An increasing amount of people are opting for podcasts as their preferred audio accompaniment. Daily commutes and workouts at the gym are now being soundtracked not only by music but a whole host of topics, from fictional stories, to real-life crime investigations and cookery shows. We compiled a list of 12 of the best podcasts available now, for your auditory pleasure.

Video might have killed the radio star, but recently talk radio has made a comeback in popular culture thanks to the internet phenomenon of podcasts. These days there’s a seemingly endless variety of podcasts to choose from, many with several hundreds of episodes. Perhaps you, like many people, have taken an interest of late but aren’t really sure where to start? That’s why we’ve broken it down for you into 12 critically acclaimed, highly recommended series.

Whether you’re into hip hop, fashion, electronica, food, writing, comedy or gaming, here’s our beginner’s guide to finding the right podcast to fill your free time.

RA Exchange (Electronic music)

In short:

Conversations about the inner workings of the electronic music industry with the people who make it happen.

What’s the deal?

Every week the esteemed editors at electronic music hub Resident Advisor publish conversations with notable figures from the industry. Whether it be promoters, labelheads, DJs, producers, or club owners, RA Exchange attempts to lift the veil of mystery around the most important players in the scene. The topics of discussion change depending on who’s featured, and every show is available for streaming directly on their SoundCloud page.

Who’s talking?

Typically, editor Jordan Rothlein is at the helm of RA Exchange, although editor-in-chief Ryan Keeling and associate editors Will Lynch and Angus Finlayson have been known to make appearances.

Why should I care?

The electronic music scene is more than just clubs and bass. RA Exchange gives a voice to the people who are key to this genre’s success, and the input from knowledgeable figures like Keeling and Lynch makes for interesting and on-point listening. The audio format likewise allows for a natural, no pressure conversation — the anti-interview.

Where should I start?

Last year’s 2014 in Review round table with four of RA’s editors was a personal favorite. Steve Bug’s reflections on his early days in Hamburg, and Lucy’s in-depth chat about success, are also highlights.

Download and subscribe via iTunes.

ModTV Video Podcasts (Fashion)

In short:

Behind-the-scenes at Fashion Weeks around the world.

What’s the deal?

ModTV is the go-to in online fashion hubs, providing behind-the-scenes, editorial, and branded content centering around current labels, Fashion Week happenings, and the designers, models, and editors of the moment. The ModTV podcast is part of the site’s video series with a focused mission: each episode goes backstage at a different runway show, exploring a certain theme or aspect of the presentation.

Who’s talking?

The show has no host per se, but each episode follows a certain fashion personality as they navigate backstage at a show: it could be anyone from designers like Jason Wu or Karl Lagerfeld, or models like Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne and Rosie Huntington-Whitely. Even Rihanna has made an appearance.

Why should I care?

ModTV helps to place Fashion Week in a new light. Where once an invite to Fashion Week was a golden ticket, now anyone can have both on-site and backstage access to the most coveted shows. The effect is profoundly humanizing, and it presents both the clothing and the people behind it in the way they were meant to be shown: in real life.

Where should I start?

Our favorites include a look at Karl Lagerfeld’s recent show for Chanel Spring 2015 and a backstage view of Alexander Wang’s showing in New York.

Download and subscribe via iTunes.

The Combat Jack Show (Hip-hop)

In short:

Looking at the hip-hop industry from the inside out.

What’s the deal?

The Combat Jack Show started in 2010, the fruits of hip-hop legend Reggie Osse’s labour. As Combat Jack, Osse is unstoppable; he’s a master interviewer, succeeding in getting his guests to open up in mere minutes about their personal stories, touching on topics of race, culture, music, and politics all in the space of an episode. His show has played host to the likes of Russell Simmons, Ice T, Talib Kweli, Rick Ross, Tech N9ne, Jermaine Dupri, and RZA, among others.

Who’s talking?

Although Combat Jack is by no means the only hip-hop executive now involved in podcasting, he has been called the king of the game. There’s no surprise there — having worked as both an attorney and as the managing editor of The Source, Combat Jack is well-versed in the inner workings of the hip-hop industry and calls himself a “first wave fan.” The inimitable Dallas Penn acts as co-host and cohort.

Why should I care?

Listener reviews on iTunes cite The Combat Jack Show as “the only hip hop podcast that matters.” That should be reason enough.

Where should I start?

The J Cole episode is particularly thought-provoking, but if you want to get a feel for the show, start with a “Best Of” episode (numbers 66 and 16). See also: Episode 53 “What’s in a Word?”

Download and subscribe via iTunes.

This American Life (Journalism/Real Life)

In short:

Explorations of humanity, sociology, urban life, and everything in between.

What’s the deal?

Produced by WBEZ, This American Life is likely the most well-known podcast series currently on the airwaves. A spin on public radio, the show is broadcast live as well as offered as a downloadable podcast on the program’s website. Each week’s show has a different theme – anything from “No Place Like Home,” to “A Teenager’s Guide to God” – which is explored in-depth through everything from short stories, personal anecdotes and essays to open conversations.

Who’s talking?

Baltimore, Maryland native Ira Glass has been involved in public radio for the better part of 30 years. A former NPR host, Glass created This American Life in 1995 and has been the host and coordinator ever since. With a slew of guest speakers and expert collaborators, you’re sure to be getting the best information in the best possible way.

Why should I care?

This American Life is one of the most popular talk radio shows in North America, and for good reason. With dozens of award wins and nominations under its belt (including two prestigious Peabody awards in 1996 and 2006), the show is loved and respected for its diversity of subject and guests, while its knack for merging education with entertainment is second to none.

Where should I start?

Last year’s “Tarred & Feathered” episode was our starting point; the investigation into public shaming and pedophelia was jarring and thought-provoking. The 2008 episode, “Switched at Birth,” is a public favorite, while 2002’s “Act V” devotes an entire episode to TAL reporter Jack Hitt’s reportage on a high-security prison’s Hamlet rehearsals.

Download and subscribe via iTunes.

Serial (Crime)

In short:

Think of it as Law & Order for real life.

What’s the deal?

Serial is a spin-off of This American Life, co-produced by TAL producers Sarah Koenig and Julie Snyder. The show looks at real life crime and follows the host through in-depth investigative journalism, witness testimony, audio clips, and narrative. Season One focuses entirely on the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee in Baltimore, Maryland, attempting to prove (or disprove) the innocence of Lee’s ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed, who was charged with her murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Who’s talking?

The show’s main host is Sarah Koenig, but Julie Snyder (whose voice, funnily enough, sounds almost identical to Koenig’s) gives input as well. The bulk of the show is Koenig’s narration, but also uses first-hand witness testimony and audio clips from the case’s actual locations; Adnan Syed speaks over the phone from prison, Koenig and Snyder drive to Leakin Park and other notable locations from the case, lending an unsettling reality to the entertainment value of the series.

Why should I care?

Serial rose to fame quickly — even before the show had debuted, it was ranked number one on iTunes for weeks. Once it began, numbers revealed that the show had been downloaded over 60 million times. Its immense popularity is not for nothing though; Koenig’s investigation is riveting and a unique spark for discussion, while the serial-style format of the show is addictive and leaves you hungry for more. Koenig, though, faced scrutiny for her approach to journalism and the show has been called biased and inconsistent, arguably making it that much more intriguing as the listener is left to question whose version of the “truth” they side with.

Where should I start?

Simple: start with “Episode One.” It’s the only way to get the full story.

Download and subscribe via iTunes.

WTF with Marc Maron (Comedy)

In short:

Comedy’s best talents go head-to-head with host Marc Maron.

What’s the deal?

Created in the wake of the cancellation of Marc Maron’s previous venture, Breakroom Live, WTF is primarily an interview show that airs twice weekly. It’s said that after the untimely demise of Breakroom Live, Maron kept the keycard to the Air America production studios and secretly recorded the first few episodes of WTF. This bold approach remains strikingly present in WTF, as Maron hosts different comedians from television, stand-up, improv, and film, resulting in no-holds-bar interviews and topical, often poignant discussions.

Who’s talking?

The show’s host, obviously, Marc Maron, a comedy legend in his own right. He’s been the host of a vast number of comedy shows, so is no stranger to this position. The conversations benefit from his ease behind the mic.

Why should I care?

If you’re interested in comedy (and even if you’re not) WTF is essential listening. It’s a unique way to get to know your favorite comedy icons, and it’s consistently interesting to hear them speak outside of the typical stand-up routine or scripted show.

Where should I start?

The episode with Louis CK is a great place to start; the two stars discuss their falling out, among other topics. When the comedy world was rocked by the death of Robin Williams, Maron re-aired the episode that featured him, discussing how Williams’ contributions to comedy changed Maron’s life and career.

Download and subscribe via iTunes.

99% Invisible (Design)

In short:

Discover the design concepts that shape the world around us.

What’s the deal?

Founded in San Francisco in as part of a public radio show and collaborative project between KALW and the American Institute of Architects, 99% Invisible is a storytelling-style podcast series that explores design, architecture, and the “invisible” structures and activity that make our world beautiful. Inspired by a quote from Buckminster Fuller, the show aims to show us things that might otherwise go unseen.

Who’s talking?

The show is typically hosted by creator and producer Roman Mars, but also occasionally features guest speakers and collaborators from the likes of NPR.

Why should I care?

99% Invisible’s goal is to show the world through a new lens. You’ll find yourself re-evaluating design, seeing the everyday differently, and gaining new understanding of ideas both big and little – not to mention you’ll be helping to support a project that’s completely independently funded and produced out of Roman Mars’ home.

Where should I start?

Episode 79, “Symphony of Sirens, Revisited,” is a highlight, exploring Arseny Avraamov’s “Symphony of Factory Sirens” and the music of the city of Moscow. “The Man of Tomorrow” (episode 82) looks at the ubiquitous Superman figure, while Episode 63, “The Political Stage” – a collaborative work with Andrea Seabrook and Decode DC – is another highlight.

Download and subscribe via iTunes.

Longform (Writing)

In short:

In conversation with leading non-fiction writers, storytellers, and journalists.

What’s the deal?

The Longform media site was originally founded in 2010 as a hub for reading recommendations. All the links lead to interesting and thought-provoking longform articles and essays that were freely available online. The Longform podcast series is a spinoff of that original site, hosting honest, witty, and warm conversations with writers from every walk of life. There are talks with heavy-hitting journalists, satire writers, editors, non-fiction writers, and reporters from every kind of media you can imagine, dealing with how they tell stories and how they got their start.

Who’s talking?

The show is hosted by Longform’s co-founders Aaron Lammer and Max Linsky, along with Evan Ratliff, whose software and media company Atavist has been with Longform since the very beginning.

Why should I care?

The great thing about writers is that, by nature, they have a way with words. This is something that translates effortlessly in Longform; every conversation is open and grounded, providing not only insight and information, but a level of worthwhile authenticity. Although this is a program geared towards writers, readers, and lovers of words, the series tackles bigger issues like current events, integrity, and business.

Where should I start?

Longform lists Episode 91 with author Michael Chabon and Episode 25 with New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean among their favorite episodes. Our picks? Episode 85 with Rookie Mag’s Tavi Gevinson, Episode 98 with Adult’s Sarah Nicole Prickett, and Episode 88 with Gawker staff writer Sam Biddle.

Download and subscribe via iTunes.

Stuff You Should Know (Curiosity)

In short:

Answering life’s little curiosities.

What’s the deal?

Published by the HowStuffWorks website since 2008, Stuff You Should Know is a treasure trove of explanations and explorations. If you’ve ever wondered, Stuff You Should Know probably has an answer for it. Their podcasts air twice weekly with the topics covering everything from death and science to art, pop culture, economics and natural disasters. The discussion is made accessible and easily understood; the goal here is learning, not intellectual showboating.

Who’s talking?

The podcast is hosted by HowStuffWorks writers Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, who became fast friends after accidentally wearing matching denim jackets to the office one day. Their chemistry is the foundation of the show’s success, lending a relaxed, comedic tone to what could otherwise be considered dry information.

Why should I care?

Consistently ranked in the top ten on iTunes, and with more than 1 million downloads under its belt, Stuff You Should Know is one of the most popular podcasts on the planet, likely because its content doesn’t play favorites. There is something for everyone, no matter your interest, and the topics are appropriate for people of all ages and all walks of life.

Where should I start?

Call us morbid, but we like any of the episodes on death and dying. Stuff You Should Know staff picks include episodes on Jack The Ripper, Sharks, or the environment. The series’ episode on microlending also went viral back in 2009, following a challenge from talk show host Stephen Colbert to see whose fans could raise $100 000 first — Stuff You Should Know won.

Download and subscribe via iTunes.

Rooster Teeth (Gaming)

In short:

Discussions on gaming, animation, and film.

What’s the deal?

Rooster Teeth is a productions company based out of Austin, Texas and Los Angeles, California, run by a team of animators, engineers and gamers. Since 2008 the team has run a podcast spin-off that deals with topics close to the team’s heart. Originally called The Drunk Tank, the series eventually took on the same name as the site, focusing on commentary on popular culture, video games, film, and sports.

Who’s talking?

Rooster Teeth’s main hosts are Gus Sorola and filmmaker Burnie Burns, but also features appearances from Joel Heyman, Gavin Free, Barbara Dunkelman, and a slew of other pop culture guests. It’s also not uncommon for friends and family of the hosts to make an appearance.

Why should I care?

Rooster Teeth isn’t just for gamers: the conversations are lighthearted and fun, and even if the show starts off as a discussion about a popular film or the newest video game, they often break down into hilarious banter about nudity, genitalia or other such laughable topics. It’s accessible stuff, and feels like a relaxed discussion between friends.

Where should I start?

The series’ 100th episode is a great place to start: it aired in 2011 along with an informative and funny video featuring Sorola and Burns alongside guests Geoff Ramsey and Griffon Ramsey. The whole production earned them their first sponsor.

Download and subscribe via iTunes.

Welcome to Night Vale (Fiction)

In short:

A radio show on the happenings in the fictional town of Night Vale.

What’s the deal?

Welcome to Night Vale is the only podcast on this list that deals entirely in fiction. Published by Commonplace Books, the show is presented as a radio show for the bizarre and intriguing town of Night Vale. Created by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor in 2012, it’s quickly gaining steam as one of the leading comedic fiction podcasts, using the concept of conspiracy theory as the basis for the show’s surreal and often bewildering stories.

Who’s talking?

Although the show was created and is written by Fink and Cranor, the series’ main narrator, a reporter named Cecil Gershwin Palmer, is voiced by the hilarious and talented Cecil Baldwin. The show’s guests are voiced by an array of talent including Mara Wilson, Jackson Publick, Molly Quinn, and Marc Evan Jackson.

Why should I care?

Night Vale is a unique means of entertainment; unlike film or television, it encourages in-depth listening as opposed to simply watching, and piques interest in the absurd and strange. Each episode also features an exclusively composed music that acts as “the weather” segment.

Where should I start?

In order to get the full story, start with Episode 1.

Download and subscribe via iTunes.

Bon Appetit Foodcast (Food)

In short:

How not to burn your kitchen down when cooking: tips, tricks, and advice from food experts.

What’s the deal?

Launched as a spin-off from Bon Appetit at the end of last year, Foodcast is the magazine’s latest venture. The Bon Appetit brand seems to be set for world domination at this point, with a print magazine, a digital edition, a video series, cookbooks, events, and, of course, a seemingly never-ending stream of delicious recipes available online. The podcast series brings all of that to life by providing guides to cooking for topical holidays, advice on how to improve your recipes, and healthy dialogue and debate between BA editors and the food industry’s top chefs and experts.

Who’s talking?

The show is hosted by Bon Appetit editor-in-chief Adam Rapoport, but the series also features regular appearances from food editor Alison Roman and food director Carla Lalli. BA Test Kitchen chefs and site editors also sign in, as well as notable figures in the cooking industry and other celebrities.

Why should I care?

Despite the apparent “trendiness” of food of late, this is one area that’s never going out of style. With that in mind, why not learn how to prepare it properly? Not only does the BA Foodcast make learning to cook easy for anyone, it’s a succinct way to find out about the latest movements in food and cooking. Plus, Adam Rapoport is a fantastic host.

Where should I start?

Don’t get overwhelmed — the show only has six episodes so far, so starting at the beginning is easy. That said, we loved the team’s exploration of how to do Valentine’s Day cooking in a “non-lame” way.

Download and subscribe via iTunes.

Written for Highsnobiety.com by Emma Robertson