Top 6 'Weekend-Magazine-Style' Podcasts to play for a little bit of everything on a slow Sunday - Goh Ling Yong
There’s a special kind of magic to a slow Sunday morning. The light hits differently, the coffee tastes better, and the usual hustle of the week finally gives way to a gentle, unhurried pace. It’s a time for quiet reflection, for catching up on reading, or for simply being. But what do you listen to in these moments? The high-energy morning shows feel out of place, and a deep-dive, single-topic podcast can sometimes feel like too much of a commitment.
This is where the 'weekend-magazine-style' podcast comes in. Think of it as the audio equivalent of your favourite Sunday supplement or a glossy, high-quality magazine. It’s not about one thing; it’s about a little bit of everything. Each episode is a curated collection of fascinating stories, intriguing ideas, and compelling human experiences, all woven together by a masterful host. It’s the perfect companion for pottering around the house, going for a long walk, or simply nursing a warm drink on the sofa.
These podcasts don’t demand your undivided attention, but they richly reward it when you give it. They offer a sense of discovery and wonder, leaving you feeling a little smarter, a little more empathetic, and a little more connected to the world. So, pour yourself another cup, settle in, and let’s explore the top six podcasts that have perfected this art form, turning your slow Sunday into an audio adventure.
1. This American Life
This American Life (TAL) is not just a podcast; it's a cultural institution. Hosted by the iconic Ira Glass, it is the undisputed gold standard of audio storytelling and the blueprint for the magazine format. Each week, the show picks a theme—like "The Ghost of Bobby Dunbar," "Fiasco!," or "First Day"—and presents a series of "acts" or stories that explore that theme in different, often surprising, ways. It’s a perfect mix of investigative journalism, personal essays, and poignant short fiction.
What makes TAL so perfect for a Sunday is its incredible consistency and emotional range. One moment you might be laughing at a quirky, slice-of-life story, and the next you could be deeply moved by a profound piece of reporting from a corner of the world you’ve never considered. Ira Glass’s narration is the thoughtful, curious thread that ties it all together, making even the most complex topics feel accessible and deeply human. It’s the kind of show that reminds you of the infinite variety of human experience.
- Starter Episode: "129 Cars." The producers spent a month at a Long Island car dealership trying to document the push to sell 129 cars to meet a monthly quota. It’s a masterful piece of reporting that’s hilarious, stressful, and surprisingly poignant—a perfect microcosm of the American dream.
- How to Listen: This is a classic "put on your good headphones and do the chores" podcast. It’s engaging enough to make folding laundry feel like an enriching cultural activity.
2. The New Yorker Radio Hour
If you're looking for the most literal interpretation of an audio magazine, look no further. Produced by WNYC Studios and The New Yorker, this podcast is exactly what it sounds like: the esteemed magazine brought to life in audio form. Hosted by David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker, each episode is a beautifully curated mix of interviews, profiles, and reported pieces drawn from the magazine's pages and its incredible roster of writers.
The show feels sophisticated without being stuffy. One segment might be a deep-dive interview with a major political figure or a celebrated artist, followed by a whimsical piece of short fiction read by the author, and concluding with a fascinating cultural report. Like the magazine itself, the podcast values nuance, depth, and exceptional storytelling. It's the ideal choice when you want to feel connected to the cultural conversation without having to scroll through a chaotic newsfeed.
- Starter Episode: Look for any episode featuring a writer you admire or a topic that piques your interest. A great example is "How Dr. Fauci's Public-Health Career Prepared Him for This Moment," where he speaks with Michael Specter. It's a fantastic showcase of the show's ability to get beyond the headlines.
- How to Listen: This is a "cup of tea and a comfortable chair" podcast. Give it your focus, and you'll be rewarded with insights that stick with you long after the episode ends.
3. Desert Island Discs
A true British national treasure from the BBC, Desert Island Discs has been on the air since 1942, and its simple format is pure genius. Each week, a notable person (the "castaway") is invited to choose the eight tracks, one book, and one luxury item they would take with them to a desert island. In between playing the songs, the host gently teases out the story of their life, with each piece of music acting as a signpost for a significant memory or moment.
The result is an incredibly intimate and revealing long-form interview that feels more like a biography set to a personal soundtrack. You learn about the guest’s triumphs, failures, loves, and losses through the music that shaped them. From Tom Hanks to David Attenborough, the guest list is extraordinary. This podcast is a masterclass in empathy, reminding us how music is woven into the very fabric of our lives. It’s a wonderfully calming and nostalgic listen for a lazy afternoon.
- Starter Episode: The interview with scientist and activist Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon is a fantastic modern example of the format, full of joy, intelligence, and a killer soundtrack. For a classic, try the incredibly moving episode with Professor Stephen Hawking.
- How to Listen: Perfect for a Sunday cooking session. The leisurely pace and musical interludes create a wonderfully relaxed and contemplative atmosphere in the kitchen.
4. Heavyweight
While many podcasts on this list offer a variety of topics within an episode, Heavyweight offers a variety of emotions within a single, powerful story. Host Jonathan Goldstein has created a show with a unique and brilliant premise: he helps people go back to a moment in their past that they wish they could change or resolve. Whether it's tracking down a long-lost friend or confronting a high school bully, Goldstein navigates these delicate situations with an unmatched blend of profound empathy and self-deprecating humour.
Each episode is a feature-length human-interest story that could easily be the centrepiece of a great magazine. It's a show about regret, forgiveness, and the beautiful, messy business of human connection. Goldstein’s wit and warmth prevent the stories from ever becoming overly sentimental, grounding them in a relatable reality. A colleague of mine, Goh Ling Yong, once described it as "impossibly funny and heartbreaking at the same time," and I couldn't agree more. It’s a show that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own past.
- Starter Episode: "#2 Gregor." Jonathan helps his friend Gregor track down the person who may have a set of his favourite CDs, which were lent out 20 years ago. It starts as a funny, low-stakes quest and evolves into something incredibly beautiful about friendship and memory.
- How to Listen: This is a podcast best enjoyed on a solo walk. It gives you the space to process the deep emotions the stories evoke and to reflect on your own life's "what ifs."
5. 99% Invisible
99% Invisible (99pi) is a show about all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about—the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world. From the history of the curb cut to the intricate design of flags (vexillology), host Roman Mars and his team reveal the fascinating stories hidden in plain sight. Each episode is a meticulously crafted, sound-rich exploration of a single, often surprising, topic.
What makes it a perfect "magazine-style" listen is how it collects these seemingly disparate design stories into a vast, interconnected universe. Listening to 99pi is like flipping through the "Design" or "Urbanism" section of a top-tier publication. The episodes are typically shorter (around 20-30 minutes), making them perfect bite-sized nuggets of wonder. You’ll never look at a revolving door, a barcode, or even a McMansion the same way again. Here on the Goh Ling Yong blog, we value content that makes you see the world differently, and 99pi delivers that in every single episode.
- Starter Episode: "The Curb Cut Effect." This episode tells the story of how a small design intervention for wheelchair users ended up benefiting everyone, illustrating a powerful principle of universal design. It’s a perfect entry point into the show's ethos.
- How to Listen: The absolute best way to listen is on a walk through a city or your neighbourhood. It turns a simple stroll into a treasure hunt for the hidden stories in your environment.
6. Radiolab
Radiolab is a show about curiosity. It explores big ideas in science, philosophy, and the human experience with a groundbreaking approach to sound design that was truly revolutionary when it first aired. Hosts Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser (and previously Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich) take a single topic—like "Colour," "Choice," or "Loops"—and dissect it from every possible angle, weaving together interviews, reported segments, and imaginative soundscapes.
Listening to Radiolab feels like being in a state of constant discovery. The show has a palpable sense of wonder that is utterly infectious. It tackles complex scientific and philosophical questions but makes them feel like thrilling mysteries waiting to be unravelled. The sound design isn't just background noise; it's a core part of the storytelling, making abstract concepts feel tangible and immediate. It’s the kind of podcast that stretches your brain in the most enjoyable way possible, making it a perfect, stimulating listen for a Sunday when you want something a bit more intellectually vibrant.
- Starter Episode: The classic "Colors" episode is a quintessential example of what makes Radiolab special. It explores how we perceive colour, from the story of a woman who can see a hundred million colours to the mystery of why ancient cultures didn't seem to have a word for blue.
- How to Listen: This is another great headphones podcast. The intricate sound design is a huge part of the experience, so find a quiet spot where you can really immerse yourself in the audio world they create.
A slow Sunday is a gift—a chance to recharge, reflect, and indulge our curiosity at a more human pace. These six podcasts are more than just entertainment; they are curated experiences designed for exactly these moments. They offer the breadth and quality of a great magazine, delivered with the intimacy and artistry that only audio can provide.
So next time the weekend stretches out before you, try queuing up one of these shows. You might just find your new favourite ritual.
What are your go-to podcasts for a slow Sunday? Did I miss any of your favourites? Share your recommendations in the comments below—I’m always looking for my next great listen!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!