Thanks for Listening: Quirky New England Podcasts We Think You’ll Love

Everyone knows New Englanders love to spin a good yarn, so we’ve hunted down some unique New England podcasts just for you.

It seems as if podcasts are having yet another moment with the staggering success of S-Town, another home-run from the Serial and This American Life crew (hosted by Connecticut’s own Brian Reed). With that in mind, we decided to take a look in our backyard for podcast stories and discussions made right here in New England. We’re sure you won’t be surprised that they lean cerebral, a little off-kilter, and often outright hilarious. Perfect for that morning commute or afternoon run, podcasts are a great way to deep-dive into a topic or theme, as they are usually more intimate and deliberate than the usual radio show.

Connecticut Podcasts:

Literary Disco

Writers and readers Rider Strong and Tod Goldberg of Southern California, and Connecticut’s Julia Pistell, join up from their respective coasts to rehash and review works from long ago and today. Shrewd and funny, they tackle literature that ranges from Sweet Valley High to Ayn Rand. Their summer reading list and “best of” shows are a don’t-miss.

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Massachusetts Podcasts:

Lore

Aaron Mahnke is the creator behind the huge hit Lore, and this two-years-and-counting, insanely popular podcast of everything terrifying, creepy, and supernatural continues to grow. Expect solidly produced, researched, and riveting tales of fact-based myth-origin pieces exploring topics such as where werewolves come from. Sometime later this year, Lore is coming a screen near you with help from the producers of The Walking Dead.

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Judge John Hodgman

This is a weekly podcast where John Hodgman, yes that John Hodgman, listens to real life disputes on sometimes insignificant issues. It’s where your internal shower thoughts get discussed with signature brilliant nuance and deadpan delivery. We’re all a little judgy; Hodgman owns it. Tune in to find out if chili is a soup or a stew.

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The Rap Scholars

This recently launched ‘cast, produced and hosted by “black-ademic/rap-ademic” Nasir Marumo and DJ Alfred Kimani, delves in the culture of contemporary rap and its influence on culture around us. Listen for ‘caviar’ rap explanations and the intersection of black culture, trends, and criticism.

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15 Minutes

Host Jamie Berger conducts short, sharp interviews with artists, musicians, and writers in his Massachusetts circle of friends about what fame means to them. Listen for an authentic and intimate quick-shot of meaningful conversation.

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Maine Podcasts:

What’s with You? Scooby Doo!

Host ‘nic’ brings his eclectic group of Maine friends and fans to the studio and the stage to discuss life, drinking, and pop culture—all facilitated by a viewing of that crime fighting dog and his meddling kids’ crew. It’s as off the wall as it sounds. Gives good ear.

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New Hampshire Podcasts:

Sci-Fi Saturday Night

An out-of-this-world group of friends and nerds gather around the microphone to discuss—and argue—the finer points of science fiction media. Horror, time travel, aliens, and the undead are all on the agenda. The news of the day about the latest books, movies, television, upcoming cons, and graphic novels are discussed as well as other stuff these super nerds are into. They seem to have a connection to everything, and their finger on the pulse—if zombies had pulses.

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Rhode Island Podcasts:

Terrifyingly Beautiful

David Robert and Kevin O’Connell drink and discuss their anxieties, and instead of rolling your eyes, you’ll find yourself screaming, “same!” and “me too!” Food, unearthly travel, your favorite childhood toys—everything is treated with extreme suspicion, to hilarious effect.

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Vermont Podcasts:

Rumble Strip

Host Erica Heilman meets and gets to know Vermonters and Vermonty places, and wrangles poignant stories of everyday life that are unique and infinitely relatable from her subjects. Her in-depth profiles have garnered her fans around the world.

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