Best Wirecutter Podcasts (2025)

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The Insider's Guide to Better Bed Sheets (Encore) 39:27

Play Pause

30m ago39:27

39:27

This week, we get nerdy about sheets—why you might be unhappy with your current set, how to pick ones you’ll actually love, and the marketing scams to avoid. Jackie Reeve, Wirecutter’s in-house sheets expert, enlightens us on everything you need to know to invest in a great set you’ll be happy with for years. This episode covers: Percale vs sateen:…

1
Planner Peace & Accessibility + Discussing Wirecutter's 2026 Planner Picks EP 268 22:37

9d ago22:37

22:37

In today's episode, Sarah shares a Planner Peace submission from R, a lover of paper planners with a vision issue that makes small print and light colors difficult to work with. Please send Sarah any ideas for bright and bold planner brands to share with our listener! Then, Sarah shares her notes on Wirecutter's picks for next year's planners! The …

1
10 Things To Consider If You’re Feeling Scattered EP 269 23:33

2d ago23:33

23:33

Inspired by her own recent period of feeling a bit overwhelmed and all over the place, Sarah shares 10 tips for those feeling scattered. Please be sure to sign up for the newsletter if you'd like to receive October's edition: theshubox.com/newsletter Email Sarah with questions or comments at sarah hart unger @ gmail or text (305) 697-7189 Episode S…

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Charlie Kirk and Online Rage + Inside Trump’s Chip Flip + This Week in A.I. 1:13:47

5d ago1:13:47

1:13:47

This week, we discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk, freedom of speech and the terrifying new reality of extremely online violence. Then The Times’s David Yaffe-Bellany brings us inside the blockbuster New York Times investigation into a $2 billion investment in Trump’s crypto company World Liberty Financial and a controversial deal to send the…

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Is the New iPhone Worth It? 16:43

6d ago16:43

16:43

Apple’s September iPhone event usually comes and goes with only minor tweaks to the lineup. This year feels a little different. Alongside the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, Apple unveiled its first-ever iPhone Air—a super-thin model that promises Pro-level features without the massive price tag. In this bonus episode, Christine talks with senio…

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Goodbye, Dead Butt Syndrome! 31:24

7d ago31:24

31:24

You’ve likely heard the adage that "sitting is the new smoking." Basically, that sitting all day at work or elsewhere is one of the most harmful things you can do for your health. But is it really all that bad? In this episode, we talk with Molly Mirhashem, an editor from the New York Times Well Desk, about the health risks of being too sedentary, …

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Are We Past Peak iPhone? + Eliezer Yudkowsky on A.I. Doom 1:12:24

12d ago1:12:24

1:12:24

Apple’s yearly iPhone event took place this week, and it left us asking, Is Apple losing the juice? We break down all the new products the company announced and discuss where it goes from here. Then, Eliezer Yudkowsky, one of the most fascinating people in A.I., has a new book coming out: “If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies.” He joins us to make th…

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Wirecutter's Guide to Shopping at Trader Joe's 34:22

15d ago34:22

34:22

Trader Joe’s is more than a grocery store; it’s a cultural phenomenon with a fiercely loyal fan base. But with shelves full of ever-changing products, which ones are actually worth the hype? In this episode, associate staff writer Antara Sinha on the kitchen team shares Wirecutter’s picks for the 18 best Trader Joe’s items, explains how TJ’s keeps …

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September Q&A: Planner News, Planner Peace from a SAHM, Work/Life Separation, and More EP 267 25:07

17d ago25:07

25:07

In today's episode, Sarah shares some recent planner news. She discusses price changes at Hobonichi (she compares her recent order to years prior), and then shares about the new Minimalist option available from Full Focus. Then, she goes through Q&A, tips & planner peace submissions for September! Topics include: - Feedback from a teacher about sep…

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A.I. School Is in Session: Two Takes on the Future of Education 1:11:48

19d ago1:11:48

1:11:48

This week, we check in on the state of artificial intelligence in education. We talk with a co-founder of Alpha Schools, MacKenzie Price, about how her private K-12 schools are using A.I. to generate personalized lesson plans and enabling teachers to spend their time motivating rather than teaching students. Then, the Princeton historian D. Graham …

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Is an E-Bike the Answer to Your Commuting Woes? 15:36

19d ago15:36

15:36

Fall can be bittersweet—you may be coming home from vacation and settling back into your routines, but you also want to soak up the last of the warm weather before the winter comes. An e-bike might seem like a tempting compromise for an affordable, but adventurous and outdoorsy commute. In this bonus episode, Wirecutter Senior Editor and bike exper…

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Should You Switch to an Electric Toothbrush? 31:01

22d ago31:01

31:01

Oral health is about more than just a pretty smile; it's also connected to your overall health and well-being. In this episode, senior staff writer and toothbrush fanatic Nancy Redd explains how to brush properly, whether a manual or electric toothbrush is right for you, and how to find the best toothbrush for your family, no matter the budget. She…

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Sarah's Systems Update: What's Working, What's Not, and What's In Store for 2026! EP 266 23:27

24d ago23:27

23:27

In today's episode, Sarah goes through a techo kaigi -- her own assessment of how her current tools are working for her, along with some musing about what's up ahead for 2026! Products mentioned: Hobonichi Cousin Avec Erin Condren B6 18 Month Softbound Hobonichi 5-Year Journal Erin Condren Whiteboard Essential Calendar (affiliate link: https://www.…

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Intel’s New Deal + Waymo C.E.O. Tekedra Mawakana on Scaling Driverless Cars + Trumps in Tech 1:02:53

26d ago1:02:53

1:02:53

President Trump announced this week that the U.S. government, in a highly unusual deal, had agreed to take a 10 percent stake in the chip maker Intel, and that he was considering similar investments in other companies. We discuss why Trump cares so much about Intel, what the government is trying to accomplish with this deal, and how people in Silic…

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Yes, the World Is Actually Too Loud (Encore) 37:41

29d ago37:41

37:41

More than 100 million Americans are exposed to unhealthy levels of noise daily. To help you protect yourself and those you love, we’re re-airing this episode on how to determine if you’re at risk of hearing loss and what you can do about it. Lauren Dragan, Wirecutter’s longtime senior writer covering headphones and audio equipment, walks us through…

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August Q&A: Hobonichi, Taylor Swift, and More EP 265 25:45

1M ago25:45

25:45

In today's episode, Sarah shares two things that made her (tough) week, and then answers 6 questions from the August Q&A collection! Topics include: - Can you use Apple Notes to include attachments + graphics - Big projects: fewer longer sessions, or consistent shorter ones? - Ideal week during the newborn phase: yay or nay, and suggestions for an …

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Is This an A.I. Bubble? + Meta’s Missing Morals + TikTok Shock Slop 1:06:31

1M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Note: This episode contains sexually explicit music. This week, the whole tech world seemed to be asking: Are we in an A.I. bubble? We’ll explore the cases for and against, including who we think stands to lose most. Then we’re joined by the journalist Jeff Horwitz to discuss his blockbuster reporting about an internal Meta policy document that per…

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The Bidet Episode 34:18

1M ago34:18

34:18

Using a bidet may seem a little intimidating to some, but to others it's a way of life. In this episode, senior staff writer and bidet-convert Doug Mahoney explains why these modern fixtures that wash your bum are a game-changer for hygiene. He shares how they work, what to look for when buying one, and his top recommendations for every budget. Thi…

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Planning to Travel for Less with Kathleen Paley EP 264 41:10

1M ago41:10

41:10

If you've ever been curious about how you can leverage your planning and organizing skills to help you save money, this episode is for you, especially if yo love to travel. Kathleen Paley is a litigator, mother of 2, and podcast host who loves saving and having fun with her family. She joins Sarah today to share her top 5 strategies for traveling o…

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GPT-5 Backlash + Perplexity C.E.O. Aravind Srinivas on the Browser Wars + Hot Mess Express 1:11:29

1M ago1:11:29

1:11:29

OpenAI spent the week responding to outcry from users who miss the behavior of the old ChatGPT, before the latest flagship model was released. We discuss the criticism, why it caught the company by surprise and what it indicates about the deepening emotional relationships that people are forming with chatbots. Then, Aravind Srinivas, the chief exec…

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Are Your Smart Devices Really Spying on You? 35:54

1M ago35:54

35:54

If you’ve ever suspected your smart devices are spying on you, you’re right. In this episode, Jon Chase, Wirecutter's supervising editor for smart home coverage, reveals how even everyday devices you may not consider "smart" are monitoring you. They’re collecting data to build a profile that can then be sold to the highest bidder. The conversation …

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5 Things (Other Than Planners) To Consider Carefully Heading Into Back-to-School EP 263 22:21

1M ago22:21

22:21

In today's episode, Sarah shares her thoughts on 5 aspects of life to reflect on (other than planners!) as you head into the back-to-school season, whatever that means for you. She provides a detailed overview of routines to think through / audit / consider tweaking, and then discusses sleep, communication strategies, mood management, and fun. Shar…

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GPT-5 Arrives, and We Try the New Alexa+ 1:12:57

2M ago1:12:57

1:12:57

This week, OpenAI released its much-anticipated flagship model, GPT-5. We break down what we know about the upgrade, drawing from our initial testing and a special news briefing with Sam Altman. Then, we explain why we were underwhelmed by Amazon’s new Alexa+, which is powered by generative A.I., and take our feedback to Daniel Rausch, vice preside…

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How to Build an Emergency Kit (Encore) 40:13

2M ago40:13

40:13

Natural disasters are becoming more intense and unpredictable. To help you prepare, we’re re-airing this episode on how to build a disaster kit. Wirecutter also just published a handy tool to help you customize an emergency kit specific to your needs, an article on preparing a disaster pantry, and guidance on choosing a generator. In this episode, …

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ADHD or Neurodivergent? Two Planner Mini-Reviews For You! EP 262 27:02

2M ago27:02

27:02

Sarah reviews two planners specifically designed to help those with different planning needs. First, she discusses the Order Out of Chaos Planner, designed by ADHD parent and ADDItude Magazine columnist Leslie Josel. This planner is designed for students and might be particularly helpful for those with ADHD, though it could definitely serve other s…

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Age-Gating the Internet + Cloudflare Takes On A.I. Scrapers + HatGPT 1:11:32

2M ago1:11:32

1:11:32

This week, we look at the fallout from a sweeping internet age-verification law that went into effect in Britain. We explain why age restrictions are suddenly popping up all over the internet — and how some might create more problems than they solve. Then Matthew Prince, chief executive of Cloudflare, returns to the show to discuss his company’s ne…

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Life's Too Short for Bad Olive Oil 34:39

2M ago34:39

34:39

This episode, senior kitchen writer Michael Sullivan demystifies all things olive oil. He shares how to navigate the overwhelming olive oil aisle, what “extra virgin” really means, and the best way to store this kitchen staple so it will stay fresh (and won’t go rancid). Whether you're an olive oil aficionado or just looking to improve your everyda…

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Planner Peace + Efficiency Hacks from Seasoned Professor Sarah McConnell EP 261 37:28

2M ago37:28

37:28

It's not QUITE back to school season, but depending on where you live, it may be closer than you think! In today's episode, Sarah interviews Sarah McConnell, a professor of anatomy and histology for undergrads, graduate students and med students. Professor Sarah McConnell shares own current planner peace lineup and functional system, and then provi…

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Trump Fights ‘Woke’ A.I. + We Hear Out Our Critics 1:06:20

2M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

On Wednesday, President Trump signed three A.I.-related executive orders, and the White House released “America’s A.I. Action Plan.” We break down what’s in them, how the federal government intends to target “political bias” in chatbot output, and whether anyone will stand up against it. Then, do we hype up A.I. too much? Are we downplaying potenti…

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How to Get Rid of Ants and Roaches for Good 33:24

2M ago33:24

33:24

Tired of creepy crawlies? Wirecutter's pest expert Doug Mahoney reveals the right way to tackle ant and roach infestations. He offers practical advice and debunks common myths (for example, cockroaches aren’t actually the most radiation-resistant insects!). Doug's 4-Step Pest Control Plan: Observe & Identify: Know your enemy! Find their entry point…

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Mental Load Expert Allison Daminger Answers Your Burning Questions About Planning and Household Management EP 260 32:20

2M ago32:20

32:20

In today's episode, sociology professor Allison Daminger joins Sarah for a fascinating discussion about mental load, division of labor, and the role of planning! She answers three great questions from listeners, tackling challenging questions about a partner not interested in long-range planning, a partner with little predictability to his job, and…

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X Hits Grok Bottom + More A.I. Talent Wars + ‘Crypto Week’ 1:08:19

2M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

This week, we tick through the many dramatic headlines surrounding xAI, including the departure of X’s chief executive, Linda Yaccarino; the Grok chatbot spewing antisemitic comments; and the A.I. companion Ani engaging in sexually explicit role-play. Then, we explain why a fight to acquire the start-up Windsurf startled many in Silicon Valley and …

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Journaling Through Life's Plot Twists with Suleika Jaouad 36:41

2M ago36:41

36:41

In this episode, our guest is Suleika Jaouad, author of The Book of Alchemy and creator of The Isolation Journals Substack. We delve into how journaling can help you unlock creative potential and navigate life’s challenges. Suleika shares her personal journey with journaling as a lifeline during her battle with leukemia and a pathway to "creative a…

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Real Talk: Podcast Behind the Scenes with Sarah EP 259 25:35

2M ago25:35

25:35

In today's episode, Sarah shares some real behind-the-scenes podcast talk with listeners. She chats about how Best Laid Plans came to be, how she chooses guests, how she tracks podcast logistics, what she outsources, how she handles listener emails, and much more! Visit her website, theshubox.com, if you haven't been for links to all of her prior e…

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Interesting Times: A Mind-Bending Conversation with Peter Thiel 1:02:23

3M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

This week, we’re bringing you a recent interview from “Interesting Times with Ross Douthat,” one of The New York Times’s newest podcasts. In this episode, Ross sits down with Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal and Palantir and one of the most contrarian thinkers in tech. Together, they unpack Thiel’s theory that we’re living through an era of te…

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Summer Taste Test Extravaganza! 31:26

3M ago31:26

31:26

Nothing says summer like ketchup, chips, and ice cream. In this taste test special, we take a field trip to the Wirecutter test kitchen to sample these items alongside staff experts Antara Sinha, Rachel Wharton and Marguerite Preston—sharing top picks and behind-the-scenes testing moments. Check out a video version of this episode on YouTube! Produ…

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July Q&A: Airtight Task Capture, Planning Time Away from Work, and More! EP 258 21:33

3M ago21:33

21:33

In today's episode, Sarah answers accumulated questions for July! Topics include: Laurel Denise + Full Focus is too much -- what do use instead? Task management (2 questions on various angles of this common challenge!) and how not to lose all of those great ideas that come to you that you want to see at the right time Discussion of the Alistair Met…

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Hard Fork Live, Part 2: Patrick Collison of Stripe + Kathryn Zealand of Skip + Listener Questions 57:46

3M ago57:46

57:46

We’re back with part two of Hard Fork Live (see last week’s episode for part one). This week, Patrick Collison, Stripe’s chief executive, joins us onstage for a wide-ranging conversation about how Silicon Valley could unleash greater progress, from building new housing to curing diseases, and why he believes prestige television is a waste of time. …

1
Packable Beach and Picnic Recipes 15:10

3M ago15:10

15:10

Tanya Sichynsky, an editor for New York Times Food and Cooking sections, and editor of The Veggie newsletter, shares her ideas for the best hot-weather-friendly foods to pack for the beach, a picnic, or any outdoor adventure. Plus, surprising hacks for keeping them cool. If you missed our prior episode on beach gear, go back and listen for tips on …

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A Day At The Beach 28:03

3M ago28:03

28:03

It’s officially beach season. Staff writer Kit Dillion shares his favorite gear to make any beach day, picnic, or pool adventure better, from shelters to chairs to coolers. It’s all about elevating your day in the sun. Products we recommend: Best versatile weather beach shelter: Sun Ninja Tent 4 Person Best beach shade shelter for steady wind: Shib…

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Mid-Year Check In: Tips & Sarah's Own Midyear Review EP 257 29:59

3M ago29:59

29:59

In today's episode, Sarah shares rationale and ideas for completing your own mid-year check in session, where you take stock of where things are, look at annual goals, and decide how you'd like to move forward. She provides ideas for the setting/scope of this session, and then shares her very own mid-year check in - processing her own progress on t…

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Hard Fork Live, Part 1: Sam Altman and Brad Lightcap of OpenAI 57:04

3M ago57:04

57:04

The first Hard Fork Live is officially in the books, and for those who couldn’t attend, we’re playing highlights from the event in this episode and the next. This week, Mayor Daniel Lurie of San Francisco makes a surprise appearance to discuss the advice he’s receiving from tech executives during the early days of his administration, as well as how…

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Can You Really Disappear Online? 34:37

3M ago34:37

34:37

Is it even possible to disappear from the internet? Wirecutter writer Max Eddy explains how he tried to do it, why it’s so hard, and what steps you can take to take control of the information that’s out there. Plus, some of the surprising sentimental hurdles he had to overcome during this project. Things we recommend: Find websites that have expose…

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June Q&A: Planner Swapping, Partner/Friend Planning Dilemmas, Planning with Unpredictable Time Blocks, Planners for Tweens/Teens with ADHD, and More EP 256 28:08

3M ago28:08

28:08

It's a Q&A podcast! Topics include: - Ways to plan/manage tasks when your time is unpredictably chopped up (gig worker)? - How to move into a new planner midyear? - How to talk with a partner who feels your planning systems are over the top (and you feel like they are absolutely necessary for a functional family life)? - How to handle a close frien…

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Trump Is Selling a Phone + The Start-Up Trying to Automate Every Job + Allison Williams Talks ‘M3GAN 2.0’ 1:03:57

3M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

This week, President Trump’s family business announced that it was introducing a mobile phone and a cellular network. We tick through the many potential conflicts of interest this new business venture raises. Then, the co-founders of the startup Mechanize defend their efforts to automate away all jobs — starting with software engineering. And final…

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Optimize Your AC 37:18

3M ago37:18

37:18

Summers are getting hotter. First, staff writer Thom Dunn shares expert strategies to keep your home cool, including the features you’ll want to look for in a window AC unit and a simple hack for your ceiling fan that will help beat the heat. Then, we learn all about what heat pumps have to do with keeping cool from senior staff writer Liam McCabe.…

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A Price Check on Tariffs 18:02

3M ago18:02

18:02

We tracked the prices of 40 Wirecutter picks for 60 days to gauge the impact of tariffs. Most prices didn’t increase—but they likely will soon. Deputy editor Annemarie Conte explains why prices haven’t risen dramatically so far, why the cost of goods will likely start rising around Black Friday, and how you should navigate your purchases going forw…

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Travel Planning: Strategic Planning + Anticipatory Fun at Every Time Horizon EP 255 25:36

3M ago25:36

25:36

Today's episode centers around strategies for travel planning, from super-long range (5-10+ years) to daily planning while on vacation! Sarah shares her favorite strategies at each time horizon to craft travel plans that reflect your values and highest priorities, while meeting your actual real-life needs (budget, kids' ages, etc!). Mentioned: Kels…

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Meta Bets on Scale + Apple’s A.I. Struggles + Listeners on Job Automation 1:07:27

3M ago1:07:27

1:07:27

This week, Meta hits the reset button on A.I. But will a new research lab and a multibillion-dollar investment in Scale AI bring the company any closer to its stated goal of “superintelligence”? Then we break down Apple’s big developer conference, WWDC: What was announced, what was noticeably absent, and why Apple seems a little stuck in the past. …

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The Death of Durable Appliances 32:09

4M ago32:09

32:09

Appliances don't last as long as they used to—but not for the reasons you probably think. Senior staff writer Rachel Wharton explains why modern fridges, ovens, and other large appliances often won’t last more than a decade. She also reveals the strategies you can use to invest in new appliances that will last you longer. Additional Reading: Rachel…