2022 was an incredible year for podcasts! I know we say it every year (and it’s true every year!) but this year was a spectacular one as far as podcasts are concerned. And we’ve collected the best podcasts of 2022 to share with you today.
Whether you’re a fan of true crime, comedy, fiction, or something else entirely, there was something to satisfy every podcast fan’s podcasting needs. From popular picks, to the ones that made us laugh (and cry!), and those hidden gems we’re so glad we discovered – the podcasts of 2022 delivered!
As always though, you don’t have to just take our word for it! We’ve also shared what other fans are saying, so you can know, without a doubt, that these are the best podcasts of 2022!
So without any more adieu, here are our best podcasts of 2022.
1. The Trojan Horse Affair
The Trojan Horse Affair follows Brian Reed and Hamza Syed, as they try to unravel a massive political scandal that rocked Birmingham, England, in the early 2010s.
A strange letter appears on a city councillor’s desk in Birmingham, England, laying out an elaborate plot by Islamic extremists to infiltrate the city’s schools. The plot has a code name: Operation Trojan Horse. The story soon explodes in the news and kicks off a national panic. By the time it all dies down, the government has launched multiple investigations, beefed up the country’s counterterrorism policy, revamped schools and banned people from education for the rest of their lives.
This show was more than just an investigative endeavor. It becomes a lot more than that. Layered themes are explored through this dynamic partnership, and their different approaches and points of reference make for a really insightful listen.
Reviews from fellow fans:
“Top notch! Brilliant. I loved everything about this podcast. So thorough. One felt part of the trial and error action all the way through. The mission, the team, the rapport between the journalists, the murder board, the frustration, the mistakes, the dentist, and on and on. Very real. A warts and all presentation. I look forward to the continuation of the story.”
2. Dead Eyes
Okay, this one is a bit of a sneaky entry, as it didn’t launch in 2020…but Dead Eyes brought us such a cool audio moment in 2022 that we feel it definitely belongs on this list of the best podcasts of 2022.
But let me back up a bit…
Dead Eyes follows actor and comedian Connor Ratliff as he embarks upon a quest to solve a mystery that has haunted him for two decades: why Tom Hanks, notoriously for being the nicest man in show business, fired him from a small role in the 2001 HBO mini-series, Band Of Brothers, apparently for having “dead eyes.”
Each episode, starting back in 2020, offered candid conversations with friends and colleagues about failures, disappointments, and everything in between, not only “in the business” but also in life.
But in 2022, it all came to a glorious resolution when Ratliff was able to have a conversation with none other than Tom Hanks himself. And for lack of a better descriptor, the conversation was perfection.
The interview was just one of those “movie moment” type of experiences. The whole journey literally couldn’t have turned out any better. And for that, Dead Eyes earns a spot on the list of our favorite podcasts of 2022.
Reviews from fellow fans:
“Heart-warming, inciteful and a view into the crazy world of show-business
I’ve enjoyed listening to this immensely. I’ve laughed, cried and learnt so much about a previously unknown world. What a great last episode. Tom was fantastic. Had another little cry when he was done. Then to hear Aimee Mann’s song. Loved it. Sad it’s now over.”
“Hilarious and moving. This is the secret story of what it’s like to be a working actor. Cleverly structured, subtly voiced, beautifully produced. Brotherhood and sisterhood, dashed dreams, endless waiting, helpless hoping. All the snakes and ladders. To me, the perfect podcast. Thank you to all involved.”
3. Let’s Make a Sci-Fi
I was both surprised and not surprised about how much I enjoyed Let’s Make a Sci-Fi. A really unique concept, executed brilliantly, with some great guests thrown in the mix, it was a really cool listen in 2022.
Can three comedians create a legit sci-fi show? Comedians Ryan Beil, Maddy Kelly, and Mark Chavez are going to find out. Over eight episodes, they’ll try to write a serious, and seriously nerdy, pilot script. When they run into trouble they’ll consult Hollywood experts who have worked on things like Star Trek, Star Wars, and Firefly and science fiction superstars like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Rainn Wilson, Emily VanDerWerff and Neill Blomkamp. And in the final episode, professional actors will read their script, bringing it to life — for better or worse.
This podcast is a sci-fi nerd’s dream!
Reviews from fellow fans:
“Wow!!! The lead up and creation of the idea and show was interesting to hear, but the actual produced audio drama is fantastic! If this becomes a TV show I will definitely watch, if it doesn’t I hope they make more episodes to finish the series here. This story is so good I would definitely audiobook it if they produced it that way! I was sceptical when I first heard the premise of this podcast, but gave it a chance and absolutely love it. I highly recommend. Give us more content!”
4. Twin Flames
Twin Flames was probably the podcasts I recommended the most this year. It was just such a wild, unbelievable ride!
We all want love, that happily-ever-after feeling of finding your soulmate. What if someone not only claimed they could help you find that perfect partner, they guaranteed it? Jeff and Shaleia, a young couple famous on YouTube, teach about ‘Twin Flames’ — a deep, romantic connection with your perfect partner in their videos.
It’s divine love, you’re designed for no one else, and they’re designed for no one else. But the path to finding your Twin Flame isn’t so simple. Some followers claim they were encouraged to cut ties with friends and family that are holding them back, and to claim their Twin Flame by any means necessary.
And they really do mean by any means necessary! I don’t think any other podcast this year dished up as many literal jaw-dropping moments!
Reviews from fellow fans:
“Love the new series, I mean, we all want to find true love and we are vulnerable, look at all the love scams online, women and men that give away their life savings, people can go to extremes to find love and unfortunately is always someone to take advantage of it! Love the show, highly recommend!”
“Best. Podcast. Ever. I am hooked. Aghast. Thank you for telling this story and PLEASE make a series 2! Six episodes isn’t enough! Poor Angie!“
5. Normal Gossip
Next up, another surprise favorite, Normal Gossip.
Normal Gossip delivers juicy, strange, funny, and utterly banal gossip about people you’ll never know and never meet. Host Kelsey McKinney discusses reader-submitted comedic gossip with guests, diving into the lives and decisions of complete strangers. The second-hand truth really is stranger than fiction.
Whatever your personal opinion is of gossip in general, there can be no denying that this podcast will pull you down the rabbit hole, and have you hooked!
Reviews from fellow fans:
“Oh Em Gee..Sooo Juicy! I’ll be honest..I didn’t know what to expect when I heard a trailer of this podcast from another podcast i follow. I was thinking, “Meh..it’ll probably be goofy and will waste my time..”. I am not embarrassed to say, I WAS SOOO WRONG!”
6. Project Unabom
Project Unabom was another great listen in 2022. You probably know the story, but you haven’t heard it like this.
Decades after Ted Kaczynski was caught, society is still asking some of the same questions about him: Is Ted a genius who went astray? Or simply a madman who murdered three people in cold blood? Project Unabom takes an in-depth look back at the Unabomber saga and Ted Kaczynski’s legacy from the perspective of FBI agents who worked to solve the case, his brother who turned him in, and Ted’s very own writings.
Reviews from fellow fans:
“They nailed it – from someone who lived it. I am Jeff Ward, the former Unabom suspect who figures so prominently in episode 3. As only someone who lived this story for 20 years can tell you, Eric Benson and Pineapple Street Studios nailed it! In fact, they were more accurate about the Unabom timeline than I was.”
7. Hoaxed
Another gripping true-crime tale that had us hooked in 2022 was Hoaxed.
In 2014, two children told police a shocking story: that they were being abused by a Satanic cult; a cult headed by their father and by parents and teachers at their school in the wealthy London suburb of Hampstead. The story was a lie. But on the internet, that didn’t matter.
Hoaxed is an investigation into one of Britain’s most serious-ever conspiracy theories. A story about a modern-day Satanic panic; about the victims whose lives were destroyed and about the conspiracists who spread the lie around the world. Oh, and it’s about our hunt for the perpetrators – the people who forced the kids to lie – the ones who started it all.
Reviews from fellow fans:
“Compelling listen. A great podcast which highlights how damaging hoaxes can be, a truly terrifying insight into the way people can be manipulated into believing just about anything.”
“Top quality, insightful journalism. I love discovering podcasts like Hoaxed. The production quality is top notch, the narrative is clear and sufficiently dramatic to keep you hooked in and, most importantly, the integrity and depth of journalism involved is obvious.”
8. Chameleon: Wild Boys
We’ve featured seasons one and two of Chameleon on previous ‘Best Of’ posts. And their 2022 offering, Wild Boys, is no different!
This fascinating tale took place in the rural British Columbia town of Vernon in 2003, when two half-starved brothers emerged from the wilderness, telling an incredible story of survival. A small Canadian community took them in. The only problem? The boys weren’t who they said they were. Wild Boys is an engrossing tale of small-town spirit and what happens when this spirit is abused.
Reviews from fellow fans:
““This is a story told by a gifted story-teller. I felt connected to the characters and the words made me feel like I was part of the journey. Told with compassion and without judgement, an unusual gift in today’s society; the ability to separate oneself from the views we find abhorrent and find understanding for the person behind the rhetoric. When it would have been easy to fall victim to outrage our narrator search’s for empathy. Outstanding, one of the best podcasts I’ve listened too.”
9. Was I in a Cult?
Also not strictly a 2022 podcast, but Was I in a Cult? was another gem we’re so glad we found in 2022! There’s something about cult culture that is just fascinating! And it’s equally fascinating realizing things you didn’t know were cults, in fact, are.
Hosted by Tyler Measom and Liz Iacuzzi, Was I In A Cult? is a documentary-style podcast showcasing individuals who have been in, and most importantly, successfully left a cult. Told first-hand by the experiencer themself, these are raw, riveting and inspirational tales of what it means to be a survivor. Using levity and info-tainment, the show humanizes the cultic experience and may leave some of our listeners asking themselves…“Wait…Was I In A Cult?”
Reviews from fellow fans:
“Powerful & poignant podcast. Focusing on different Cults, very convincingly connects different beliefs & ideologies to common themes of control and personal discovery. They do a great job picking great story tellers to bring each Cult to light.”
10. Sympathy Pains
Sympathy Pains was another really interesting listen from 2022!
Hosted by Laura Beil (Dr. Death, Bad Batch), Sympathy Pains is a six-part series from Neon Hum Media and iHeartRadio. For 20 years, Sarah Delashmit told people around her that she had cancer, muscular dystrophy, and other illnesses. She used a wheelchair and posted selfies from a hospital bed. She told friends and coworkers she was trapped in abusive relationships, or that she was the mother of children who had died. It was all a con. Sympathy was both her great need and her powerful weapon. But unlike most scams, she didn’t want people’s money. She was after something far more valuable.
Reviews from fellow fans:
“One of the best podcasts I’ve listened to in a very long time
This podcast is completely captivating and I couldn’t wait to hear every episode. Highly recommended… also sad but really really good.”
11. Petty Crimes
Do you love low-stakes crime? I bet you do, even if you don’t know it yet! Which is why you should check out Petty Crimes!
Each week, Petty Crimes co-hosts and long-time friends, Ceara O’Sullivan and Griff Stark-Ennis, passionately investigate minor, interpersonal disputes…arriving at a verdict with each case examined. Part comedy, part true crime – completely petty.
Reviews from fellow fans:
“BEST PODCAST EVER! These two are HYSTERICAL! Highlight of my week every week!! Listen to one and you’ll be hooked for life!!!”
12. Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy
Next up, Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy, is still one of the best podcasts that landed in 2022.
Over the course of nearly half a century, Siegfried & Roy performed 30,000 shows for 50 million people and generated well over $1 billion in ticket sales. Although the German-born illusionists and pop culture icons were mega-famous, much about their private lives, eccentric public personae, and tragic final show remained shrouded in mystery…until now. Emmy®-winning filmmaker and journalist Steven Leckart, in his very first podcast, takes you behind the velvet curtain to reveal shocking moments, surprising details, and hidden truths about two men who were lionized by millions of fans, lampooned by the media, criticized by animal welfare advocates, and endlessly scrutinized by the public.
Reviews from fellow fans:
“Best recommendation I’ve ever gotten. So glad this showed up on Recommended For You, I would’ve never found this podcast. It’s everything I love in a podcast, and it’s great background noise for when I’m painting. Such an interesting story, and I’m sad I’ll never get to see their magic on stage.”
“10/10. So well done, story is so fascinating, very entertaining never gets boring, uses so much information based facts, awesome narrator. It’s a hidden gem for real, 10/10.”
13. The Silt Verses
Looking for a great fiction podcast that walks the line between horror and fantasy, then you’ll love another of our favorite podcasts of 2022…The Silt Verses.
In this horror/fantasy serial drama, Carpenter and Faulkner, two worshippers of an outlawed god, travel up the length of their deity’s great black river, searching for holy revelations.
As their pilgrimage lengthens and the river’s mysteries deepen, the two acolytes find themselves under threat from a police manhunt, but also come into conflict with the weirder gods that have flourished in these forgotten rural territories.
Reviews from fellow fans:
Just fantastic! This is an addictive, incredibly well written show that at times reaches high points few things do these days. It is an original and well thought out world with absolutely brilliant characters who are played beautifully. Truly the best, most consistent audio drama in existence.
14. Sweet Bobby
And finally, our last best podcast of 2022, Sweet Bobby.
Kirat is a successful radio presenter. On Facebook she meets Bobby, a handsome cardiologist. He’s a catch. Soon, they get tangled up in a love affair full of lies and manipulation. Then… Kirat discovers a deception of almost unimaginable proportions.
This is Sweet Bobby. A live investigation, in six parts, in search of one of the world’s most sophisticated catfishers.
Reviews from fellow fans:
Thoroughly gripping. I could not recommend this podcast more highly. As someone who has direct experience of a family member being a victim of coercive control I found this story incredibly compelling and moving. A very brave personal story, handled really sensitively by Alexi.
Conclusion
There is absolutely no doubt that 2022 has introduced us to some of our new favorite podcasts! All of these podcasts bring something unique and exciting, sure to keep listeners engaged until the end. And with each year that passes, we get more and more excited about the quality podcasts we get the privilege of enjoying!
What were your best podcasts of 2022? Let us know in the comments!
Related read: A Collection of the Best Celebrity Podcasts of 2022
