“Tumultuous” is how the New Yorker described the podcast industry this year. “Pretty rough” is how Vulture put it. Amid mass layoffs that forced many beloved shows to end, some have described 2023 as the year big money left podcasting. And yet, critics and fans seem to agree that the best podcasts of this year exemplify the medium — showcasing intimate storytelling that has something new to say about our world. Personal reckonings with grief, conversion therapy and body image. True crime shows that focus less on exploitative murder mysteries and more on community impacts. Our panel of voracious podcast listeners and makers join us to share their top podcasts of the year — and we’ll hear yours. What podcast did you love this year? Why?
Guests:
Wil Williams, CEO, Hughouse Productions
Skye Pillsbury, author, The Squeeze newsletter, which reports on the podcast industry
Ronald Young Jr., senior producer and owner, ohitsBigRon studios; host of the podcasts "Leaving the Theater" and "Weight for It" (which was named one of the best podcasts of 2023 by the New York Times)
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