Press Play: 3 Must-Listen Podcasts for June
Summer is officially underway, and with longer days, road trips, backyard afternoons, and vacation travel on the horizon, June is the perfect time to refresh your podcast queue. Whether you're looking for investigative journalism, gripping true-crime storytelling, or an immersive audio drama, this month's standout podcast recommendations offer something for every listener. According to Podcast Review's June picks, three shows in particular deserve a spot at the top of your listening list.
First up is Where the River Took Us, a powerful narrative documentary from Texas Monthly. The series examines a devastating flood along the Guadalupe River in Texas through the deeply personal perspective of journalist Aaron Parsley, whose own family was directly affected by the tragedy. What begins as a story about a natural disaster quickly becomes a moving exploration of loss, memory, and community. Known for its high-quality narrative journalism and cinematic storytelling, Texas Monthly has built a reputation for producing compelling audio documentaries, and this series continues that tradition. It's the kind of podcast that demands your full attention and stays with you long after the final episode ends.
For listeners who enjoy investigative reporting and true-crime-adjacent storytelling, The Expert Witness offers one of the most intriguing premises of the year. The latest season of CBC's acclaimed Uncover series follows a criminal defense attorney investigating a mysterious technology known as Cyber Check. As law enforcement agencies begin using the tool to identify suspects in previously unsolved homicide cases, questions emerge about how the technology works and whether it is helping deliver justice or creating new risks of wrongful convictions. The series combines crime reporting, technology, ethics, and legal drama into a fascinating examination of how artificial intelligence and algorithmic tools are reshaping the justice system.
Rounding out the list is Last Resort, an ambitious audio drama that blends psychological suspense, science fiction, and social commentary. The story follows a troubled influencer seeking peace and healing at an exclusive wellness retreat. Instead, a mysterious sound begins affecting guests in disturbing ways, turning what appears to be a luxury getaway into something far more sinister. Originally selected by the Tribeca Festival, the series embraces an experimental storytelling style that rewards attentive listening. For fans of scripted fiction and immersive audio experiences, Last Resort delivers a unique and unsettling journey that feels tailor-made for binge listening during a long summer weekend.
What makes these three selections especially noteworthy is their diversity. Together, they showcase the breadth of modern podcasting, from deeply personal documentary storytelling and investigative journalism to innovative scripted entertainment. Each represents a different strength of the medium while demonstrating why podcasts continue to be one of the most creative forms of storytelling available today.
If you're looking for a few new additions to your listening rotation this month, these three podcasts are an excellent place to start. Whether you're commuting, traveling, exercising, or simply relaxing outdoors, they offer compelling stories that make even the longest summer days feel a little shorter.