“Isn’t that like talk radio?” This is what people always ask me when I recommend they listen to a podcast. And no, it is not anything like listening to talk radio. Even if it is just an audio file of people talking. Podcasts are about much more than hosts espousing their viewpoints to innocent callers they can hang up on at any convenient moment — looking at you, Limbaugh. No, podcasts are about having conversations that need to be had and telling stories that need to be told. It is also about giving yourself something to listen to on your morning commute or while you’re making pasta. So here are five really good podcasts to fill the void.

1. “The Moth”

wbez.org

Their motto pretty much sums it up: “True stories told live.” “The Moth” opens up the stage — literally all the stories are told live on stage in New York City — to people who have a story worth sharing. The best part about “The Moth” is they are stories told by regular people like you and me about things that could happen to anyone. If you like a good story, check this one out.

2. “Radiolab”

RL – wnyc.org

Science has never been my strong suit, to say the least. After too many home school science projects, I pretty much laid the subject to rest in my mind — until I met “Radiolab.” These guys are capable of taking some of the most complicated scientific facts and statistical anomalies, and turning them into something meaningful for everyday life. In fact, they don’t even claim to be a show about science. Instead they say they’re a show about curiosity — which is accurate. Skeptical? I’m sure they can prove it to you.

3. “The Relevant Podcast”

relevant.com

The minds behind “Relevant Magazine,” including its founder Cameron Strang, deliver one of the funniest, wittiest and most bizarre podcasts with a Christian worldview. Talking about a range of topics, from the latest entertainment releases to trending topics to interviews with high profile celebrities, they seriously cover it all. Disclaimer: Each episode is packed with inside jokes, so you might be a bit lost when you first get going. But have no fear, you’ll be in on the joke in no time.

4. “Pop Culture Happy Hour”

castroller.com

A roundtable discussion about anything they can think of, the team at “Pop Culture Happy Hour” is all about one thing: happiness. Hosted by Linda Holmes, blogger for NPR’s “Money See,” Holmes is joined each week by a cast of pop culture junkies ready to knock around anything that’s current, even if it’s only current to them. This is probably the only place you’ll hear people talk about books you’ve never read and actually find it interesting.

5. “The Nerdist”

sfsketchfest.com

Being a nerd is cool now. “The Nerdist” podcast has proved it indisputably. With episodes featuring stars like Tom Hanks, Jimmy Fallon and Will Ferrell, few podcasts will garner the kind of guest hosts they have. Not to mention they’re able to land interviews with some of the biggest names in music, like Dave Grohl, Macklemore and The National. There are also plenty of comedians who make it on too. Host Chris Harwick describes the show as a podcast where they talk about “stuff and things.” Usually awesome stuff and things that will make you laugh and want to listen more. Okay, why are you still reading this?

All the podcasts mentioned here are available for download on iTunes. Find one that suits you and start listening.