Best Iheartpodcasts And Novel Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 40: The Politics of The Comprehensive Man - Featuring Jason Wilson 1:10:44

Play Pause

11h ago1:10:44

1:10:44

On this week's filibuster, Jemele shares her thoughts on two-time NL MVP Bryce Harper confronting MLB commissioner Rob Manfred when Manfred surfaced the possibility of a salary cap in baseball. Jemele is then joined by author Jason Wilson, who has gained international acclaim for his groundbreaking, Detroit-based transformational training academy, …

1
Introducing 'Afterlives: Marsha P. Johnson' 3:23

1d ago3:23

3:23

Marsha P. Johnson is THE icon of the LGBTQ+ movement and a mother of the fight for trans rights. Today, you can buy T-shirts emblazoned with her face or walk through a park named in her honor. Now, hear from Marsha in her own words on a new limited series, Afterlives: Marsha P. Johnson. Host Raquel Willis brings Marsha’s story to life through rare …

1
Rachael Price Sings The Wheels on the Tourbus Go Round and Round 37:07

2d ago37:07

37:07

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg talks with powerhouse vocalist and soon-to-be mom Rachael Price—lead singer of Lake Street Dive—about performing while pregnant, planning a tour around a due date, and preparing to raise a baby on the road. Rachael shares what it was like touring with the band into her third trimester, includ…

1
The Girlfriends S3/E3: He Said, She Said 35:50

4d ago35:50

35:50

In 2010, a traumatised Kelly sits in a police cell and reckons with the horrors of the previous night. Years later, Anna tries to make sense of the night of the murder and discovers that some of the accounts aren’t adding up. If you’re affected by any of the themes in this show please reach out to NO MORE at https://www.nomore.org a domestic violen…

1
BONUS EPISODE: Q & A with Chris Paul 29:17

6d ago29:17

29:17

On this special episode, Jemele shares more of her conversation with future NBA Hall of Famer Chris Paul at the American Black Film Festival. Audience members were granted the opportunity to ask Chris Paul about his life, career and passion for filmmaking, and Chris candidly shares some of his experiences and gives some critical advice for young ho…

1
Nine-Year-Olds are Friendly Exterestials with Chris Duffy 26:06

7d ago26:06

26:06

In this snack-sized episode, Ophira Eisenberg reconnects with comedian, author, and How to Be a Better Human podcast host Chris Duffy for a rapid-fire chat covering the unexpected overlaps between parenting and comedy. Chris reflects on his years as a fifth-grade teacher, including a moment when a student earnestly asked—in front of the class—if ha…

1
Ep 39: The Politics of The Quincy Avery Effect - Featuring Quincy Avery 1:00:58

7d ago1:00:58

1:00:58

On this week's filibuster, Jemele shares her thoughts on Donald Trump reportedly preparing to sign an executive order that provides guidance on name, image, and likeness, and the president’s ordering the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians to change their team nicknames back to the Redskins and Indians, which they changed in 2020 and 2022…

1
Introducing BUZZ 1:00

8d ago1:00

1:00

Starring John Lithgow, this new gripping audio thriller from the makers of Tumanbay peels back the myth of Apollo 11 to reveal the raw, untold story of Buzz Aldrin—space pioneer, troubled hero, and relentless survivor. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts

1
Chris Duffy is a Large Baby With a Beard 56:53

9d ago56:53

56:53

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, host Ophira Eisenberg sits down with comedian, writer, and podcast host Chris Duffy to unpack the joys and absurdities of raising a toddler while maintaining a creative career. Chris shares how his “fun mom energy” has defined him since high school, his past life as a babysitter and fifth-grade teacher, and t…

1
BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of WNBA Collective Bargaining 38:37

9d ago38:37

38:37

On this special episode, Jemele breaks down the notable moments from WNBA All-Star weekend, including the polarizing reaction to the players wearing t-shirts that read “Pay Us What You Owe Us” in pregame warm-ups. The shirts were in reference to the players ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with league owners and Jemele explains why the pl…

1
BUZZ Chapter 4 – The Weight of the Moon 15:58

10d ago15:58

15:58

A late-night accident. A haunted past. A crumbling marriage. Buzz Aldrin trains for the Moon while struggling to hold his life together on Earth. * ABOUT BUZZ: Starring John Lithgow, this gripping audio thriller peels back the myth of Apollo 11 to reveal the raw, untold story of Buzz Aldrin—space pioneer, troubled hero, and relentless survivor. As …

1
The Girlfriends S3/E2: The Good, The Bad and The Kelly 39:20

11d ago39:20

39:20

Anna traces a path back through Kelly’s turbulent life to answer the question: how did she get here? If you’re affected by any of the themes in this show please reach out to NO MORE at https://www.nomore.org a domestic violence charity we’ve partnered with. The Girlfriends: Jailhouse Lawyer is produced by Novel for iHeart Podcasts. For more from No…

1
Writing Novels on the Toilet (Literally) with Jo Piazza 30:31

14d ago30:31

30:31

In this snack-sized episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg is joined once again by author and podcast host Jo Piazza for a conversation that hits on the real logistics of being a working parent with no time for “manifesting” or gentle parenting platitudes. Jo explains how her background as a tabloid journalist trained her to write anywher…

1
Ep 38: The Politics of She’s Got Time - Featuring Swin Cash 50:11

14d ago50:11

50:11

On this week's filibuster, Jemele shares her thoughts on whether Laker fans should be worried that LeBron James won’t be a Laker next season. Jemele is then joined by Hall of Famer Swin Cash, the former University of Connecticut star who recently served in the New Orleans Pelicans front office. Swin discusses her motivation behind creating her She’…

1
Jo Piazza Knows Everyone is Lying to You 52:18

16d ago52:18

52:18

On this episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg talks with bestselling author and Under the Influence podcast host Jo Piazza about parenting three young kids while juggling a prolific writing career. Jo shares the moment she realized she was pregnant (it involved an Elton John concert and tequila), why she can’t stand chickens, and how her…

1
The Girlfriends S3/E1: Hell's Gate 37:31

18d ago37:31

37:31

Meet Kelly Harnett. She’s a loving sister, a childhood gymnast and an aspiring DJ. And, according to the justice system; she’s also a murderer. Anna travels to New York to meet Kelly, and to try and figure out how a victim of domestic violence became a villain in the eyes of the law. If you’re affected by any of the themes in this show please reach…

1
The Doula Is My Favorite Roommate with Vicky Kuperman 28:31

21d ago28:31

28:31

In this snack-size episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg checks back in with comedian and new mom Vicky Kuperman for a hilarious and refreshingly real follow-up conversation about those chaotic first weeks of parenting. Vicky shares how hiring a night doula gave her an elusive eight-hour stretch of sleep and why postnatal support might b…

1
Ep 37: The Politics of DNA - Featuring Sarah Spain 1:22:37

21d ago1:22:37

1:22:37

On this week's filibuster, Jemele takes listeners back to LeBron James’ The Decision, which just had its 15th anniversary. Jemele is then joined by media personality Sarah Spain, who discusses her powerful new book, Runs in The Family, which is based on the compelling family journey of Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Deland McCullough. The bo…

1
Jennifer Rawlings Parents 5 Kids and Performs in War-Zones 51:15

23d ago51:15

51:15

In this summer edition of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg catches up with stand-up comic, filmmaker, and war-zone performer Jennifer Rawlings. Jennifer reflects on her years raising five kids while performing for U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sarajevo—often leaving behind toddlers and pull-ups for flak vests and flatbed stages. She sh…

1
BONUS EPISODE: The Politics of 50/50 - Featuring John Hope Bryant 39:20

23d ago39:20

39:20

Jemele is joined by finance expert John Hope Bryant, the founder and CEO of Operation Hope in Atlanta. John gives his thoughts on the Buss family selling a majority stake of the Lakers for $10 billion, and what that means for the broader landscape of sports. Jemele and John also discuss one of the most popular (and annoying) questions on social med…

1
Introducing Season 3 of The Girlfriends: Jailhouse Lawyer 5:29

25d ago5:29

5:29

What does it mean to be a victim, or a villain? What happens when the line between the two starts to blur? On 7th July 2010, Kelly Harnett says her abusive boyfriend murdered a man right in front of her. So how did she end up in prison for it? Anna Sinfield - the journalist behind the global number 1 podcast, The Girlfriends, returns with her tough…

1
Ep 36: The Politics of Inclusion - Featuring Khalen Saunders 1:08:11

28d ago1:08:11

1:08:11

On this week's filibuster, Jemele dives into NBA player Malk Beasley being under federal investigation as part of gambling probe and how the sports leagues alliance with the gambling industry is creating an atmosphere for players to indulge in sports betting. Jemele is then joined by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, who recently…

1
Raising a Feminist Boy with The Daily Show’s Desi Lydic 53:51

1M ago53:51

53:51

In this in-studio Parenting is a Joke fav episode, Ophira Eisenberg sits down with comedian, Daily Show correspondent, and guest host Desi Lydic to talk parenting, performing, and prompter disasters. Desi recounts the surreal moment her Daily Show hosting debut began with a backwards teleprompter—and how the audience's reaction helped her recover i…

1
Microdosing, Menopause, and the Magic of Mushrooms with Tracey Tee 23:33

1M ago23:33

23:33

In this snack-sized episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg is joined again by Tracey Tee—comedian turned founder of Moms on Mushrooms (M.O.M.)—to talk about how microdosing psilocybin became the unexpected tool that helped her feel more present, emotionally resilient, and aligned as a parent. Tracey explains how her past work creating The…

1
Ep 35: The Politics of Running the Point - Featuring Chris Paul 59:06

1M ago59:06

59:06

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele takes a deeper look at Tyrese Haliburton’s devastating injury and whether the number of ACL tears suffered by NBA players this season is an aberration or a sign of something more. Then, Jemele has a special conversation with 12-time NBA All-Star Chris Paul at the prestigious American Black Film Festival in Miami. C…

1
Moms on Mushrooms: How Tracey Tee Found Relief and a Calling 1:00:13

1M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Comedian Tracey Tee, co-creator of the hit touring show The Pump and Dump, returns with a whole new mission: helping moms heal with mushrooms. In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, she opens up to Ophira Eisenberg about how her decade-long comedy career and business collapsed overnight during the pandemic, leaving her physically and emotionally u…

1
Tummy Time and The Tonight Show with Liz Glazer 40:25

1M ago40:25

40:25

In this special snack episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg reconnects with comedian Liz Glazer to celebrate the release of Liz’s new stand-up special Do You Know Who I’m Not?—a follow-up to her acclaimed debut tackling the heartbreak of stillbirth. Liz shares what it’s like raising a two-year-old, obsessively documenting milestones like…

1
Ep 34: The Politics of They/Them - Featuring Layshia Clarendon 1:08:42

1M ago1:08:42

1:08:42

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele questions why FIFA decided to drop its anti-racism campaign while the Club World Cup tournament is being played in America. Jemele is then joined by recent WNBA retiree Layshia Clarendon, the WNBA’s first non-binary player. Layshia gets candid about why she decided to retire, what it means for the her to be the WNB…

1
Vicky Kuperman’s C-Section Came with a Chanel Gift Bag 53:14

1M ago53:14

53:14

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, comedian and brand-new mom Vicky Kuperman joins Ophira Eisenberg just five weeks after giving birth—and no, she didn’t know she wanted kids until recently either. Vicky opens up about pivoting from a life focused solely on comedy to embracing IVF, sharing how her fourth and final covered cycle resulted in her…

1
Kid Jokes for the Kidless with Mike Cannon 30:33

2M ago30:33

30:33

In this snack episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg catches up with comedian and dad Mike Cannon, who's juggling life with a kindergartener and a new baby. Mike talks honestly about how parenting the second time around comes with fewer toys, more perspective, and the realization that kids’ interests change faster than you can declutter. …

1
Ep 33: The Politics of Narrative - Featuring Hakeem Jeffries 1:06:56

2M ago1:06:56

1:06:56

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele gets to the bottom of why there’s only one Black female head coach in the WNBA, despite Black women making up 70 percent of the league. Jemele is then joined by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who gives his thoughts on the Elon Musk-Donald Trump feud, if it was fair for the Knicks to fire Tom Thibodeau, and …

1
Mike Cannon’s Fatherhood Survival Kit Includes Empathy and Edibles 48:03

2M ago48:03

48:03

This week on Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg welcomes comedian Mike Cannon for a Father’s Day–timed conversation packed with raw insight, humor, and real talk about parenting sensitive kids while holding onto your sanity and creative drive. Mike opens up about life with a kindergartner and a seven-month-old, reflecting on how jujitsu helped h…

1
College Kids Who Refuse to Party with Deborah Goldstein 25:48

2M ago25:48

25:48

In this quick-hit snack episode, Parenting is a Joke host Ophira Eisenberg reconnects with Deborah Goldstein, creator and host of the kids’ podcast The Big Fib, for a sharp and funny follow-up conversation about parenting, lying, and letting go. Deborah shares her experience raising two sons through the awkward "dumb liar" phase—like when one claim…

1
Ep 32: The Politics of the Can-do Mindset - Featuring Candace Parker 1:05:37

2M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele questions whether this year’s NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indianapolis Pacers means we’ve seen the end of NBA dynasties and superstar-heavy teams. Jemele is then joined by women’s college basketball legend Candace Parker, who discusses her new book, The Can-Do Mindset. Candace shares how sh…

1
Deborah Goldstein Has a Viable Womb 50:54

2M ago50:54

50:54

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg welcomes Deborah Goldstein, co-host of the hit kids' podcast The Big Fib and producer of the nationwide storytelling series Listen to Your Mother. Deborah shares what it’s like raising two "man children" with her wife in a North Jersey suburb full of fellow Brooklyn expats, where being a cis,…

1
Snot Goblins with Rob Kutner 25:23

2M ago25:23

25:23

In this snack-sized episode of Parenting Is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg chats with comedy writer Rob Kutner about parenting teens, creative careers, and why his daughter called him and his wife “hippies.” Rob opens up about raising a 16-year-old navigating academic pressure, social anxiety, and her first heartbreak—with plenty of Gilmore Girls maratho…

1
Ep 31: The Politics of Healing - Featuring Rickey Smiley 1:12:49

2M ago1:12:49

1:12:49

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele examines the 5-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder, reflecting on how athletes' activism helped power a worldwide movement and why their efforts weren't sustained. Jemele is then joined by actor and comedian Rickey Smiley, whose network comedy special “Fool-ish” premieres on Hulu on May 30. Smiley explains wh…

1
Rob Kutner Celebrates 5,000 Years and His Tween's Bar Mitzvah 49:10

2M ago49:10

49:10

In this episode of Parenting Is a Joke, comedian and late-night writer Rob Kutner (The Daily Show, Conan, The Tonight Show) joins Ophira Eisenberg to talk parenting while producing comedy—and building epic Lego cities. Rob shares how his son’s rediscovered passion for Lego led to an IKEA-based organizing hack courtesy of his wife, complete with col…

1
The Girlfriends: Spotlight, E8: Nadya & Pussy Riot Punk the President 41:49

2M ago41:49

41:49

When Nadya Tolokonnikova saw her country Russia change under President Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime, she knew she had to do something. She started the iconic ski-mask-wearing art protest collective Pussy Riot. On February 21st, 2012, they performed their anti-Putin protest song, Punk Prayer, in a Moscow church, launching Nadya into overnig…

1
Unexpected Potty Training with Janae Burris 25:59

2M ago25:59

25:59

In this snack-sized episode, Denver comic Janae Burris returns to talk to Ophira about parenting logistics, chaos management, and the sticker shock of daycare in Colorado. She opens up about choosing to keep her toddler home with her—despite everyone around her insisting she needs a break—and how that decision slowly unraveled once the “fast and st…

1
Ep 30: The Politics of Around the Horn - Featuring Tony Reali 1:28:14

2M ago1:28:14

1:28:14

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele weighs in on the latest drama surrounding Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, including the back-and-forth commentary between former NFL players Ryan Clark and Robert Griffin III. Jemele is then joined by Tony Reali, host of ESPN’s popular show, Around the Horn. Reali discusses the show ending after over 20 years, how w…

1
Janae Burris is the Funniest Mom in Fresno 52:15

2M ago52:15

52:15

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, comedian and Denver arts staple Janae Burris joins Ophira Eisenberg to talk about becoming a mom at 41 after thinking parenthood had passed her by. She recounts the surreal moment she realized she was pregnant—just after performing at a comedy show—and how fear and humor carried her through a high-risk pregna…

1
The Girlfriends: Spotlight, E7: Eilís Runs the Ball Barn 42:28

2M ago42:28

42:28

As a trans woman, Eilís Ní Fhlannagáin didn’t have much faith in mainstream health care. So when she wanted gender affirming surgery to remove her testicles, she turned to her best friend and trainee doctor Willow, and asked her to perform the operation in her living room… From this humble beginning, Eilís and Willow built a whole clinic dedicated …

1
Getting Roasted by Your Teenage with Amy Millan 22:12

3M ago22:12

22:12

In this Parenting is a Joke Snack Episode, singer-songwriter Amy Millan shares hilarious and heartfelt stories about parenting a 14-year-old aspiring musical theater star and an 8-year-old who’s always one snack away from bedtime stalling. Amy reveals that her daughter's only use for a smartphone is belting out songs for hours, but that didn’t stop…

1
Ep 29: The Politics of Negotiating Like A Girl - Featuring Amy Trask 1:04:42

3M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele answers a provocative question: Was the NBA draft lottery rigged so that the Dallas Mavericks could get the No 1 pick just months after trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers? Later, Jemele is joined by Amy Trask, who was the first female CEO in the NFL. Amy covers her 20-year career with the Las V…

1
Amy Millan Plays Blackjack For Bathtime 44:13

3M ago44:13

44:13

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, singer-songwriter Amy Millan of Stars and Broken Social Scene opens up about the wild logistics of parenting on the road, from breastfeeding backstage to taking her toddlers on European tour buses. Amy shares what it was like to return to the stage just 12 weeks postpartum, how a Canadian grant system once fo…

1
From Isolation to Iced Coffee with Tara Clark 23:08

3M ago23:08

23:08

In this snack-sized episode, Tara Clark of Modern Mom Probs returns to chat with Ophira Eisenberg about saying no (or more often, yes) to their kids, why the tween years might actually be the sweet spot of parenting, and how a learner-led school changed everything for her 12-year-old son. Tara opens up about resisting the urge to fast-forward conve…

1
Ep 28: The Politics of Black Business Ownership - Featuring Lanny Smith 1:31:55

3M ago1:31:55

1:31:55

On this week’s filibuster, Jemele takes a deep dive into Bill Belichick’s controversial relationship with his 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson and whether the relationship is changing how people view the future NFL Hall of Famer. Jemele is then joined by Lanny Smith, the founder of the popular fitness brand, Actively Black. Lanny, a former Hous…

1
Tara Clark Shifts From Mama to Bro 54:09

3M ago54:09

54:09

In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, host Ophira Eisenberg sits down with parenting content creator, meme queen, and Modern Mom Probs founder Tara Clark for a dynamic, deeply relatable conversation about the evolution of modern motherhood. From Tara’s early days running Nickelodeon’s social media and literally being the voice of Dora the Explore…