Apple Podcasts has unveiled its first-ever “Best So Far” list, a biannual editorial selection that highlights some of the most engaging new podcast shows and seasons released since the beginning of the year. The new feature, available in the Apple Podcasts app’s Browse tab, aims to help listeners discover exceptional content across a range of genres, from cultural deep-dives and business insights to personal storytelling and children’s programming.
The list is curated by the Apple Podcasts editorial team, which listens to thousands of hours of content annually to find standout work from both established names and emerging voices. Editors evaluate podcasts for their storytelling quality, originality, and ability to engage listeners in meaningful ways. According to Apple, the goal is to surface shows that offer fresh perspectives, push creative boundaries, or add an impactful twist to familiar formats.
For the Middle East region, the “Best So Far” picks include ten shows that reflect the diversity of topics and styles emerging from the podcast community. Among them is The Mo Show, an English-language culture program hosted by Mo Islam in Saudi Arabia. The series features intimate, long-form conversations with leaders, innovators, and creatives, exploring narratives that shape contemporary society.
Another featured title, The Gstaad Guy Podcast, delivers weekly unscripted interviews that blend humor and curiosity, offering listeners behind-the-scenes insight into the personal journeys and mindset shifts of global tastemakers—from entrepreneurs and artists to cultural influencers. Meanwhile, El Mal El Halal, hosted by Mohamed Aboulnaga (Nagaty), brings an Arabic-language perspective to business storytelling, focusing on the true meaning of success beyond profit.
The Middle East list also includes LIT – Luca’s Insight Track, Yasser Al-Hezimi, Ysir Kheir Podcast, Aandi Soual, G.Talks – The Podcast for Dreamers, Omam Podcast, and Juha for Kids. Each show offers something distinct, whether it’s deep interviews, educational storytelling, or family-friendly narratives, and collectively they represent the region’s growing influence in the global podcast landscape.
Apple Podcasts describes the “Best So Far” selections as more than just entertainment—they are shows that “ignite connection, generate understanding, and inspire.” The editorial team looks for creators who are not only producing high-quality audio, but also moving the medium forward by experimenting with format, voice, and subject matter.
By launching this curated list, Apple is signaling a stronger investment in editorial discovery at a time when the podcast market is more crowded than ever. For listeners, it offers a trusted guide to standout new content; for creators, it provides valuable visibility in one of the world’s largest podcast platforms. The “Best So Far” list will be refreshed twice a year, giving audiences a reason to check back for new recommendations and ensuring that noteworthy shows continue to find their way to broader audiences.
