The series "9/12" by Dan Taberski offers a fresh and creatively reported perspective on the events of September 11. The show follows a group of reality show contestants on a historical voyage just before the attacks, highlighting their initial ignorance of the tragedy. With a captivating score by jazz composer Daniel Herskedal, "9/12" shares little-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" explores the challenges of lifelong commitment in a personal and introspective manner. Motivated by doubts 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 show delves into a different love story, with Coss meticulously gathering evidence like a determined investigator. The discoveries he makes, which he transforms into original songs inspired by the couples, subtly reflect the complex nature of human relationships. "La Brega," which translates to "the hustle" or "the struggle," serves as a common thread in this collection of stories and tribute to Puerto Rico. Produced in both English and Spanish by a team of Puerto Rican journalists and hosted by Alana Casanova-Burgess, each episode of "La Brega" vividly captures the essence of its setting. The stories of pothole fillers, political activists, and basketball heroes in America are rich and often overlooked, reflecting the struggles of self-governing territories in the United States. "The Midnight Miracle" is a compelling 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 related to art, philosophy, and politics. With innovative sound design, the show feels like an engaging dinner party. "One Year: 1977," hosted by Josh Levin, offers a deep dive into a specific year in American history, examining its icons, manias, and controversies. In Julie Salamon's podcast adaptation of her book "The Devil's Candy," she delves into forgotten tape recordings to uncover the chilling history of a deadly quack treatment for cancer that captivated celebrities and science skeptics. The podcast takes listeners back to the doomed production of Brian De Palma's "The Bonfire of the Vanities," featuring on-set interviews with De Palma, Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, Melanie Griffith, and others, showcasing the collision of high art and commercial pressures. "Resistance," inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests of 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 of injustice and personal struggles in their podcast. They delve into the challenges faced by individuals that stray from their ordinary lives, such as a woman fighting for her incarcerated partner and the exploitation of a historic oasis for Black bathers. The latest season of "Rough Translation," hosted by Gregory Warner, explores the cultural conflicts that mirror our own society, focusing on the divide between civilians and the military. Quil Lawrence, NPR's veterans correspondent, sheds light on acts of compassion and sacrifice on both sides of this divide, highlighting the experiences of individuals like Alicia and Matt Lammers and aid worker Marla Ruzicka. In the podcast "The Sporkful: Mission Impastable," Dan Pashman, a seasoned food critic and host of the show, embarks on a three-year journey to create the perfect pasta shape, a concept that most people would not even consider. His determination to not only invent this shape but also have it produced is detailed in a gripping narrative reminiscent of popular podcasts like "Radiolab," "StartUp," and "Planet Money." The highs and lows of Pashman's emotional journey mirror the challenges faced by anyone trying to achieve success in any field. In "Welcome to Your Fantasy," Natalia Petrzela offers a comprehensive account of the Chippendales phenomenon in the 1980s, exploring its rise and eventual decline. Despite focusing on themes like sex, true crime, and hidden history, the podcast sets itself apart with its rich atmosphere, well-developed characters, and compelling storyline. The story of the troupe's founder, Steve Banerjee, is quite remarkable. It chronicles his journey from an immigrant small-business owner to a successful figure in the sex industry with envy-inducing green eyes, before ultimately becoming involved in criminal activities. This story is a quintessential American tale.