Readers Say

We asked, you answered: Here are Boston.com readers’ favorite podcasts

See the full list of 53 podcasts that readers are listening to right now.

Apple Podcasts is displayed on a smartphone. Gabby Jones/Bloomberg

February 17, 2023

4 minutes to read

We recently asked readers to share their favorite podcast, and the results showed an unexpected victory for the top spot.

More than 170 readers responded to our poll with 53 recommendations, and a majority (26%) wrote in with “I’m Not Sorry” as their favorite podcast. “The Joe Rogan Experience” came in a close second with 21% of votes.

We have to hand it to Boston-area podcast co-hosts Deborah DeFrancesco and Kerri Tabasky and their followers — “I’m Not Sorry” was not among the provided options in our poll. Their win was one that required respondents to cast a write-in vote.

The third most popular vote showed that some respondents (about 6%) do not listen to podcasts at all. For the respondents that do, most listen to podcasts on Spotify (50%) and Apple Podcasts (41%).

Below we’ve ranked the top four reader-favorite podcasts, and a full list of recommendations.

1. “I’m Not Sorry”

“‘I’m Not Sorry’, is funny, real, naughty fun. Just what I need in the midst of all the stress of everything going on,” said reader J. Shook.

DeFrancesco and Tabasky, both moms in their 40s, are friends and partners in crime when it comes to captivating listeners and keeping it real. Readers agreed that they are not afraid to be meaningful and raunchy at the same time while discussing topics that listeners can relate to. But don’t just take our word for it.

“The hosts are funny, raw, and leave no topic off the table. They talk about what most women are scared to. As mother and wives, they are powerful, yet relatable and have an ability to discuss difficult subjects with humor,” said reader Dominique P.

Readers seemed to appreciate what the hosts described on their website as a podcast “for people looking for authentically relatable, mostly funny, and often inappropriate conversation.”

“Love the honesty and we could all use some off-colored humor in our lives,” said reader Jason C.

Listen: Spotify | Apple

2: “The Joe Rogan Experience”

Joe Rogan has been a comedian for 20 years and started his podcast in 2009 with Brian Redban. Since then Rogan has covered a range of topics on his podcast including science, politics, comedy, philosophy, and hobbies.

“Love his format. He usually interviews people who are interesting and have points of view that may differ from mine. I usually learn a thing or two while it’s entertaining,” said Barton.

“Authentic, no filter, feels like hanging out with your friends,” said M.M. from West Roxbury.

Listen: Spotify

3: “The Kirk Minihane Show”

“The Kirk Minihane Show” is a daily podcast hosted by Minihane and discusses sports, politics, and culture with an uncensored voice. The shows preview describes him as raw, providing a show like no other.

“He is extremely entertaining, doesn’t take himself too seriously and pokes fun at all sides to call out hypocrisy,” said Brian from MetroWest.

“Best podcast out there,” said Marc from Haverhill.

Listen: Spotify | Apple

4: “SmartLess”

“SmartLess” came in just two votes behind “The Kirk Minihane Show.” Hosted by actors Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett use comedy to discuss shared experiences. Each episode invites a different mystery guest chosen by one of the hosts. The guest remains a mystery to the other two hosts and results in organic dialogue and shared knowledge. Readers seemed to like this podcast most not only because it was funny, but also because it was relatable.

“Engaging hosts who are longtime friends, they have great guests, and their loose interview style makes for interesting and engaging conversations,” said reader Jay E.

“It’s interesting to hear the relationships with these celebrities and it kind of normalizes these people,” said reader Griffin from Woburn.

Listen: Spotify | Apple