In our “This Week in EarBuds” posts, we’ll gather all of the week’s EarBuds recommendations for you + other bits from around the podcast world. That way, you can see them all in one place, and listen as you please.

From the Main EarBuds Newsletter

Theme: 5 Podcasts on UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Curated by: Abigail Vacca, host of Global Treasures. On this theme, Abigail writes:

My podcast, Global Treasures, covers a different world heritage site each episode. I always love when I come across other podcasters who are covering these sites as well. It’s a designation people often misunderstand or just didn’t know existed in the first place!

The podcasts featured: CNN10, Amateur Traveler, Global Treasures, Talk Travel Asia, The Wondrous World.

Take a listen…

UNESCO podcast episodes

From the EarBuds Blog

We take pitches for the blog. Learn more about pitching EarBuds here.

In this installment of the EarBuds Blog roundup, we’ve got two extremely niche podcast lists.

☘️Irish Music Podcasts

Curated by: Tara Connaghan | Find her list of recommendations here

🛳️Cruise Ship Podcasts

Curated by: Mikkel Woodruff | Find her list of recommendations here

From the EarBuds Spinoffs

From our kids podcast newsletter…

EarBuds Kids Podcast Recommendations

Worldschooling and Long Term Family Travel | Podcast Recommendations

Welcome to EarBuds Kids! Each week, we share podcast and media recommendations for parents and their kids, whether it be for entertainment, education, solidarity — all of the above and more…

Read more

3 months ago · 2 likes · 1 comment · EarBuds Podcast Collective

From our true crime podcast newsletter

EarBuds True Crime Podcast Recommendations

5 Historical True Crime Podcasts

True crime is a powerhouse of a genre (across podcasts, TV, books…etc), it always has been, and always will be. Sometimes, though, it can feel gross to talk about things that have happened recently, whose families are very closely impacted by loss. Which is why we like historic true crime…

Read more

3 months ago · 2 likes · EarBuds Podcast Collective

From our Podcast Plunge newsletter

Podcast Plunge | Podcast Recommendations & Media News

Launch News & Podcast Episode Drops: Search Engine, Semafor, Wave, PodGround, & more

Strategy for Podcasters: “Well, It Depends…

Read more

2 months ago · 1 like · 1 comment · Arielle Nissenblatt🎧

From Friends of EarBuds

• writes about trustworthiness in podcasts

• writes about The Idiot

• writes about 6 podcasts they wish would come back

• shares insights from the Good Get Lab

• writes about how every listener does this…

• There are just a few days left to submit to circuit 07 of

Events Around EarBuds

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Support EarBuds | Curate a list | Advertise with us

In this issue, our curator is Janel Strachan. Before we share Janel’s picks, some notes and links…

-Arielle Nissenblatt, EarBuds Founder

• This newsletter is celebrating 9 years! I’m asking for your feedback via a reader survey so that I can continue delivering a useful weekly podcast dispatch. I’ve collected 30 responses so far. I am aiming for at least 30 more. Help me get there! Take the survey.

  • Any bit of data helps. Especially qualitative feedback.

  • I know you’re asked to do 5 million things on the internet every single day. So, let me persuade you: there are prizes on the line for respondents!

• Sneak peek: and I took to the streets of NYC to ask passersby about their podcast consumption habits. We wrote about our findings:

  Podcasts We Text About | Recs & Reviews

  Texter Dispatch: Do New Yorkers say they "listen to podcasts" or they "watch podcasts?"

  Hey there, Texters! (+ our lovely free subscribers who can see this part of the post👋 — we love you…

  Read more

  4 months ago · 7 likes · 5 comments · Podcasts We Text About

• Here’s a roundup of podcasts that covered the Benito Bowl

Podcasts for Black History Month 2026

These podcast episodes, along with their descriptions, were curated and written by Janel Strachan.

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club - a true New York staple - shapes culture because it sits at the intersection of music, politics and real life conversation. When something happens in the community, they’re usually part of the first real discussion around it.

Code Switch

Code Switch breaks down race and identity in a way that feels smart, but still accessible. They help give context to conversations people are already having, but pushes it even deeper.

7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony

Melo blends sports, music, and real talk in a way that feels very natural - never forced. It reflects how culture actually overlaps in real life, and genuinely keep connecting to younger audiences.

Therapy for Black Girls

Therapy for Black Girls keeps normalizing mental health conversations in communities where that wasn’t always openly discussed. She continues to make therapy feel less taboo and more empowering.

The Read

The Read impacts culture because it says what a lot of people are actually thinking. It’s humor, commentary, and accountability in the same show that reaches everyone.

These shows have the depth, creativity, and impact that all communities connect with. The storytelling shared by these Black voices is authentic and influential - just like the culture itself

Janel Strachan, February 2026 EarBuds Curator

✨Become an EarBuds curator! Learn more here.

Sponsored

All The Right Movies

All The Right Movies tells the story of Hollywood one film at a time. Each episode is a 2.5-hour deep dive into a classic or hit film – the complete behind-the-scenes story of how it was made, whether it works, and why it matters.

With around 100 hours of research behind every episode, this is film content you won’t find anywhere else.

Show off your podcast, product, event, or thing by purchasing an ad in this newsletter ✔️

Community

🗑️ In Podcast The Newsletter, writes… “Blood Memory [from Nick van der Kolk] follows the life of Michael Thompson, who joined the Aryan Brotherhood when he went to prison for probably murdering someone, then was freed after testifying against them in several high-profile criminal trials…”

💞 Love, Take Two is a conversation-driven podcast about second acts, fresh starts, and the unexpected turns that lead us to who we’re meant to become. Hosted by José Rolón and Jaimie Kelton, each episode dives into candid, funny, and deeply human stories of love, loss, pivots, and plot twists. Listen here.

📣 CBC Podcasts launched its 2026 Call for Pitches. They welcome pitches from a variety of production partners, including in-house teams, independent producers and production companies, and co-productions with other media. Submit your pitch by April 1st.

Extra Tidbits

Meet PodPillow

PodPillow started as a personal fix for its founder, who loved listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and binaural beats, but found lying on their side with earbuds was uncomfortable.

PodPillow is a small, non-electronic comfort cushion that sits under your ear, relieving pressure when you’re side-lying with earbuds. It’s designed for people who listen in bed and want to stay comfortable while they do. It works with AirPods and all earbuds, and doesn’t involve bulky headbands or electronics — just a simple, thoughtful solution to a very real irritation.

Give us Some Feedback

Tell us what you love about EarBuds, what you hate about EarBuds, anything in between. Thank you!

Relive the high-energy, heartwarming, historic, unifying performance by Bad Bunny at the Benito Bowl (which took place during a larger sporting production known as the Super Bowl) by listening to these podcast episodes from culture critics, pop culture commentators, comedians, reporters, and more.

P.s. if we missed an episode, let us know in the comments!

Happy listening!

- & the EarBuds curation crew

Leave a comment

Bad Bunny Halftime Show Podcast Recs

Here we go!

VIBE CHECK

POP CULTURE HAPPY HOUR

POPCAST

IT’S BEEN A MINUTE

ABC ENTERTAINMENT UPDATE

POP PANTHEON

THE DON LEMON SHOW

SO BAD IT’S GOOD

COMMOTION WITH ELAMIN ABDELMAHMOUD

THE EBRO, LAURA, ROSENBERG SHOW

PANTSUIT POLITICS

TOM & LORENZO’S POP STYLE OPINIONCAST

FRESHLY POP’D

THE EXCERPT

UNBINGED

BROWN BAG MORNINGS

THE DR. GREENTHUMB SHOW

HOCHMAN, CROWDER & SOLANA

THE SOCIAL

SPOLITICS

KPBS MIDDAY EDITION

Pre-Bowl Podcast Episodes

Here are some podcast episodes that discussed the lead-up to the Benito Bowl, featuring a lot of discussion about Bad Bunny’s Grammy’s win just a week beforehand.

ALL SONGS CONSIDERED

CODE SWITCH

THE MOMENT

TODAY EXPLAINED

THE DAILY

POP PANTHEON

THE SAM SANDERS SHOW

POPCAST

SOUNDS LIKE A CULT

SWITCHED ON POP

BLABBERMOUTHS

WHAT NEXT

TODAY IN FOCUS

Thanks for reading! Happy listening👂

If you’re looking for more podcast recommendations, check out our newsletters:

Hello to many new subscribers who’ve found their way here over the past few weeks!

We’ve got a quick note for you: while we’re active here on Substack, this newsletter is more of a landing page. It’s a great way for podcast lovers to find EarBuds (because of Substack’s pretty robust search engine + collab features), subscribe, and then hopefully move our to our main newsletter — the one that goes out on Sundays. That newsletter features a theme + 5 episodes on that theme (on any theme imaginable).

We use this account mainly to host and share our podcast topic newsletters.

More on those right here ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Welcome To The Podcast Newsletter Topic Hub

A few months ago, after thinking about it for years, we finally decided to launch spinoff newsletters. Our main newsletter is for people who love podcasts, which means themed lists can get really broad — and rather different in tone / vibe from one week to the next. It means that if you came to EarBuds by way of an ethical true crime recommendation list, you may be a bit turned off if the next week’s list is on business shows for solopreneurs.

The randomness of the newsletter, in our opinion, is the beauty of it, but it’s also what might be holding it back from growing. Thus, our topic recommendation spinoff newsletters were born.

What now?

We invite you to select a newsletter (or 2 or 3 or more) on a topic you love! If you’re a longtime EarBuds person, you’ll notice different formatting from the general newsletter. We’re testing things out. And, in addition to podcast recs, we’re also bringing you YouTube channels, Instagram accounts, books, documentaries…anything that aids in your understanding of the topic and the specific theme within that topic. Until we learn about readers’ preferences and get some feedback from y’all, we’re gonna experiment / play around a bit.

With all that said, let’s get you plugged into some topic recommendations!

EarBuds Spinoff Newsletters:

• EarBuds Kids

• EarBuds History

• EarBuds True Crime Podcast Recommendations

• EarBuds Sports Podcast Recommendations

• EarBuds Fiction Podcast Recommendations

• EarBuds Comedy Podcast Recommendations

• More to come! Just submit a request by leaving a comment

Leave a comment

How to get involved

Join our chats, share your recommendations with us in the comments, hit reply on emails… we love hearing about what you’re listening to! And if you found a show you love, tell a friend.

You’re also invited to curate a list for any newsletter! That’s the whole point — we’re a listener-curated podcast recommendation engine. And now… many engines!

Curate a List

Support the newsletter

If you have the means, you can also support the newsletter(s). started EarBuds in 2017 and has recommended thousands and thousands of podcasts, featured so many independent creators, and has built her career on listening. If you find value in EarBuds and in the act of curation, here are some things you can do:

• Buy an ad

• Check out our Patreon

• Hit reply and tell us what listening means to you

• Write a review for our newsletter (we’ll feature you on the website)

Thanks for reading and listening with us! Feedback is encouraged, desired, requested. Chat soon!

—Arielle Nissenblatt

What’s this theme about? Alex says:

As the host of Planet Visionaries, a podcast created in partnership with The Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, my appreciation for podcasts has only grown.

Here’s a selection of my favorite podcasts, which focus on my interests of climate advocacy, climbing, entrepreneurship, health, and longevity. From former CEO of Patagonia Kris Tompkins on Planet Visionaries to David Letterman on Climbing Gold, each of these conversations will hopefully leave you a more informed person.

Alex Honnold, Climber & Show Host, December 2025 EarBuds Curator

Alex Honnold’s Podcast Recommendations

3 out of 5 of Alex’s picks are listed here. To see his whole list, go here.

Planet Visionaries (in partnership with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative)

The Power of the Wild with Kris Tompkins

In partnership with the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, I had the distinct opportunity to interview Kris Tompkins, former CEO of Patagonia and co-founder of Tompkins Conservation.

She’s a wonderful example of a leader working to build a healthier, more sustainable world for us all. Kris reflects on her path to becoming a conservationist by working to protect 15 million acres of land in Chile and Argentina.

Founders

The Stubborn Genius of James Dyson

Founders is a podcast that has taught me so much about history’s greatest entrepreneurs.

This episode focuses on James Dyson, industrial designer, farmer, and business magnate who founded the Dyson company. The story of Mr. Dyson reveals important insight into how he successfully built one of the most valuable privately-held companies in the world.

Rich Roll Podcast

How Emily Harrington Became The First Women To Free Climb El Cap’s Golden Gate Bridge in Under 24 Hours

On this episode of the Rich Roll Podcast, my friend and fellow climber Emily Harrington gets vulnerable, sharing personal stories including her 50-foot fall while climbing, her battle against an eating disorder, losing an important mentor while pregnant, and how she finds inner strength while climbing.

Emily, an inspiring person and role model, was the first female professional climber to free climb El Capitan’s Golden Gate route in under 24 hours.

Alex's Full List of Podcast Picks

✨Become an EarBuds podcast curator! Learn more here.

New from EarBuds:

EarBuds Comedy Podcast Recommendations

A newsletter for fans of comedy that shares a weekly list of funny podcast recommendations

By EarBuds Podcast Collective

Reach your ideal audience by purchasing an ad in this newsletter.

Community Notes

2️⃣5️⃣ In … shares a list of her favorite episodes of 2025, including one from The Dream: “…listen to Jane Marie’s conversation with Charlotte Isenberg, who at 16 became an anti-abortion spokesperson...”

✏️ From Snap Judgment, German and his family are stuck behind the walls of a rusty old pencil factory in the jungle. When a Youtuber stumbles onto the scene with a camera, he may be their only hope.

🌎Season 2 of How to Save It takes listeners on a journey to Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Rwanda. Narrated by UK broadcaster Kate Humble and Whitley Fund for Nature founder Edward Whitley, the mini series features the new conservation heroes driving remarkable outcomes for nature.

Your podcast / event / news can get featured here. Fill out this form. It’s free.

Arielle’s Spotlight Podcast Pick

🔦New this week: EarBuds founder (that’s-a-me) will share what she’s been listening to in this section.

You’ll still be able to sponsor this section, and when it’s sponsored, that will be noted and clear.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Origin Stories

is a wonderful interview show (purposefully designed to be ongoing) from Campside that lives in its own podcast feed and intentionally-unintentionally draws listeners to the Campside sonic universe. Host Matthew Shaer (Suspect, Over My Dead Body) interviews creators, producers, and makers from across the media world about how they got started and what goes into the making of their projects.

Episode recommendation: After seeing Nuremberg last month, I got a lot out of this conversation between Shaer and screenwriter, producer, and director James Vanderbilt. I learned about the process of adapting books into movies and I enjoyed hearing Vanderbilt parse the challenge of structuring the timeline of historical events into a film format. Origin Stories has quickly become a regular listen for me.

More Media

This segment was added after the original publish date

Fun news: turns out this issue of the newsletter got a lot of great feedback and email replies! Here’s a note that I received from reader Betsy Bush…

Did you know that Alex's mother, Dierdre Wolonick, is the oldest woman to climb El Capitan (with ropes, not free solo!)?

And that a film about her life and many accomplishments was released this year — the filmmaker was Melissa Davey, who became a filmmaker in retirement and made this film at 74. I've interviewed Melissa twice, most recently talking about “Climbing Into Life,” her film about Dierdre. Both women are truly inspiring.

Here are links to the episode:

More from the EarBuds Sonic Universe

• Subscribe to

• Subscribe to

• Subscribe to

• Subscribe to

• Subscribe to

• Subscribe to

  • Let me know what other spinoff newsletters we should set up!

• Get Alex Honnold’s full list of podcast recommendations here.

Thanks for reading!

🎧Arielle Nissenblatt

From our founder,

How we started

I'm pumped to share that we're finally starting to publish topic-specific podcast recommendation newsletters at EarBuds! Since 2017 — and without missing a week! — I've published an issue of EarBuds on themes ranging from game theory and sports history to escapist audio drama and technology for non-techies, and truly everything in between (and beyond).

We've had such diverse themes (with accompanying podcast recommendations on 'em) over the years because the newsletter's goal is to showcase the breadth and depth of what's available (for free) in the audio universe.

The hypothesis

I suspected this early on and have had confirmed a few times over the years: that the exact unique selling point of EarBuds is also probably the thing holding it back from growing. What do I mean? EarBuds is meant for people who want to discover new, or new-to-them podcasts. Each week, if you buy into the idea of it, you open the newsletter to find a random theme and five episodes on it. You can then choose which you want to dive into. This works if you're ready to receive whatever comes at you. It doesn't work so much if you're interested in a specific topic. Of course, people need different things at different times. But I've long wondered why the newsletter never garnered hundreds of thousands of subscribers if there are so many millions of people listening each week, and I think I've landed on it: even curated lists need curators. So, welcome to the world, topic newsletters from EarBuds!

I'll continue bringing you the EarBuds newsletter as-is, every Sunday — because:

• I love curating it

• I love receiving so many press releases and pitches

• People seem to love submitting their picks via our curation form

• I think it's an important part of the overall curation of the audio space

The solution and announcement

AND I'm also introducing a new initiative. Or, several initiatives.

Our topic-specific newsletters are designed to appeal to people interested in specific topics. Whereas the original EarBuds newsletter is meant for listeners who want to find new podcasts, EarBuds Kids will hopefully appeal to parents (and kids) who want to find kid-focused content. EarBuds History will hopefully appeal to history buffs, historians, or listeners interested in history on a casual level.

The big difference here is that while the people subscribing to EarBuds Kids and EarBuds History may happen to love podcasts and be on the lookout for more, they're first and foremost interested in the topic itself. Like I mention above, people need different things at different times. That's why I'm continuing EarBuds as-is. You can check in on it as you please while really grabbing the majority of your podcast recs from the topic newsletters you're most interested in.

What's next?

It's not just Kids and History, though. I plan to expand into more topics, slowly but surely. For now, the way that's working is I'm creating subscriber capture forms for topics as they come up in the general EarBuds newsletter. We started with History because Jabbari curated a list a few weeks ago on Niche History Podcasts. Then, I started Kids because Zoe Goldman curated a list on Kid Podcasts Parents Might Love. Over the next few weeks, EarBuds will publish themed lists on spooky stories, true crime, social activism, and more. And you can expect topic newsletters to be born from them.

So stay tuned! And feel free to suggest topics for me to expand into. As always, EarBuds is community-curated, so we need your recommendations. Here's our submission form.

Questions? Let me know! I'm all ears. That was too easy.

I’m Arielle Nissenblatt and I’ve been writing the EarBuds newsletter since 2017! There are thousands of podcasts in our archive for you to explore. Here on Substack, we house our topic podcast newsletters. If you want to receive our mega recommendation newsletter, make sure you subscribe to us here.

Subscribe now

Our Substack-based podcast recommendation newsletters are:

• EarBuds History

• EarBuds Kids

• More to come (just let us know what topics you’re interested in via the comments)

Thanks! Get in touch with any questions.

-Your curator,

Check out our 8+ years of curated podcast recommendation lists here

Thanks! Questions? Email arielle@earbuds.audio🎧