FYI: A Bunch Of Your Favorite Celebrities Host Podcasts Now
FYI: A Bunch Of Your Favorite Celebrities Host Podcasts Now
It seems like eeverrryyy person nowadays has a podcast—your neighbor, your best friend from high school, the grocery store clerk who tells you about it while ringing up your produce. And, look, I get it. Podcasts have had a steady rise in popularity for the last decade, with over half of Americans having listened to one, according to Edison Research. The audio craze makes sense—they're the perfect companion for commuting, running errands, cleaning, and even working out.
So, yes, while your friend records their Real Housewives recap podcast from the corner of their one-bedroom apartment, they’re not the only ones taking advantage of podcasting: Your favorite celebrities are in on it, too. After all, they already have a built-in audience and can easily interview their famous friends, who also have a built-in audience. It’s a win for everyone, really. Not to mention, listeners presumably get a glimpse into who they are as a "normal" person.
But celeb podcasts go beyond the run-of-the-mill life updates (albeit some do focus on that, like Brandi Glanville’s Unfiltered). Some, like Red Table Talk, facilitate tough conversations. Meanwhile, Armchair Expert takes an anthropological look at life and goes deeper than the traditional interview.
Then, of course, you have the TV rewatch podcasts that have become popular, such as Office Ladies and Drama Queens. The world of celebrity podcasting has a lot to offer, and the best part? Whatever the content, you get to spend hours with your favorite A-listers (and B-, C-, and D-listers, too). Add these 30 best celebrity podcasts to your queue:
Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard
On Armchair Expert, actor, comedian, and husband to Kristen Bell Dax Shepard talks to experts and celebrities about their upbringings and what led them to become who they are today. Dax uses his degree in anthropology and things he’s learned from sobriety in unforgettable convos with his guests. Brie Larson, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, and even President Barack Obama have all appeared on the pod.
Red Table Talk
Red Table Talk is one of the most candid podcasts out there. The web series hosted by three generations of the Smith family—Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, and Jada’s mom, Adrienne Banfield-Norris—welcomes tough conversations with families and celebrities like Salma Hayek, Olivia Jade, and Will Smith (of course!). The series runs predominantly on Facebook Watch, but you can also listen with Apple Podcasts.
Office Ladies
The Office stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey have been rewatching the beloved mockumentary show and breaking down episodes since October 2019. The real-life BFFs even provide behind the scenes secrets on their podcast, Office Ladies. Of course, they bring on other cast members to talk about their roles. The iconic "Dinner Party" episode alone features Steve Carell, John Krasinski, Melora Hardin, Rainn Wilson, Ed Helms, Beth Grant, and episode director Paul Feig.
The West Wing Weekly
Add Josh Melina to the long list of celebs who rewatched the shows that made them famous—but he may have been among the first to do it. Josh, who portrayed Will Bailey on The West Wing, started rewatching the hit political drama and podcasting about it back in 2016 on The West Wing Weekly. His trip down memory lane came to a close in 2020, but that makes bingeing the show and accompanying podcast that much easier.
Drama Queens
One Tree Hill fans can’t get enough of Drama Queens. Three stars of the hit teen drama, Hilarie Burton, Sophia Bush, and Bethany Joy Lenz, break down every episode. Sometimes, they even bring on other OTH cast members, including Lee Norris, Antwon Tanner, and Barbara Alyn Woods. The podcast just started in June, so there's still plenty of time to start that rewatch and listen along.
Work In Progress with Sophia Bush
In addition to Drama Queens, Sophia Bush has her own podcast where she talks to people about how they got where they are and how to continue toward their goals. Titled Work In Progress, Sophia’s guests include Anita Hill, Mary-Louise Parker, and Julianne Hough, just to name a few.
Whine Down with Jana Kramer
Apparently, the OTH ladies dominate podcasts! Jana Kramer, country singer and the actress who played Alex Durpe, hosts Whine Down, a show where she discusses her personal life and allows her guests to do the same. Meghan Trainor, Sex/Life actor Mike Vogel, and Chelsea Handler have all made appearances on the pod.
Welcome to the OC, B*tches!
In addition to all of the other nostalgia trips on this list, Rachel Bilson helms an episode-by-episode breakdown of the show that made her famous: The OC. Hosted with co-star Melinda Clarke, Welcome to the OC, BItches! invites celebrity OC fans and stars like creator Josh Schwartz, Chris Carmack, and Colin Hanks. (Fingers crossed that Olivia Wilde is on an episode sometime soon!)
Tell Me
Ellen Pompeo is among the highest-paid TV actresses for her lead role on Grey’s Anatomy, so she knows a lot of cool people. On her podcast, Tell Me, she sits down with those who inspire her, including Yara Shahidi and, yes, former co-star Patrick Dempsey.
Getting Curious With Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan Van Ness is not a newcomer to the podcast world. Prior to Queer Eye, the hairdresser hosted a web series called "Gay of Thrones" when Game of Thrones was on the air. Now, he is the center of Getting Curious, where he talks to experts about anything that piques his interest. The star-studded podcast guest lineup includes Gabrielle Union, Demi Lovato, and the other members of the Fab 5.
The Viall Files
Nick Viall is just one of many in Bachelor Nation who hosts a podcast. Nick’s The Viall Files goes beyond the traditional reality TV recap. He posts multiple episodes a week, diving into dating, relationships, and sex. Plus, Nikki Glaser, Maria Menounos, and Bling Empire’s Kelly Mi Li have all been guests on the show in the last year.
Click Bait With Bachelor Nation
Following the close of Bachelor In Paradise season seven, you need to add Click Bait to your podcast rotation. The Bachelorette co-host and former Bachelorette herself Tayshia Adams, recently engaged Joe Amabile, and Queen of Paradise Natasha Parker talk pop culture and all things Bachelor Nation. They’ve even brought in fan-favorite guests, including Becca Kufrin, Kaitlyn Bristowe, and Thomas Jacobs.
Super Soul
Oprah can do everything! The talk show host brought her voice to the podcast game with Super Soul. The one and only Oprah interviews the top thought leaders, luminaries, and best-selling authors about connecting with the world around you. She tackles spirituality, wellness, and self-care.
Keeping it Real: Conversations with Jillian Michaels
Fitness coach Jillian Michaels' podcast, Keeping It Real, is the premiere wellness podcast. Each week, Jillian is joined by experts to discuss different topics in the world of wellness. She talks finance, body positivity, and so much more.
Brandi Glanville Unfiltered
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Brandi Glanville is just one of the franchise's former stars to have a podcast. On Unfiltered, Brandi talks about pop culture, fashion, celebrity gossip, and her personal life.
Just B with Bethenny Frankel
OG cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City and mogul Bethenny Frankel expanded her empire into podcasting with Just B. Each episode features unfiltered conversations with some familiar faces, including fashion designer Steve Madden, Kelly Ripa, and, of course, Andy Cohen.
The Bellas Podcast
WWE stars and TV personalities Brie and Nikki Bella give listeners a never-before-heard view into their personal lives on The Bellas Podcast. The twins go head-to-head in trivia battles, debate trending topics, kill rumors, and answer fan questions.
Storytime With Seth Rogen
Storytime with Seth Rogen just launched—but trust, it’s gonna be good. Each week, the actor, writer, and now podcast host asks people if they have a great story to share. The first episode, "Glorious Basterds" features Paul Rudd, who runs into a formerly devout Jehovah’s Witness at a movie theater.
The Left Ear
Back in 2018, actress Dakota Johnson opened up a voicemail box for women to call in and share their stories of abuse, assault, and trauma. The result was a six-episode podcast called The Left Ear, released in 2019.
Sibling Revelry With Kate Hudson And Oliver Hudson
Siblings Kate and Oliver Hudson created this podcast to talk to other sibs. Sibling Revelry features relaxed conversations with some of the more famous siblings: Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall Jenner, the HAIM sisters, Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton Rothschild, and more.
The Michelle Obama Podcast
Episodes for the former First Lady’s The Michelle Obama Podcast are sporadic (she's busy!), but what they lack in consistency, they more than make up for in quality. Michelle sits down with family, friends, and colleagues to discuss the relationships that shape us. She speaks with Conan O’Brien about marriage, waxes poetically on the gift of girlfriends and, of course, sits down with her husband.
I Weigh With Jameela Jamil
The Good Place actress Jameela Jamil’s podcast, I Weigh, started out as an Instagram account that quickly turned into a movement around challenging societal norms. One of her most recent episodes tackles transgender justice, and past guests include Samantha Bee, Elizabeth Banks, and Kelly Rowland.
Dirty Diana
The podcast Dirty Diana doesn’t necessarily have a host, but it does star actress Demi Moore in the lead voice role. The narrative show follows a woman who runs an erotic website where women share their sexual fantasies. All six episodes came out in 2020, so this should be a quick (and sexy!) binge.
Anna Farris Is Unqualified
Mom actress Anna Farris brings a refreshing twist to the "advice podcast" genre with Unqualified. Each week, she is joined by a celebrity guest, and they field questions from callers. Together, they give their best unqualified advice. Her guests include Harry Potter actress Evana Lynch, Cameron Diaz, Simu Liu, Tia Mowry, and more.
Here's The Thing With Alec Baldwin
After being on the other side of the mic for so long, Alec Baldwin takes interviewing into his own hands with his podcast, Here’s The Thing. The actor brings listeners into the spaces of some of the most famous people, including Andra Day, Kristen Bell, and Julianne Moore.
The Goop Podcast
Gwyneth Paltrow and LOOM CEO Erica Chidi take turns hosting The goop Podcast where they interview culture changers and thought leaders. They cover a wide variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, grief, and sexual fantasies.
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Conan O'Brien spent decades behind a desk interviewing some of the most notable people in the world, but he claims to have not made any lasting friendships. (All jokes, of course.) In an attempt to find a lasting connection, Conan started Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend where he talks to major celebs like Jake Gyllenhaal, Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy, and Daniel Radcliffe.
Under The Skin With Russell Brand
Russell Brand started Under The Skin in 2017—and he’s still going strong more than 200 episodes later. The actor and comedian talks with people in academia, pop culture, and the arts to "uncover the ulterior truth behind our constructed reality." He discusses capitalism, trauma, yoga and spirituality, and more.
It’s Happening With Snooki And Joey
Nicole "Snooki" LaValle and her best friend, Joey, talk about hot topics (trending news, pop culture) on It’s Happening with Snooki and Joey. The show is a great way to stay caught up on all entertainment news.
Life Is Short With Justin Long
Comedian and actor Justin Long started Life Is Short in April 2019. As he got older, Justin wanted to step back and step into the minds of his celebrity friends to find out how to make the most of life. Along the way, he chats with Cecily Strong, John Stamos, Adam Brody, and more.
If you love podcasts, why not give some hosted by your fave celebs a try? From 'Armchair Expert' to 'Office Ladies,' here are the 30 best celebrity podcasts.