When you hear the word “podcast,” I’m sure you think of some lame talk show that your parents listen to online. But I’m here to tell you that podcasts aren’t just a thing for your parents, they’re actually pretty cool. And the podcast that made me realize this? Serial.

Serial is a twelve episode podcast that follows the true story of the long-forgotten murder of a popular high school senior in 1999. Hae Min Lee disappeared after school one day and six weeks later, detectives arrested her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed, for her murder. But Syed says he’s innocent.

The podcast is hosted by Sarah Koenig and is a production of WBEZ Chicago. In each episode, Koenig attempts to unravel the truth about what really happened that fatal day in Baltimore so many years ago. She reads through detective notes, visits the scene of the crime and attempts to re-enact what happened, and speaks with as many people involved in the case as she can – including Syed himself and other people who were close to the victim and suspect.

What makes Serial so exciting and addicting is that it’s so real. You get to hear the testimonials, phone calls between Koenig and Syed, and first-hand accounts of what happened from the people who were there. As you go through the podcast, there are doubts. First you’re rooting for Syed, you know he’s innocent. Then you’re not so sure. Little pieces of the puzzle begin to come together and it really gets you thinking. It’s a journey, and Koenig does a great job at keeping the listener hooked and wanting to know more.

Serial has become wildly popular since it aired in October 2014 and has changed the podcast game for younger generations. It made a lot people realize that podcasts can be fun and exciting and definitely worth listening to.

You can access the twelve episodes online here for free and on iTunes. Season two will feature a different story and is expected to come sometime later this year. So tune in to Serial and let yourself get lost in the exciting world of podcasts.