
Top 35 Most Listened-To Podcast Episodes Worldwide You Can’t Miss
Have you ever noticed how one podcast episode can literally stop the internet in its tracks?
Suddenly, everyone is talking about that interview, that true crime story, or that life-changing piece of advice.
You hear about it at work, and you see clips trending on TikTok or YouTube.
And before you know it—you’re sneaking in earbuds just to keep up with the hype.
That’s the beauty of podcasts today.
They’re no longer just background noise while you fold laundry or commute.
They’ve become modern campfires we gather around.
Sometimes it’s Joe Rogan sharing cigars with Elon Musk, Jay Shetty unlocking Kobe Bryant’s mindset, or Mel Robbins dropping a piece of advice that makes you finally take action.
Other times it’s a chilling true-crime episode, a breaking-news deep dive, or a celebrity telling their story in a way you’ve never heard before.
And here’s the thing: some of these episodes go beyond being “listened to.”
Thanks to platforms like YouTube and Spotify, podcasts are now just as often watched.
In fact, a recent survey found that 43% of podcast listeners now prefer watching podcasts in video format, especially on YouTube.
And with over 464 million people listening to podcasts globally in 2023 (a number expected to pass 500 million soon), the stage has never been bigger.
One viral episode today can travel across continents overnight.
So, I thought: why not pull together the ultimate list of the 35 most watched—and most listened-to—podcast episodes around the globe?
Not just in the U.S., but in the UK, India, Australia, and beyond.
Because the magic of podcasts is that they’re borderless.
One episode recorded in a studio can ripple out across millions of lives, inspiring and entertaining along the way.
And don’t worry—this isn’t going to be one of those dry “top lists” you scroll past.
Think of this as a carefully curated playlist of unforgettable conversations.
Here episodes that made people laugh until their stomach hurt, cry in their cars, text their friends, or completely rethink their lives.
Ready? Let’s dive in. 🎧📺
Why These Episodes Stick With Us
Here’s the secret: the most-watched podcast episodes aren’t just about “learning.”
They’re about feeling.
- They make you laugh when you didn’t think you could.
- They tell you stories you’ll retell at dinner parties.
- They explain complex stuff in a way your mom could love.
- And sometimes, they just remind you that you’re not alone.
That’s why these 35 episodes keep topping charts. They’re the ones that make you pause the scroll and actually hit “play.”
Why These Episodes Matter (and Why You’ll Love Them)

Before we jump into the list, here’s the thing about “most watched” episodes.
It’s not just about the view count on YouTube or the download numbers on Spotify.
It’s about impact.
Did this conversation start a global debate?
Did it comfort someone during a tough time?
Did it literally change how people live their day-to-day lives?
Every episode here checks at least one of those boxes.
And I’ll break down not just what the episode is, but why it blew up, so you know exactly what mood to match it with.
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📊 Top 35 Most Watched Podcast Episodes- Audio or Video
# | Podcast | Episode Title / Guest | Format | Where to Watch/Listen |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Joe Rogan Experience | Elon Musk (First Landmark Interview) | 📺 Video | Spotify (video), YouTube clips |
2 | Call Her Daddy | Hailey Bieber | 📺 Video | YouTube, Spotify |
3 | Crime Junkie | Missing: Maura Murray | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
4 | The Mel Robbins Podcast | The 5-Second Habit | 📺 Video | YouTube, Spotify |
5 | Huberman Lab | Sleep with Dr. Matthew Walker | 📺 Video | YouTube, Spotify |
6 | The Daily | The End of Roe v. Wade | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple, NYT site |
7 | Serial | The Alibi | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
8 | Armchair Expert | President Barack Obama | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple (clips on YT) |
9 | My Favorite Murder | Golden State Killer Deep Dive | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
10 | On Purpose with Jay Shetty | Kobe Bryant: The Mamba Mindset | 📺 Video | YouTube, Spotify |
11 | SmartLess | Ryan Reynolds | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Amazon Music |
12 | Stuff You Should Know | How the Black Death Worked | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
13 | This American Life | The Giant Pool of Money | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, TAL website |
14 | Office Ladies | The Pilot | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
15 | S-Town | Chapter I | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
16 | Scamanda | The Sick Girl | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
17 | Shawn Ryan Show | Special Operations Tell-All | 📺 Video | YouTube (full episodes) |
18 | The Ben Shapiro Show | Election Night Special | 📺 Video | YouTube, Spotify |
19 | The Diary of a CEO | Mo Gawdat on AI & Happiness | 📺 Video | YouTube, Spotify |
20 | The goop Podcast | Gwyneth x Oprah | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
21 | The Ramsey Show | Debt-Free Screams | 📺 Video | YouTube, Ramsey site |
22 | Radiolab | Colors | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Radiolab site |
23 | 99% Invisible | Vexillology (Flags) | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
24 | How I Built This | Airbnb: Joe Gebbia | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
25 | Darknet Diaries | Bangladesh Bank Heist | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
26 | TED Radio Hour | The Power of Design | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
27 | No Such Thing As A Fish (UK) | Best of the Year | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple (live YT clips) |
28 | BBC Global News Podcast | Russia Invades Ukraine | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, BBC site |
29 | The Rest Is Politics (UK) | Emergency: PM Resigns | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
30 | Casefile True Crime (Australia) | Golden State Killer | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
31 | Desert Island Discs (BBC) | David Beckham | 🎧 Audio | BBC Sounds, Apple Podcasts |
32 | The Ranveer Show (India) | Sadhguru on Inner Engineering | 📺 Video | YouTube, Spotify |
33 | The Seen and the Unseen (India) | Demonetisation: What Really Happened | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, Apple Podcasts |
34 | All-In Podcast | Emergency Pod: SVB Collapse | 📺 Video | YouTube, Spotify |
35 | This American Life | The Problem We All Live With | 🎧 Audio | Spotify, TAL website |
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🎧 Quick Starter Playlist: Where to Begin
Don’t know where to start? Here’s a mood-based playlist with handpicked episodes from the Top 35 list.
💡 If you need inspiration right now
- The Mel Robbins Podcast — The 5-Second Habit (#4)
- On Purpose with Jay Shetty — Kobe Bryant (#10)
🔍 If you’re in the mood for a true crime rabbit hole
- Crime Junkie — Missing: Maura Murray (#3)
- Casefile True Crime — Golden State Killer (#30)
😂 If you just want to laugh and unwind
- SmartLess — Ryan Reynolds (#11)
- No Such Thing As A Fish — Best of the Year (#27)
🌍 If you want to understand the world better
- The Daily — The End of Roe v. Wade (#6)
- BBC Global News Podcast — Russia Invades Ukraine (#28)
🚀 If you’re chasing business & big ideas
- How I Built This — Airbnb: Joe Gebbia (#24)
- All-In Podcast — SVB Collapse (#34)
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Top 35 Podcasts Worldwide

1) The Joe Rogan Experience — Elon Musk (First Landmark Interview)

If you were online in 2018, you probably remember the moment Elon Musk smoked a joint on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
Memes exploded, Tesla stock dipped, and suddenly everyone—even people who didn’t care about podcasts—were talking about this episode.
But here’s the thing: the real magic of this conversation wasn’t the smoke.
It was the depth.
Joe Rogan, with his marathon-style interviews, created space for Elon to riff on AI, space travel, energy, and humanity’s future in a way no 10-minute TV spot ever could.
It was raw, awkward, and brilliant.
Why it blew up: It broke the internet because it blurred the line between “genius CEO” and “just another curious human.”
Why you should listen: Not for the memes, but for the moments when Elon’s imagination collides with Joe’s what-if questions. It feels like peeking behind the curtain of the future.
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2) Call Her Daddy — Hailey Bieber Tells Her Side

Celebrity drama is everywhere, but rarely do you hear a star sit down and spill their actual truth in a way that feels unfiltered.
That’s what happened when Hailey Bieber joined Alex Cooper on Call Her Daddy.
The episode instantly went viral clips of Hailey’s comments spread across TikTok like wildfire.
This headline popped up everywhere, and fans dissected every sentence.
But what really worked here was Alex Cooper’s style.
She doesn’t do fluff.
She asks the questions you’d ask if you were sitting across the table with Hailey yourself.
And Hailey?
She opened up—about fame, relationships, and finding her voice in a world that wants to define her.
Why it blew up: It was more than celebrity gossip. It was an intimate, humanizing chat with someone the internet thought they already knew.
Why you should listen: Because it reminds you that even the most glamorous people crave being heard, understood, and respected.
3) Crime Junkie — Missing: Maura Murray

True crime fans know this one.
The disappearance of Maura Murray is one of the most chilling unsolved cases of our time.
And when Crime Junkie covered it, they did what they do best: told the story with clarity, empathy, and suspense.
Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat pull you in like friends sitting on the couch retelling a mystery.
You find yourself gasping, Googling details, and—if you’re like most listeners—thinking about Maura long after the episode ends.
Why it blew up: The case was already legendary in the true-crime community, but Crime Junkie’s storytelling brought it to a new, wider audience.
Why you should listen: It’s haunting, yes, but it’s also a reminder of why storytelling matters—to keep cases alive, to humanize victims, and to stir hope that answers might still be out there.
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4) The Mel Robbins Podcast — The 5-Second Habit That Changes Everything

Imagine being told your entire life could change with just five seconds.
That’s Mel Robbins’ magic.
In this episode, she shares the now-famous “5-Second Rule”.
It is a simple mental trick to stop procrastination and push yourself into action.
The episode exploded because it wasn’t just motivational fluff.
It was science-backed, practical, and instantly usable.
Listeners around the world reported literally standing up from their couch after hearing it.
And finally tackling something they’d been putting off.
Why it blew up: Because it gave people hope and a tool. Not next week, not someday—right now.
Why you should listen: If you’ve ever thought “I just can’t get started,” this episode will feel like a friend grabbing your hand and saying, “Yes, you can—and here’s how.”
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5) Huberman Lab — Sleep with Dr. Matthew Walker

We all know sleep is important.
But after listening to neuroscientist Andrew Huberman and sleep expert Dr. Matthew Walker dive deep.
You’ll never look at bedtime the same way again.
This episode didn’t just go viral—it became a cultural reference point.
Clips about “caffeine cutoff times” and “REM sleep” spread everywhere.
And people started proudly announcing their new sleep schedules.
Why it blew up: Because it turned complex science into simple, actionable habits—stuff you can literally apply tonight.
Why you should listen: Better sleep means better life. If you’re tired of being tired, this episode could change your mornings forever.
6) The Daily (The New York Times) — The End of Roe v. Wade

Some podcast episodes capture history as it happens.
This was one of them.
When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, millions turned to The Daily not just for the news, but for understanding.
The host, Michael Barbaro, and his team explained the decision’s impact with empathy and clarity.
Listeners didn’t just hear what happened; they understood the ripple effects in real lives.
Why it blew up: It was a moment of history—and this episode became the go-to guide for millions trying to make sense of it.
Why you should listen: To hear how good journalism doesn’t just inform—it comforts, clarifies, and connects.
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7) Serial — The Alibi (Season 1, Episode 1)

This isn’t just an episode. It’s the episode that made podcasting mainstream.
When Serial launched in 2014 with “The Alibi,” it changed everything.
Suddenly, podcasts weren’t just niche—they were watercooler conversation.
Sarah Koenig’s meticulous storytelling, her doubts, her empathy—you felt like you were right there investigating with her.
The story of Adnan Syed and Hae Min Lee became a cultural phenomenon, sparking debates, think pieces, even legal appeals.
Why it blew up: It was gripping, binge-worthy, and unlike anything most listeners had ever heard before.
Why you should listen: Because it’s a piece of podcast history—and still one of the best examples of audio storytelling ever created.
8) Armchair Expert — President Barack Obama

When former President Obama sat down with Dax Shepard, the internet lit up.
What could a Hollywood actor and a former president possibly have in common?
Turns out—quite a lot.
The episode worked because it wasn’t stiff or formal.
It was warm, funny, and surprisingly vulnerable.
Obama talked about fatherhood, doubt, and even his love of basketball.
Dax, true to form, kept it casual and human.
Why it blew up: Because it made a global leader feel relatable—like the dad you’d chat with on the sidelines of a kids’ soccer game.
Why you should listen: If you want to be reminded that even world leaders wrestle with the same insecurities we all do.
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9) My Favorite Murder — Golden State Killer Deep Dive

Fans of My Favorite Murder already know Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark bring a unique mix of humor and humanity to crime storytelling.
But when they covered the Golden State Killer, something extraordinary happened.
The case had haunted California for decades, and when an arrest was finally made, the episode felt both celebratory and cathartic.
Karen and Georgia honored the victims while also letting listeners exhale a collective sigh of relief.
Why it blew up: It was more than a recap—it was closure for a community that had been waiting decades.
Why you should listen: It’s true crime with heart, told by two voices who understand the balance between darkness and light.
10) On Purpose with Jay Shetty — Kobe Bryant: The Mamba Mindset

There’s something hauntingly beautiful about this episode.
Kobe Bryant sat down with Jay Shetty to talk about mindset, discipline, and legacy—just months before his tragic passing.
Listening now feels like hearing a legend leave behind his final words of wisdom.
Jay’s calm, thoughtful questioning let Kobe open up about family, failure, and what greatness really means.
Why it blew up: Because it became more than just an interview—it became a keepsake. A reminder of what Kobe stood for.
Why you should listen: To be inspired, yes—but also to carry forward a piece of the Mamba Mentality in your own life.
11) SmartLess — Ryan Reynolds Takes the Room

If you’ve ever wished you could just hang out in a room with Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, this is the next best thing.
The chemistry is off the charts.
Ryan’s quick wit bounces perfectly off the SmartLess trio’s laid-back, improv humor.
The episode doesn’t just make you laugh.
It feels like you’re sitting at a dinner party with friends who happen to be ridiculously famous.
There’s also surprising depth.
Ryan opens up about anxiety, fatherhood, and why he keeps his personal life grounded despite the Hollywood chaos.
Why it blew up: Because it was equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Ryan Reynolds isn’t just funny—he’s human.
Why you should listen: For the laughs, yes. But also, for those moments when comedy gives way to vulnerability, and you think: “Oh wow, I feel that too.”
12) Stuff You Should Know — How the Black Death Worked

Only Josh and Chuck could take something as grim as the Black Death and turn it into a strangely entertaining history lesson.
This episode became a fan favorite because it balanced fascinating facts with easygoing banter.
They explain how the plague spread, what people believed at the time, and how it reshaped society forever.
And somehow, between the chilling details, they still manage to sneak in moments that make you smile.
Why it blew up: Because learning history doesn’t have to be boring—it can feel like hanging out with two smart friends who know how to tell a story.
Why you should listen: If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I liked history more,” this episode is proof that curiosity can be contagious.
13) This American Life — The Giant Pool of Money

This one’s a classic.
Back in 2008, as the world was trying to make sense of the financial crisis, This American Life aired “The Giant Pool of Money.”
Suddenly, a confusing, terrifying situation made sense.
The episode broke down mortgage-backed securities, subprime loans, and economic collapse—but in plain English, through real people’s stories.
It was groundbreaking and helped thousands (maybe millions) finally understand what had just happened to the global economy.
Why it blew up: Because it made the complex human—and in doing so, it helped set the standard for explanatory journalism in podcasts.
Why you should listen: Not just to understand history, but to see how good storytelling can actually make you smarter.
14) Office Ladies — The Pilot

For fans of The Office, this was the comfort food episode we didn’t know we needed.
Jenna Fischer (Pam) and Angela Kinsey (Angela) go back to the very first episode of the series.
And break it all down—from behind-the-scenes stories to what they were feeling on set.
It’s pure nostalgia wrapped in friendship.
You can hear the genuine love between Jenna and Angela, and that warmth makes you feel like you’re part of their inside circle.
Why it blew up: Because The Office isn’t just a show—it’s a cultural phenomenon. And this podcast lets fans peek behind the curtain.
Why you should listen: To fall in love with your favorite show all over again, but this time through the eyes of the people who lived it.
15) S-Town — Chapter I: If You Keep Your Mouth Shut You’ll Be Okay

Few podcasts have shaken listeners the way S-Town did.
The first chapter begins like a quirky true-crime investigation.
But quickly unravels into something deeper, more human, and utterly unforgettable.
John B. McLemore, the eccentric genius at the heart of the story, became one of podcasting’s most complex and compelling figures.
This opening episode sets the tone for a story that’s equal parts mystery, tragedy, and portrait of small-town life.
Why it blew up: Because it wasn’t what anyone expected. It bent the rules of the genre and proved that podcasts could tell stories as rich as novels.
Why you should listen: To experience storytelling that will stay with you long after the final credits roll.
16) Scamanda — Episode 1: The Sick Girl

Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.
Scamanda tells the story of a woman who faked a cancer diagnosis to scam her community.
The first episode, “The Sick Girl,” hooked listeners instantly.
It wasn’t just shock value.
It was storytelling that peeled back the layers of deception and left you wondering how far someone could go to manipulate others.
Listeners binged it, shared it, and couldn’t stop talking about it.
Why it blew up: Because scams fascinate us—and this one felt personal, devastating, and almost unbelievable.
Why you should listen: To remind yourself that not everything on social media is as it seems—and to hear a story that’s equal parts jaw-dropping and heartbreaking.
17) The Shawn Ryan Show — Special Operations Tell-All

This episode isn’t your typical military interview.
Shawn Ryan, is a former Navy SEAL.
He sits down with fellow veterans and special operations personnel to pull back the curtain on missions and experiences most of us can’t even imagine.
It’s raw.
It’s unfiltered.
And it’s often emotional—because behind the action are human beings grappling with the aftermath of war.
Why it blew up: Because it offered a brutally honest look into worlds we usually only see in movies.
Why you should listen: For a mix of respect, awe, and a deeper understanding of the sacrifices behind the headlines.
18) The Ben Shapiro Show — Election Night Special

Love him or hate him, Ben Shapiro knows how to pull in an audience.
His Election Night Special became one of his most watched episodes, as listeners tuned in for real-time analysis during a historic moment.
It wasn’t just about predictions.
It was about watching events unfold through the lens of one of the most polarizing voices in American media.
Why it blew up: Because politics + high stakes = must-watch. And people wanted commentary in the heat of the moment.
Why you should listen: Not necessarily to agree, but to understand how influential voices shape political conversations.
19) The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett — Mo Gawdat on AI & Happiness

This episode is like sitting down with two wise friends who make you rethink the big questions in life.
Mo Gawdat, former Google X exec, talks with Steven Bartlett about artificial intelligence, happiness.
And what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world.
It’s not heavy-handed—it’s thoughtful, accessible, and filled with those quiet “aha” moments that stick with you for days.
Why it blew up: Because it combined two hot topics—AI and happiness—into one soulful conversation.
Why you should listen: To shift your perspective on technology, life, and what really matters.
20) The goop Podcast — Gwyneth x Oprah: Purpose, Joy, and Owning Your Story

When Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah Winfrey sit down together, you know it’s going to be good.
And this episode didn’t disappoint.
The two icons talk about purpose, authenticity, and the courage it takes to live life on your own terms.
It’s part wisdom, part mentorship, and part girlfriend chat.
Why it blew up: Because Oprah is Oprah—and paired with Gwyneth’s curiosity, it became a conversation everyone wanted to hear.
Why you should listen: To soak up wisdom about living fully, joyfully, and unapologetically.
21) The Ramsey Show — Best of Debt-Free Screams

If you’ve never listened to a “Debt-Free Scream,” prepare yourself.
On The Ramsey Show, people call in to celebrate the moment they’ve paid off their last dollar of debt.
And when they shout, “We’re debt-free!” live on air, you feel it.
This compilation episode brought together some of the most inspiring stories—families, single parents, young professionals—all breaking free from financial chains.
It’s not just money talk; it’s tears, triumphs, and proof that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
Why it blew up: Because it wasn’t just advice—it was celebration. Real voices, real victories.
Why you should listen: If you’ve ever felt like financial freedom is out of reach, this episode will make you believe again.
22) Radiolab — Colors

Few podcasts make science feel like poetry the way Radiolab does.
In “Colors,” hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich explore how humans (and even animals) perceive the world around them.
The storytelling is playful, layered with sound design that almost paints with audio.
Listeners didn’t just learn facts—they experienced color in a new way.
Why it blew up: Because it turned something familiar into something magical.
Why you should listen: To see (and hear) the world differently, and to fall in love with curiosity all over again.
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23) 99% Invisible — Vexillology (Designing Better Flags)

Yes, flags.
You wouldn’t think an episode about flag design could go viral, but Roman Mars and the 99% Invisible team pulled it off.
This episode on vexillology (the study of flags) became a fan favorite, even inspiring city redesign campaigns.
The genius?
Roman made listeners care.
He connected design principles to identity, pride, and community.
Suddenly, a flag wasn’t just a symbol—it was a story.
Why it blew up: Because it transformed a “boring” subject into a movement.
Why you should listen: To learn why design matters—and to never look at your city’s flag the same way again.
24) How I Built This — Airbnb: Joe Gebbia

Entrepreneurs love How I Built This because it goes beyond success stories—it shows the messy beginnings.
In this episode, Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia shares how he and his partners nearly failed countless times before building a global brand.
It’s gritty, real, and full of those “Oh wow, they were just like us once” moments.
The story about renting out air mattresses to survive?
That’s where the name Airbnb was born.
Why it blew up: Because it’s startup storytelling at its best—equal parts struggle and triumph.
Why you should listen: For motivation, whether you’re launching a business or just trying to chase a dream.
25) Darknet Diaries — The Bangladesh Bank Heist

Imagine a cybercrime thriller—but real.
That’s exactly what you get in this episode of Darknet Diaries, which covers one of the largest bank heists in history.
Hackers attempted to steal nearly $1 billion from Bangladesh’s central bank through the Federal Reserve.
The storytelling is so sharp you’ll forget you’re not watching a Netflix documentary.
Jack Rhysider makes complex cybersecurity sound like an action movie.
Why it blew up: Because true crime + tech = irresistible.
Why you should listen: To realize how vulnerable our systems really are—and to get lost in a story that’s stranger than fiction.
26) TED Radio Hour — The Power of Design (Compilation)

Sometimes we forget just how much design shapes our lives.
In this special episode, TED Radio Hour weaves together multiple TED Talks about design.
It covers everything from architecture to everyday objects.
What makes it work is the pacing: fast, fascinating, and filled with “aha” moments.
By the end, you’re not just inspired—you’re noticing the design choices in your own home, street, and city.
Why it blew up: Because it was TED, but portable and story-driven.
Why you should listen: If you want a burst of inspiration in under an hour.
27) No Such Thing As A Fish (UK) — Best of the Year

Hosted by the researchers behind QI, this British comedy podcast is a rapid-fire feast of weird facts.
Their “Best of the Year” episodes are always crowd favorites because they condense a year of quirky discoveries into one hilarious highlight reel.
From bizarre animal trivia to strange historical events, you’ll laugh and learn without even trying.
Why it blew up: Because it’s pure joy—and facts you’ll instantly want to share at the pub (or the dinner table).
Why you should listen: To add some delight to your day and stock up on conversation starters.
28) BBC Global News Podcast — Special: Russia Invades Ukraine

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the world turned to trusted sources for clarity.
The BBC’s Global News team put together a special episode that explained what was happening in real-time.
It was urgent, clear, and deeply human—mixing on-the-ground reporting with expert analysis. For many listeners, this episode became the moment the enormity of the conflict truly sank in.
Why it blew up: Because in moments of crisis, the world looks for calm, credible voices.
Why you should listen: To understand not just the headlines, but the people living through them.
29) The Rest Is Politics (UK) — Emergency Pod: A Prime Minister Resigns

British politics moves fast, and when a Prime Minister suddenly resigned, The Rest Is Politics dropped an emergency pod.
Listeners flooded in, craving insight from Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart.
Their calm, experienced breakdown of the chaos was refreshing compared to the noise of social media.
It quickly became one of their most-shared episodes.
Why it blew up: Because timing is everything—and this podcast delivered when people needed answers most.
Why you should listen: To get political analysis without the yelling match.
30) Casefile True Crime (Australia) — Case 53: The Golden State Killer

Before Joseph James DeAngelo was arrested, the Golden State Killer case haunted California for decades.
This Casefile episode dives deep into the terrifying details, with the anonymous host’s signature calm, meticulous style.
It’s chilling, respectful, and incredibly detailed—earning Casefile a reputation as one of the best true-crime podcasts in the world.
Why it blew up: Because it was researched with care and delivered with the kind of weight this case deserved.
Why you should listen: To hear true crime at its most professional, gripping, and unforgettable.
31) Desert Island Discs (BBC) — David Beckham

Few shows are as iconic as Desert Island Discs.
For decades, it has asked guests which songs they’d take with them if stranded on a deserted island.
When David Beckham came on, it felt like the perfect meeting of two British institutions.
Beckham opened up about his childhood, his family, and the highs and lows of his career—all through the lens of music.
Hearing him choose tracks that shaped his life reminded fans that even global superstars are shaped by the songs they loved as kids.
Why it blew up: Because Beckham is more than a footballer—he’s a cultural figure, and hearing his story through music was intimate and refreshing.
Why you should listen: To experience nostalgia, honesty, and the kind of storytelling that only music can unlock.
32) The Ranveer Show (India) — Sadhguru on Inner Engineering

In India, The Ranveer Show has become a platform for some of the country’s most influential voices.
When Ranveer sat down with Sadhguru, millions tuned in.
Their conversation bridged spirituality, self-mastery, and modern life in a way that resonated not just in India but worldwide.
Sadhguru’s charisma and storytelling make big, abstract ideas feel practical.
The episode became one of the most shared in Indian podcasting history.
Why it blew up: Because it merged ancient wisdom with modern hustle culture.
Why you should listen: To explore spirituality in a way that feels grounded, not preachy—and to discover tools for balance in a chaotic world.
33) The Seen and the Unseen (India) — Demonetisation: What Really Happened

For listeners who crave nuance, The Seen and the Unseen is a goldmine.
In this episode, host Amit Varma takes on one of India’s biggest economic shocks—demonetisation—and unpacks it with clarity and depth.
It’s long-form, thoughtful, and unafraid to challenge assumptions.
The episode became a must-listen for anyone trying to understand how one policy decision rippled through millions of lives.
Why it blew up: Because it respected listeners’ intelligence and gave them the deep dive they weren’t getting anywhere else.
Why you should listen: To understand economics not as abstract numbers, but as lived experiences.
34) All-In Podcast — Emergency Pod: The SVB Collapse

When Silicon Valley Bank collapsed in 2023, the tech and startup world went into panic mode.
Enter the All-In Podcast, where four venture capitalists—Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg—jumped on the mic for an emergency breakdown.
Tens of thousands of founders and operators listened in real-time, desperate for insight and reassurance.
The episode became more than a podcast—it was a lifeline during a crisis.
Why it blew up: Because it was timely, insider-driven, and directly connected to people’s livelihoods.
Why you should listen: To see how podcasts can become the place where industries process their biggest moments.
35) This American Life — The Problem We All Live With

We end with a masterpiece.
In this episode, journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones explores school segregation in America—not as a history lesson, but as a current, urgent reality.
The storytelling is devastatingly human.
You hear the voices of children and parents living the consequences of policy, and you can’t help but feel moved.
It’s journalism at its finest: empathetic, brave, unforgettable.
Why it blew up: Because it didn’t just inform listeners—it changed how they saw their communities and responsibilities.
Why you should listen: To be reminded of the power of storytelling to drive empathy and change.
Wrapping It Up Top 35 Most Listened-To Podcast Episodes Worldwide You Can’t Miss: Why These 35 Episodes Matter
So there you have it: 35 of the most watched, most talked-about, most unforgettable podcast episodes from around the world.
From Joe Rogan’s unpredictable marathon with Elon Musk to the haunting beauty of S-Town, from Jay Shetty’s intimate chat with Kobe Bryant to the BBC’s urgent reporting on Ukraine, these episodes remind us of something powerful:
👉 Podcasts aren’t just content. They’re connections.
They connect us to each other—when millions of people tune into the same conversation, we share a cultural moment.
They connect us to ourselves—when a single insight, laugh, or story stays with us long after the episode ends.
And they connect us to the world—giving us perspectives far beyond our own neighborhoods.
Whether you’re here for inspiration, entertainment, or simply something to make chores a little less boring, this list is your ultimate playlist.
But here’s the best part: you don’t need to binge all 35 in one go.
Start with the one that speaks to you right now.
Maybe that’s learning how to finally sleep better.
Maybe it’s unraveling a true crime mystery. Maybe it’s just laughing with Ryan Reynolds for an hour.
Because that’s the magic of podcasts.
You never know which episode will be the one that makes you laugh out loud, cry unexpectedly, or even change your perspective on life.
So, queue up your first episode.
Pop in those earbuds.
And let the voices of the world inspire you.
Happy listening 🎧
✨ Your Turn: Which Episode Will You Queue Up First?
We’ve explored 35 of the most watched and most listened-to podcast episodes worldwide—from viral interviews to true crime chills to inspiring life lessons. Now it’s over to you: which one are you pressing play on first? 🎧📺
60 Of The Best Podcasts To Listen To Now
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the No.1 podcast in the world?
According to the latest data, “The Joe Rogan Experience” remains the most-listened-to podcast globally, drawing an estimated 11 million listeners per episode in early 2025,
What is the most listened to podcast episode ever?
The most viewed podcast episode overall is a video edition from the Thmanyah Podcast titled “How to Succeed in Relationships with Yasser Al-Huzaimi,” which has amassed an astonishing 144 million views worldwide.
Among American audio podcasts, S-Town achieved a remarkable milestone by being downloaded 10 million times in just four days, and has surpassed 80 million total downloads since its release.
What are the top 10 most listened to podcasts?
The Joe Rogan Experience consistently dominates global charts as the most-listened-to podcast. Close followers include Crime Junkie, The Daily, This American Life, and Call Her Daddy. Beyond these, shows frequently ranked among the worldwide top 10 include Dateline NBC, Stuff You Should Know, The Ben Shapiro Show, Office Ladies, and SmartLess.
Which is India’s No. 1 podcast?
According to the latest Apple Podcasts rankings in India, “The Stories of Mahabharata” holds the top spot as the No. 1 podcast in the country. Right behind it is “Figuring Out with Raj Shamani,” which also ranks prominently among listeners in India.
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