In his series "9/12," Dan Taberski presents a unique and thought-provoking look at the events of September 11th. The show follows a group of reality show contestants on an 18th century-themed voyage just before the attacks, highlighting their initial disconnect from the tragedy. With a powerful score by Daniel Herskedal, Taberski explores lesser-known stories from the post-9/11 era to challenge common perceptions of the time. In contrast, Ian Coss' series "Forever Is a Long Time" delves into the complexities of long-term commitment in a deeply personal way. Motivated by concerns about the strength of his own marriage, he conducted interviews with divorced relatives and their former partners to understand the reasons behind their breakups. Each episode of his series depicts a different love story in its entirety, with the host gathering evidence and insights like a determined investigator. The revelations he uncovers are woven into original songs inspired by the couples, subtly reflecting the enigmatic nature of human relationships. "La Brega," which translates to "the hustle" or "the struggle," serves as a common thread throughout this collection of stories and tribute to Puerto Rico. Presented in both English and Spanish by a group of Puerto Rican journalists and led by Alana Casanova-Burgess, each episode of "La Brega" effectively transports listeners to a specific location. Rich and overlooked stories from American history can be found in the tales of pothole fillers, activists, and basketball heroes who face their own struggles, many of which can be traced back to the concept of a self-governing territory in the United States. "The Midnight Miracle" is a celebrity podcast hosted by Dave Chappelle, Yasiin Bey, and Talib Kweli, featuring a rotating cast of guests like David Letterman, Chris Rock, and Jon Stewart who engage in candid discussions on art, philosophy, and politics. The show's inventive sound design creates a dynamic and immersive listening experience, akin to being at the world's most fascinating dinner party. "One Year: 1977," hosted by Josh Levin, delves into a year in American history by examining its iconic figures, trends, and controversies with a meticulous and comprehensive approach. Just like any well-written history, the most chilling moments, such as a deadly trend involving a fake cancer treatment among celebrities and science doubters, still hold relevance today. Julie Salamon's podcast adaptation of her book "The Devil's Candy" delves into forgotten tape recordings to bring to life the doomed production of Brian De Palma's "The Bonfire of the Vanities." The interviews with De Palma, Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, and others showcase the effort to blend high art with commercial success. "Resistance," which emerged after the global Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, focuses on smaller-scale revolutions. Saidu Tejan-Thomas Jr., along with producer-reporters Salifu Sesay Mack, Bethel Habte, and Aaron Randle, uncover compelling stories that delve into the struggles that push individuals outside their everyday routines. The podcast "Rough Translation: Home/Front" by Gregory Warner focuses on the "Civ-Mil divide" between civilians and the military, shedding light on acts of compassion and sacrifice on both sides. Quil Lawrence, NPR's veterans correspondent, introduces readers to characters such as Alicia and Matt Lammers, whose marriage faces challenges due to trauma, and Marla Ruzicka, an aid worker who influenced how the Pentagon deals with civilian casualties. Dan Pashman, the host of "The Sporkful," has spent years trying to create the perfect pasta shape, a task most people would not even think to attempt. His journey to design and manufacture this shape is chronicled in a captivating audio series reminiscent of popular podcasts like "Radiolab," "StartUp," and "Planet Money." The emotional ups and downs Pashman experiences are relatable to anyone who has tried to achieve success in any field. Natalia Petrzela's exploration of the rise and fall of Chippendales, the famous male strip show of the '80s, goes beyond the sensational topics of sex, true crime, and hidden history. The show stands out for its compelling mood, characters, and storyline. The tale of the troupe's founder, Steve Banerjee, is quite extraordinary. His journey from immigrant small-business owner to successful figure in the sex industry, and eventually a criminal, is a quintessential American story. Adapted from a 2021 article by The New York Times Company.