Need some off-screen entertainment but still want your celebrity fix? Maybe it's time to check out some podcasts. Literally anyone can start a podcast with just a laptop and a microphone, so it's no surprise that a slew of famous people have used the format to expand their platforms — and their careers. From hilarious shows that have us rolling on the floor in laughter to ones that tackle real issues, there's a celebrity podcast covering nearly any topic you could imagine. And it's not just reality TV stars and B-list celebrities saturating the podcast market — some major celebs have gotten in on the action too.
It's fascinating to hear the actual thoughts and opinions of some of our favorite stars, but even more interesting is the fact that celebrities who host podcasts often tap into their social and professional circles and enlist other famous friends to make appearances. So these podcasts often offer some real insight, not just into the world of celebrities but into the minds of people who've achieved the kind of success many of us could only dream of.
Oh, and they dish out lots of inspiration and pro tips for all areas of life. So get ready to hit that subscribe button and binge listen to some entertaining and enlightening episodes ASAP.
'Unqualified' With Anna Faris
Funnywoman Anna Faris took the idea of the old-school talk advice radio program and turned it into a celeb-centric show in which listeners call in with questions about their personal lives, and celebrities and public figures offer them advice. Lots of it is relationship advice, but people also ask all sorts of other questions.
'Pretty Big Deal' With Ashley Graham
In the way that only body-positive model Ashley Graham can, her podcast, Pretty Big Deal, is focused on personal empowerment. She invites celebrities — who have included Shay Mitchell and Gabrielle Union — on the show to chat about what makes them different and uniquely themselves, and how that has affected their lives and careers.
'Sibling Revelry' With Kate Hudson
On the Sibling Revelry podcast, actress and businesswoman Kate Hudson joins her brother, Oliver Hudson, to discuss family dynamics and sibling relationships, often inviting guests with interesting and insightful perspectives on topics like polygamy, estrangement, and large families.
'The Michelle Obama Podcast'
Former first lady Michelle Obama launched her own podcast in the summer of 2020. She delves deep into relationships with various guests, discussing how some of the relationships in our lives come to shape who we are. Guests have included her husband, former President Barack Obama, her brother and sister-in-law, and late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien.
'Getting Curious' With Jonathan Van Ness
Believe it or not, Queer Eye style expert Jonathan Van Ness has hosted his own podcast for more than five years. On Getting Curious, he explores a huge variety of topics from fashion to science, inviting experts to educate and inform his listeners on their specialties, all with his signature charm and bubbly personality.
'Here's the Thing' With Alec Baldwin
Actor Alec Baldwin's radio show, Here's the Thing, which debuted way back in 2011, is now a podcast. On the show he covers an array of topics and interviews experts and professionals in entertainment, politics, journalism, and more. Past guests have included the likes of Chris Rock, David Letterman, and Amanda Knox.
'Archewell Audio' With Prince Harry & Meghan Markle
Since leaving royal life and moving to the US, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have launched their own nonprofit called Archewell to continue their work as philanthropists and activists. Early in 2021, they started a podcast, Archewell Audio, with the goal of inspiring and uplifting. Though it's still in its infancy, it has already featured notable guests including Sir Elton John and James Corden.
'Armchair Expert' With Dax Shephard
Launched in 2018, the Armchair Expert podcast, created and hosted by actors Dax Shephard and Monica Padman, has been a huge hit. The two interview and chat with celebrities, as well as notable figures in academia and journalism, about the ins and outs of humanity. Topics include everything from parenting to politics.
'The Goop Podcast' With Gwyneth Paltrow
As with her entire brand, Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop podcast is centered on health and wellness. Gwyneth and Erica Chidi, CEO and cofounder of Loom, both host and delve into subjects related to emotional and physical well-being, with a focus on alternative therapies and treatments. They chat with experts and practitioners including astrologists, psychologists, and authors.
'I Weigh' With Jameela Jamil
The Good Place actress Jameela Jamil has been professing body and identity-positive ideals for years now, often taking heat for speaking up about biases and advocating for inclusivity among the media. With her podcast, I Weigh, she's taken her mission to another level, though, speaking to both celebrities, thought-leaders, and influencers who challenge societal norms and beauty standards.
'RuPaul: What's the Tee?'
Iconic drag queen RuPaul, along with radio DJ Michelle Visage, hosts a comedy-based podcast called RuPaul: What's the Tee? that covers a wide range of topics from pop culture and beauty to behind-the-scenes moments from their hit reality competition, RuPaul's Drag Race. Tune in for lots of hilarious insights and discussion.
'The Left Ear' With Dakota Johnson
Several years ago, 50 Shades of Grey actress Dakota Johnson launched her podcast, the Left Ear, after she gave out a phone number at the 2018 Global Citizen Festival for women to call and share their stories of assault, abuse, and harassment. The response was overwhelming, so Dakota turned the concept into a show. Although it's been more than a year since the last episode was released, there are eight riveting ones available to listen to right now.
'Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations'
As a former broadcast journalist and the world's most iconic talk show host, Oprah Winfrey was a shoe-in for one day having her own podcast. On Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations, she talks to incredible guests from all walks of life, including celebrities, authors, thought-leaders, spiritual guides and more, on topics surrounding faith, wellness, and health.
'Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend'
As the story goes, after spending so many years as a late-night talk show host, Conan realized that he didn't have any real friends. So he decided to launch the podcast, Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, to help him dig deeper into the relationships he formed with many of the celebrities he's interviewed over the years in order to start forming more meaningful friendships.
'Office Ladies' With Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey
Real-life besties and Office costars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey used their fame from the hit TV series to launch a podcast called Office Ladies. They rewatch old episodes of the show and offer fans play-by-plays of each episode, along with behind-the-scenes stories and insights from their time filming.
'The Big Podcast With Shaq' With Shaquille O'Neal
People love Shaquille O'Neal, and they loved his podcast too. On the Big Podcast With Shaq, which ran for more than five years, the former NBA star and sports commentator offered up some really interesting insights into the world of celebrities, particularly sports celebrities. The podcast often featured commentary from members of the business community, actors, and many others. Though the show isn't recording new episodes, any sports fan should have a lot of fun bingeing the old ones.
'Under the Skin' With Russell Brand
Once known as a funnyman and general goofball, actor Russell Brand tackles some really serious topics on his podcast, Under the Skin. Along with guests who include some of the world's top scientists, musicians, sociologists, and entertainers (including the likes of Ricky Gervais and Brené Brown), Russell digs deep to uncover what's really driving some of the people we admire the most and the things that shape society.
'The Daily Show With Trevor Noah: Ears Edition'
Although Trevor Noah briefly tried to get a second podcast separate from The Daily Show off the ground, he's now shifted his focus to extending the topics he discusses on his late-night show via The Daily Show With Trevor Noah: Ears Edition. On the podcast, fans can listen to extended interviews with many of the stars and public figures who are guests on The Daily Show.
'The Bellas Podcast'
On the Bellas, twins and former WWE divas Nikki and Brie Bella offer some super fun entertainment for their fans. Much like a variety show, they compete in trivia challenges against each other, debate over current events, and answer questions about their personal lives, submitted by listeners.
'The Joe Rogan Experience'
Love him or hate him, Joe Rogan is an intriguing guy. All assumptions aside, his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, offers up some truly interesting and thought-provoking conversations and a wealth of information from experts on a huge array of topics from politics to health and wellness — all in a surprisingly balanced and fact-driven way.
'Juicy Scoop' With Heather McDonald
Stand-up comedian Heather McDonald's Juicy Scoop podcast is a super fun celebrity gossip show in which Heather not only dishes on the latest happenings in Hollywood, but on her own personal life as well. Pop culture fanatics and anyone who just needs a good laugh are all sure to get a kick out of this one.
'Prinze and the Wolf' With Freddie Prinze Jr.
Still crushing on Freddie Prinze Jr.? Well, you may not get to see him on-screen much these days, but now you can listen to him talk about, well, everything on the podcast he hosts with his buddy Josh Wolf. The two friends cover just about anything that's on their minds, from cooking and parenting to MMA and gaming.
'Scheananigans with Scheana Shay'
If you can get past the ridiculous play on her name, Vanderpump Rules star Scheana Shay's podcast is actually kind of fun. She features guests who include celebrities and Hollywood insiders to talk about their relationships, their families, and the industry, offering up an interesting glimpse into their lives.
'Almost Famous' With Ben Higgins & Ashley Iaconetti
Because who can ever get enough of the Bachelor Nation? Former Bachelor and Bachelorette stars Ben Higgins and Ashley Iaconetti have teamed up to host a podcast called Almost Famous on which they discuss love and relationships, as well as moments from the popular TV franchise. Of course, there are also guest appearances from other members of the Nation as well.
'Life Is Short' With Justin Long
Actor Justin Long's podcast, Life Is Short, came about as Justin started to get older and began questioning what's really important in life. On the show, he and his brother Christian chat with a slew of different people, including celebs like Matthew McConaughey and Dr. Jane Goodall, about how they find meaning in life and some of the fun things that make them who they are.
