My podcast habit is teetering on the edge of unsustainability. I’m constantly learning about great new shows, and after checking out an episode or two, I get hooked! As a result, my audiobook consumption has suffered, but for now it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make. . . there are just too many great podcasts vying for my attention, and I’m happy to indulge.

If you’re like me, and your podcast queue is already bursting at the seems, you might just want to skip this post, because after reading about these four great shows you won’t be able to keep from heading straight to iTunes to check them out. But if you’re in the market for some entertaining podcasts, have I got some great recommendations!

Just as different books satisfy different literary cravings—entertainment, education, spiritual enrichment, etc.—the world of podcasts offers shows to meet every listening desire. My own collection of favorite podcasts includes shows about faith, family, health, writing, personality, and more. I also listen to several shows because they are simply a lot of fun. These four podcasts fall into that last category. True, I generally come away from an episode having learned something new, but my primary purpose for pressing PLAY is to be entertained, and these podcasts never fail to brighten up my day.

MARRIAGE IS FUNNY

Podcast Description: “These are honest conversations from a married couple who is trying to figure it out like everybody else. The best recipe for a healthy marriage is the right mix of love + laughter, and we believe that talking things out and tight bear hugs fix [almost] everything. Join us on the journey and we’ll show you that there is humor in every mess.”

Why I Listen: Marriage IS funny, and so are the hosts of this show. They have a great dynamic and their conversations are infused with passion and laughter. I also love Gerard and Jessie’s transparency. They are willing to share openly and vulnerably about their own struggles and triumphs, and this window into the lives of another couple has helped me to better understand the intricacies within my own relationship.

Tune In If. . . You’re looking to find meaning and humor in your own marriage. You can also join their Facebook community if you’d like to make friends with like-minded couples. (Note: Marriage is Funny is on hiatus between seasons, but there are plenty of back episodes to catch up on while we wait for Season 3 to begin.)

Favorite Episodes: Rule 033: Never Forget That You’re On the Same Team // Rule 039: When In Doubt, Just Ask a Sexpert // Rule 042: Growing Up Together is a Good Thing

THE POPCAST WITH KNOX AND JAMIE

Podcast Description: “The Popcast is the Denzel Washington of podcasts: solid, dependable, hard-working and charmingly humorous. More specifically, The Popcast is a weekly argument / conversation between Knox McCoy and Jamie Golden about all things pop culture. Frequently they discuss silly celebrities, inexplicable trends and the most conversation-worthy TV shows and movies. Also, they handle TV show recapping duties.”

Why I Like It: I’m generally out of the loop when it comes to pop culture, so The Popcast helps me to stay current on the things that really matter. **Insert Winky Face Emoji here.** As Christians, Knox and Jamie are much less crass than I imagine similar, secular podcasts might be, but their clean-cut dialogue is still dripping with sarcasm and wit. This is by far the “fluffiest” show I listen to, but I always look forward to their giggle-inducing deep dives into shallow topics.

Tune In If. . . You’re craving some hard-hitting discussion of all things movie, television, and celebrity.

Favorite Episodes: Bonus Episode #7: Popculture Bucket Lists: Movies // Episode 135: Emoji Anthropology and Pop Culture News // Episode 142: TV Series Finales, LOST Finale, Justin Timberlake Music and Pregnant Janet Jackson

SORTA AWESOME

Podcast Description: “In the drudgery of daily life, it’s easy to forget that all around us (and within us!), awesome things are happening. Each week, author and show host Megan Tietz and co-hosts Kelly, Rebekah, and Laura serve up fresh doses of sparkly small things and provide thoughtful answers to listener questions all with an eye on helping you make your inner awesome shine.”

Why I Like It: Sorta Awesome absolutely lives up to its name—everything about this show is awesome, from the positive co-hosts to the stellar recommendations (of aps, recipes, shows, etc.). While generally lighthearted, the Awesomes aren’t afraid to tackle deeper issues, but their conversations are always encouraging and positive. I’ve enjoyed participating in the group’s Facebook Hangout, which just might be the most positive place on the internet.

Tune In If. . . You’d like to listen in on the sort of uplifting conversations you wish you were having with your own girlfriends.

Favorite Episodes: Episode 12: Oh, the Enneagram? It’s Awesome! // Episode 26: The Truth About Anxiety // Episode 63: What We Know Now That We’re Here

WHAT SHOULD I READ NEXT

Podcast Description: “What Should I Read Next is the show for every reader who has ever finished a book and faced the problem of not knowing what to read next. Each week, host Anne Bogel interviews a new person and finds out their tastes. Then, she makes recommendations about what to read next.”

Why I Like It:  A PODCAST about BOOKS by my FAVORITE BLOGGER? What’s not to love?! I appreciate the glimpse into the reading lives of other book lovers, who candidly share about books they love and some that they hate. It’s always fun to hear Anne’s analysis of their tastes and guess which titles she might recommend.

Tune In If. . . You enjoy thoughtful book discussion, or are looking for some great book recommendations to fit your own literary style.

Favorite Episodes: Episode 8: The power of books, English major favorites, and what makes a great YA novel with Preston Yancey. // Episode 14: A snob-free approach to reading with Caroline Starr Rose. // Episode 15: The audacity to tell people what to read with Marybeth Whalen and Ariel Lawhon.

What are your favorite “just for fun” podcasts? Though my podcast cup is already overflowing, I’m willing to make room for a highly recommended show!