Over the last few years, especially when working on a project in my office I’ve taken to listening to podcasts. The type of podcasts I’m talking about are for the most part serial stories, whether they are fictional radio plays or true crime I like something that tells a long story and can hold my attention over time.

Now there are some standard podcasts shows I keep up with, I love Marketplace on NPR, Radiolab and Throughline although I pick and choose which episodes I’ll listen to and the same thing goes for This American Life as well, for me, the original podcast.

So tonight I wanted to share a list of some really great podcasts that I’ve enjoyed and have provided me with some happy listening and hopefully will do the same for you.

True Crime

Bone Valley – my most recent discovery, very interesting nine or ten episode podcast about the murder of a woman in Florida.

Serial – I loved season one, the story of Adnan Syed. Subsequent seasons have also been good but to me didn’t have the same impact.

Bear Brook – I really liked this one, had some good twists and a really interesting story that follows the discovery of a couple of bodies in 55 gallon barrels.

S-Town – The main subject is a total freakin character and paints some really interesting pictures of life in Alabama.

Satanic Panic – really cool podcast from the Canadian Broadcasting Company about the Satanic Panic of the 1980’s

Dystopian/Post Apocalyptic/Paranormal/Twisted

We’re Alive – As far as I’m concerned the best in the genre, very long series with a couple of short spin-offs, survivors of the apocalypse trying to survive in LA.

Blackout – Rami Malek stars in this story of what happens when the power goes out, forever.

The Black Tapes – for me this is kind of like the X-files of podcasts, lots of down the rabbit hole kind of stories that tie together.

Archive 81 – a really interesting found footage podcast, think Blair Witch as a podcast with a deeper and more engaging story.

Escaping NXIVM – This cult got a lot of press because the Hollywood starlets involved, also a lot takes place near Albany, NY, close to where I grew up.

Tanis – Really cool and fascinating story with a lot of depth to it.

The Left/Right Game – crazy mindbending podcast about something that will make your next drive a little more interesting.

Limetown – One of those stories that just feel like they could be real.

The Horror of Dolares Roach – a nice little story with a twist that will smack you in the face, I love this one.