The popularity of podcasts has exploded over the past couple of years. There are over 800,000 of them out there and over 62 million listeners in the U.S.

If you’re a long-time listener or are looking for a new place to start, we’ve got a great selection of podcasts that will keep you entertained. Each episode will cover an important topic, allowing you to learn something new.

Cry Power

Artist Hozier is the host of the Cry Power podcast, which is in partnership with Global Citizen. He talks with various activists and artists about how people can make a difference in the world.

In the podcast’s second episode, Hozier talks with Bono, the founder of Global Citizen. He talks about his early involvement in activism, the fight against AIDS, and why equality is so important worldwide.

The Cry Power podcast highlights moments of hope experienced during crises, such as the earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010.

Hueman

Hueman talks about the individuals who are making a difference in their communities. Each episode features a different story about an inspirational leader who has positively impacted the world.

Sooo Many White Guys

Comedian and best-selling author Phoebe Robinson is a passionate advocate for women and people of color. She uses her platform to talk about various issues, such as race and feminism, and she does so with a few jokes. Her podcast, Sooo Many White Guys, aims to address the issue of white men in comedy.

African Tech RoundUp

The African Tech RoundUp is an organization that covers all things tech and innovation coming out of Africa. It’s based in Johannesburg and produces various media projects and podcasts. Their shows are dedicated to showcasing the growing tech scene in the continent.

The Guilty Feminist

The hosts of the comedy podcast The Guilty Feminist, Sofie Hagen and Deborah Frances-White, invite guests to participate in various discussions about feminism.

They discuss period poverty, a condition that prevents people from accessing education and resources for their period. The discussion also features some light-hearted commentary about period taboos.

Pod Save the World

There are plenty of political podcasts, but Pod Save the World is different. It’s a foreign policy podcast that breaks down major global issues and discusses how people can get involved.

The Pod Save The World team talks about the refugee crisis. They were joined by David Miliband, who spoke about how the situation is often man-made. Despite the grim situation, there’s a silver lining: Everyone can help.

If you’re looking for podcasts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ll find plenty of good options on the BBC’s Science in Action and NPR’s Coronavirus Crisis.