To say being a teenager is challenging is an understatement. At least, that’s what it can feel like when you’re a teen. In your youth, every problem feels like the end of the world.
If you’re a parent with a teen, chances are you’ve encountered your teen talking about these issues before. Sometimes, you’re there to offer advice, but there may be the occasional problem that you just can’t solve or help out with.
Listening to relatable media is a great way to engage with young people and understand their origins. Whether you’re looking for a podcast show to listen to together or you’re a teenager yourself looking for a new show to check out, we’ve got the best podcasts for teens to listen to.
With shows ranging from educational to comedic to fiction storytelling, there are plenty of youth-friendly podcasts to stay engaged and listen to fun content. Here’s our list of some great podcasts for teens.
Stuff You Should Know
For teens who love learning interesting factoids about the world around us, Stuff You Should Know is a great place to start. Hosts Josh Clark and Charles Wayne “Chuck” Bryant have kept this show running since 2008 and offer plenty of insight into a wide variety of topics.
This is a great podcast not only for teenagers but also for any curious minds interested in science, history, pop culture, and urban legends. Each podcast episode covers a new topic, and they release multiple episodes a week.
The Mortified Podcast
Adults know the growing pains that come with being a teenager – they were once teens themselves! The Mortified Podcast aims to capture those embarrassing, cringe-worthy stories that transformed us from awkward teens to semi-functional adults.
Each episode features real-life stories from adults on what their teenage experience was like, reading through love letters, diary entries, and more. They talk about all topics surrounding teen life, like first loves, first break-ups, first jobs, coming out, and more.
The Unexplainable Disappearance Of Mars Patel
For teens into storytelling and mysteries, The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel is sure to scratch that itch for a compelling mystery. This award-winning podcast is for anyone who’s a fan of Stranger Things or The Goonies.
Performed by middle-school kids, this is a high-quality serial mystery show with three seasons that are sure to keep teens entertained until the very last minute.
Radio Rental
Like Mars Patel, we recommend Radio Rental for older teens. The horror in this show can be chilling. Real-life crime stories and paranormal encounters are told through the lens of a video rental store set in the 1980s, making for some intriguing storytelling.
Teens love this limited series for its creative spin on the podcast horror genre and are left spooked and completely immersed in each episode’s rich storytelling. There’s some comedy spun in as well so you’re never left too scared!
Adult ISH
Being a teenager means feeling uneasy as they turn the corner into adulthood. Our picks for the best podcasts for teens can help them feel more comfortable in their skin.
Podcast company Radiotopia presents “Adult ISH,” an award-winning show for teens that leaves nothing off limits. Twenty-something hosts French and Turner discuss what it’s like being a BIPOC in a changing world, offer practical tips on being a young adult, and talk to their friends and special guests about the experiences that helped them become the people they are today.
Dear Hank and John
First YouTubers and best-selling authors, now podcasters, brothers Hank Green and John Green read listener letters and inquiries each week in their show, Dear Hank & John. Together, they answer life’s big and small questions, making this an interesting all-around listen for any teenager curious about the world around them.
Hank and John offer interesting facts and sound advice that inspire anyone to seek their personal passions. And as two siblings themselves, they have a few hilarious and heartwarming stories about what it’s like growing up as a teenager.
Teen Girl Talk
Another sibling podcast on our list, Teen Girl Talk, features hosts and siblings Frankie Cota and Susie Cota as they talk about teen media. Everything is covered, from pop culture, books, TV, movies, music, and more.
For a PG-friendly take on pop culture, this is a great show to recommend to your teen so they can feel caught up on what’s happening in the world. For any culturally-savvy teens, it can be fun to listen to other young people talk about topics they’re interested in, like the newest film release or what show to binge-watch next.
What’s Good Games
Experts on all things videogames, hosts Andrea Rene, Brittney Brombacher, and Riana Manuel-Peña bring you their podcast show What’s Good Games.
The trio of hosts cover the latest in gaming news, discuss upcoming titles, answer listener questions, and talk about other topics relating to the video game world. With fun and friendly conversation that never takes itself too seriously, any video game lover is sure to have a fun time.
Conclusion
After listening to hours of their favorite podcast, your teen may feel compelled to make a podcast for themselves. They are at an age where they want their voice heard.
Luckily, it can be easy to set up and record your podcast with the right toolset. Check out our resources for the finding the correct podcasting equipment as we as our instructions for how to upload a podcast for beginners.
