Every morning, we crave quick, reliable news to kickstart our day. Whether you’re making breakfast or commuting, a great morning news podcast can help you stay informed with minimal effort. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best morning news podcasts.
1. NPR Up First
Why You’ll Love It: NPR Up First is a staple for many morning listeners. Airing daily, it offers a concise 10 to 15-minute rundown of the biggest stories, often featuring insights from seasoned NPR journalists.Highlights:
- Short, digestible format (ideal for a quick commute)
- In-depth coverage of U.S. and international affairs
- Trusted NPR brand reputation
2. The Daily (The New York Times)
Why You’ll Love It: Hosted by Michael Barbaro and The New York Times team, The Daily dives deeper into one or two major stories, often mixing interviews, on-the-ground reporting, and expert perspectives.Highlights:
- Deep dives that help you understand the “why” behind headlines
- Award-winning journalism and storytelling
- Consistent weekday schedule
3. BBC World Service: Global News Podcast
Why You’ll Love It: For a more international perspective, the BBC’s Global News Podcast delivers coverage from around the globe, blending live reports and regional insights.Highlights:
- Broad global reach with correspondents worldwide
- Twice-daily episodes ensure you get timely updates
- Renowned BBC journalistic standards
4. ABC News Start Here
Why You’ll Love It: Hosted by Brad Mielke, Start Here takes a brisk approach to morning news, hitting top headlines while adding context and some behind-the-scenes details from ABC’s reporting team.Highlights:
- Polished, professional production
- Clear breakdown of major events in under 20 minutes
- Occasional expert interviews to clarify complex stories
5. The Wall Street Journal’s What’s News
Why You’ll Love It: Business-minded or market-focused? What’s News keeps you informed on the latest developments in finance, economy, and corporate news, plus big political stories that impact business.Highlights:
- In-depth analysis on financial and corporate topics
- Short episodes available multiple times a day
- Perfect for staying current on market moves and company news
6. The Washington Post’s Post Reports
Why You’ll Love It: If you love in-depth political coverage, cultural discussions, and investigative journalism, The Washington Post’s Post Reports has you covered. They often feature reporters who covered the story firsthand.Highlights:
- Stories behind the headlines with a human touch
- Focus on U.S. politics, social issues, and major events
- Occasional special series on trending topics
7. Axios Today
Why You’ll Love It: Axios is known for its “Smart Brevity” format—concise, clear reporting. Axios Today translates that into a short podcast that gets straight to the point on major stories.Highlights:
- Brief, easily digestible episodes (10-12 minutes)
- Focused on top headlines in politics, business, and tech
- Clear, direct style that doesn’t waste your time
8. POLITICO Playbook Audio Briefing
Why You’ll Love It: For political junkies, POLITICO’s Playbook daily newsletter is already a must-read. The audio briefing carries that same behind-the-scenes insider perspective to your earbuds each morning.Highlights:
- Deep look into the day’s political agenda
- Updates on Congress, the White House, and election campaigns
- Ideal for staying ahead of the Washington news cycle
9. CBS Mornings on the Go
Why You’ll Love It: Taking clips from CBS Mornings, this podcast version is perfect if you miss the TV broadcast but want a similar format—quick interviews, headlines, and human-interest stories.Highlights:
- A mix of hard news and more personal feature stories
- Familiar anchors and correspondents
- Great for listeners who like a TV-show feel in podcast form
10. PocketPod
Why You’ll Love It: Unlike the static, one-size-fits-all approach of most news shows, PocketPod uses AI-driven personalization to deliver a curated roundup of the news you actually matters to you.
What Makes PocketPod Different
- Fully Personalized:
- PocketPod analyzes your listening habits and topic preferences to create a tailored morning briefing.
- You won’t waste time hearing about stories you have zero interest in.
- Diverse Content Sources:
- AI sifts through hundreds traditional news sources, as well as social media, reddit, and other less filtered sources in order to guarantee you get the full story
- Seamless Listening Experience:
- No long interviews you might skip. Instead, PocketPod offers smooth transitions and quick, info-packed segments you can easily move through.
- Personal Integrations:
- If you give access, PocketPod will start your personalized daily podcast by greeting you by name, giving you your local weather, and an overview of your calendar and reminders for the day.
Who Should Try It?
- Busy professionals who want up-to-the-minute news on the topics they care about
- Podcast listeners who crave a personalized blend of politics, pop culture, finance, and more
- Anyone eager to experience how AI can revolutionize their morning briefing
Final Thoughts
Morning news podcasts have become an integral part of many people’s daily routines. Whether you prefer the comprehensive reporting of NPR Up First or the AI-powered personalization of PocketPod, there’s a show for every style and schedule. If you’re ready to move beyond the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach, give PocketPod a try. You just might find it’s the perfect way to stay informed without all the extra fluff.