20 podcasts that will make you smarter

Pete Souza/White House

The past couple of years have been huge for podcasts.

Episodes of true-crime series "Serial" were downloaded more than 80 million times, President Barack Obama visited comedian Marc Maron's garage for his "WTF" podcast, and leading Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had a candid chat with "Another Round" hosts Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton.

With new series coming out every week, it can be difficult to determine which are worth your time, but we've got you covered if you're looking to learn something new.

Here are our top picks for stretching your brain during your next commute, workout, or laundry run.

'This American Life' provides a deep look into American society.

"This American Life" has become a byword for oral storytelling.

Beyond being a place for moving and often hilarious stories, "This American Life" does staggering levels of reporting; few outlets made the financial crisis as human and understandable as Ira Glass and the gang.

It lives up to the hype.

Find it here »

'Reply All' immerses you in the weird world of the internet.

You probably use the internet every day, but Alex Goldman and PJ Vogt will give you more insight into its effects on our culture than you were ever aware of.

They've covered great stories like the ways ISIS uses social media and how an Orthodox Jew ultimately left his family behind because of the world he discovered online.

And Goldman and Vogt's goofy rapport will keep you hooked episode to episode.

Find it here »

'Fresh Air' will give you an intimate look at your favorite writers, celebrities, and journalists.

NPR's "Fresh Air" host Terry Gross has been on the air for more than four decades, and her interviewing skills have earned her accolades like the Peabody Award, the Columbia Journalism Award, and a spot in the National Radio Hall of Fame.

Gross may have a smooth, relaxed speaking style, but the way she digs deep into her interview subjects will keep you engaged throughout the conversation, whether it's about Jake Gyllenhaal's acting process or what a writer learned from covering Mexican drug cartels.

Find it here »