TIME Magazine's "100 Best Podcasts" List: A Masterclass in Liberal Elitism

TIME Magazine's "100 Best Podcasts" list has been criticized for its lack of diversity and relevance. The list was curated by journalist Eliana Dockterman, who ignored popular podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience and Spotify's "The Podcast Charts." Critics have called the list "crap," "trash," and said it reflects the magazine's liberal elitism. The list has been heavily ratioed on X, with many users saying they had never heard of some of the podcasts included.

In a recent move that has sparked significant controversy, TIME Magazine's latest list of "The 100 Best Podcasts of All Time" has been widely criticized for its lack of diversity and relevance. The list, curated by journalist Eliana Dockterman, has been met with a barrage of criticism, with many users on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) expressing their disappointment and frustration.

The list, which includes podcasts from various genres such as comedy, news, and politics, has been accused of reflecting the magazine's liberal elitism. Critics have pointed out that popular podcasts like The Joe Rogan Experience and Spotify's top podcasts were notably absent from the list. One user on Reddit, for instance, commented that the list was "crap" and that it "ignored the most influential podcasts of the past decade" [1].

The list has also been heavily ratioed on X, with many users stating that they had never heard of some of the podcasts included. This has raised questions about the list's credibility and the criteria used to compile it. Dockterman, in her explanation of how the list was chosen, noted that the podcasts were selected based on their ability to provide engaging content for various audiences, such as those who are commuting, working out, or preparing for the day [2].

However, critics argue that the list fails to capture the true essence of the podcasting landscape, which has been significantly shaped by alternative media and influential figures like Joe Rogan. Rogan's podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, has been a major force in the podcasting world, and its absence from the list has been a source of contention for many. Some users have suggested that the list's lack of diversity and relevance is a reflection of the magazine's own biases and the fact that it is out of touch with the current cultural and political climate [3].

In response to the criticism, TIME Magazine has not issued a formal statement or apology. However, the controversy has highlighted the ongoing debate about the role of mainstream media in shaping public opinion and the importance of representing diverse voices in the media landscape.

References:
[1] https://www.awardsdaily.com/2025/07/24/time-magazine-humiliates-itself-by-excluding-joe-rogan-from-100-greatest-podcasts-of-all-time/
[2] https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/shannon-sauders/2025/07/25/time-magazine-excluded-conservative-podcasts-top-100-list
[3] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/26/richard-black-proud-boys-mehdi-hasan-jubilee