The Pod Report: Sep 3, New and Noteworthy Shows
By Dana Block
"Podcasting is a democratizing force, giving anyone with a message and a microphone the ability to reach a global audience." -- Ira Glass
Looking for a new podcast to add to your listening library? These five shows are new and noteworthy and could be the next "Serial," the next "SmartLess," or simply your personal favorite! Topics range from society and culture, TV and film, education, games, and true crime:
Society and Culture: "Delivering Happiness with Nick Turturro" -- This Emmy-nominated actor ("NYPD Blue") started this video series on YouTube in 2025 before making it a podcast, but it still has the same original concept. Each week, Turturro delivers an authentic Sicilian-style pizza (from Prince Street Pizza) to a lucky customer who just happens to be his special celebrity guest. Recent episodes include guests like future WWE superstar wrestler Seth Rollins and actor O'Shea Jackson Jr., who also happens to be a massive pro wrestling fan (and co-hosts the podcast "No Contest Wrestling"). (iHeart.com)
TV and Film: "Disney+ Hulu Throwbacks Podcast" -- One of the most popular podcast concepts is revisiting the television shows that we grew up watching. In this new weekly podcast, hosts Sherry Cola and Cierra Ramirez take a "nostalgic deep dive into the iconic movies and shows that defined a generation." If you're a Zillennial who watched "High School Musical" until you could recite every line and lyric, then this podcast is for you! Their initial guests include Maria Canals-Barrera and Liamani Segura from "Camp Rock 3," Raven-Symone from "The Cheetah Girls" movies, and KayCee Stroh and Monique Coleman from "High School Musical." (DisneyPlus.com)
Education: "Is This Really Legal?" -- Former United States Pardon Attorney Liz Oyer hosts this new weekly podcast, where she and an expert guest delve into the legal issues behind our current headlines. The Department of Justice, presidential power, courts, and the Constitution are all explored as Liz "cuts through the noise and shines a light on what truly matters" in our democracy. Early episodes educate us on how the Senate confirmation process really works, the truth about election administration, and -- more recently -- a retired Navy Commander's take on what our service members are coping with on the U.S.S. Lincoln. (IsThisReallyLegal.org)
Games: "Think Fast" -- With every episode being just under 6 minutes, this is the perfect podcast to fire up your brain cells when "Jeopardy!" is too long of a commitment. It's not all your typical trivia; there are fun, mentally challenging games that test your memory, word-building skills, and ability to spot patterns. If riddles aren't your jam, skip the "Jacobethan" episode, but if you're a movie buff, be sure to queue up the one titled "When Harry Met Salty." (ART19.com)
True Crime: "Murder in the Heartland" -- In this new podcast from the ID Channel, we're reminded to always lock our doors, no matter how quaint our town is or how quiet our cornfields are. Each episode is told from the collective point-of-view of folks who lived with a false sense of security, until the unexpected happened to a neighbor. (Acast.com)
(c) 2026 King Features Syndicate, Inc.