First off, I should probably address the elephant in the room: Why is the advice columnist writing about podcasts? Fair question ... sort of along the lines of, "Why is a buffoon about to be sworn in as president of the United States?" Guess what? The second question is way harder to answer. Maybe fluoridated water has made Americans morons? Hard to say. Surely Bobby Brainworms will get to the bottom of that conundrum, but the reasons I'm ranking Austin podcasts are as follows: 1) There are now a dozen "Love Doc" produced podcasts (with a strong Ghost-style reacharound from AI) that are currently soaking up valuable cyberspace. Don't waste your time on them unless you're one of those overly earnest types who wishes I would just answer the fucking question. 2) I don't stay in my lane because I don't have a lane. YOU have a lane. I probably have a mild form of ADHD - which is why I am swerving into your lane - while posting on Instagram, obviously. That said, I do know that, like pickleball, podcasts seem easy, but they're really hard, so the good ones deserve to be ranked. Here goes.
10) Kill Tony Look, I know what you're thinking, but since I still listen to and enjoy Michael Jackson music, I'm giving Tony Hinchcliffe a pass for outing himself as a deplorable. Kill Tony is The Gong Show for aspiring comedians, only with performance notes.
9) ATXplained Like Jesus, KUT don't make no junk. This podcast is both professionally done and refreshingly brief - uncharacteristic of most podcasts. It's also entertaining. KUT listeners submit questions, ATXplains.
8) The Joe Rogan Experience Like him or not, Rogan is the GOAT of podcasters and he is now based in Austin. Is he the BROmedy messiah? Probs, because The Comedy Mothership has undeniably helped Austin become a comedy mecca. Joe is a very focused listener and he will listen to just about anybody - for better or worse - except maybe that Klitschko fellow.
7) The Beerists Listening to people talk about craft brews can be every bit as entertaining as Joe Rogan detailing his morning workout, but John Rubio and his co-hosts make it as fun as it can be. Maybe at some point they will do a van refurbishing podcast. Fingers crossed.
6) The Night Owl I don't like scary shit in general, but when it's specifically about Austin I'm all ears ... at least until I have to go change my drawers. This podcast won Best of Austin three times and will probably win again because ghosts are everywhere if you believe in them.
5) Dr. Roy Casagranda Doesn't actually produce a podcast, per se, but listening to Doctor Big House enthusiastically monologue on the evolutionary dynamics of masculinity or how Islam saved Western civilization will absolutely pop your fucking bubble. Google that shit.
4) Therapist Uncensored I always tell people that if you really want good advice, head over to Therapist Uncensored when Sue Marriott and Ann Kelley regularly bring on smart people with great ideas to tell you how to get your shit together.
3) Lex Fridman Podcast You ever have a dude in your science/math/philosophy class that seemed extra dense and asked too many questions but then you realized he was low-key genius? That's Lex Fridman. He lives here now. Make a pot of coffee. You're going to need to focus.
2) Your Mom's House Who knew comedienne Christina Pazsitzky had a husband? His name is Tom Segura. Together they have a little podcast empire called YMH Studios that they brought to Austin in 2021. Their podcast production dynasty includes folks like Dr. Drew and Shirtless Bert “Van Wilder†Kreischer.
1) How Did I Get Here? With Johnny Goudie Skyrocket superstar Goudie is king of Austin podcasters, having produced nearly 1,500 shows since 2011 focused primarily on Austin musicians. And you thought Sisyphus had it rough. Recent gets include big fish Wayne Nagel, which has led to speculation of a Steve Cheney appearance in the near future.