If you haven’t yet discovered this particular joy, know that now is an excellent time to dip your toes into the wonderful world of podcasts. The medium has experienced a boom in the past decade, and along with the rise of slick national hits like 99 Percent Invisible, the Savage Lovecast, and Serial, there’s a burgeoning local and indie scene as well. Beyond NPR and Washington Post blockbusters, there are local podcasters telling inside stories of the District with candor and humor (stay tuned for a follow-up list specifically on D.C. music podcasts). We’ve perused those recorded around Washington and collected our favorites for your listening pleasure.

(Photo by Patrick Breitenbach)

DC DIARY: If you must listen to a podcast about work, this is the one. The inquisitive Stephanie Logan brings together D.C. professionals to share candid stories, experiences, and genuine personal narratives about what it’s really like to live and work in this town. DC Diary aims to facilitate a sense of community and provide a platform for “relationships that go beyond a business card.”

DISPATCHES: If you’re looking for a local version of The Moth, check out this offering from host Morgan Givens, a prolific D.C.-based storyteller and performer. Givens delves into the nuances of identity, culture, and the complicated nature of genuine connection, all in the spirit of seeking hidden truths about the human condition. (Be sure to check out all the other incredible Goat Rodeo offerings as well!)

JULES AND JAMES: Yes, this freewheeling, multi-platform project is a half-hour weekly romance podcast about two young artists, but it’s also so much more. Jules and James begins as a typical story featuring stimulating conversations ranging from art to philosophy between its two main characters, but the D.C.-based producers plan to let the audience to interact with the characters over Instagram and Twitter. The coolest part? Ultimately, you get to shape the direction of the story—and not even the founder knows how it will end.

THE LADYCAST: With the tagline “inspiring you to take control of your life and #dothething,” Alex Laughlin has candid, thought-provoking discussions with a wide variety of brilliant female interviewees based in the District. In a particularly resonant episode, Laughlin opens up about her own battle with mental illness and ties it back to D.C.’s hyper-ambitious culture. It’s on hiatus for the moment, which gives you time to catch up on all the excellent back episodes featuring cartoonists, journalists, chefs, businesswomen, tattoo artists, and others. If you enjoy her validating and heartening dispatches, be sure to check out Laughlin’s miniseries “Other,” which takes a deep-dive into multiracial identity.

WOMEN OF UNCERTAIN AGE: Karen and Philippa have been friends for over 20 years—so the two forty-somethings have plenty to talk about. Listening to the pair delve into their friendships and anecdotes about dating, marriage, divorce, and other relationship challenges of all stripes feels like hanging out with friends. They’re not experts, but their experience, kindness, and humor that will make you want to keep tuning in to hear what life lessons they’ve figured out.

HEY FRASE: Hey Frase is one of the most downloaded local podcasts on iTunes, and it’s easy to see why. The gregarious Sarah Fraser and her good friend Paul Wharton record this jovial weekly dispatch, which features a mix of personal stories, pop-culture references, humanizing interviews with vilified celebrities (including Omarosa and Miko Grimes), along with more serious discussions of social issues. It’s hard to stop listening when they delve into uncomfortable topics such as the term “oreo”, conversion therapy, dog breed bans, the opioid crisis, and…blow job classes?

THE STANDING ROOM: They say misery loves company, and let’s face it: D.C. sports fans are often pretty miserable. If you’re looking for fellow die-hard yet disheartened District sports geeks, then this is the podcast for you. The hosts are childhood friends who “work too much, drink too much, and care way way too much about the ups and (mostly) down of D.C. Sports,” bantering knowledgeably about District teams and lore, both past and present.

HARDLY ACADEMIC: Two men having emotionally and intellectually honest discussions about life, work, and relationships? We’re here for it. Co-hosts EA Dyson, a D.C. native and stand-up comedian, along with Georgia-born transplant Nick King, navigate life in the District with humor and heart. Their explorations of “isms and -ologies” along with interviews special guests, music, listener interactions and news about goings on in the area and online are a treat to listen to.

THE KOJO NNAMDI SHOW: Kojo Nnamdi’s voice, synonymous with the District, has been informing Washingtonians since 2002 on important stories from the local to the international. Every day, Nnamdi introduces listeners to artists, thinkers, cutting-edge technology, overlooked historic moments, and up-and-coming talent. If you’re a local politics nerd, be sure to check out Nnamdi’s Politics Hour podcast as well.

On that note: if you’re particularly interested in local infrastructure issues, give WAMU’s Metropocalypse a listen. The project wrapped up in December 2016, but it’s worth listening to for a deeper insight into how the Metro works (and doesn’t).

FOUNDERS NEXTDOOR : Hosted by Natasha Che, this highly useful podcast features stories and advice from District entrepreneurs who have created successful businesses that are making a real difference in their communities. It features inspiration, resources, and practical tips for Washingtonians who are small business owners (or who aspire to be.) Che’s goal is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs be successful and make D.C. a better place to live.

THE BIG LISTEN : Yes, it’s a podcast about podcasts, and it’s wonderful. Indomitable host and podcasting aficionado Lauren Ober guides listeners through the myriad of shows available. Tune in to this WAMU broadcast for introductions to new finds and intriguing insights, interviews, and backstories about the podcasts you already love.