I used to listen to long form essays on Youtube. My favourite ones either break down the history of a conspiracy, teach me something new and cool about the world, or explore a hobby I've never been interested in.
I don't like the ones about killers or heavy drama. I also don't like podcasts that spend half the time reading the latest news from [topic] in verbatim .
What are some podcasts you can recommend me while I chip away at other things?
"our fake history" is a pretty good match to what you're describing. It's a relatively light hearted, rigorously researched, history podcast with a focus on misunderstood historical figures and events.
"The plastic plesiosaur podcast" is a really fun podcast more focused on cryptids and pop science.
One of the host to plastic plesiosaur has a YouTube channel called "trey the explainer" which is worth a watch.
And if you like low key, entertaining deep dives into machining or tech, check out "technology connections," "this old Tony," and "tech moan."