The best podcasts 2025 aren’t just about topics or celebrity hosts. They’re about how the story sounds. From famous podcasts like Joe Rogan to best new podcasts 2025, today’s top podcasts 2025 succeed because voice, pacing, and performance are treated as core creative decisions.
At Voice123, the most trusted voice over network for hiring professional voice actors, we spend a lot of time listening to incredible voices in audio-only content. So in this post, we’ll explore the best podcasts 2025 and what you can learn from them.
The best podcasts 2025
The best podcasts 2025 combine strong ideas with intentional voice performance.
Across genres, good podcasts share a few defining traits:
- Hosts who sound natural, not scripted
- Voices that build trust quickly
- Clear tonal identity from episode one
- Consistent delivery across seasons
Best new podcasts 2025
Good Hang with Amy Poehler
This Golden Globe winner centers on long-form, honest conversations with creatives, comedians, and collaborators. The show’s appeal comes from Poehler’s warm hosting style. Her relaxed vocal delivery keeps conversations flowing naturally, making this one of the best new podcasts 2025.
Bad Therapist
This investigative series examines unethical practices within the mental health industry. The host approaches sensitive subject matter with restraint and clarity, letting facts and firsthand accounts drive the narrative. Its controlled narration and serious tone make it one of the most interesting podcasts of 2025 and one of the best crime podcasts.
Search Engine
Hosted by PJ Vogt, the show explores modern questions shaped by the internet, culture, and technology. Each episode digs into a single curiosity-driven topic, earning its place among the best new podcasts 2025.
Best true crime podcasts 2025
Liberty Lost
This podcast investigates allegations at a facility for pregnant teens. The host’s grounded, serious delivery keeps emotionally charged material focused and credible. It’s one of the best crime podcasts for listeners.
Serial
Hosted by Sarah Koenig, Serial continues to set the standard for investigative storytelling. The podcast revisits complex cases with careful structure and patient narration, reinforcing why Serial remains one of the best true crime podcasts 2025.
Criminal
Hosted by Phoebe Judge, Criminal tells stories about crime that often focus more on people than procedures. Judge’s calm, empathetic voice is central to the show’s identity, creating emotional distance without detachment.
Best entertainment podcasts 2025
Call Her Daddy
Hosted by Alex Cooper, Call Her Daddy blends pop culture, celebrity interviews, and confessional storytelling into a highly polished entertainment format. Cooper’s bold, high-energy vocal delivery drives engagement and shapes the show’s identity, making it one of the most famous podcasts in entertainment.
Armchair Expert
Hosted by Dax Shepard, Armchair Expert explores human behavior, relationships, and culture through long-form celebrity interviews. It’s a great example of how relaxed, authentic voice work can sustain one of the top podcasts year after year.
SmartLess
Hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, SmartLess is built on chemistry, timing, and comedic rhythm. The hosts’ rapid back-and-forth and natural vocal contrast turn simple interviews into entertainment-first audio, making this one of the most interesting podcasts for global audiences.
Best daily business podcasts 2025
The Daily
Produced by The New York Times, The Daily breaks down current events, business, and politics through reported storytelling. The hosts use neutral, precise delivery to guide listeners through complex topics. That disciplined tone is why it remains one of the top podcasts 2025 for professionals.
Up First
Hosted by NPR journalists, Up First delivers the day’s most important stories in under 15 minutes. The show’s success depends on vocal clarity and tight pacing. It’s a strong example of how educational podcasts can still feel engaging and human.
The Joe Rogan Experience
Hosted by Joe Rogan, the podcast covers business, culture, science, and politics through unscripted conversations. Rogan’s casual, conversational tone keeps discussions approachable, helping it remain the most popular podcast across multiple listener segments.
Best AI podcasts 2025
Hard Fork
Hosted by Kevin Roose and Casey Newton, Hard Fork explores AI, tech policy, and digital culture. The hosts balance authority with humor, using conversational delivery to make fast-moving AI topics digestible. It’s a standout among the best AI podcasts 2025 for tone control and pacing.
Lex Fridman Podcast
Hosted by Lex Fridman, this long-form podcast dives deep into artificial intelligence, science, and philosophy. Fridman’s slow, thoughtful delivery allows space for reflection, and it’s one of the most educational podcasts for listeners seeking depth.
Practical AI
Focused on real-world AI applications, this podcast targets builders, developers, and business leaders. The hosts use clear, structured delivery to explain technical concepts, proving that AI podcasts succeed when clarity comes before complexity.
Best marketing podcasts
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Hosted by Mel Robbins, this show blends psychology, motivation, and personal development. Her confident, emotionally expressive delivery is central to the podcast’s success, making it one of the best marketing podcasts in 2025.
Marketing Against the Grain
Hosted by marketing leaders who focus on growth and experimentation, this podcast is direct and fast-paced. Its vocal urgency mirrors its message, making it a great example of how delivery reinforces positioning in marketing-focused audio and good podcasts.
Online Marketing Made Easy
Hosted by Amy Porterfield, Online Marketing Made Easy focuses on digital marketing strategy, audience growth, email funnels, and online product launches. The podcast is built for entrepreneurs and marketers who want to keep up with the marketing industry.
Why voice overs are essential for successful podcasts
Voice overs directly impact listener retention by bringing podcast scripts to life. At Voice123, we see podcasters transform their shows simply by upgrading voice talent. Professional voice actors bring:
- Consistent tone across episodes
- Better pacing and breath control
- Emotional nuance without overacting
This is why so many top 10 podcasts rely on trained voices to start a podcast and bring unique audio stories to life.
Final Thoughts
The best podcasts 2025 prove one thing: great audio stories are built, not improvised. From best true crime podcasts 2025 to best daily business podcasts 2025, voice is the common denominator.
Voice123 helps creators to elevate podcasts from good to unforgettable. Hire a professional voice actor today or use Voice123 Enterprise for a complete project management solution.
FAQs
The Joe Rogan Experience remains the most listened to podcast of 2025.
Try Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Bad Therapist, or The Daily.
They include The Joe Rogan Experience, The Daily, Call Her Daddy, SmartLess, Armchair Expert, and The Mel Robbins Podcast.
Bad Therapist stands out as the best mystery-style and investigative podcast of 2025.
