame. 

"Our 2026 Pop Culture Resolutions" from Pop Culture Happy Hour - I love that the four OG panelists make resolutions and every year go back and revisit them. I love this tradition and this episode is fun, even if I don't care about their actual resolutions.

Okay, I've talked about these episodes before, but the "Barbie Girl" and "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" episodes of Punch Up the Jam make me laugh more than anything on this planet. I have been having a rough January and these have brought me a lot of joy. 

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Do you have a stellar podcast or podcast episode to recommend?