The series "9/12" is a thought-provoking and creatively reported exploration of the September 11 attacks by Dan Taberski. Beginning with a group of reality show contestants embarking on an 18th century-themed voyage just before the attacks, the show captures their initial unawareness and innocence. Backed by a beautiful score from jazz composer Daniel Herskedal, "9/12" uncovers lesser-known stories from the "war on terror" era to challenge traditional interpretations of the events. "Forever Is a Long Time," a five-part series by Ian Coss, delves into the complexity of lifelong commitment in a deeply personal way. Driven by his own uncertainties about the strength of his marriage, he conducted interviews with divorced family members and their ex-partners to understand the reasons behind their failed relationships. Each episode of the series delves into a different love story, with the host, Coss, approaching the investigation like a determined detective. The revelations he uncovers are transformed into original songs that capture the complexities of human relationships. In "La Brega," a project that celebrates Puerto Rican culture, the concept of struggle is explored through a series of stories that highlight the island's unique heritage. This bilingual production, hosted by Alana Casanova-Burgess, immerses listeners in the rich tapestry of Puerto Rico. Rich and overlooked American histories are filled with tales of pothole fillers, political activists, and basketball heroes who face their own struggles, many of which can be traced back to the concept of self-governing territories in the United States. "The Midnight Miracle," a conversation show featuring Dave Chappelle, Yasiin Bey, and Talib Kweli, is a star-studded and captivating podcast that goes beyond celebrity gossip. The hosts, who are close friends and collaborators, are joined by a rotating cast of humorous and insightful guests like David Letterman, Chris Rock, and Jon Stewart, discussing topics related to art, philosophy, and politics. The show's innovative sound design creates a seamless and engaging listening experience, making it feel like the most intriguing dinner party in the world. "One Year: 1977," hosted by former "Slow Burn" host Josh Levin, offers a forensic historical examination of a particular year in American life, focusing on its iconic figures, trends, and controversies. Just like in any captivating history, the most chilling moments, such as the deadly craze surrounding a bogus cancer treatment among celebrities and skeptics, continue to resonate with the present. Julie Salamon's podcast adaptation of her book "The Devil's Candy" delves into forgotten tape recordings to bring the doomed production of Brian De Palma's "The Bonfire of the Vanities" to life. Through on-set interviews with key players like De Palma, Tom Hanks, and Melanie Griffith, listeners are transported back to a time when high art clashed with commercial pressures. "Resistance," inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, focuses on smaller-scale revolutions. Saidu Tejan-Thomas Jr., the host, along with producer-reporters Salifu Sesay Mack, Bethel Habte, and Aaron Randle, uncover compelling stories that delve into the struggles faced by individuals in their everyday lives. These stories shed light on lesser-known miscarriages of justice and personal challenges, such as a woman fighting to free her incarcerated partner and the exploitation of a historic oasis for Black bathers in Manhattan Beach. The latest season of “Rough Translation,” hosted by Gregory Warner, focuses on the “Civ-Mil divide” between civilians and military members, exploring how this divide overlooks acts of compassion and sacrifice on both sides. Through the stories of individuals like Alicia and Matt Lammers and Marla Ruzicka, the podcast highlights the complexities of civ-mil relationships and the impact of trauma on those involved. In the podcast "The Sporkful: Mission Impastable," Dan Pashman, a seasoned food critic and host of the show, has dedicated years to a seemingly unconventional goal: creating the perfect pasta shape. His journey to develop this shape, which he believes does not yet exist, and to have it produced, is reminiscent of popular podcasts like "Radiolab," "StartUp," and "Planet Money." Pashman's emotional ups and downs throughout the process will resonate with anyone who has pursued a successful project. Similarly, Natalia Petrzela's podcast "Welcome to Your Fantasy" delves into the fascinating history of Chippendales, the male strip show that rose to fame in the '80s, going beyond the sensationalism of sex and true crime to explore a rich narrative with compelling characters and a nostalgic atmosphere. This is truly an incredible story. The journey of troupe founder Steve Banerjee, from immigrant small-business owner to successful player in the sex industry to violent racketeer, is a classic American tale that is stranger than fiction. (c.2021 The New York Times Company)