Here at WBUR, we make a lot of audio — from national NPR shows to local news stories and podcasts that truly consider all things. And we train our editorial ears by doing a lot of listening outside of our own shop.

We're taking stock of some of our favorite new podcasts this year, as well as old shows rediscovered. Whether you're traveling for hours to see family, driving around leaf peeping, or cozying up on the couch, here are podcast suggestions for you.

If you want a slice of life and you don't have to listen to every episode, dip into Your Mama's Kitchen with Michele Norris. Fascinating conversations about how food and the kitchens of people's childhoods have shaped them in later life.

— Carline Watson, executive producer for Here & Now

Actor Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent from "Ted Lasso") talks with actors and other entertainers about the movies they love.

— Catherine Welch, managing editor for Here & Now

An oral family history about marriage and what a lifetime commitment means — and whether we are doomed to repeat the patterns of our ancestors if our families' marriages all ended in divorce. A deeply honest podcast with original music.

— Paige Sutherland, producer for On Point

As a journalist covering national news, including stories that shake my spirit, I'm always looking for ways to ground myself. At its core, On Being asks what it means to be human, and I find that the conversations help me pause, acknowledge and breathe in this broken but beautiful world we live in.

— Jonathan Chang, producer and director for On Point

Jonathan Goldstein’s humor and playfulness makes for a lift every episode. While self-effacing and fun, it’s also a candid show that carries emotional resonance. Feels like an investigation into people’s lives.

— J. Kyle White-Sullivan, product manager

Michael Hobbes of You’re Wrong About fame has a new podcast called If Books Could Kill that takes a jaundiced look at “airport books” aka bestsellers with a sort of self-help or political bent. Laugh out loud funny.

— Roberto Scalese, senior digital editor

This "true crime" investigation aims to find the answer to that question. Accompanied by "Detective" Lauren Kilby, who was a wedding attendee, brides Helen McLaughlin and Karen Whitehouse interrogate their family and friends to get to the bottom of this unsolved crime. (It's hilarious.)

— Dianna Bell, arts and culture editor

Once upon a time behind a 7-Eleven in the magical land of San Francisco, a girl dubbed the Chosen One failed to defeat a tyrannical dark wizard. Now she’s grown up, and everyone hates her. Actor-writer Felicia Day’s Third Eye is a comic fantasy adventure with immersive sound design and whimsical narration from Neil Gaiman.

— Dean Russell, podcast producer

From the CBC, a trio of comedians learn how to make a short horror film over 10 episodes. They interview directors, writers and actors as the work on their own script. This season follows 2022's Let's Make A Sci-Fi and Let's Make a Rom-Com, which dropped earlier this year.

— Dianna Bell, arts and culture editor

It’s history, it’s memoir, it’s a thriller. I insatiably binged this show last year and it’s still one of my top recommendations. The narrator brings you into a complex era of American history with care and curiosity, and teaches you a ton along the way. 10/10 recommend!

— Katelyn Harrop, podcast producer

What could be more appropriate than listening to a podcast about a major transportation infrastructure project that transformed driving around Boston while driving? Nothing! Whether you lived in Boston during the Big Dig's construction, or you're intrigued by the personalities, politics and problems that arise when people dare to dream big, this series will make you think differently about the infrastructure challenges opportunities that lie ahead for our region, state, country, world.

— Amory Sivertson, senior podcast producer and co-host of Endless Thread

GBH's The Big Dig got the thumbs up from a number of journalists at WBUR. Barbara Moran, climate and environment correspondent, said: "Wonderful characters and great use of archival sound. Who knew infrastructure could be interesting? (Not me.)" And newsletter editor Nik DeCosta-Klipa said it was "truly excellent. Binged it over the past week and learned so much."

A deeply-researched revisiting of America's covert and overt (mis)adventures abroad — the current season deals with Afghanistan, revealing how U.S. foreign policy and intelligence operations of yesteryear continue to redound upon us.

— Mike Moschetto, senior technical director for Here & Now

The tagline for this podcast says it all: "His music united the world. His legacy divides it." I grew up on Michael Jackson's '80s albums — the music, the aesthetic ... they are a part of me. So what do I do with the rest of Michael Jackson's legacy? This podcast takes stock of the whole person, how to begin to understand him, and — at least for this MJ fan — it made me feel less alone in the grief I've felt in reckoning with the allegations against him.

— Amory Sivertson, senior podcast producer and co-host of Endless Thread

A thoroughly reported podcast about how kids in America were taught how to read the wrong way for a generation. And how educators were sold a method that turned out to create a lot of harm.

— Paige Sutherland, producer for On Point

We featured the show recently in CitySpace’s live podcast series. It's filled with lessons for business, careers and life.

— Steven Davy, senior producer for CitySpace

The menstrual cycle is bloody complicated — and so much more interesting than what you learn in high school. In 28 short episodes, journalist India Rakusen lyrically explores the overlooked science and culture of a fundamental human phenomenon. If you or someone you know menstruates, this podcast is for you. Period.

— Dean Russell, podcast producer

One of my never-ending journeys is the search for joy. From the science of singing along to the power of awe, The Science of Happiness teaches me practical strategies for a more meaningful life through science-based tips and practices.

— Jonathan Chang, producer and director for On Point

Angie Frey is a mom whose teen ended up in the courts. She passes her knowledge on to parents of teens who are struggling

— Catherine Welch, managing editor for Here & Now