Let’s face it – trying to stay informed these days feels like attempting to drink from a fire hose of bile while simultaneously juggling flaming chainsaws and teaching quantum physics to a goldfish.
Between your uncle’s questionable value system and his voting record, the endless stream of push notifications screaming for attention, and that one coworker who somehow always knows about every conspiracy theory before breakfast, getting actual news can be exhausting.
Enter the magical world of daily news podcasts, where professional journalists do the heavy lifting of sorting through the world’s chaos so you don’t have to show up to dinner completely clueless about why everyone’s talking about that new insanely awful thing that happened in that place with that person. Whether you’re commuting, pretending to work out, or just hiding from your responsibilities in the bathroom, these podcasts will help you sound marginally more intelligent as you argue with your friends, family, neighbours, and anyone left that will listen to reason.
Morning Wire
Looking for reliable news? You’re not alone. Many Americans have grown tired of sensationalized headlines and moral grandstanding from traditional media outlets. That’s where Morning Wire comes in. Hosted by Daily Wire’s Editor-in-Chief John Bickley alongside Georgia Howe, this podcast delivers straightforward news coverage each morning.
The Journal
Get essential updates on finance, corporate affairs and economic influence. From hosts Kate Linebaugh and Ryan Knutson, with Jessica Mendoza.
Today in Focus
The Guardian’s Today in Focus podcast, led by Michael Safi and Helen Pidd, delivers daily in-depth news analysis and storytelling from their network of 900+ journalists worldwide.
Bloomberg News Now
Get the latest global business updates with Bloomberg News Now – a streamlined audio briefing delivering essential headlines when you need them.
What A Day
Cut through the noise with What a Day – a focused 20-minute briefing on essential news and engaging stories. Host Jane Coaston delivers clear analysis and expert insights on critical developments that shape our world.
Morning Brew Daily
Get your daily dose of business, markets, and trending stories with hosts Neal Freyman and Toby Howell on Morning Brew Daily – smart, snappy updates to kick off your morning.
CBS News Roundup
Stay up to date with the “CBS News Roundup” podcast, delivering key headlines daily. Start your morning with Steve Kathan, catch the evening update with Jennifer Keiper, and dive deeper on weekends with Allison Keyes. Each episode also features *Kaleidoscope*, tackling social justice issues like race, gender, and income inequality.
The Globalist
Start your weekdays with *The Globalist*, Monocle’s premier news and current affairs program, airing at 07:00 GMT/08:00 CET. Broadcast from London and Zürich, our editors provide sharp analysis, expert opinions, and a rundown of the day’s top global and business stories—plus a look at Europe’s front pages.
State of the World from NPR
Listen to State of the World from NPR
Stay informed with State of the World from NPR, bringing you the most important global stories in just minutes each weekday. With reporters on the ground worldwide, NPR delivers facts, context, and clarity amidst the noise. Previously “State of Ukraine”, the show continues its Ukraine coverage while expanding to other key international events.
Newscast (BBC)
The BBC’s daily news podcast, “Newscast”, breaks down the biggest stories of the day, keeping you informed and prepared. With insights from BBC News experts, it unpacks the latest in politics—from Westminster to the wider world—so you’re always in the know.
Skimm This
“Skimm This” breaks down key issues affecting women, equipping them to make informed decisions. Tune in for special miniseries episodes throughout the year, released on Thursdays.
The Daily Beans
The Daily Beans is a progressive news podcast, run by a women-led team, perfect for your morning commute. Hosted by Webby award-winner Allison Gill (“Mueller, She Wrote”) and comedian-activist Dana Goldberg, it delivers political and social justice news with a sharp, witty edge.
Today, Explained
Today, Explained is Vox’s daily podcast that breaks down the news. Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King walk you through the day’s biggest stories with clarity and insight.
Global News Podcast
Get the latest headlines from BBC News, including updates on Gaza, US politics, and the Ukraine conflict. New episodes drop twice daily on weekdays and once a day on weekends.
PBS News Hour
Catch the full PBS News Hour in podcast form, released nightly by 9 p.m. This podcast includes every news segment, interview, and analysis from the TV broadcast.
The World
Host Marco Werman and his team of producers deliver the world’s most captivating stories, showing us how interconnected and small our planet truly is.
As it Happens
Get your nightly news with a twist of fun. Every weeknight, hosts Nil Köksal and Chris Howden introduce you to the people behind the day’s most impactful, funny, and emotional stories—ranging from influential leaders to quirky individuals and everyday people in extraordinary situations. With plenty of puns along the way, discover why “As It Happens” is one of Canada’s most cherished and long-running shows.
WSJ What’s News
“What’s News” delivers the top stories of the day, covering everything from business and finance to global and political events that impact markets. Stay informed in just minutes, twice a day on weekdays, and catch up with our *What’s News in Markets* roundup on Saturdays and “What’s News Sunday” for a deeper dive.
World in 10
Get your daily news update from “The Times of London” in just 10 minutes, covering everything you need to know in world news, sports, and entertainment.
The Daily
This is how news should be delivered—biggest stories of our time, narrated by top journalists. Hosted by Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise, this podcast gives you 20 minutes of essential news each weekday, available by 6 a.m.
FT News Briefing
A summary of the key global business news you need for the day ahead, brought to you by the Financial Times newsroom. Available every weekday morning.
The Indicator from Planet Money
Listen to The Indicator from Planet Money
A short show focused on big ideas. From the creators of Planet Money, “The Indicator” offers quick insights into work, business, the economy, and more. Tune in weekday afternoons for a burst of understanding on what’s happening today.
Your World Tonight
End your day with the world’s most important stories. We go beyond the headlines, offering deeper insights into news that matter now. This evening news podcast, updated daily by CBC News, helps you distinguish what’s real, relevant, and new from a Canadian viewpoint. Hosted by Susan Bonner, Tom Harrington, and Stephanie Skenderis, expect context, analysis, and unexpected takes—all in about 25 minutes.
Up First from NPR
“NPR’s Up First” delivers the essential news to kickstart your day. Get the top three stories, with expert reporting and analysis from NPR News, all in just 10 minutes.
The Daily Zeitgeist
Navigate today’s chaotic news landscape with The Daily Zeitgeist, where hosts Jack O’Brien (Cracked co-founder) and Miles Gray break down the day’s biggest stories. Each weekday, they team up with sharp-witted comedians and journalists to decode headlines, spot patterns, and make sense of our complex world – all while keeping you entertained.
The Monocle Daily
Stay informed with daily global coverage as expert panelists examine European developments, track unfolding stories across the Americas, and connect with audiences waking up in Asia-Pacific. Features exclusive insights from international correspondents and bureaus worldwide.
Reuters World News
Get caught up in just 10 minutes with Reuters reporters on the ground. Host Kim Vinnell delivers essential global updates every weekday, straight from the journalists covering the stories firsthand.
The Big Story
A deep dive into the forces, trends and people defining modern Canadian society.
Sky News Daily
Join Niall Paterson on Sky News Daily for comprehensive analysis of major headlines, featuring insights from field reporters and leading experts.
The Intelligence from The Economist
Listen to The Intelligence from The Economist
Discover hidden insights behind today’s news with The Economist’s global team of journalists. They venture beyond surface headlines to uncover essential stories—both trending and overlooked—delivering distinctive analysis that shapes your understanding of world events.
World Business Report
Listen to World Business Report
Stay updated with the latest global business and finance news from the BBC.
FT News Briefing
Get the key global business stories you need to start your day, straight from the Financial Times newsroom. Available every weekday morning.
Post Reports
“Post Reports” is The Washington Post’s daily podcast, delivering top-tier journalism, expert insights, and in-depth analysis. Hosted by Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi, it brings you the stories that matter, answering the questions you didn’t even know you had.
Big Take Daily
“The Big Take” from Bloomberg News gives you deep insights into the forces shaping the global economy. Featuring top business reporters from around the world, it delivers the context you need on market-moving stories—every afternoon.
The Newsworthy
Get the day’s news—quick, balanced, and engaging—in just 10 minutes. Hosted by veteran journalist Erica Mandy, “The NewsWorthy” skips the sensationalism and delivers politics, tech, business, and entertainment from diverse sources, all with a fresh, lively approach. Tune in each weekday and join thousands of listeners staying informed the fun way!
The Powers That Be: Daily
Listen to The Powers That Be: Daily
Join Emmy-winning journalist Peter Hamby and the expert team at “Puck” as they reveal the real conversations shaping power in America—from Wall Street and Washington to Silicon Valley and Hollywood. With insider perspectives and sharp analysis, “Puck’s” contributors break down the biggest stories in these influential worlds.
Do you know of another daily news podcast that you think should be on this list? Let me know.
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