Our team at Quill is thrilled to unveil the podcasts that have mesmerized, informed, and entertained both our team and our valued clients throughout the past year. 

From gripping true crime narratives that keep listeners on the edge of their seats to insightful discussions about personal growth, relationships, technology, and culture, we’re confident you’ll find a new show to bring you into 2024.

The Lazurus Heist, BBC News

Join investigative journalists Jean Lee and Geoff White as they unravel the clandestine operations of one of the world's most secretive hacking rings – The Lazarus Group, a covert North Korean hacking syndicate accused of orchestrating billion-dollar thefts across the globe.

Despite vehement denials from Pyongyang, Season 1 delves into the intricate narratives behind the Lazarus Group's alleged involvement in high-profile cyber intrusions. From the notorious breaches at Sony Pictures Entertainment and Bangladesh Bank to the global havoc wrought by the WannaCry ransomware attack, each episode unveils the intricate web of events within the intertwining realms of geopolitics, cybersecurity, and criminal exploits.

Quincy de Vries, a senior producer at Quill says it’s her top show of the year because “I am a sucker for a well-researched and produced investigative series, and this series made me feel a part of the investigation from the safety and comfort of my car. I also have always enjoyed the way BBC uses sound editing to give each show its own unique feel and character. Besides all that, it is just super entertaining!”

The Lazurus Heist has received quite the praise from the Quill team with Tianna Marinucci, Quill’s Content Marketing Specialist, saying “The podcast was extremely in-depth and captivating from the start. Whether you're well-versed in North Korean affairs or not, this show is a great launch pad for anyone interested in world affairs and socioeconomics. Despite being such a small country that's often referred to as the most isolated country, you'd be surprised just how much they're entangled with the rest of the world.”

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The Shrink Next Door, Bloomberg & Wondery 

Join veteran journalist Joe Nocera as he recounts his unexpected discovery about his Hamptons neighbor, Ike, who wasn't just any therapist but a confidant to celebrities and Manhattan's elite.

Beneath the Hampton’s facade of prestige and charm lay a startling truth that Joe stumbled upon one fateful summer: Ike was gone, leaving behind a trail of shocking revelations that shattered Joe's perception of his neighbor and the house next door.

From Wondery in collaboration with Bloomberg, The Shrink Next Door unveils a gripping saga of power, control, and the startling consequences of turning to the wrong person for help over three decades.

Fatima Zaidi, Founder and CEO of Quill and CoHost, says the show is “It's so bingeworthy and the production value is 10/10.”

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Handsome, Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Mae Martin

Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin come together as the ultimate trio to tackle life's questions, one laugh at a time. Each week, the hosts dive into a question from a friend, exploring a vast array of topics in their signature hilarious style that promises side-splitting banter. From the profound to the downright quirky, no subject is off-limits.

‍Sarah Zandbergen, Executive Producer at Quill, awards Handsome her favorite show of the year noting “Handsome has made me belly laugh more times than I can count since its launch in the summer of 2023. I'm a huge fan of all three hosts, and listening to this podcast makes it feel like I'm hanging out with them in my living room, sharing learnings, ridiculous stories, and fun facts. Keep it handsome!”

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The NewsWorthy

The NewsWorthy is a refreshing take on embracing flexibility in your work life. Just like the innovative approach to work arrangements, the podcast offers a unique blend of information and insight that's fast, fair, and enjoyable — all in just 10 minutes.

Host Erica Mandy, a seasoned journalist, felt the fatigue of conventional news formats — endless debates, sensational headlines, and monotonous delivery. She opted to change that, bringing listeners a diverse mix of news — covering politics, tech, business, and entertainment — curated from various sources. 

The show is your one-stop destination for a comprehensive view of what's happening, creatively brought together in a convenient, bite-sized format. Our Director of Audience Growth, Eric Babakhanian, rates this show as his favorite podcast of 2023, stating “NewsWorthy is my go-to source of today's news. It gives me a recap of what's occurring in the US and around the world without much-added commentary, which I find particularly valuable in a politically polarized society.”

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Arseblog Arsecast, The Arsenal Podcast, Acast

Arseblog Arsecast is your twice-weekly dose of all things Arsenal, blending news, interviews, analysis, and a touch of humor into your Mondays and Fridays.

With a dynamic lineup of special guests, including club legends like Ray Parlour, Perry Groves, and Bob Wilson, alongside unexpected stars from the music industry such as Wang Chung, each episode dissects match highlights, delves into breaking Arsenal news, and brings exclusive interviews.

Amir Iliaifar, Director of Content Marketing at Velo3D rates this podcast as his top show of the year, stating: “As an Arsenal FC fan, the Arseblog Arsecast has always been a perfect mix of opinion, analysis, and entertainment. It's a great show to hear opinions from my favorite sports journalists. The show even has former players join from time to time. It's great to hear their perspective and get a behind-the-scenes look at what playing for the club is/was like.”

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Rumble Strip

‍Rumble Strip’s host Erica Heilman invites you into the intimate spaces of people's lives. Through candid conversations, she explores the depths of what individuals know, cherish, despise, fear, and ultimately, what makes us more connected than we might imagine. These stories are not polished or sanitized; they're raw, messy, and meticulously crafted to reveal the beauty in life's ordinary moments.

Nick Skoda, Content Strategist at Emergent BioSolutions says Rumble Strip is his top show of the year. He states: “I found this podcast after coming across one of its award-winning episodes. I am amazed at and inspired by the host's ability to get people to open up to her, and where those conversations tend to go. She has such a knack for storytelling and listening. I also love the production: while it may take a lot to produce, it sounds sort of rugged and raw, including many atmospheric sounds from field recordings, with overdubbed narration. It's a perfect storytelling podcast highlighting the amazingness of everyday life and people.”

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Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

Every Monday morning, join psychotherapist Esther Perel as she opens the doors to her office, offering a rare glimpse into the raw, intimate, and transformative moments of people's lives.

In this podcast, real people seeking understanding and clarity courageously share the depths of their experiences. From navigating the complexities of breakups to addressing workplace conflicts, each episode unveils the intricacies of human relationships in all their forms.

Through these honest and vulnerable exchanges, listeners find themselves immersed in stories that resonate with their own experiences, offering solace, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Alison Osborne, VP of Marketing at Quill and CoHost, says “This podcast is an older one but has stayed consistent over the years as one of my favorites. And in June earlier this year, it came back weekly. It's a raw insight into the complexities of relationships and emotions. Mixing these intimate stories that are usually kept private with Esther Perel's calming nature and insights is unlike any show I’ve listened to.”

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The Huberman Lab

Join Dr. Andrew Huberman, a distinguished neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford School of Medicine, as he explores how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health.

From unraveling the impact of vision and respiration on human performance to unveiling the intricate workings of emotions like fear and courage, the show explores both established and cutting-edge tools designed to measure and transform our nervous system.

Abhi Mathur, CTO of Quill and CoHost, says this show is his favorite this year because it “touches on so many things that always sparked my curiosity about the human brain and experience. It goes into the details of neuroscience and explains things on the biochemistry level, something that you don't find around much in other podcasts. Things are explained in an easy way that helps understand the complexity of what the human brain is.”

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Two Hot Takes

Host Morgan Absher and her team dive into the web's depths to unearth the most intriguing dating, relationship, life, and AITA stories. Delving into Reddit, listener submissions, and beyond, this podcast delivers hot takes on modern-day dilemmas. Tune in for candid conversations, witty insights, and unfiltered opinions on the twists and turns of life's most captivating narratives. 

Brittany Nguyen, Quill and CoHost’s Director of Design, says she loves this podcast because “I like hearing gossip about other people's lives. Plus, there are always short clips on social media, so I don't need to listen to the whole podcast. The hosts are also really funny.”

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Tosh Show

Comedian Daniel Tosh invites you into his world with unfiltered conversations and unique perspectives. The show offers engaging interviews and candid discussions each week that feature Tosh’s witty take on current events along with personal insights. With limitless curiosity and an open mind, Daniel and his guests guarantee an entertaining and thought-provoking journey that leaves no stone unturned. 

Dillon Moore, Senior Editor and Video Engineer at Quill says the show is “Consistently hilarious with interesting guests and a much tighter edit and format compared to other comedian podcasts. [The show is] a breath of fresh air when it comes to the popular interview format.”

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Call Her Daddy

Hosted by the candid and unapologetic Alex Cooper, Call Her Daddy cuts through the fluff addressing controversial topics with guests who are breaking the mold. Unfiltered episodes promise revelations, entertainment, and lots of real talk. New episodes of the most-listened-to podcast by women are published every Wednesday exclusively on Spotify.

Stephanie Andrews, VP of Product at CoHost loves the podcast because “[Alex Cooper’s] interviews with celebrities this year go in-depth. It’s super interesting to hear about the psychological impact her and her guest’s careers have had on them/”

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Bad Friends

Join the hilarious Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee every Monday on Bad Friends for a rollercoaster of entertainment and an unfiltered peek into their dynamic. Tune into their engaging, occasionally 'contentious,' but consistently hilarious exchanges that define the show.

Vihanga Ratnasinghe, a Full Stack Web Developer at Quill and CoHost, says this is his favorite podcast this year because “It’s not a serious podcast at all. It’s basically just 2 comedians talking about random stuff, but every time I listen to it, it makes me laugh. It's also incredibly easy to listen to. Seeing short clips of the podcast online got me hooked.”

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Sword and Scale

‍Sword and Scale is a true crime podcast that dives into the shadowy realms of criminality and the justice system's response. Offering an unfiltered, visceral experience, the raw audio transports listeners into these haunting stories. From harrowing 911 calls to courtroom testimonies and intimate interviews with both victims and (sometimes) perpetrators, Sword and Scale presents a panoramic view of humanity's darkest facets.

CoHost and Quill's web designer, Katie Brouwers, says she loves the show because “I'm a true crime junkie and while I am not a fan of the host I have been listening to this podcast for years now so I always end up coming back to it! I enjoy the format and cases covered as well”

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SmartLess

Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett bring you SmartLess – a podcast that's all about connecting humanity through laughter and genuine conversation. Join this dynamic trio as they dive into unscripted, off-the-cuff discussions that bridge diverse perspectives and shared experiences.

Each episode is a delightful surprise as one of the hosts introduces a mystery guest to the others, sparking spontaneous and authentic exchanges. From heartfelt stories to uproarious moments, SmartLess is a journey into the unexpected, where organic hilarity meets profound insights.

Conrad Page, Managing Director at Quill loves the podcast because “The format of the show is so engaging. I love how it's always a surprise guest for 2 of the 3 hosts. This year they expanded to 'SmartLess: On the Road' and the evolution of the format demonstrates the ability for podcasts to jump beyond the medium to reach and entertain new audiences.”

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Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson & Olivia Allen

Rachel Bilson and her lifelong best friend, Olivia Allen, dive into the nitty-gritty of life's most intriguing topics. From candid chats about intimacy and mental wellness to playful debates about the existence of ghosts, they explore it all. 

Joined by a mix of familiar faces and fresh voices, expect laid-back yet lively discussions that mirror the candid conversations you'd share with your own circle of friends. Janey Rowe, Director, PMO & Operations, rates this show as her top of the year because “Rachel is super real and down to earth! No topic is off the table.”

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The Broski Report with Brittany Broski 

Host Brittany Broski takes you on a rollercoaster ride through her latest obsessions, revelations, and emotional moments. In this podcast, Brittany brings the charm of 1940s radio into the modern era, channeling the spirit of the "Supreme... fearless and tyrannical leader" of the Broski Nation.

Expect an eclectic mix of topics as Brittany delves into everything from celebrity updates to timeless American literature, from monumental historical events like Chernobyl to the fascinating realm of Wattpad fanfiction. It's a delightful mishmash of interests that feels like a late-night FaceTime call with a long-distance friend.

Graphic Designer, Lynn Wangchen says “The Broski Report with Brittany Broski provides a wonderfully funny and insightful line of discussion from the host, covering a variety of topics to her interest from pop culture, to art history, to her experience as a woman in online entertainment. Definitely not a "play-in-the-background-as-you-work" type of show, Brittany's boisterous attitude makes this feel like a real look into someone's unfiltered train of thought.”

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Attitudes!

Join hosts Erin Gibson and Bryan Safi for their uproarious political comedy podcast as they fearlessly delve into the world of LGBTQ+ issues. With a perfect blend of sharp wit, unapologetic humor, and a dash of irreverence, Erin and Bryan navigate the absurdities of today's political landscape. 

Get ready for a rollercoaster of laughter, unabashed honesty, and insightful discussions that tackle the pressing topics of the moment. COO Stacey Orth says she loves the podcast because “it's a really funny show with great takes on women's and LGBTQ2+ issues.”

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What was your top podcast of 2023?

As 2023 winds down, our curated list of top podcasts stands as a testament to the diverse, captivating world of audio storytelling. 

Whether you're a true crime enthusiast seeking spine-tingling narratives or someone hungry for insightful interviews and discussions, our team and clients have handpicked a collection of podcasts that have defined this year's audio landscape. 

As the year unfolds, stay tuned for more groundbreaking podcasts, and we hope your 2024 will be filled with more fascinating podcast discoveries and memorable audio moments.