Pop in those earbuds and push pause on your playlist. Vv Magazine’s Azra Hirji rounds up the best podcasts – from true crime to comedy – worth a listen.

When was the last time you picked up a book? Some will say yesterday and others will say yesteryear. For those saying yesteryear, I feel you! I used to love picking up a book and getting lost in some fantasy world. But nowadays, I genuinely don’t have the time and I get motion sickness when I read on the subway. So my alternative to reading? Podcasts, podcasts and more podcasts!

And trust, there’s a podcast for everyone. Whether you’re looking to solve a real-life murder-mystery or fall in love, we’ve got some of the best podcasts for whatever your ears may be craving.

For the Sherlock Holmes wannabe:

Serial
If you have yet to hop on the Serial bandwagon, I have 5 words for you: what are you waiting for?! Season 1, which starts off as a seemingly mundane case of whodunit, turns into one where things don’t add up, alibis are never questioned and chasing phone signals off of cell towers from 1999 becomes the new tag! The crazy thing about serial? It’s all goddamn real! One of the most suspenseful podcasts, I’ve ever listened to, that’s for sure.

For the one that needs some sex-positive unfiltered girlfriend banter:

Guys We F*cked
Sometimes you need some real, gritty, down-to-earth, unfiltered girl talk. That’s exactly what Guys We F*cked is all about. Corinne Fisher and Krystyna Hutchinson (also known as the comedian duo ‘Sorry About Last Night) are the brains behind this anti-slut shaming, sex positive, and equally hilarious podcast. They interview a number of interesting folks including guys they’ve f*cked (hence the title), gal pals, pimps, porn stars, comedians and more, and have an honest conversation about sex and their experiences.

For the one that needs to catch up on some serious reads

Overdue
If you often find yourself silent as can be during dinner parties because you don’t read, all that will change once you get your ears on this podcast. Perfect for those who need to catch up on the world’s best reads without actually having to, you know, read…

For the hopeless romantic:

Modern Love
If you’re a fan of the New York Time’s infamous Modern Love column, you’ll love their newly founded podcasts. As their slogan says, “fall in love at first listen” as you hear your favourite celebrities read personal essays on the trials and tribulations of heartbreaking and heartwarming love stories.

For the one trying to get through life in the millennium:

Millennials
Because school never actually taught us how to live life post-graduation. We were all kinda just thrown into the real-life having to fend for ourselves while older generations laugh at us and tell us how lazy and ungrateful we are. If you’re a millennial and need a few life lessons with a hefty side of pep-talk, this one’s for you.

For the one that needs some good ol’ unrated humour:

My Dad Wrote A Porno
I mean c’mon, the title says it all. If that doesn’t catch your aural senses, what will? A son reads chapters of an erotic novel written by his mid-age father, because why the eff not?! Filled with cringe-worthy anecdotes and a slew of British accents, this podcast is indeed a knee-slapper.

For the one with the mean, lean, finger lickin’ tastebuds:

The Splendid Table
You’re a foodie, and not a foodie in the loose terms. All parts of your life exude something food-related. If that’s you, you need to get your buds on The Splendid Table. Each week, host Lynne Rossetto Kasper, takes her fans on a culinary journey, leaving them inspired, cultured and more often than not, leaving them with a mouthful of drool thanks to her incredible recipes.

Did we miss any of the best podcasts? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.