PODCASTS 

Hosted by true crime fanatics Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, this podcast has plenty of girl talk, true crime retelling and even mental health advocacy, in a formula that's pretty perfect for teens who are mature enough for a little crass talk. 

This podcast is all about those cringeworthy moments that teen life is made of, so they'll definitely relate to some of the stories shared. It might even help them feel less alone if they're frequently embarrassed (especially by their parents). 

The "Hank" and "John" in this case are, of course, brothers, authors and YouTubers Hank Green and John Green. (You may have heard about one of John's little novels, The Fault in Our Stars.) On their podcast, they answer questions like how to quit a job, how irritation works and why it's harder to wake up when it's rainy outside. 

It discusses themes like commitment, revenge and forgiveness and examines the flaws in the books and the HP community. The podcast and its community also strives to counter JK Rowling’s transphobia and create a place that's anti-racist, anti-discriminatory and safe for all vulnerable people. 

Actual Gen Zer Sammy Jaye heads up the interviews on this podcast that features celebrities, activists, actors and changemakers talking about real issues. Past guests have included Jordan Fisher, Kesha and Bachelor stars Ashley and Jared. 

For teens who love asking absurd questions, this podcast may just have the answers. Hosts Will and Mango investigate topics like weird inventions, how rats keep outsmarting humans and surprising facts about alligators. 

Science Friday, or "Sci Fri" to the initiated, is another podcast for science lovers: It focuses more on current events, and the scientific concepts that are in the news. 

For music fans (and possible future songwriters), this podcast asks musicians to take apart their own song and explain how it was made. It mostly focuses on indie rock acts, but guests have included everyone from FKA Twigs to K-pop Star Eric Nam to '90s radio staple Semisonic. 

History is full of weird, wonderful stories that often get glossed over in academic settings. This podcast digs into some of those incidents, like the government's weird obsession with margarine, the "flying ambulance" developed for Napoleon's army and the tale of the first woman to circumnavigate the globe—on a bike! 

Hosts Franklin and Susie Cota delve into books, movies and TV shows made for teens, talking about the portrayal of the teenage experience onscreen while reminiscing about their own pasts. It's a good excuse to watch some old teen movies together. 

This podcast is directed at — you guessed it! — gamers. Three gaming-industry vets discuss video game news, reviews and upcoming titles. It's perfect for any teen who can't tear themselves away from their system of choice. 

YR Media is a media company run and produced by young, mostly BIPOC creators. Adult ISH, hosted by Nygel Turner and Dominique “Dom” French, is perfect for older teens and young adults trying to figure out how to navigate their world.