Longform

TIME Magazine named Longform one of the 100 best podcasts of all time, and after listening to a handful of episodes, it's hard to argue. Hosts Aaron Lammer, Max Linsky, and Evan Ratliff spent over a decade (2012-2024) interviewing writers, journalists, filmmakers, and podcasters about how they actually do their work. Not the inspirational version, but the practical, sometimes unglamorous reality of reporting and writing for a living. They've recorded 655 episodes, talking with everyone from New Yorker staff writers to independent journalists building their own outlets from scratch. The conversations tend to be long and unhurried, often running over an hour, which gives guests room to really explain their process rather than deliver rehearsed talking points. You'll hear Kelsey McKinney talk about co-founding Defector, or Joseph Cox describe building 404 Media after Vice imploded. The show has this relaxed, collegial vibe that makes you feel like you're eavesdropping on a conversation between friends who happen to be deeply knowledgeable about the craft. It's particularly valuable if you're interested in the business side of journalism alongside the creative side, since many guests candidly discuss money, sustainability, and career pivots. The back catalog alone is worth months of listening, packed with interviews that remain relevant long after they first aired.