The best podcasts to hear interesting conversations about happy things.

The Golden Ration podcast is created by a couple that fosters/adopt senior, medically needy Golden Retrievers. The dog stories are heartwarming, occasionally a bit graphic (medical treatments discussed), and they are told in a way that makes you love this band of miscreants as much as they do. If dogs aren't enough, they also give you some personal "flavor" with their segment titled Taste of the Keys (they live in the Florida Keys), German Word of the Week, Administrative corner, and ramblings. You'll be glad you tuned in when you have a smile on your face and the local dog rescue number on your phone.

One musician/music professor, and one journalist take a deep dive into the history of our favorite tunes. You'll hear stories you are not likely to hear anywhere else. It's an excellent way to get a bit of culture, humor, and more.

I struggle to fall asleep unless I listen to a podcast. I decided listening to true crime while falling asleep might not be the best for my psyche, and I was thrilled to find Nothing Much Happens. The host writes and reads her own stories, in which nothing much happens. I like her stories better than the sleep podcasts that read old stories that are available in the public domain. Each episode stands alone, but some link together allowing you to listen without feeling like you have to start from the beginning.

Pairing a beer with a crime is a unique take on the true crime genre. Hosted by two guys, one Canadian, one American gives you insights and humor you won't find in other true crime shows.

If you enjoy podcasts (and you've gotten this far into this list, so you do), this is a way to learn about a new (to you show). The host analyzes a show's trailer and then shares her opinion. Each episode is dedicated to one trailer, is short, and will give you the opportunity to learn about a new show. If you're a podcaster, you can apply to be featured, or just take the advice you hear and make your own trailer better.