Summer is upon us, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be in a perpetually spooky state of mind. I find that getting through the day, whether while working or otherwise, is much easier when you find a podcast that just leaves you waiting for more after each episode. And because I’m a horror aficionado, horror and true crime podcasts are the BEST way to get through a mid-day slump (sometimes I’ll forego a podcast for a while just so I can binge listen on really tough days!). Here are five podcasts, all available on Spotify, that I can’t imagine my life without, so I hope you enjoy them as well!

The NoSleep Podcast

The NoSleep Podcast

The NoSleep Podcast

I’ve been a sucker for scary stories my own life, and I was happy to make the upgrade from YouTube storytelling series to a podcast when I found “The NoSleep Podcast.” While the series does have a lot of creepy pasta stories among its episodes, I particularly love that they use original works sent in from listeners most of the time. David Cummings is a superb host and voice actor, and he has put together a fantastic cast who entertain listeners each week. I wasn’t joking when I said I can’t imagine my life without this one — Mondays just wouldn’t be the same without the two-three (sometimes more) stories each week!

And That’s Why We Drink

And That's Why We Drink

And That’s Why We Drink: A Paranormal and True Crime Podcast

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Em Schultz and Christine Schiefer are two of my favorite humans on this planet, and they deserve all the attention they can get. While Em focuses on supernatural stories, Christine is all about true crime. Not only do you get TWO stories each week, you also get all the shenanigans between two friends each week (plus their assistant, Eva!). I’ve been a listener for a couple years now and attended a live show hosted by Em and Christine. So I can confidently say that if you’re looking for a paranormal and true crime podcast with exuberant personality, “And That’s Why We Drink” is a great option for you.

Creepy Podcast

Creepy Podcast

Creepy Podcast

Another one for story lovers, “Creepy” provides weekly stories written by a wide array of authors. This tends to be my mid-week podcast to refresh my brain while slogging away before a computer screen. I love the voice actors and the straight-forward organization, which makes for an easy listen. “Creepy” is a great source for listener stories, and also another podcast that features creepy pasta stories — but don’t let that deter you! Hearing stories performed by new actors can bring an entirely new vibe or perspective than you had before, and “Creepy” definitely doesn’t disappoint!

Dr. Death

Dr. Death

Wondery Inc.

Let me tell you, I was NOT prepared to get sucked into a podcast like this. Produced by Wondery (known for series such as “Dirty John”), “Dr. Death” gives an in-depth look into the wild life of Christoper Duntsch who faked his way through numerous neurosurgeon positions. While Duntsch initially appeared to be a friendly surgeon with a passion for helping others, it soon came to light that his entire career was a charade. This podcast “is a story about a charming surgeon, 33 patients and a spineless system”* hosted by Laura Beil. A word of warning: prepare to get sucked in for a listening binge!

*per Wondery’s Spotify description

Inside the Exorcist

Inside the Exorcist

Wondery Inc.

Another hit from Wondery, “Inside the Exorcist” takes you through the production of the cult classic film “The Exorcist.” This was another podcast I honestly wasn’t expecting to get into, but it soon turned from a time-killing listen to an edge-of-my-seat binge. If you’re a fan of the film, you’ll be thrilled with this behind-the-scenes look. What more could a horror fan ask for than more content about “The Exorcist“?

I’m always looking for new podcasts, so if you think something should have made it onto this list please reach out! Drop a comment or, even better, holla at me on Twitter to get the ball rolling. Keep it creepy, horror fans!