This American Life has been named the Greatest Podcast of All Time in the inaugural Essential Listening Poll, a new global survey of the most influential audio shows.
The poll, organised by Left of Dial Media with support from Amazon Music, invited 300 voters from 23 countries to select their top five podcasts.
The results, announced today, include a ranked list of the 100 Greatest Podcasts of All Time, celebrating work that has shaped the medium and inspired listeners around the world.
Launched in 1995 as a radio programme before evolving into one of the most successful podcasts, This American Life has long been recognised for setting a benchmark in storytelling.
Hosted by Ira Glass, the show pioneered a style of narrative journalism that remains influential across the industry, mixing real-life stories with emotional depth and innovative structure. Its latest accolade reflects its continued cultural impact.
The voters were drawn from across the podcasting world, bringing together hosts, producers, journalists, and academics.
Among them were Alex Blumberg of StartUp, Brendan McDonald from WTF with Marc Maron, Hrishikesh Hirway of Song Exploder, Radiolab hosts Latif Nasser and Lulu Miller, Normal Gossip’s Alex Sujong Laughlin, and Leon Neyfakh, the creator of Slow Burn.
Their choices highlight the podcasts that not only entertained but also shifted how audio is made and consumed. The poll recognises shows that shaped formats, sparked conversations, and influenced new generations of creators.
In addition to celebrating well-established titles, the list also shines a light on more recent and innovative shows, underlining the diversity and dynamism of the medium.
Organisers say the Essential Listening Poll is intended as both a celebration of podcasting’s achievements and a guide to its most essential works.
“This American Life is the show that inspired so many of us to take the medium seriously,” one voter commented. “It set the gold standard for how podcasts could tell stories that stay with you forever.”
Explore the full list of the 100 Greatest Podcasts of All Time on the Left of Dial Media website.
