From shocking true-crime investigations to chaotic comedies, 2026 has already been a standout year for podcasts. To help you discover your next favorite, we’re sharing a curated collection from around the world, hand-picked by our editors.
We caught up with a few of the people behind the picks to discover which show earned their personal number one spot and why it’s worth adding to your queue. These are the best podcasts of the year—so far.
Australia
“Foundling | Tortoise Investigates has built a reputation for stories that stay with you, and this is among their most affecting. It follows an abandoned baby’s search for her birth mother and the fallout that search creates for everyone involved. Heartfelt, with revelations you never see coming.” — Anita Brabham, Podcast & Audience Development Manager
Brazil
“Ela é Pior que Eu—the title translates to ‘She’s Worse Than Me’—features a pair of actresses and comedians and their mothers, who are just as unapologetic and outrageous as their daughters. They talk about pretty much anything that crosses their minds, creating a chaotic, fun, and authentic podcast.” — Flora Paul, Audience Development Manager
Germany
“Documentaries have always been a staple of the German podcast industry, and Die Lieblingsschülerin is an amazing example of why. Host Britta Rotsch spent over a year investigating emotional and sexual abuse by teachers in German schools, telling the story through three survivors. It’s impeccably produced and a reminder of why documentary podcasts are, and will always be, a key medium for storytelling.” — Gianluca Schappei, Podcast Partner Manager
Mexico
“Las Desencantadas transforms a simple premise—a conversation between a mother and daughter—into something deeply relatable and powerful. What makes it special is the honesty between them: Once the recording starts, they move beyond their family roles and become two women sharing experiences without filters. I recommend Episode 4, ‘No saber decir no’ (‘Not knowing how to say no’), which explores the challenge of setting boundaries across generations.” — Valeria García Escalante, Audience Development Manager
U.K. and Ireland
“100 Questions with Tom Simons is a new take on the interview format where a guest is given one hour to answer 100 questions. Tom Simmons casts a wide net, with interviewees ranging from astronomers and ex-gang leaders to radio DJs, and a Twitch streamer with Tourette syndrome. Start with the Stephen Fry episode—he needs no introduction but is not known for his brevity. Can you guess how many questions he gets through?” — Rowan Collinson, Senior Audience Development Manager
U.S. and Canada
“Friends Keep Secrets does something I’ve never seen a podcast pull off. Benny Blanco, Lil Dicky, and Lil Dicky’s wife, Kristin Batalucco, are genuine friends who actually like each other. The couple has rigged their home with hidden cameras that follow them everywhere, including the in-house recording studio, which makes it less of a show and more of a hangout you got invited to. Start with the Ed Sheeran episode. You watch them build a song from scratch in real time, a rare glimpse into how these creative minds actually work.” — Alexandra Tryggvadottir, Podcast Editorial & Audience Development Manager
Looking for more? Find all our picks in the Best Podcasts of the Year (So Far) hub.