Best Conversational Podcasts in 2023 That Make You Laugh And Think

by Niall Mackay

Are you looking for some fun, engaging, conversational podcasts where the hosts have intriguing and fun interviews? Here are the best podcast shows that you can give a try.

What is a conversational podcast?

Conversational podcasts are co-hosted interviews where the podcasters talk about specific themes or topics.

These interview podcasts are very similar to traditional radio shows, and the topics are often insightful or fun. 

With this being said, listening to conversational podcasts feels something similar to this:

So, where would you like to be a sitting chair?

Best Conversational Podcasts To Listen To in 2022

There are millions of podcast shows all over the internet.

So, I chose them based on their cover unique niches, insightful conversations, or humorous takes for this list.  

Do You Need a Ride?

As a comedian myself, Do You Need A Ride? It just had to be on my best conversational podcast list! The hosts, Chris and Karen, are a hilarious duo! Listening to their conversations is like eavesdropping on a funny couple over a party or restaurant if you are a shy person like I was. 

I like their sharing about their struggles while doing comedy. As stand-up comedians, we’ve all had similar experiences going on stage! 

Do You Need A Ride’s conversations were based on taking a guest or a friend to the airport or picking them up? Therefore, the show originally started off being recorded in a car (Perhaps, something I should have included as a podcast studio option?!).

Still, once the pandemic hit, they moved to their in-house studio. It didn’t disrupt their podcasting content, though.

Fresh Air With Terry Gross

The most influential NPR talk show, Fresh Air With Terry Gross, is a conversational podcast centered around contemporary arts and current events! Terry’s interviews are unique as we get insight into today’s biggest luminaries. 

The podcast guests range from writers, directors, and actors – Some of you still remember when Adam Driver walked out from his podcast episode because his voice was replayed.  

Aside from that unpleasant episode, generally, Gross’ interviewing style comes across as thoughtful and curious to get us to think about the hidden and forgotten stories of arts and films. 

Call Your Girlfriend Podcast

Some of my female friends recommended the Call Your Girlfriend podcast, and I got to say their quick popularity caught my attention.

Call Your Girlfriend has hundreds of thousands of listeners per month, and, as BuzzFeed described, you can feel their Beyonce fire feminist energy coming through! 

Aminatou and Ann are very engaging and warm hosts to discuss pop culture and female rights in our fast-pacing world. 

I also find it essential to cover feminist issues and make them accessible to men and women to understand gender equality. Call Your Girlfriend podcast also brings in witty humor and engaging gossip while accessing a critical social movement, making it on my list of best conversational podcasts for 2022. 

Learn, laugh, and listen.

Death, Sex, and Money

The final best conversational podcast is Death, Sex, and Money. I specifically chose this episode again for its unique podcast niche.

Not if you're a comedian, though. We talk about anything.

The host Anna Sale created a strong bond with her listeners and answered their questions about these three life-changing elements (death, sex, and money) by interviewing relevant authors and professionals on the topic. 

May you wonder about the changing relationships over the pandemic? Why do people steal money? – It’s not as simple as you think! 

2023 Best Conversational Podcast Recommendation

The Joe Rogan Experience

“The Joe Rogan Experience” is a famous conversational podcast hosted by Joe Rogan. The podcast became one of the most popular and downloaded worldwide after it started in December 2009. Along with celebrities, experts, writers, scientists, politicians, athletes, and more, Joe Rogan has in-depth talks with guests on his show.

The podcast is known for its unscripted and unfiltered format, allowing for in-depth discussions on various topics, from science, technology, and philosophy to comedy, entertainment, and current events. The conversations often touch on thought-provoking and controversial subjects, encouraging laughter and deep thought. The podcast’s massive popularity and reputation as a place for open and honest talk are partly due to Joe Rogan’s casual and conversational style and the variety of guests.

The Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend Podcast

“The Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend Podcast” is a comedic and conversational podcast hosted by the renowned comedian and television host Conan O’Brien. Conan invites celebrity guests, including actors, comedians, musicians, and other well-known people, to have honest, often funny, and unscripted conversations with him.

The main idea of the podcast is Conan’s attempt to connect with and become friends with his guests, even though he says he doesn’t have any real friends in the entertainment business. This theme gives the podcast a unique and charming touch as listeners hear Conan’s strange and funny efforts to make real connections.

Listening to “The Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend Podcast” is fun and lighthearted because it includes jokes, funny stories, and honest talks with many famous people. Many have said the show is excellent because of its unique style, clever humor, and honest conversations. It’s a perfect choice for podcasters who want to laugh and have fun.

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

A popular show called “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard” is run by the famous actor, director, and writer Dax Shepard. Many people like the podcast because it has honest and thought-provoking conversations with famous people from different fields and celebrities from the entertainment business.

Dax Shepard and his co-host Monica Padman have deep, meaningful, and sometimes funny talks with their guests about various topics, such as relationships, mental health, personal struggles, and life experiences. The podcast structure allows people to be open and honest with each other, which leads to deep conversations that people can relate to.

Audiences enjoy the podcast because it mixes humor, self-reflection, and familiar stories, making it exciting and thought-provoking. The show is successful because Dax Shepard is honest and genuinely interested in what people have to say.

This creates an atmosphere where guests feel comfortable sharing personal stories, life lessons, and valuable insights. People keep listening to “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard” because it has a unique way of telling stories and can connect with people on a deep and personal level.

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: Ears Edition

“The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: Ears Edition” is the audio version of the popular spoof news show “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.” Listeners can enjoy the podcast’s insightful and funny content in an audio format, which makes it easy to listen to while traveling.

“The Daily Show,” hosted by South African comedian and TV host Trevor Noah, is known for its funny takes on current events, politics, and social problems. Highlights from the TV show are included in the podcast version so viewers can stay updated on the latest news while having fun.

“The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: Ears Edition” is news and comedy in an easy-to-listen format. It features Trevor Noah’s unique brand of comedy and a team of reporters who offer different views on current events. People who like their news with a side of humor will love this podcast. It’s also a great way to stay current on current events and take advantage of fun things to do.

SmartLess Podcast

“SmartLess” is a unique and fun podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. Each show has one host who brings on a celebrity guest out of the blue. The other two hosts will only know who the guest is once the interview starts. This approach allows for natural, unscripted talks that are funny, full of personal stories, and full of surprises.

The hosts and their guests talk openly about many topics, such as life experiences, work stories, and funny stories. People can get to know their favorite celebrities casually through the “SmartLess” podcast, which has a laid-back, talking tone.

The show is known for its clever banter, funny exchanges, and hosts who can keep each other and their guests guessing. The show “SmartLess” is an excellent mix of humor and authentic human connection. If you like funny, thought-provoking, and spontaneous talks with a twist, you should listen.

Best Conversational Podcast Final Thoughts

Choosing the best podcasts is extremely difficult. Keeping the list simple helped me understand how to value different niches and, therefore, the value of each podcast conversation.

These are all great in their genre, and all of them apply the features that I mentioned on making a great conversational podcast. 

If you want to improve your interview podcasts, download my free e-book and join the SMB Podcasts community on Facebook.