Podcasts hosted by celebrities and athletes continue to shape the U.S. media landscape in powerful ways, but their popularity isn't distributed evenly across the country.
Some shows resonate more strongly in specific regions and states due to the hosts’ personal ties, the podcast’s cultural relevance, or the subject matter’s connection to local interests.
From Los Angeles to Philadelphia and Boston to Indianapolis, podcasts have found geographic strongholds—regions where their voices echo louder because of community roots or targeted content.
We explore how these regional dynamics shape podcast popularity, dividing our analysis between celebrity- and athlete-hosted shows.
Celebrity-Hosted Podcasts and Their Regional Impact
Shows that feel locally rooted—whether through their hosts, settings, or topics—are far more likely to establish passionate regional audiences. Meanwhile, podcasts with universal themes but strong cultural anchors—like SmartLess or The Office Ladies—tend to find strongholds in relatable, culturally aligned areas, even while building broader national appeal.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert is especially popular in California, where the show is recorded and where its entertainment-industry-centered guest list has strong local appeal. Shepard's relaxed, curious interview style draws in listeners from the West Coast who are especially interested in insider Hollywood conversations and wellness trends. The show also performs well nationally among listeners seeking in-depth, empathetic discussions with creatives, academics, and actors.
SmartLess
SmartLess, hosted by actors Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, blends humor, spontaneity, and celebrity storytelling. Its unscripted format and consistently high-profile guests have made it a nationwide hit, but it has particularly strong appeal in urban centers like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago—hubs for entertainment-savvy audiences. The hosts' ties to both coasts contribute to its cross-country fanbase, but the show's coastal popularity stands out.
Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
Former late-night host Conan O’Brien brings his distinctive comedic tone and Harvard-educated wit to Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. While the podcast enjoys a large national following, its biggest listenership appears to be in the Northeast—especially Massachusetts, where O’Brien grew up. Longtime fans from his Boston roots and his late-night days remain loyal, making the show a standout in New England podcast rankings.
How Did This Get Made?
Los Angeles-based comedians Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas host this cult-favorite podcast that dives into hilariously bad movies. How Did This Get Made? is particularly strong in California and New York, thanks to its insider-Hollywood tone and niche appeal among film and comedy fans. Its live shows in both L.A. and NYC frequently sell out, further underscoring its regional influence.
The goop Podcast
Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop Podcast is an extension of her wellness brand and lifestyle empire. It has a dedicated following in affluent coastal enclaves—especially in California and the Northeast—where Goop’s target demographic is most concentrated. With its focus on health, spirituality, and modern living, the podcast has also grown its audience among wellness-minded listeners nationwide.
Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum
Actor Michael Rosenbaum’s introspective conversations with fellow celebrities dig deep into mental health, fear, and the pressures of fame. With Rosenbaum’s acting roots in Atlanta and Los Angeles, the show connects especially well with fans in Georgia and California. Its emotionally honest format has attracted a passionate listener base in states with major film and TV production hubs.
Office Ladies
Hosted by The Office co-stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, Office Ladies offers an episode-by-episode rewatch of the beloved sitcom. The podcast’s core appeal is strongest in the Midwest, where the fictional Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch’s setting (and the show’s cultural sensibility) resonates most. Pennsylvania—where The Office was set—shows consistently high engagement, as do Ohio and Illinois, where many fans of the show live. The blend of nostalgia and behind-the-scenes insight makes this podcast particularly beloved in working-class and suburban regions across the country.
Athlete-Hosted Podcasts and Their Local Appeal
While athletes are often considered a form of celebrity, the combination of public awareness, fame and sport can impact a podcast's popularity in various regions.
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
NFL brothers Jason and Travis Kelce co-host New Heights, a sports-focused podcast with huge regional popularity in Ohio (where they grew up), Pennsylvania (where Jason played for the Eagles), and Missouri (home to Travis's Kansas City Chiefs). The show’s Super Bowl crossover appeal helped catapult it to national fame, but its roots remain strongest in football-centric states with personal Kelce connections.
Not Gonna Lie (NGL) with Kylie Kelce
Kylie Kelce (wife of Jason), launched Not Gonna Lie in 2024 and quickly built a strong fanbase in Pennsylvania, particularly Philadelphia, where the couple are icons. Her honest conversations around motherhood, family, and life in the NFL world have struck a chord with local listeners, especially women in the region looking for a fresh, relatable voice.
Spittin’ Chiclets
A Barstool Sports product, Spittin’ Chiclets is hosted by former NHLers Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette. This hockey-centric show is most popular in Massachusetts, where Whitney is from, and in Canadian border states like Minnesota, Michigan, and New York, where hockey culture runs deep.
The Pat McAfee Show
Pat McAfee’s charisma and off-the-cuff sports commentary have made The Pat McAfee Show a staple for fans in the Midwest. The former Colts punter draws a large Indiana audience, and his show is popular throughout Big Ten country—states like Ohio, Michigan, and Iowa—where football culture is part of daily life.
All The Smoke
California dominates the audience map for All The Smoke, hosted by former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. The duo’s West Coast roots and candid storytelling about the NBA and culture have made the show a top listen in California and Nevada, and among basketball communities across the country.
The Old Man and the Three
JJ Redick’s The Old Man and the Three focuses on the intersection of basketball, culture, and media. Thanks to Redick’s collegiate ties at Duke and pro stints with teams across the country, the show has found traction in North Carolina and New York. The podcast’s detailed basketball analysis also draws in heavy NBA markets like Illinois, Texas, and Georgia.
Unapologetically Angel
WNBA star Angel Reese launched Unapologetically Angel as a platform to discuss identity, image, and life as a Black woman in pro sports. The podcast has a growing following in Illinois, where Reese now plays for the Chicago Sky, and across the South due to her roots in Louisiana. Its bold tone and honesty have earned Reese strong support from young, socially conscious audiences.
As podcasting continues to grow as a dominant form of media, this geography of popularity will likely deepen, giving local flavor to even the most global conversations.
