New Year new me or whatever right? We always set all these new year’s resolutions for ourselves about toning up our hot bods–but what about the health of your good ol’ noggin? Some podcasts can be funny pieces of audio that help us giggle and relax, while others can be informative chunks of learning that exercise our brain. Some tickle our imagination.  And some are a mix of it all! No matter the genre, we love us a good podcast and gosh does it help improve those long bus rides on these gloomy winter days.

So here’s our top five fave podcasts for you to start your 2018 off right. Whether you’re a long-time podcast listener or you’re new to the game, we can’t recommend adding these rad pods to your rotation enough…

2 Dope Queens

“Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams are funny. They’re black. They’re BFFs. And they host a live comedy show in Brooklyn.”  – A simply dope bio that explains this simply dope podcast. From WNYC Radio, this always hilarious podcast is constantly featuring talented comics, both known and rising stars. Anchored by brilliant besties Robinson and Williams, this baby is a do not miss. Hear an episode featuring Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson above.

Song Exploder

A podcast where musicians take apart their songs, and piece by piece, telling us the story of how they were made. Hosted, produced, edited and all in all created by the multitalented Hrishikesh Hirway, Song Exploder talks to artists of all genres who dish all the details about how a certain track or theirs came to be. From Björk to Metallica, every episodes rocks (and generally clocks in around 15 ish min). Our favs include this Solange one, this Grimes one, this Mitski one and this Perfume Genius one. Check out the podcast’s recent episode with The Roots above.

My Brother, My Brother and Me

Just three sweet brothers giving “advice” for the modern era. It’s goofy as heck and often goes off the rails in the best kind of way. Check out the latest episode above or dig into these classic clips… Porn Desktop, The Garfield Monstrosity, Travis Starts a Mango Cult, SHRIMP! HEAVEN! NOW! , Glass Shark, “I Am Amélie!”

Flash Forward

A podcast about the future produced and hosted by Rose Eveleth. It’s geeky, sci-fi goodness that doesn’t over complicate huge ideas. Listen to the latest episode all about telepathy above.

Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People

Often simply called Beautiful/Anonymous, this podcast features stand-up comic Chris Gethard. Known for his DIY or DIE approach to art (see The Chris Gethard Show, which originated in a basement, built devoted fans via public access TV and now can be found on cable), Gethard takes 1 hour long phone calls from anonymous callers who tell him all their secrets. Sometimes it’s touching, sometimes it’s sad, sometimes it’s hilarious. No matter what, it’s vulnerable and full of insight into another real life human’s soul. Listen to a memorable episode above.

Bonus: Sleep With Me

A Lulling, droning, boring bedtime story to distract your racing mind and help you fall asleep, by creator and host Drew Ackerman.

Shameless Plug: Stay Outta Riverdale

If you’re into the CW’s drama filled teen drama based on the beloved Archie comics, check out my silly podcast where we recap each episode and dig into what we loved/hated about it.