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The best podcasts like This American Life

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Who am I?

Hey there, podcast enthusiasts! We're Team Goodpods, and we're here to serve up some seriously good audio content. We know how much you love "This American Life," and trust us, we're just as obsessed. Keeping your cravings in mind, we've meticulously curated a list of podcasts that'll make your ears tingle with excitement. With an ear to the ground and an insatiable hunger for the best audio stories, we at Goodpods strive to create recommendations perfect for your podcast journey. So, buckle up and explore this audio wonderland with us – we guarantee you'll have a fantastic time!

What is my podcast playlist about?

Dive into a world where anything can happen — where true tales unfold like little radio movies. Each week, a different captivating theme awaits, packed with personal stories that tickle your funny bone, prod your feelings, and spin surprising plot twists. Our playlist brings you podcasts with the same heartfelt, newsy, and vivid style as the globally-loved This American Life. Curated carefully by us, Team Goodpods, this list is a treasure trove for listeners who seek to explore podcasts that capture the essence of being alive right now — just like This American Life does. So, strap on your headphones, and get prepared to be swept away by a surge of storytelling magic. Enjoy the ride!

The podcasts I picked and why

1. Planet Money

Why this podcast?

We chose Planet Money for this curated list because it brilliantly intertwines economics with everyday topics, offering a fresh perspective that's informative and intriguing. As a highly engaging podcast, it captivates listeners by presenting complex ideas in a digestible and entertaining manner. If you're a fan of This American Life, you'll appreciate Planet Money for its similarly compelling storytelling and ability to spotlight diverse aspects of our world through an economic lens. Plus, with Planet Money+, you'll get access to even more content and sponsor-free episodes. So go ahead, take the deep dive, and prepare to understand the world in a whole new way! Planet Money is highly recommended if you are looking for a podcast like This American Life.

Planet Money
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4.8

Wanna see a trick? Give us any topic and we can tie it back to the economy. At Planet Money, we explore the forces that shape our lives and bring you along for the ride. Don't just understand the economy – understand the world.
Wanna go deeper? Subscribe to Planet Money+ and get sponsor-free episodes of Planet Money, The Indicator, and Planet Money Summer School. Plus access to bonus content. It's a new way to support the show you love. Learn more at plus.npr.org/planetmoney

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174 Listeners

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2 Comments

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2. Radiolab

Why this podcast?

We chose Radiolab for our curated list because it impeccably combines immersive storytelling and engaging sound design to captivate listeners while exploring a wide range of thought-provoking topics. This podcast is perfect for fans of This American Life because it fosters similar curiosity-driven conversations, delves into personal stories, and uncovers fascinating scientific, historical, and cultural insights. Radiolab's hosts, Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser, expertly weave these elements together, creating a delightful listening experience that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next episode. If you love the intriguing and unexpected stories found in This American Life, Radiolab is a must-listen addition to your podcast library. Radiolab is highly recommended if you are looking for a podcast like This American Life.

Radiolab

Radiolab

WNYC Studios

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4.8

Radiolab is on a curiosity bender. We ask deep questions and use investigative journalism to get the answers. A given episode might whirl you through science, legal history, and into the home of someone halfway across the world. The show is known for innovative sound design, smashing information into music. It is hosted by Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser.

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172 Listeners

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8 Comments

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3. Reply All

Why this podcast?

We chose Reply All for our curated list because, like This American Life, it beautifully unravels the complexities and curiosities of the modern world. Its unfailingly original exploration of life on and off the internet offers fascinating insights into how technology intersects with human experiences. If you enjoy the captivating storytelling and real-life situations covered in This American Life, you'll certainly appreciate the creative approach that Alex Goldman and Emmanuel Dzotsi take in Reply All, as they share engrossing stories filled with humor, intrigue, and a sense of connection. Get ready to embark on a delightful audio journey into the often-surprising world of Reply All. Reply All is highly recommended if you are looking for a podcast like This American Life.

Reply All

Reply All

Gimlet

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4.9

"'A podcast about the internet' that is actually an unfailingly original exploration of modern life and how to survive it." - The Guardian. Hosted by Alex Goldman and Emmanuel Dzotsi from Gimlet.

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53 Listeners

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1 Comment

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4. Invisibilia

Why this podcast?

In creating this curated list, we knew Invisibilia had to be part of it. This fascinating podcast combines engaging narrative storytelling with science, revealing the hidden forces that influence our thoughts, actions, and beliefs. Just like This American Life, Invisibilia dives deep into compelling human stories, making it an enlightening and entertaining listen. If you're a fan of thought-provoking, human-centric tales with a touch of mystery and wonder, Invisibilia is sure to resonate with you. Uncovering the invisible things in life will not only keep you captivated, but might also make you see the world in a whole new light! Invisibilia is highly recommended if you are looking for a podcast like This American Life.

Invisibilia
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4.8

Unseeable forces control human behavior and shape our ideas, beliefs, and assumptions. Invisibilia—Latin for invisible things—fuses narrative storytelling with science that will make you see your own life differently.

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36 Listeners

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5. Snap Judgment

Why this podcast?

We chose Snap Judgment for our curated list because it masterfully combines engaging storytelling and impressive beats, resulting in an immersive, cinematic audio experience that grabs your attention. Like "This American Life," Snap Judgment features compelling real-life stories, diving deep into the emotions and perspectives of its characters. If you enjoy the thought-provoking and empathetic storytelling of "This American Life," you'll be delighted by the artistic and musical twist Snap Judgment brings to the table. Its unique approach to radio storytelling is sure to keep you captivated, encouraging you to explore different viewpoints while being thoroughly entertained. Snap Judgment is highly recommended if you are looking for a podcast like This American Life.

Snap Judgment

Snap Judgment

Snap Judgment and PRX

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5.0

Snap Judgment mixes real stories with killer beats to produce cinematic, dramatic radio. Snap’s raw, musical brand of storytelling dares listeners to see the world through the eyes of another. It's storytelling... with a BEAT.

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15 Listeners

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