Podcast recommendations: Culture/Entertainment

Design is everywhere in our lives, perhaps most importantly in the places where we've just stopped noticing. 99% Invisible is a weekly exploration of the process and power of design and architecture. (Recommended by Adrian Acu)

A miniseries within the 99% Invisible podcast, Articles of Interest explores a different aspect of clothing and dress. From pockets to knock-offs, this podcast takes you deep into the minutiae of what we wear and why. (Recommended by Jenny Kline and Nicole Hunter)

Actor/comedian Connor Ratliff embarks upon a quest to solve a very stupid mystery that has haunted him for two decades: why Tom Hanks fired him from a small role in the 2001 HBO mini-series, Band Of Brothers. (Recommended by Jesse Berrett)

In each episode, host Willa Paskin takes a cultural question, object, or habit; examines its history; and tries to figure out what it means and why it matters. Recommender Jesse Berrett says, "especially the episodes on selling out, Sad Jennifer Aniston, unicorn poo, muzak, the Tootsie shot, the 2-parter on Jane Fonda's workout, and the mysterious origins of mullet mockery."

If you watched the Amazon series LulaRich, then you should check out the first season of The Dream. Journalist Jane Marie dives into the world of multi-level marketing and the havoc it wrecks on the lives of people who get pulled into them. (Recommended by Nicole Hunter)

Journalist Starlee Kine solves cultural mysteries. Sadly, there is only one season of six episodes, but they are great episodes! Adrian Acu loves Case 3: Belt Buckle; Nicole Hunter loves Case 2: Britney (especially poignant now that she is free!).

Mike and Sarah are journalists obsessed with the past. Every week they reconsider an event, person or phenomenon that’s been miscast in the public imagination. (Recommended by Nelson Quezada)

"SmartLess" with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. (Recommended by Nelson Quezada)

Wesley Morris and Jenna Wortham are working it out in this show about culture. That means television, film, books, music — but also the culture of work, dating, the internet and how those fit together. (Recommended by Nate Lundy)

Hayley Beale recommends, "Art critic Waldemar Januszczak and art historian Bendor Grosvenor explore the current art world, create top five lists, and choose pieces they would hang on their virtual walls. Funny and informative. You can also look at the artwork they discuss at ZCZ Films website."

Niche podcast for lovers of (and potential lovers of) the cult classic TELEVISION show (not the movie) Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Hosts Kristin Russo and Jenny Owen Youngs smartly and hilariously dissect the show one episode at a time. Every installment of the podcast also includes a new original song recapping each glorious Buffy episode! (Recommended by Nicole Hunter)

Bandsplain is a show where host Yasi Salek invites experts to explain cult bands and iconic artists—and why people love them—using a curated playlist to help you understand the hype. (Recommended by Nelson Quezada)

A musical dive into the cultural identities behind the plate. Each episode celebrates one cultural identity with an auditory feast of songs and interviews with musicians, chefs, and celebrities. (Recommended by Jenny Kline)

Recommended by Sandeep Bhuta who says: “Fathoming Heavy” is a fantastic podcast focusing on underground metal scenes with an emphasis on local happenings and bands! Well worth a listen for folks looking to get away from the radio friendly popular metal stuff in favor of something a little darker!

Chris Molanphy, a pop-chart analyst and author of Slate’s “Why Is This Song No. 1?” series, tells tales from a half-century of chart history. Through storytelling, trivia, and song snippets, Chris dissects how that song you love—or hate—dominated the airwaves, made its way to the top of the charts, and shaped your memories forever. (Recommended by Jesse Berrett)

Before the Netflix series, Song Exploder was a podcast where musicians take apart their songs, and piece by piece, tell the story of how they were made. Producer/editor Hrishikesh Hirway uses the isolated, individual tracks from a recording to get artists to delve into the specific decisions that went into creating their work. (Recommended by Jenny Kline)