The series "9/12" by Dan Taberski offers a unique and creatively reported perspective on the events of September 11. Through stories of reality show contestants on a themed voyage in 2001 and little-known tales from the "war on terror" years, Taberski challenges conventional views on the significance of the attacks. Accompanied by a moving score from jazz composer Daniel Herskedal, the series aims to recreate a sense of innocence and explore the lasting impact of the events. In contrast, Ian Coss' "Forever Is a Long Time" delves into the complexity of lifelong commitment in a personal and introspective five-part meditation. Motivated by his concerns about the strength of his own marriage, he conducted interviews with divorced family members and their ex-partners to understand the reasons behind their breakups. Each episode of the series delves into a different love story, with the host collecting clues like a determined detective. The information he uncovers is transformed into original songs inspired by the couples, showcasing the complexities of human relationships. "La Brega," which translates to "the hustle" or "the struggle," serves as a central theme in this collection of stories that pay homage to Puerto Rico. Presented in both English and Spanish by a group of Puerto Rican journalists and hosted by Alana Casanova-Burgess, each episode of "La Brega" vividly captures the essence of the island. There are many rich and overlooked American histories in stories of pothole fillers, political activists, and basketball heroes facing their own struggles, all stemming from the concept of self-governing territories in the United States. "The Midnight Miracle" is a star-studded, captivating conversation show hosted by Dave Chappelle, Yasiin Bey, and Talib Kweli, featuring a rotating cast of guests like David Letterman, Chris Rock, and Jon Stewart discussing topics in art, philosophy, and politics. The innovative sound design creates a unique and engaging atmosphere, akin to the world's most fascinating dinner party. "One Year: 1977," hosted by Josh Levin, offers a forensic look at a year in American life by focusing on its iconic figures, trends, and controversies. In her podcast adaptation of "The Devil's Candy," Julie Salamon revisits a forgotten chapter in Hollywood history, focusing on a dangerous cancer treatment that gained popularity among celebrities and science skeptics. The podcast features interviews with key figures involved in the doomed production of Brian De Palma's "The Bonfire of the Vanities," offering listeners a glimpse into the chaotic blend of high art and commercial pressures. Similarly, "Resistance" delves into smaller-scale revolutions following the global Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. The host, Saidu Tejan-Thomas Jr., and the producer-reporters Salifu Sesay Mack, Bethel Habte and Aaron Randle uncover compelling stories that are often overlooked, focusing on personal accounts of miscarriages of justice and historical injustices. In one episode, a woman fights to free her incarcerated partner, while another delves into the exploitation of a Black oasis in Manhattan Beach. The latest season of Gregory Warner's podcast "Rough Translation" explores the "Civ-Mil divide" in America, shedding light on the human acts of compassion and sacrifice that are obscured by this binary. Quil Lawrence, NPR's veterans correspondent, presents a diverse cast of characters, including a couple struggling with trauma in their civ-mil marriage and an aid worker who impacted the Pentagon's handling of civilian casualties. Dan Pashman, the host of "The Sporkful," has spent years searching for the perfect pasta shape, a quest that is chronicled in a three-year journey that resembles a mix of popular podcast series like "Radiolab," "StartUp," and "Planet Money." The emotional ups and downs Pashman experiences in trying to create a successful product will resonate with anyone who has attempted to achieve success. Similarly, Natalia Petrzela's exploration of the rise and fall of Chippendales offers more than just scandalous content, delving into the mood, characters, and story behind the iconic male strip show of the 1980s. The story is truly remarkable. It follows the incredible journey of Steve Banerjee, the founder of the troupe, who went from being an immigrant small-business owner to a successful figure in the sex industry with envy-inducing green eyes, and eventually becoming a murderous racketeer. This story is a classic example of the American dream.