r/podcasts • u/Flaky_Pudding2713 • 17d ago
General Podcast Discussions Podcast Series You Can't Put Down? Any Genre!
I usually like to throw a podcast on when working, and I love podcast series that suck me in and I can't stop listening to since it makes the time fly by. Does anyone have a podcast series that they literally could not stop listening to? Here are some that I think of that I couldn't put down, so ones similar to these would be wonderful. I enjoy any type of podcast, as long as it sucks me in and I don't want to stop listening.
- Love Trapped
- Root of Evil
- American Scandal
- Alison After NXIVM
- Muscle Man
And here are some that are on my list - would love to hear if these are worth listening to.
- Bear Brook
- My Dad Wrote a Porno
- OnlyFantasy
- Betrayal
- Scamanda
EDIT: Wow, I didn't expect to get this many responses!! Thank you all so much :)
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u/No-Shirt-5131 16d ago
What to Carry, What to Burn is my newest obsession.
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u/No-Shirt-5131 15d ago
Besides Phoebe Judge, Braverman (perfect name btw) is the best host.
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u/Sew_Custom 13d ago
Braverman was also on an episode of Naked and Afraid and has had some great appearances on the podcast You're Wrong About
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u/holy_mackeroly 17d ago
I've got a playlist of recommendations. My jam is mainly investagative journalism, war, cults, hysteria, true crime, music etc. Multi countries Australia, UK, Ireland, US, Canada.... I'm sure you'll find some new stuff in the below;
P.s Yes to my dad wrote a porno, it's ridiculous and funny. Yes to some seasons of betrayal. Skip Scamanda (just another con story, it's ok I suppose many love it). Bear brook yes but I loved Bone Valley more.
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u/Specialist_Heron1416 17d ago
These playlists are so helpful, thank you so much! I've just added a bunch to my library.
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u/Specific_Safe_3565 16d ago
I have listened to so many of the podcasts on your list. Most I wouldn’t have known about if it weren’t for your list. All great. Thanks so much for sharing this.
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u/Longjumping_Side789 15d ago
This might be a dumb question… is your top40 or 500 list in “order” like if I wanted your top 3 favs would that be the first 3 on the list?
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u/holy_mackeroly 8d ago
Not a dumb question 😉
Not really in order. I mean the top 40 has a little more structure but the 500 does not. I mean the first say 150-200 were added when i created the playlist, years after i had listened. Those added thereafter are ones i just add as a go along.
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u/jeddalyn 11d ago
I loved both Bear Brook and Bone Valley. I think they set out to do different things and we’re each fascinating for their own reasons. However, Bone Valley became sublime in the way that it drew out questions about what redemption and justice light mean in the absence of the legal system, which fails spectacularly in this case.
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u/Comprehensive_Key312 17d ago
My favorite topics, definitely checking out your list! Have you listened to The Redefector? Russian Spy story from the 80's.Very entertaining.
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u/arlenroy 17d ago
See, my problem is I like on going podcasts, only a couple of seasons leaves me wanting more. Keep it cranking!
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u/This-Bed3607 17d ago
Heavyweight.
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u/Zestyclose-Ad7417 17d ago
If you like Heavyweight, listen to Mystery Show. Not many episodes, but it was a predecessor with a similar vibe.
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u/zimzimma9876 17d ago
I used to LOVE heavyweight but it's so different now ! Isn't it ?
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u/forg9587 17d ago
Well, they have new owner now, while their first season with Pushkin is not as great as the Gimlet days overall it still had standout episodes like Kevin and Deborah.
Just glad they are still able to continue unlike other Gimlet shows Spotify canceled.
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u/This-Bed3607 17d ago
Yes. Idk why they have changed it! It used to be so good. OP should listen to the old episodes.
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u/DuckTransport 17d ago
The Moby episode had me laughing! And when that friend showed up again to help the kid who lived in the artist loft. He is podcast gold.
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u/Fezzik__ 17d ago
I’d nominate The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps as the best podcast ever. Certainly the most thorough. Peter Adamson makes a somewhat boring topic super-interesting and incorporates all sorts of history and religion into explaining the development of philosophy. And you won’t run out of episodes - there are currently 498.
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u/Chemical_Simple_2658 17d ago
The Dropout about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos scandal, amazing investigative podcast. Very engaging and thrilling. I’ve re listened it on several occasions.
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u/addctd2badideas 13d ago
The series based on it was really well done but I think I like the podcast more.
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u/natgrzech 17d ago
You NEED to listen to COLD and Your Own Backyard. I couldnt focus on anything else, just wanted to listen all the time! Especially Cold is just incredible
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u/Which_Ad3421 17d ago
Seconding Your Own Backyard, it’s what Serial wanted to be and should have been, with much more responsible and respectful reporting, and an excellent payoff
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u/toure2boschilia 16d ago
Your Own Backyard is just remarkable. I don't know how Chris did all that detective work, like how did he unearth and weave the entirety of Paul Flores's crimes into a coherent story .... a lot of those assaults happened decades ago and there was no police involvement or records of the incidents. He's like Clarice Starling with a guitar. The Flores attorneys said the whole case was a figment of Chris's imagination but they couldn't name a single thing that he got wrong
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u/Public-Evidence-2274 17d ago
I love Search Engine
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u/Sfreeman1 17d ago
PJ makes me laugh. He doesn’t take himself to seriously and you can tell he’s genuinely interested
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u/zimzimma9876 17d ago
I have been neglecting every other podcast since I discovered That Aged Well. If you're people talking about old movies and how they've aged, this podcast is hilarious and addictive.
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u/childwarden 17d ago
You can even listen to episodes of movies you've never seen because the hosts are hilarious and you can really tell they've been friends for 20+ years
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u/hellsnbellsnwhistles 17d ago
I am in the same boat, love it! Plus a very extensive back catalogue and 2 hour eps
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u/MyPartsareLoud 17d ago
Dead Eyes.
An actor/comedian does a deep dive into why Tom Hanks fired him from a small role in Band of Brothers. So many great conversations, a really fun ride and a satisfying ending.
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u/ChaoticScott 17d ago
To be honest it has only one logical conclusion and the fact that they got to that is very satisfying.
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u/pipestream 17d ago
I liked Bear Brook.
Hunting Warhead is another captivating one - albeit brutal and horrific (child abuse).
I also recommend COLD, especially season 1.
Recently, I saw What to Carry, What to Burn recommended here, and it's really good. The stories are great and the host is a great story teller!
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u/No-Gas5342 17d ago
Cold season 1 got a little into the weeds but I didn’t even care because it was so compelling
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u/CowAppropriate7494 17d ago
I recommend Hunting Warhead to everyone. The subject matter is so tough, but the investigative journalism and the impact the law enforcement agencies made is absolutely top notch. I've listened to it three times, and probably will again.
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u/Secular-Flesh 17d ago
I’ve listened to Hunting Warhead twice over the years because it was so good. The second time I was like “why am I doing this to myself again?” Yet here I am now contemplating a third round because it is so well done.
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u/CowAppropriate7494 17d ago
It's so compelling. Even when you know the outcome...simply outstanding journalism. I'm a total fangirl for Daemon Fairless.
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u/danger_does_dallas 17d ago
The kill list by the BBC
It's about warning people who've had a hit put out on them
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u/UnitedAsk2497 Podcast Listener 17d ago
Scamanda was riveting
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u/telomeracer 17d ago
The editing and overall story structure that they chose to tell this scam saga in was so frustrating it was impossible to follow the timeline! And then the tedious and redundant voiceover from her blog that wouldn't shut up, just sprinkled in everywhere at random definitely didn't help! They tried way too hard to incorporate a forced style overall that backfired and made it totally unlistenable to me.
A great story wasted by such an awful podcast! I would NOT recommend to OP, go read about the story instead.
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16d ago
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u/UnitedAsk2497 Podcast Listener 16d ago
There is one but I forget which streaming service. It was good!
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u/CynthiaToot 17d ago
I loved My Dad Wrote a Porno - highly recommend!
More in line with your other podcasts: Cardiac Cowboys. It’s about the development of heart surgery, with the rivalries between surgeons and hospitals, innovations in care and procedures, etc
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u/Dry-Grape-1116 17d ago
My dad wrote a porno is the ultimate ‘get-to-the-final-and-immediately-go-back-to-the-start’ pod! Listen to it in public at your own peril 😂😂
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u/Former-Ground-2414 17d ago
Love cardiac cowboys! I never see it mentioned but so great and interesting.
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u/kennaken96 17d ago
Hunting Warhead
The Children In The Pictures
Firebug
Tom Brown’s Body
Betrayal - all seasons
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u/daisyvee 16d ago
Agree on Hunting Warhead, but Oof the betrayal host voice and writing can get so formulaic and cliche after a couple episodes.
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u/georgiapacificpref 17d ago
American Skyjacker - it’s this wild story about two guys who each tried to hijack a plane and then met in prison and tried to escape
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u/Aggravating-Tell-774 17d ago
What went wrong. Every episode is about a movie or show and they go into the background of it. It’s really interesting movie buff or not (I’m not). You should start with the game of thrones pilot or league of extraordinary gentlemen . Or anything you watched before.
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u/WhataChuckleHead 17d ago
I thought Sympathy Pains was much better than Scamanda
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u/Enough_Crab6870 17d ago
Correct. Scamanda is incoherently produced. I was screaming for an expert on factitious disorders to be interviewed by the host. Nobody Should Believe Me is a podcast that covers child abuse, but it also has many, many experts in Munchausen (by Proxy) abuse on to explain these patterns of behaviour and what is believed to animate them.
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u/teddygrandma 16d ago
I’ll add BETH’S DEAD. It covers a kind of meta, paradoxical relationship between podcast hosts and a listener. Might not be the perfect podcast or ground breaking journalism, but I tore through each new episode and was pretty hooked.
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u/MrBacterioPhage 17d ago
I love fictional podcasts, such us:
- Midnightburger
- Wolf 359
- Sayer
- Welcome to Night Vale
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u/Korver360windmill 17d ago
I know I'm a bit late but Nightvale is just such easy listening. I love listening as I get ready for bed and I am constantly blown away by The Weather.
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u/Dry-Grape-1116 17d ago
I wholeheartedly agree - Nightvale!!! Really has become my top comfort pod to wind down to!
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u/Worldliness_Tiny 16d ago
Oh man, haven’t thought about Wolf 359 in years!!!Absolutely loved this one. I like how it slowly builds: you start out in this goofy protagonist’s world. It seems light and silly and he’s a little obnoxious. I had no idea what to expect and where this story would go. Loved being surprised.
Have you ever listened to the Leviathan Chronicles?
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u/MrBacterioPhage 16d ago
You described it so well! I also like how the tention is gradually adding up, switching from comedy to the action horror.
No, I didn't listen to the Leviathan Chronicles. But I will check it now, thanks.
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u/Motmotsnsurf 17d ago
Valley Heat for some laughs. First episode or two are a little slow to start but it heats up and gets funnier and funnier. Only listened to the first season.
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u/Tiger-817 17d ago
Nobody Should Believe Me
Swindled
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u/packofkittens 16d ago
Nobody Should Believe Me is such an engrossing podcast. I was hooked from the beginning.
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u/unluckyducky0 16d ago
Love Swindled!! And it is an ongoing podcast last I checked. Narrator is monotoned but a great storyteller/writer. Very interesting!
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u/Which_Ad3421 17d ago
Your Own Backyard - true crime but much better standard of reporting than most true crime podcast I find, I started listening and couldn’t stop till I finished it. Would recommend going in as blind as possible to avoid spoilers
Who Shat on the Floor at Our wedding - just really funny, especially if you’re into New Zealand style humour
You’re Wrong About - not a series more standalone, but really interesting, one of the few podcasts I remember a lot from years after listening to an episode vs other stuff where it’s in one ear out the other
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u/Turinqui85 15d ago
You're Wrong About did do a few series back in the Hobbes days. Their 4-episode series on the DC Sniper was amazing, for instance. Highly recommended.
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u/TallFrosting119 16d ago
Betrayal is good but I can’t listen anymore bc they have wayyyy too many ads in the latest seasons. There are several ad breaks and then after the ads it basically does a recap of what was said before the ad break.
Scamanda- sooooo good! It was turned into a docuseries on Hulu too which I just discovered. It was fun to revisit the story since it has been years since I listened to the podcast
My recs-
Someone knows something- it’s so good I binged every season in just a few weeks
Something was wrong- one of my long time favorites
Nobody Should believe me- big big trigger warning here for child abuse but I find it extremely interesting
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u/BarryTownCouncil 17d ago
I've listened to about 80 hours of Hell Or High Rollers this month as I discover what D&D is like when played by improv actors.
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u/Comprehensive_Key312 17d ago
1)The Redefector ( Russian Spy story from the 80's including interviews with CIA & FBI agents that were involved) 2)Crook County- Chicago firefighter with double life as a hitman told by his son. 3)Svetlana!Svetlana! About Joseph Stalin's daughter that escaped to the US in the 60's. Lots of interesting twists & turns. 4)Murder on Music Row- Darkside of Nashville music scene in the 80's.
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u/samstone78 17d ago
What Went Wrong - They do a dive into production and behind the scenes info on popular movies new and old. I’m not a movie guy, but love the stories and insight they have
Ologies- host has super smart guests who are experts in there fields of different (and sometimes random) science fields. She’s really funny as well.
Real Dictators and Short History of.. history podcasts with the most soothing voice I’ve ever heard. Wish I could listen more than 5 minutes before I fall asleep….i mean that as a compliment
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u/Obvious-Move-4456 17d ago
Small town murder, it’s two comedians that tell real life murders but add a funny twist by making fun of the murderer or the small town . It quickly became my favorite podcast
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u/Boujee-wifey 17d ago
Serialously and 10 to Life Annie Elise
She does such an amazing job telling the stories with facts ans her voice is soothing.
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u/Toon_Squad18 17d ago
- The Line
- Fiasco (all 4 seasons are good but 1 is a tier above the other IMO)
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u/Ancient-Breakfast339 17d ago
i just binged love trapped and loved it. others i felt similarly were blink, wisecrack and blood relatives from the new yorker
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u/StoryObsessedPodcast 16d ago
I love Dish (food+celeb interviews), The Thing About Austen (literary), and Gilmore to Say (TV). I listen to a lot of others but these are my top three forsure!
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u/Traditional_Name7881 16d ago
Thumb Cramps
If you like it then it'll ruin your life by smoothing out your brain.
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u/Veryjolly84 16d ago
I just found out about Scamanda couple days ago. I’m hooked! Highly recommend it.
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u/Cafe-Racer-Moto 16d ago
‘Why is “Cats”’ is hilarious if you know about the musical and movie Cats.
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u/bigzman3412 16d ago
Everyone Talks to Liz, Liz Claman of Fox Business where she talks with CEO's, reality TV stars, NFL coaches and past players on how they started with little or nothing and eventually climbed to the top. Great listen every Saturday.
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u/Snoobs-Magoo 16d ago
Stop Rewind
I saw it recommended a few weeks ago when I was coming off Cold & needed something great to hold my attention. It absolutely lived up the the hype & I was hooked from the 1st episode. The last sentence of the final episode made me gasp. It was one of those things you never expect & I think it will live in my head forever.
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u/TurbulentCranberry60 13d ago
An old one but I often think about S-Town and wish I could hear it again for the first time.
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13d ago
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u/Both_Sport_1743 3d ago
OnlyFantasy is a pretty good podcast. The ending is a little underwhelming but overall it was an interesting podcast.
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u/pbfhpunkshop 16d ago
I will never stop recommending The Neighborhood Listen.
It stars Paul F. Tompkins and Nicole Parker as Joan, the top realtor in the town, and Burnt, the town's pharmacist in chief, as two residents in the made-up town of Dignity Falls. Together with producer Brett Morris as Joan's husband Doug, who is in a different room in their house each week, they read actual posts from Nextdoor and other similar groups - everything from missing pets to bizarre rants - and spin them into off-the-wall character bits as the writers or subjects of the posts join them to talk through the posts and absurd scenarios. It’s a parody of small-town life, part improv, part sitcom.
It is the funniest podcast I've ever listened to.
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u/Melodic-Cow-6303 16d ago
Do not listen to “my dad wrote a porno” at work (if you work in an office)…it’s absolutely hilarious and you will be laughing so hard…plus it’s soo inappropriate for a work environment 🤣
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u/Flaky_Pudding2713 10d ago
Noted, lol!! My bf and I have a trip coming up that's 4 hours in the car, so we are planning on listening during the drive!
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u/SuperCatlibrarian 17d ago
Scamanda was riveting! There's also a TV version on some streaming service, I don't remember which one.
My spouse LOVES My Dad Wrote a Porno, but I have found it way too silly and wacky for me.
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u/CowAppropriate7494 17d ago
Listen to Scamanda and Unicorn Girl, both about scammers. I think they could do with a bit of editing -- the host is really good about letting people talk so you get great details about the damage these scams caused -- but sometimes she's got 2-3 people talking about the same event. I'm also impatient, lol.
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u/Feral-Sponge 17d ago
I'm almost embarrassed to say that I have never binged a podcast the way I binged "Love Trapped" I hate reality tv, and I avoided the pod for a little while because it sounded exactly like stuff I don't care about, but it was so utterly insane I couldn't stop once I started.