Margo Jefferson’s stunning memoir dances fluidly between genres, leaping from the personal to deft cultural analysis in a dazzling display of narrative choreography and a standout performance by Karen Murray. —Alanna M.

As the audiobook’s title and playfully grim cover imply, this buzzy, gutsy debut is simultaneously vulnerable and funny. Laden with reflections on trauma, survival, and stardom, McCurdy’s performance is soul-baring, visceral, real, and as brave as it is immersive. —Seth H.

Told through a combination of JB Smoove’s narration, archival recordings, and commentary from other comedy greats—Cedric the Entertainer, Margaret Cho, and Norman Lear, to name a few—this in-depth history of six legendary Black comedians is the ultimate listen for any and all true comedy fans. —Aaron S.

Deeply insightful and optimistically buoyant, this debut novel set at an aquarium is as warm as being hugged by eight arms at once. Michael Urie gives a triumphant performance as Marcellus, an octopus who unravels a profound lesson about the ways love often hides in plain sight, while Marin Ireland lends charm to the novel’s humans. —Haley H.

There’s not a weak point in this listen: The cast works spectacularly together to create a compelling, convincing environment, which is heightened by the chilling, otherworldly sound design. The end result is an audio journey that melds several classic tropes—vampires, a post-apocalyptic winter—yet is eerily fresh and scarily close. —Sam D.

Shaped by current events, this listen—set in a dystopian near-future—explores the power of art, love, and storytelling in the face of fear and persecution. With all the heart you’d expect from Ng, along with plenty of family drama, the novel shines as Lucy Liu captures the essence of each unforgettable character. —Tricia F.

Narrated by Kevin Hart, this gem—which features candid interviews with Patti LaBelle, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and others—marks the first attempt to connect two events in Philadelphia’s history that still resonate today: the May 13 decision to bomb the headquarters of MOVE and the July 13 Live Aid concert. —Christina H.

Humble, caring, and sensitive, Molly Gray wins the best character in a mystery award from me. All’s going well until a wealthy hotel guest (a nasty piece of work) is found dead one morning. What ensues is a roller coaster of plot twists and turns—pay careful attention as the story unfurls. —Yvonne D.

With interviews and recordings featuring some truly iconic pipes—Jeff Goldblum! Obama! Bugs Bunny!—this audio-centric deep dive into the human voice is steered by Bell’s infectious inquisitiveness and excellent narration. The meta-ness of it all is half the fun, but it’s packed with emotion and a sonic signature all its own. —Kat J.

Steered by a flawless performance from Julia Whelan, this is a love letter to people who love stories—the people who write them, who sell them, who edit them, who read them, who escape into them. But it’s also a story about sisterhood and grief and belonging and, yes, true love. —K.O.

Rather than simply matching the award-winning graphic novel of the same name frame-for-frame, this audio adaptation evolves the story by pushing the boundaries of voice and sound. The production value is stunning, and the cast puts on a masterful performance, quite literally transforming their delivery alongside their characters’ journeys. —S.D.

The Wickhams are undoubtedly the most flawed of all Jane Austen’s characters, but they also have the most fun. This marvelous production is as unexpected as the story, with a London nightclub beat underpinning the modern dialogue that’s deliciously delivered by UK darlings Jessie Buckley and Johnny Flynn. —Emily C.

In this podcast, music producer Maejor explores the positive relationship between sound and wellness. I was blown away by the scientific insights, meditative music design, surprising guest stars, and compelling travel narrative spanning five countries that shape this one-of-a-kind audio experience. Listen with headphones on for full effect. —Rachael X.

This tale features all the hallmarks of my favorite stories (folkloric vibes, a great narrator, and a proactive main character), and Natalie Naudus’s performance is the kind where you immediately sink into the story. The stakes are high, the love is deep, and this listen is totally worth your time. —Melissa B.