9 Binge-Worthy California Podcasts

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Podcasts have taken the nation by storm ever since Serial first hit the scene in 2014, steadily becoming a necessity of everyday life—and the audio entertainment trend shows no sign of slowing down. According to a 2022 survey, more than 50 percent of Americans have listened to a podcast, and one in three listen to a podcast at least once a month. 

The growing popularity of podcasts arguably stems from their ability to transform the daily grind and mundane tasks into more bearable and enjoyable experiences. Podcasts also cover a seemingly endless array of topics for any interest. Love sports? There are countless choices. Obsessed with animals? Take your pick. Looking for something more niche, such as the best pens? Yup, there’s a podcast for that. The number of options can easily feel overwhelming, so we’ve waded through and found a few of the best California-based podcasts for both podcast newbies and junkies who want an intriguing option to add to their queue.

Whether you’re seeking some much-needed escapism from your dreaded BART ride into San Francisco or your long Los Angeles evening commute, these nine California podcasts have you covered: Delve into the gritty details of a mysterious crime, learn something new about the Golden State, stay informed on the latest happenings, or simply laugh out loud. Get ready to browse, download, and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of podcasts.

1. YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS

Category: Entertainment
Host: Karina Longworth, a prominent film critic based in Los Angeles
Average episode time: 90 - 120 minutes
Why you should listen: Movie buffs are bound to enjoy one of the most fascinating California-based podcasts.

Featuring some of the greatest secrets in Hollywood, this podcast adheres to both cinephiles and history buffs. What started as a passion project is now a hit,  providing behind-the-scenes glimpses into everything from hidden gems to uncovered secrets and forgotten histories. Karina Longworth’s extensive research will most probably change the way you see Hollywood, as she has the courage to talk about topics you normally would shy away from. This can also be considered a California history podcast as the content is mainly about Hollywood’s first century.

2. California Foodways

Category: Food
Host: Lisa Morehouse, an award-winning journalist focusing on food, agriculture, and the people who make both possible
Average episode time: 10 minutes
Why you should listen: California Foodways delves deep into the richest, most diverse, and most complex state in the nation.

Follow Morehouse as she travels across California, telling the captivating stories of culinary pioneers, chefs, and farmers while exploring the connection between people and food. Listeners can learn how a Vietnamese pop star turned into an Orange County sandwich maven, why Central Valley prisoners are supplying milk to nearly all the prisons in the state system, and what it took for a Madera farmworker to become a mole-making restaurant owner.

3. BAY CURIOUS

Category: Travel
Host: Olivia Allen-Price, a KQED journalist and producer.
Average episode time: 10 minutes.
Why you should listen: Whether you’re a San Francisco Bay Area native or a brand-new resident, this hit podcast answers all of your burning questions about the region and its many quirks.

Ever wondered why the BART escalators always seem to be broken, how Treasure Island was built, where the most mysterious landmarks are located, or what it took to construct the tunnels under San Francisco? Listen to Bay Curious, one of the most informative podcasts in the Bay Area, and you’ll be surprised—and fascinated—by what you learn.

4. THIS WEEK IN TECH

Category: Technology
Host: Leo Laporte, a technology expert whose Twit.Tv podcast provides tech news, commentary, how-tos, and information about the latest trends.
Average episode time: 2 hours.
Why you should listen: This Week in Tech is the No.1-ranked technology podcast—and for good reason.

The flagship podcast of Twit.Tv features fresh perspectives on emerging industry trends from a group of top tech pundits, who participate in roundtable discussions about everything from new tech laws and face-recognition technology to the great folding-phone debate and the latest Apple product release. It’s the perfect podcast for tech junkies.

5. MY FAVORITE MURDER

Cateogry: True crime
Hosts: Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff, stand-up comedians and lifelong fans of true crime stories
Average episode time: 75 – 90 minutes
Why you should listen: My Favorite Murder is one of the best California podcasts, as true-crime enthusiasts have been growing in numbers as of late.

Since its inception, the true-crime podcast has broken download records and garnered a cult-like following, thanks to the witty and hilarious hosts who tell each other their favorite tales of murder and hear hometown crime stories from friends and fans.  So, if you’re a true-crime enthusiast with a good sense of humor, My Favorite Murder may soon be your next obsession.

6. TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A.

Category: True crime
Host: Neil Strauss, an award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author who found himself in the middle of a murder investigation
Average episode time: 30 minutes
Why you should listen: It is a captivating combination for those fascinated by the thrills and dramas of life in LA.

This gripping, thrilling California murder podcast dives into the mysterious disappearance of aspiring actress and model Adea Shabani, who vanished without a trace from her Hollywood apartment in 2018. Strauss follows the case as it unfolds, detailing all the twists and turns through first-hand accounts, clips, and evidence—and eventually solving the murder.

7. HOUSING MATTERS

Category: Real Estate, economics, and housing news
Hosts: California Association of Realtors
Average episode time: 30 - 40 minutes
Why you should listen: Astute and up-to-date trends and know-how from the real-estate industry, without having to read a dry magazine or article.

Getting into the real estate industry can be quite an overwhelming challenge for some. In this ever-growing and changing industry it is important to inform and educate yourself, especially if you are looking to settle somewhere in the Golden State but have no idea where to begin. Housing Matters will provide listeners with the latest housing news, valuable information, and knowledge that will help you in your future endeavors. This California real estate podcast is definitely one you should tune in to if the topic is of interest to you.

8. COMEDY BANG BANG

Category: Comedy
Host: Scott Aukerman, a Hollywood writer and comedian
Average episode time: 90 – 120 minutes
Why you should listen: Providing a weekly dose of funny, this podcast will leave you laughing so hard your stomach hurts.

Comedy Bang Bang boasts a unique format that blends celebrity interviews with an open-door policy for drop-in guests—meaning an assortment of oddballs can stop by at any moment to wreak havoc, tell a story, give unsolicited advice, or announce surprising news. Hear from beloved comedians like Zach Galifianakis, Amy Poehler, and Sarah Silverman as you wait for whatever unexpected guest visits next. 

9. ARMCHAIR EXPERT

Category: Comedy
Host: Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, award-winning actors and comedians
Average episode time: 2 hours
Why you should listen: This star-studded podcast is popular for a reason.

Shepard and Padman have vulnerable, honest conversations with renowned writers, musicians, academics, and celebrities — including Amy Schumer, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, and Jim Gaffigan — that reveal the messiness of being human. The real talk that happens on Armchair Expert goes to show that everyone (regardless of status) has stories of struggle, shortcomings, and success. As of July 2021, Armchair Expert will be available exclusively on Spotify, so make sure to tune in!