Podcasts that rock

A good podcast is like a glass of fine wine (preferably the chocolate variety): it fills you with a happy glow, leaves you wanting more, and might even knock you off your feet.

Whether you listen on your commute, at the gym, or just puttering around the house, these podcasts will rock your socks:

This American Life 

This podcast focuses on a different theme each week, comprised of several segments. The masterful storytelling, humor, drama and even a few plot twists will draw you in.

Standout episodes: The Super and Petty Tyrant are both deliciously engrossing, shocking, and fascinating. Listen with a buddy, because you will definitely want someone to share stunned observations with.

How to be Amazing

Sadly, this podcast hosted by comedian/actor Michael Ian Black announced it was ceasing production earlier this year. But with more than 100 amazing episodes available online, there's plenty to hear here (minor pun intended). Black interviews a slew of talented and successful guests willing to take us down their creative roads. Guests include the likes of Elizabeth Gilbert, Amy Schumer, Andy Cohen, Judd Apatow, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Tara Westover, and many more.
Standout episodes: David Sedaris (Parts 1 & 2). I've listened to these twice, and I'm sure I'll give 'em another pass someday. Also, you'll have a blast with the author of Eat, Pray, Love Elizabeth Gilbert.
Don't Miss: The Amazing Five, a list of recommendations each guest is asked from the same five categories. You can hear it at the end of each episode, or go to the link above to see them all listed for you, easy peasy.

Good One

Listen to a joke by a comedian each week, then follow along as they break down how they developed it. Any fan of the creative process will dig it.
Standout episodes: Maria Bamford Wants You to Know How Much Money She Makes. It's not only fascinating to hear someone talk candidly about how much she earns, but Bamford also offers a few awesome tips that can apply to salary negotiations no matter what your line of work. For a great breakdown of taking the long road to refine a hilarious bit, check out "Gary Gulman's Trader Joe's."

Pop Culture Happy Hour

One of my favorite podcasts to liven up laundry-folding time, it features a panel of folks inviting us in for "a fun and freewheeling chat about the latest movies, television, books, comics and music." If you don't find several episodes on topics you'll love, you are woefully out of touch with pop culture.
Standout episodes: Too tough to call (or remember after so long as a listener), but a couple of excellent episode were Aidy Bryant Shines in "Shrill" and Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen Are in Love "Forever."
Don't Miss: What's Making Us Happy, a segment at the end of many episodes where everyone picks one thing they've been loving that week, be it a movie, song, book, article, TV show, podcast, or whatever. It's a great place to gather ideas on what could make YOU happy, too. They print the list of what's making them happy on the PCHH website under the episode on which it aired, or you can sign up for their newsletter.