Lately I’ve been hitting a wall with my playlists. Every time I open Spotify, I feel like I’ve heard it all before—twice. Yet as I was about to surrender to the loop of overplayed songs, I stumbled into the expansive world of podcasts. And, I’m not alone. Many Summit students have stemmed away from typical entertainment like music.

“Podcasts don’t get old like songs do because there’s always something different to listen to,” said Summit junior Adeline Bennett.

Podcasts, unlike that one pop song that somehow still won’t leave the charts, offer something new every time you press play and you may even learn a thing or two. Whether it’s comedy, drama, news or advice, there’s a podcast for everyone. I’ve compiled four favorites that might just become your next go-to background noise—or front-and-center obsession.

Emergency Intercom: For when your brain feels like a browser with 57 tabs open

Imagine eavesdropping on two best friends’ mid-chaotic FaceTime call. That’s “Emergency Intercom,” hosted by Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips, where unfiltered tangents, strange hypotheticals and existential spirals all coexist in perfect, messy harmony. With no set topic and no plan—something Umanzor and Phillips will admit themselves—it’s perfect for when you want to feel like you’re not alone in the chaos of your own thoughts. And somehow, amid the madness, they’ll say something wildly profound that sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Anything Goes: Your big sister’s advice, in podcast form

Emma Chamberlain’s “Anything Goes” is like that late-night text conversation with a friend who just gets it. She touches on everything from burnout and self-worth to iced coffee and shopping addictions, in her signature rambly-but-relatable style. It’s vulnerable, thoughtful and oddly calming. Whether she’s unpacking why romanticizing your life actually works or spiraling about life in your twenties, Chamberlain makes introspection feel cool again.

The Daily: For people who want to stay informed without reading the entire internet

Let’s be honest: keeping up with the news can feel overwhelming, especially with the recent headlines. But “The Daily,” from The New York Times, manages to break down current events in a digestible, story-driven format. Hosted by Michael Barbaro’s meditation app-ready voice, each episode dives into one topic, giving just enough context to feel informed without needing a political science degree. Especially as a teenager news sources can feel targeted at older generations, but “The Daily” does it right.

Modern Love: For when your heartache needs validation and a piano outro

Want to cry in the best way possible? Modern Love, based on the New York Times column of the same name, features real stories about love, loss and the messy stuff in between. From whirlwind summer romances to awkward roommate bonds, each episode is read by a celebrity and followed by a short reflection. It’s literary, heartwarming and occasionally gut-wrenching. 

So if you feel like your playlist needs a personality reboot, consider giving podcasts a shot. They’re like little audio essays—funny, emotional, smart or completely unhinged—and best of all, they don’t repeat unless you want them to. We live in a world where you can cry over strangers’ love lives or learn about global politics while brushing your teeth. Take advantage of it. Happy listening!