Podcasts have long been embraced in the Philippines as an easy-to-digest medium to consume or an easy way to keep up with conversations in everyday life. It has grown even more prominent today, as YouTube and TikTokTikTokA social media platform for creating, sharing, and discovering short-form videos, featuring music, trends, challenges, and personalized content.Go to TikTok Glossary have made it easier for people who want to talk about just about anything to find a listener, as long as they publish or broadcast it online. Topics could range from mundane life to pop culture to social issues or music.
There’s really no limit to anything that one can dive into, so long as, of course, it fits into what constitutes freedom of speech. Not every podcast is like that of Machong Chismisan (well, thank God!), which recently drew flak from netizens, celebrities, and even politicians after its hosts mocked and shared derogatory remarks toward Kris Aquino’s son, Josh, who is on the autism spectrum.
Should you be interested in laughing, learning, or just slowing down, we’ve rounded up a selection of podcasts that are positively worth your time.
Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast (AWKP)
Hosted by Directors Antoinette Jadaone (Sunshine, That Thing Called Tadhana, Alone/Together) and JP Habac (I’m Drunk I Love You, Gaya Sa Pelikula), the two beloved directors joined forces in AWKP, which has grown in popularity for its comedic episodes and their personal anecdotes. The podcast deep-dives into pop culturePop CultureThe everyday entertainment, trends, and media that large groups of people share, including music, film, television, fashion, and online content. Pop culture reflects what a society cares about at aGo to Pop Culture Glossary, show business, love and hugot, and other trending topics, with its most popular episodes featuring Vice Ganda, SB19, Anne Curtis, Angelica Panganiban, and Angeline Quinto. They’ve built a loyal listener fan base, with some even visiting the cafe where they host their episodes, Basta Cafe.
Koolpals
Regarded online as a top-rated Filipino comedy podcast, Koolpals is hosted by stand-up comedians GB Labrador, James Caraan, and Nonong Ballinan, and tackles local pop culturePop CultureThe everyday entertainment, trends, and media that large groups of people share, including music, film, television, fashion, and online content. Pop culture reflects what a society cares about at aGo to Pop Culture Glossary, current events, and humor. They have also built a dedicated online following, which was proven during the heat of the Machong Chismisan podcast issue, when netizens were quick to defend Koolpals whenever non-listeners would compare the two podcast groups.
The Linya-Linya Show Podcast
What starts as a conversation can quickly become a reflection on Filipino life, arts, and culture in The Linya-Linya Show Podcast. Hosted by Ali Sangalang, former presidential speechwriter, the show features guests from all walks of life (artists, filmmakers, musicians, poets, writers, and cultural figures) like Jerrold Tarog on filmmaking, Anygma and BATAS on fliptop, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith on Philippine media and arts. The show stems from the brand Sangalang co-founded called Linya-Linya, which is known for its witty, relatable, one-liner shirts and merchandise.
Wake Up with Jim and Saab
Covering a wide range of topics from music to parenting, Wake Up with Jim and Saab offers lighthearted banter with more personal conversations, which makes for easy listening. The couple, musicians Jim Bacarro and Saab Magalona-Bacarro, draw from their experiences as parents and creatives to discuss marriage and family relationships, work, and everyday life.
i-Listen with Kara David
For listeners looking for conversations on politics and media, i-Listen with Kara David is grounded in real-life experiences through host Kara David’s journalistic lens. The podcast offers a raw listening experience centered on intimate, humanitarian life stories. Released in 2025, the show now has over 60 episodes, featuring celebrities and artists like Glaiza de Castro, Empoy Marquez, Pokwang, and Gloc-9, as well as ordinary Filipinos with remarkable life journeys.
Bonus: Foaming at the Mouth
Despite not having any new episodes, Foaming at the Mouth, hosted by DJ and musician Diego Castillo, takes a place in this list for music enthusiasts interested in deep dives into what makes music so compelling.
Frequently asked questions
A podcast, a term blending “iPod” and “broadcast,” is an easy-to-digest medium to consume or an easy way to keep up with conversations in everyday life. Topics could range from mundane life to pop culture to social issues or music.
The podcast hosts of Machong Chismisan mocked and shared derogatory remarks toward Kris Aquino’s son, Josh, who is on the autism spectrum.
Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast (AWKP), Koolpals, The Linya Linya Show Podcast, Wake Up with Jim and Saab, i-Listen with Kara David, and Foaming at the Mouth are some local podcasts worth listening to, according to Rolling Stone Philippines’ list.
Koolpals is hosted by stand-up comedians GB Labrador, James Caraan, and Nonong Ballinan.
Kara David’s podcast is called i-Listen with Kara David, which is grounded in real-life experiences of celebrities and ordinary Filipinos through David’s journalistic lens. The podcast offers a raw and intimate listening experience.
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