This list is part of our Best of the Year collection, an obsessively curated selection of our editors' and listeners' favorite audio in 2022. Check out The Best of 2022 to see our top picks in every category.
It was another great year for podcasts, with a remarkable rise in both production quality and quantity of listening gems. Whether factual or anecdotal, sensational or deadpan, podcasts have a unique way of catering to any niche, no matter how specific. We were lucky to hear a lot of new podcasts this year, from the scripted and immersive to more relaxed, conversational pods, but we managed to narrow them down to the 10 most impactful and influential among our editors and listeners.
Continuing the trend of scripted, season-long fiction shows, podcasts like Wildflowers and Moriarty innovated on the form while serving up star-studded talent. In the nonfiction space, we loved the intimate, honest look at grief from news anchor Anderson Cooper (All There Is) and top-shelf investigation-style series such as Scamfluencers and Buried Bones. There’s a little something for every kind of podcast fan on this list, paired with real reviews from Audible listeners.
What it is: Fiasco goes deep on the AIDS epidemic in America, with a special focus on the early years of the crisis, when a diagnosis was tantamount to a death sentence.
Reviewers say: "A complex, well-reported, and deeply humane series about our last pandemic. While some of the stories in Fiasco earn it its title, there are an equal number of heroes to be inspired by. I lived and grieved through that era, and yet I raced through Fiasco as if it were a thriller. It really is that good." —Listener Martha
What it is: In this historical true crime podcast, journalist Kate Winkler Dawson and retired investigator Paul Holes (of Golden State Killer fame) explore some very old cases through a distinctly 21st-century lens.
Reviewers say: "I loved the way the story of the crime investigation unfolds step by step as well as listening to the hunkster unravel the clues. The hour flew by. Can’t wait for next week’s episode!" —Listener Eileen
What it is: A thrilling mystery about, love, lies, betrayal, and the seemingly perfect lives of the inhabitants of Wildflowers, Washington.
Reviewers say: "True crime vibes without the icky reality. The low, faint music in the background made it mysterious and literally drew me to the edge of my seat. So good, I wish it was longer." —Listener Elle Oh Elle A
What it is: Take a trip into the countercultural movements swirling through West Virginia in the 1970s and 80s.
Reviewers say: "Wildly unique, engaging story told by mother and daughter. The woman, their friend, who went missing is an inspiring character, in some ways the type of person we all could learn from in today's political turmoil. This is definitely worth your time." —Listener Ms. J
What it is: A groundbreaking sound experience by a renowned music producer and performer.
Reviewers say: "I’m blown away. This is anything and everything I’ve ever wanted. A musical experience that touches on the most important conversation that needs to be had. The musicality of vibration and frequency combining with spirituality. This is a BIG point in the revival of spirit that’s happening everywhere. I hope that I can take what I’ve learned here and apply it to my own music. I hope that I too can become a conduit of this energy. I hope that I can shine my light this brightly, and help continue this wave of change..." —Listener Christian
What it is: Anderson Cooper takes us on a deeply personal exploration of loss and grief. He begins a series of emotional and moving conversations about the people we lose, the things they leave behind, and how to live on—with loss, with laughter, and with love.
Reviewers say: "This was recommended to me after I lost my grandfather, and it has made grieving feel much less lonely. Thank you, Anderson Cooper!" —Listener Joey
What it is: Celebrate the story of one woman’s calling to not just be someone but be someone for the ones she loves.
Reviewers say: "Kym, you have a winner! I was hooked from episode 1. I can’t wait for season 2. The first episode with Jennifer Lewis was so relatable about the topic of self-sabotage. Great job!" —Listener Mrs. S
What it is: Audible’s bold new addition to the Sherlock Holmes universe dares to ask: What if Holmes’s most villainous nemesis was actually an innocent man?
Reviewers say: "I am very excited for this twist on the Holmes universe. Kindinger is a fantastic writer with a keen eye for turning classics into new tales." —Listener Mark
What it is: Co-hosts Scaachi Koul and Sarah Hagi unpack epic stories of deception from the worlds of social media, fashion, finance, health, and wellness.
Reviewers say: "I listened to every episode. I like the deep dive into these scammers. Great job ladies!!" —Listener Stacy
What it is: In eight immersive episodes, this Audible Original reveals the overlooked yet crucial role of Latin artists and Latin music in the origins and evolution of punk.
Reviewers say: "Not some drab, boring, clinical review of the history of music, but instead an in-your-face blow-by-blow of some of the more shocking and wild moments of punk rock history, this series ties together the narrator's own personal history and opinions with the stories of so many others involved in the Latinx history of punk." —Listener Boggy
