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Celebrity podcasts have taken over the audio landscape, offering intimate conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and unfiltered access to some of the biggest names in entertainment. Unlike scripted interviews or red carpet sound bites, these shows let celebrities connect with fans in a raw, authentic way. We've listened to dozens of celebrity-hosted podcasts to bring you the 10 that are consistently topping the charts and delivering content worth your time. Whether you're looking for comedy, inspiration, true crime, or deep dives into pop culture, these shows prove that celebrities can be just as compelling behind the mic as they are on screen.
SmartLess – Best for hilarious celebrity interviews
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard – Best for deep, vulnerable conversations
Call Her Daddy – Best for bold relationship and lifestyle talk
The Joe Rogan Experience – Best for long-form, unfiltered discussions
Literally! With Rob Lowe – Best for Hollywood insider stories
We Can Do Hard Things – Best for personal growth and resilience
On Purpose with Jay Shetty – Best for mindfulness and motivation
Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend – Best for comedic brilliance
Happy Sad Confused – Best for movie and TV deep dives
Office Ladies – Best for nostalgic TV show recaps
SmartLess is the brainchild of three Hollywood friends—Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett—who take turns surprising each other with mystery celebrity guests. The twist? Only one host knows who's coming, while the other two react in real-time, creating genuine, spontaneous conversations that feel like eavesdropping on a group of friends.
Who It's For: Fans of comedy, pop culture, and anyone who loves hearing A-list celebrities let their guard down in hilarious, unscripted moments.
Key Features: Each episode features a different surprise guest ranging from actors and musicians to athletes and politicians. The chemistry between the three hosts is electric, with playful banter and quick wit that keeps the energy high. The surprise element adds genuine reactions and organic questions that feel refreshing compared to standard interview formats. Episodes typically run 45-60 minutes, making them perfect for commutes or workouts. The production quality is polished, with clear audio and smart editing that keeps the pace brisk.
Pricing: Free on all major podcast platforms with occasional ad breaks.
Pros:
Genuine chemistry between three hilarious hosts
Surprise guest format creates authentic reactions
Consistently high-profile celebrity guests
Perfect balance of humor and substance
Professionally produced with excellent audio quality
Cons:
Ad breaks can interrupt flow
Some episodes lean heavily on inside Hollywood references
Guests occasionally feel rushed due to time constraints
The surprise format sometimes leads to unprepared questions
Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert is where vulnerability meets curiosity. Shepard, alongside co-host Monica Padman, conducts deeply personal conversations with celebrities, experts, and authors, exploring topics like addiction, mental health, relationships, and personal growth. The show feels less like an interview and more like therapy sessions between friends.
Who It's For: Listeners who crave authentic, emotionally honest conversations and want to understand the real person behind the celebrity persona.
Key Features: Shepard's openness about his own struggles with addiction and mental health creates a safe space for guests to share their stories. The "Fact Check" segment at the end of each episode features Monica correcting any factual errors from the conversation, adding both humor and accountability. Episodes often run 90+ minutes, allowing for comprehensive exploration of complex topics. The show covers a wide range of guests from Hollywood stars to scientists and authors, providing diverse perspectives. Shepard's interviewing style is warm, inquisitive, and unafraid to challenge guests respectfully.
Pricing: Free on all platforms with ad breaks; premium ad-free version available through certain services.
Pros:
Deeply vulnerable and honest conversations
Dax's personal story creates trust with guests
Long-form format allows thorough exploration
Fact-checking segment adds credibility
Wide variety of guest types beyond celebrities
Cons:
Length may be too long for casual listeners
Heavy focus on personal trauma may not suit all moods
Occasional technical issues with remote recordings
Some listeners find Dax talks too much about himself
Alex Cooper transformed Call Her Daddy from a relationship advice show into a cultural phenomenon featuring candid conversations with celebrities about sex, relationships, mental health, and pop culture. Cooper's direct, no-filter approach creates an environment where guests feel comfortable discussing topics they'd normally avoid in traditional interviews.
Who It's For: Young adults seeking frank discussions about modern relationships, fans of pop culture drama, and anyone who appreciates unfiltered honesty about taboo topics.
Key Features: Cooper's interviewing style is bold and direct, asking questions other hosts won't touch. The show has evolved to feature major celebrities sharing personal stories about relationships, career struggles, and controversies. Topics range from lighthearted dating advice to serious discussions about mental health and trauma. The production has matured significantly, with high-quality audio and video versions available. Cooper's ability to make guests comfortable discussing sensitive subjects has made the show a go-to platform for celebrities looking to control their narratives.
Pricing: Free on all major podcast platforms with ad integrations; video versions available on YouTube and Spotify.
Pros:
Fearless approach to sensitive topics
Alex's ability to extract honest answers
Massive celebrity guests sharing personal stories
Relatable content for younger audiences
Strong community engagement on social media
Cons:
Content may be too explicit for some listeners
Ad integrations can feel lengthy
Focus on drama and controversy isn't for everyone
Some episodes lean heavily on gossip
Joe Rogan's podcast is the definition of long-form conversation, with episodes often exceeding three hours. Rogan sits down with everyone from comedians and actors to scientists, politicians, and controversial figures, creating a space for unfiltered dialogue that explores every angle of a topic without time constraints.
Who It's For: Listeners who enjoy marathon conversations, diverse viewpoints, and aren't looking for quick sound bites or surface-level discussions.
Key Features: The show's length allows guests to fully articulate complex ideas without rushing. Rogan's genuine curiosity drives conversations into unexpected territories. The guest list is incredibly diverse, spanning entertainment, science, politics, sports, and more. Rogan's comedy background keeps conversations entertaining even when discussing heavy topics. The show's move to Spotify brought improved production quality while maintaining its casual, studio-hangout vibe. Rogan isn't afraid to challenge guests or admit when he's wrong, creating dynamic exchanges.
Pricing: Free exclusively on Spotify; video and audio versions available.
Pros:
Unprecedented length allows deep exploration
Incredibly diverse guest roster
Unfiltered conversations without corporate oversight
Joe's genuine curiosity and humor
High production quality on Spotify
Cons:
Length is prohibitive for many listeners
Controversial guests and opinions polarize audiences
Lack of fact-checking during conversations
Spotify exclusivity limits platform choice
Joe sometimes spreads misinformation
Rob Lowe brings decades of Hollywood experience to his podcast, interviewing fellow actors, directors, and entertainment industry insiders. His genuine friendships with many guests and his own storied career create conversations filled with insider stories, industry wisdom, and nostalgic anecdotes that appeal to film and TV enthusiasts.
Who It's For: Classic Hollywood fans, actors and aspiring entertainers, and anyone who loves behind-the-scenes stories from iconic movies and TV shows.
Key Features: Lowe's extensive career and personal connections result in guests who feel comfortable sharing stories they've never told publicly. The show balances lighthearted Hollywood gossip with serious discussions about the craft of acting and navigating fame. Lowe's charm and professionalism create a comfortable atmosphere where guests open up naturally. Episodes typically feature one guest for 45-60 minutes, providing enough time for meaningful conversation without overstaying. The show often includes stories from the sets of beloved projects, giving fans unique insights into how their favorite content was made.
Pricing: Free on all major podcast platforms with standard ad breaks.
Pros:
Rob's genuine industry relationships
Insider stories from iconic productions
Professional yet warm interviewing style
Great for classic movie and TV fans
Well-paced episodes that respect listener time
Cons:
Guest roster skews toward older Hollywood
Can feel too industry-focused for casual listeners
Less diverse in topics compared to other celebrity pods
Production quality occasionally inconsistent
Glennon Doyle, alongside her wife Abby Wambach and sister Amanda Doyle, created a podcast about navigating life's challenges with authenticity and courage. The show tackles everything from parenting and marriage to politics and personal transformation, offering practical wisdom wrapped in warmth and humor.
Who It's For: Anyone facing difficult life transitions, fans of personal development, and listeners seeking community and encouragement during tough times.
Key Features: The three-host dynamic provides multiple perspectives on every topic, creating rich, nuanced discussions. Glennon's bestselling author background brings storytelling prowess to the show. Abby's experience as a professional athlete and activist adds unique insights. The show balances heavy topics with moments of levity and the hosts' infectious laughter. Episodes feature both solo discussions among the hosts and interviews with experts, authors, and public figures. The community aspect is strong, with listeners feeling like part of an extended chosen family.
Pricing: Free on all platforms with ad breaks; some bonus content available for members.
Pros:
Three distinct voices create dynamic conversations
Tackles difficult topics with grace and humor
Strong sense of community among listeners
Practical advice alongside personal stories
Inclusive and affirming content
Cons:
Political perspectives may not align with all listeners
Can feel repetitive on certain themes
Ad placement sometimes disrupts emotional moments
Heavy topics may be overwhelming in large doses
Former monk turned motivational coach Jay Shetty brings ancient wisdom into modern context through interviews with celebrities, thought leaders, and experts. The show focuses on mindfulness, purpose, mental health, and personal growth, offering actionable insights wrapped in accessible language.
Who It's For: Self-improvement seekers, meditation practitioners, and anyone looking to live with more intention and less stress.
Key Features: Shetty's unique background as a monk provides a fresh perspective on success, happiness, and fulfillment. The show alternates between celebrity interviews and solo episodes where Shetty shares teachings and practical exercises. Guests range from entertainment figures to psychologists, authors, and spiritual teachers. Each episode includes actionable takeaways listeners can implement immediately. Shetty's calm, measured delivery creates a meditative listening experience even when discussing challenging topics. The production includes soothing music and sound design that enhances the reflective atmosphere.
Pricing: Free on all major platforms with minimal ad interruptions.
Pros:
Unique perspective from Jay's monk training
Practical, actionable advice in every episode
Calming production and Jay's soothing voice
Diverse guest roster beyond typical celebrities
Focus on mental health and mindfulness
Cons:
Some listeners find Jay's style too polished
Advice can feel generic or obvious at times
Shorter episodes may leave topics unexplored
Less humor than other celebrity podcasts
Conan O'Brien's podcast is exactly what the title suggests: a late-night legend genuinely trying to make friends by interviewing celebrities, comedians, and interesting people. Conan's self-deprecating humor, quick wit, and decades of interviewing experience create hilarious, heartfelt conversations that showcase why he's considered one of comedy's greats.
Who It's For: Comedy fans, Conan devotees, and anyone who wants to laugh while learning something about their favorite celebrities.
Key Features: Conan's comedic timing transforms even mundane topics into comedy gold. His assistant Sona and producer Matt frequently interject, creating a dynamic, multi-person conversation rather than a standard interview. The show balances comedy with genuinely insightful questions that reveal new sides of well-known guests. Conan's experience interviewing thousands of people shows in his ability to put guests at ease and draw out their humor. Episodes end with listener questions that often lead to the funniest moments. The chemistry between Conan and his team creates a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Pricing: Free on all platforms; video versions on YouTube; Team Coco members get ad-free episodes and bonus content.
Pros:
Conan's unmatched comedic talent
Genuinely funny while still being substantive
Great chemistry between Conan, Sona, and Matt
Wide variety of guests from all industries
Listener questions segment adds interactivity
Cons:
Conan sometimes dominates conversations
Comedy may overshadow deeper discussions
Not ideal for listeners seeking serious content
Video versions reveal dated recording setups
Josh Horowitz has been interviewing actors and filmmakers for over a decade, building relationships that result in relaxed, insider-focused conversations about movies and TV. The podcast version of his show features extended, uncut discussions that film enthusiasts crave, complete with anecdotes, industry gossip, and passionate debates about cinema.
Who It's For: Movie buffs, film students, and anyone who wants to go deeper than standard press junket interviews with their favorite actors and directors.
Key Features: Horowitz's extensive experience and industry connections mean guests trust him with candid discussions. The show dives deep into specific films, exploring creative decisions, on-set experiences, and behind-the-scenes challenges. Josh's encyclopedic movie knowledge allows him to ask informed questions that casual interviewers miss. Episodes often feature rapid-fire games and segments that reveal guests' personalities beyond their latest project. The podcast format allows for longer conversations than the video versions, giving guests time to really open up. The show frequently becomes news-making when guests reveal exclusive information.
Pricing: Free on all major podcast platforms and YouTube with ads.
Pros:
Josh's deep industry knowledge and relationships
Focus on craft and filmmaking process
Extended conversations beyond press talking points
Fun games and segments that reveal personality
Often breaks news with exclusive reveals
Cons:
Very niche for non-film enthusiasts
Audio quality varies on older episodes
Sometimes gets too inside-baseball for casual fans
Guest availability tied to promotional cycles
Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, who played Pam and Angela on The Office, rewatch the beloved sitcom episode by episode, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, deleted scenes, and cast memories. The podcast has become essential listening for fans of the show, turning each episode into an extended DVD commentary track.
Who It's For: Die-hard fans of The Office, anyone who enjoys nostalgia-driven content, and listeners who love hearing insider perspectives on their favorite shows.
Key Features: Jenna and Angela's real-life friendship shines through, creating a warm, inviting listening experience. Each episode breaks down a specific Office episode with timestamps, trivia, and production details. The hosts frequently bring on writers, directors, and cast members for additional perspectives. Fans submit questions and theories that the hosts address, creating community engagement. The show includes exclusive content like table reads of deleted scenes and photo galleries. The deep dive format means even superfans learn new information about episodes they've watched dozens of times.
Pricing: Free on all platforms; premium subscribers get bonus episodes and early access.
Pros:
Perfect for Office superfans
Jenna and Angela's genuine friendship
Exclusive behind-the-scenes content
Methodical episode-by-episode format
Strong community of engaged listeners
Cons:
Only appeals to fans of The Office
Can be overly detailed for casual listeners
Nine seasons means years of content ahead
Format becomes repetitive over time
A celebrity podcast is an audio show hosted by or featuring famous personalities from entertainment, sports, politics, or other fields. Unlike traditional interviews designed to promote projects, these podcasts offer longer, more personal conversations that reveal the human behind the celebrity image.
Celebrity podcasts provide unprecedented access to famous people in their most authentic form. Without the constraints of network television or magazine word counts, celebrities can share full stories, explore complex topics, and connect with audiences in meaningful ways. For listeners, these shows offer entertainment, inspiration, and the parasocial satisfaction of feeling like you're friends with someone you admire. Many celebrity podcasts also platform important conversations about mental health, social issues, and personal growth.
Consider what you want from the experience. Are you looking for laughs, inspiration, education, or simple entertainment? Think about episode length—some people love three-hour deep dives while others prefer 30-minute episodes. Check the guest roster to see if the show consistently books people you're interested in hearing from. Listen to the host's interviewing style; some are conversational and casual while others are more structured and journalistic. Consider whether you want video components or if audio-only works for your listening habits. Finally, pay attention to release schedules—some shows post multiple times weekly while others are monthly.
Are celebrity podcasts scripted?
Most celebrity podcasts are unscripted or loosely structured with talking points rather than word-for-word scripts. The appeal lies in authentic, spontaneous conversations that feel real. Hosts typically prepare questions and research guests beforehand, but the actual dialogue flows naturally. Some shows have more structured segments or games, but even those allow for improvisation and genuine reactions.
Do I need to know the celebrities to enjoy these podcasts?
Not necessarily. While familiarity with the celebrity host or guests enhances the experience, many of these shows work because of the quality of conversation rather than star power alone. Shows like Armchair Expert and On Purpose often feature experts and authors alongside celebrities, and the discussions stand on their own merit. That said, shows like Office Ladies specifically cater to existing fans of particular properties.
How do celebrity podcasts make money?
Most make money through advertising and sponsorships, with hosts reading ads during episodes. Some have premium subscription tiers offering ad-free listening and bonus content. Major celebrities sometimes sign exclusive deals with platforms like Spotify or Wondery for guaranteed income. Merchandise, live shows, and brand partnerships provide additional revenue streams for successful podcasts.
Which celebrity podcast should I start with?
It depends on your interests. For pure comedy, start with SmartLess or Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend. For deeper, emotional conversations, try Armchair Expert or We Can Do Hard Things. If you're into pop culture and bold talk, Call Her Daddy is your entry point. Movie lovers should check out Happy Sad Confused. The best approach is to look at recent guest lists and start with an episode featuring someone you already admire.
