As fall comes to an end and the cold winter season begins, the days will become shorter and the nights longer. You will, sooner or later, find yourself pondering over what to do with all this time that you are spending indoors. Podcasts are the perfect escape from whatever is on your mind and they are a fun and engaging way to spend time. Finding the perfect podcast may be overwhelming – there are so many out there. Here are ten of the best podcasts that every adolescent should listen to.

1. Teenager Therapy

If you are struggling with being a teenager and are looking for a podcast that will acknowledge and validate your emotions and problems, Teenager Therapy is the podcast for you. This podcast features five high schoolers who discuss their irrational fears, mental health, college problems, and more. Listening to these five teenagers talk will remind you that you are not alone in this world and there are people who are in the same boat as you and face similar problems. Teenager Therapy will also help you appreciate your teenage years and help you realize that you’re only young once, so you need to enjoy it while you can.

2. How to Save a Planet

Living on a planet with an expiration date and feeling as if you cannot do anything about it can be overwhelming. The hosts of How to Save a Planet tackle the climate change discussion in a way that will not leave you feeling hopeless and questioning your existence. This podcast talks about all the ways in which you can help save the planet – from lifestyle changes to staying in the loop – and will leave you feeling energized with hope for a better future. 

3. Anything Goes 

Raw and unfiltered, Anything Goes features popular youtuber Emma Chamberlain. Chamberlain talks about a different topic in every episode; from difficult subjects, such as hitting rock bottom, feeling burned out, and existential crises, to light, humorous topics, like crazy stories from her childhood and diary-readings, anything really does go on this podcast. She speaks her mind and talks about the things we’re all thinking about, but are afraid to discuss ourselves. Anything Goes explores matters that are relatable to a teenage audience and will make you feel like you are actually sitting down with a friend and talking about anything that comes to mind. 

4. My Favorite Murder

If you’re a person who cannot stomach serious, true-crime podcasts, this comedic take on crime stories is the way to go. In every episode, co-hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark select a different murder case to chat about. They talk about popular cases, as well as ones no one has ever heard of. My Favorite Murder even has mini episodes- “minisodes”- in case you don’t have enough time to immerse yourself in an hour-long murder story. This humorous podcast will pull you in and provide you with an escape from whatever is on your mind.

5. The Read

The Read, hosted by two queer individuals, Crissle West and Kid Fury, dives into black excellence, mental health, representation within pop culture, and more. The co-hosts have incredible chemistry, making the podcast effortlessly and naturally hilarious. The Read raises awareness of important issues, while keeping its audience engaged and entertained. 

6. Kristen Leo

Kristen Leo, a young youtuber, specializes in “Chit Chat” videos that can be found on her YouTube channel. These podcast-like videos discuss major political and social issues, such as feminism, classism and capitalism, and low rise jeans. Leo breaks these issues down and explains them in a way that resonates with the audience, while also providing historical and cultural context for each matter. You can listen to these videos when you are  going on a walk, when you’re in the car, or when you just want to expand your knowledge on important issues that have an impact on you or your community. These podcasts are a productive way to relax and learn about various relevant topics. 

7. I Weigh

Jameela Jamil, actress and all-around activist, challenges social norms and sparks conversations of mental health and representation. The podcast encourages diverse voices to speak out and celebrate progress, rather than perfection. I Weigh is an empowering and uplifting podcast that will make you laugh, cry, and celebrate who you are. 

8. Red Wine Talks

Travel youtuber Damon Dominique invites individuals from all over the world to talk with him about all things travel- from the different cultures in various countries to everyday things like how to be a human. Dominique has been travelling the world for the majority of his life and his podcast will inspire you to move to a foreign country and learn five new languages. Red Wine Talks is a comedic masterpiece that will have heads turning when you burst into laughter wherever you choose to listen to this podcast. 

9. This Might Get Weird

If you’re looking for a podcast that will let your mind wander and serve as an escape from reality, This Might Get Weird is the podcast for you. From topics like canine religion to pound cake recipes, Mamrie Hart and Grace Helbig lead bizarre conversations and fill up every second of each episode with nonsense and random thoughts. These 30+ minute episodes will make your day and provide you with random talking points the next time you’re trying to spark a weird conversation with your friends. 

10. Code Switch

Code Switch, a podcast hosted by journalists of color, utilizes humor and empathy when speaking about race and identity. This podcast will provide you with thoughtful perspectives on a wide variety of topics and will spark much-needed discussions of race and how it has impacted pop culture, society, and other areas of your life.