Top news podcasts to listen to

This is the news pack in my series of podcast recommendations.

Now more than ever people who normally are not even thinking about politics, government, or news are taking action.  Political leaders are caught up in Twitter feuds, marital scandals, and workplace struggles.  With all of that going on and more this is my attempt to help you stay informed. Here are my suggestions for top news podcasts you should be listening to.

The Daily

The daily has become part of my morning ritual due to its high production value and insight from the New York Times’ renown journalists covering all sorts of different topics.

This is what the news should sound like. The biggest stories of our time, told by the best journalists in the world. Hosted by Michael Barbaro. Twenty minutes a day, five days a week, ready by 6 a.m.

– The Daily Description

Barbaro is like a professor letting you sit in on his lunch chat with friends. If you aren’t a fan of reading the news, but love well-explained news stories that will leave you thinking this is the podcast for you.

• DEETS
  • Runtime: About 20 to 30 minutes.
    
  • Format: One story told. Notable highlights at the end. 
    

RELATED: Five of the best podcasts to start with for newcomers

Today Explained

If you’re someone who isn’t fond of the New York Times or just wants a more conversational tone that helps you understand the news this might be the podcast for you.

Sean Rameswaram, is a fantastic journalist and podcast host. He and his colleagues at Vox and other venues breakdown the news in a way that feels like your college roommates would have.

• DEETS
  • Runtime: About 20 to 30 minutes.
    
  • Format: One story explained.
    

It should be noted at this point that most news pods will have a similar feel and story mostly because, well, they are covering the news. It’s the journalists presenting the information that will get you to stick around. 

NPR’s Up First

This pod really is a great one to start your morning too. Hosts David Greene, Rachel Martin, Steve Inskeep and Noel King who you might know from NPR’s Morning Edition run through the top headlines of the day.

They get right into it and you can get back to your day. The best part about it is you’ll be left with enough information to get you in trouble.

• DEETS
  • Runtime: About 12 minutes.
    
  • Format: Top headlines.
    

Endless Thread

For all my Reddit fans out there, and people that want a break down of the week’s stories rather than having to listen to a show every day the producers at WBUR have you covered.

Endless Thread is hosted and produced by Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson.

Endless Thread, a new podcast from WBUR and Reddit, delves into Reddit’s boundless communities to explore some of the most compelling stories the internet has to offer, including revelations about our shared experience and powerful, personal stories.

About page on their website.

• DEETS
  • Runtime: 20 minutes.
    
  • Format: Top stories from the internet. 
    

Notable Mentions

• The indicator from Planet Money
• Washington Post’s Ciquizza
• NPR’s It’s been a minute

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