Hear me out: Podcasts are the next best thing to full-fledged friendships. When loneliness and empty nights get you down, the nearest salve might just be eavesdropping—legally—to a couple of folks talking nonsense and laughing their guts out. And when you want to truly shut up and listen, then there’s probably something in your podcast app tailored for you.
From reminiscing childhood friends to nerdy hangouts, here are a couple of podcasts to bust those lonely blues.
“Ear Biscuits”
Rhett and Link of “Good Mythical Morning” fame aren’t your run-of-the-mill YouTube collaborators—their friendship has run for 35 years and counting, starting from first grade. Fast forward to the podcast-filled future and they’re recounting their lifelong experiences together, including first dates, college and tumultuous adulthood pains.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, YouTube
“Critical Role”
What says “friendship” more than a good ol’ round of Dungeons & Dragons? In the D&D campaign of “Critical Role,” listeners will feel like they’re sitting at the nerds’ cafeteria table, as a group of voice actors navigate imaginary realms and magical adventures in a campaign that has lasted for two years (and more).
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Twitch, YouTube
“Gabi ng Bading”
It’s chaotic, it’s #relatable and it’s your pals’ hangout sesh now in podcast form. Started by content creator duo AC Soriano (itsacslife) and Yani Villarosa (yanihatesu), “Gabi ng Bading” talks about any topic across the board, featuring hot guest stars like—drum roll, please—alcohol.
Where to listen: Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, Breaker, RadioPublic
“Telebabad Tapes”
Picture this: It’s the ’90s and you’re maxing out your mom’s telephone bill. Now, turn that into a podcast. Hosted by visual artist CJ De Silva and filmmaker Wincy Ong, “Telebabad Tapes” takes on entertainment picks like “The Devil Wears Prada” and group work projects before spiraling into hard-hitting subjects like rape culture. Basically, your friends’ convos in a nutshell.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podtail
“My Brother, My Brother and Me”
Ah yes, familial love and lighthearted jabs, minus the dinner table drama. This podcast is hosted by siblings Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy where they offer brotherly advice to the long-lost souls of the internet. Is it the sage wisdom the world needs? That depends—but at least they’ll get some quality comedy out of it.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher
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Still from “Lost in Translation”