We’re told as kids not to put stuff in our ears. Toy soldiers, cotton buds, crayons – they all went for a cruise down a canal they shouldn’t have.
But as we grew up (some of us are still pretending to be Rufio) we stopped putting waxy drawing equipment in our lugholes and instead started serenading our minds with podcasts.
A quite revolutionary form of media, podcasts have transformed the way we consume audio over the past decade.
And their biggest strength is that they can be moulded around any subject matter – and we mean anything (we’ve peeked down the back of the internet so you don’t have to).
Plug into our top picks next time you’re travelling across town on the Metro, ignoring the phone call from office reception, or watching the world pass you by poolside.
Aesthetic audio for sports fans
Men in Blazers
We’re not here to pick sides in the football versus soccer debate, but Men in Blazers’ sharp and witty analysis of the latter is well worth tuning into. Hosts Roger Bennett and Michael Davies pull in some serious players from other top US leagues – think NBA, NFL and NHL mega stars – in their quest to underscore MLS and soccer’s significance in the future of American sports. They dabble in the beautiful game wherever it may played, and their ‘Baldmart’ – where follicley-challenged pair hawk their merch – is just exquisitely named.
Best for: People who want to get familiar with sports in the US but aren’t ready to put down their football safety blanket.
Where to listen: meninblazers.com
Pardon My Take
Like your hot-takes delivered with more sauce than a sloppy spaghetti bolognese? Pardon My Take is plating up loud and proud opinions on all of America’s leading games – and it does so with a megaphone cranked up to 11. Billing themselves as “the loudest and most correct” sports podcast around, each episode is a barrel of laughs, and with presenters prone to fly off in any direction at any moment, it’s a potential riot every episode.
Best for: Absolute nuttiness and wild opinions that will have you in stitches.
Where to listen: stitcher.com/show/pardon-my-take
The Fighter and The Kid
You’d expect a podcast hosted by a former UFC fighter to pack a punch (and kick), and Brendan Schaub’s The Fighter and The Kid delivers. Each week the American, who had ten wins from 15 pro fights on the UFC circuit during his career before switching to comedy, welcomes a fresh guest co-host to talk fighting, life and just about anything that pops into their heads.
It’s all uncut and unedited – so much like in The Octagon, anything goes.
Best for: MMA fans who love a deeper insight into the inner mid of people who get punched in the face for a living.
Where to listen: soundcloud.com/fighterandthekid
The Lowe Post
Slam-dunk listening doesn’t come much better than The Lowe Post and ESPN’s Zach Lowe talking all things basketball. Like many sports returning to spectator-less arenas around the globe this year, basketball in the U.S of A has had to pivot. It’s made for a roaring debate on the future of the game and with players coming back with a vengeance out on the court – with LeBron James steering the LA Lakers to the franchise’s 17th NBA title in 2020 – the action has helped produce some stellar conversations between Lowe and his glittering gallery of guests.
Best for: Hoop stars and fans thereof.
Where to listen: stitcher.com/show/ the-lowe-post
Tailenders
On a sticky wicket trying to find your next sporting podcast? BBC presenter Greg James teams up with former England cricket international Jimmy Anderson to discuss life at the crease, what music hits their celeb guests for six, and answer all of life’s big cricket-centric questions; like how long does it take to go from naked to fully padded up. The answer may (or may not) surprise you.
Best for: Those familiar with Greg James’ witty brand of presenting, and those who need some big laughs in their life.
Where to listen: bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02pcb4w
For some, music makes the world go round
Lost Map Podcast
As indie as an indie record label gets, Lost Map is run by Johnny Lynch (who records under the name Pictish Trail) out of the remote Scottish island of Eigg (pronounced egg), population 47. As well as releasing some of the most inventive and unique tracks you’re likely to hear each year, it also puts on gigs and festivals (when allowed), runs a monthly postcard subscription service and has a regular podcast. Presented by Lynch himself and featuring acts from the label, there are quizzes, competitions, funny chats and the chance to hear some new music in each episode.
Best for: Those fed up of generic mainstream tunes and craving something totally at odds with modern music culture.
Where to listen: lostmap.com/podcast
Renegades: Born in the USA
Who knew that a podcast between The Boss and former US President could be music to our ears? The pair cover the highs and lows in American history, including in-depth conversations on race and shared experiences as outsiders. While it feels like it’s aimed at an older generation, some moments will make you laugh out loud – Obama singing, anyone? Unafraid to get personal, they present a modern day image of masculinity, as they delve into fatherhood and marriage.
Best for: Getting better acquainted with two charismatic bosses.
Where to listen: Streaming now on Spotify
Table Manners with Jessie Ware
Everyone loves going round to their mates’ houses for dinner and having a good old chinwag – and that’s exactly what this podcast is all about. Singer Jessie Ware hosts this podcast with her mum Lennie (who’s in charge of the cooking) as she invites one of her celebrity friends over for a slap-up feed and a side of giggles. It’s chatty, informal and fun, and feels like you’re part of the gang. You’ll learn loads of stuff (that you may or may not have wanted to know) about the guests who are relaxed in the dinner table setting. Expect plenty of chat about life, careers, personal issues, and, of course, food. Guests include Sam Smith, Michelle Keegan, Alan Carr, Ed Sheeran, George Ezra and more.
Best for: Listeners who just know they’d make the best pal for a singing superstar. Why aren’t they accepting your friend request?
Where to listen: bbc.co.uk/programmes
Distraction Pieces with Scroobius Pip
Rapper and poet Scroobius Pip has more than just a way with words, and his incredible diction and analysis of societal norms (and its many flaws) is worthy of its place on any playlist. His podcast helps to further unpack critical reviews of the world and our place in it, and with star guests including the likes of Simon Pegg to Amanda Palmer, Russell Brand to Gail Porter, James McAvoy to Lauren Laverne, and Stewart Lee to Kathy Burke, no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of meaningful conversation.
Best for: Those looking for a brand-new take on anything from anyone from any walk of life.
Where to listen: scroobiuspip.co.uk/distraction-pieces-podcast
Questlove Supreme
Musical legends and cultural icons share their life stories with Questlove and Supreme in this weekly blockbuster podcast. Usher, Michelle Obama, Chris Rock, Steve Miller, Maya Rudolph, Weird Al, Chaka Khan and Babyface have all graced the show over the years, bringing their incredible lived experiences – and details about current and future musical projects – directly into your ears. Consider it an all-access to pass to some of the most important names in the game.
Best for: Those who live and breathe the tunes on their playlist.
Where to listen: cms.megaphone.fm/channel/questlovesupreme
Brilliant podcasts to suit all tastes
Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People
Pot luck podcasts don’t come more random than Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People. One phone call, one hour, no introductions and no holds barred, this series from stand-up Chris Gethard (of titular show, Broad City and This American Life fame) sees the host take all manner of call – be it confessional, philosophical, or shameless self-promotion – and the only catch is he can’t hang-up first. We doubt you will either.
Best for: Listeners who love the unexpected and aren’t afraid to invest in the ramblings of a stranger.
Where to listen: earwolf.com/show/beautiful-anonymous
In The Dark
Like your crimes unsolved and your convictions unlawful? This award-winning US podcast sees investigative journalism from impeccable host Madeleine Baran and a team of diligent reporters. Kidnap was the topic of season one, then season two took on the “legal odyssey” of Curtis Flowers, who was tried for murder six times in the state of Mississippi.
Best for: Sherlock characters who could have solved the case in time if they’d only had the chance.
Where to listen: stitcher.com/show /in-the-dark-apm
Morning Short
Masters of the short story like James Joyce, Franz Kafka and Charles Dickens have been thoughtfully adapted into mini-audio books to uplift your commute. Each one is between 15 and 25 minutes and you can dip in and out of episodes wherever takes your fancy. Genres range from romance and humour, to satire, sci-fi, so there really is something for everyone.
Best for: Bookworms who just don’t have the time to pour through chapter after chapter.
Where to listen: morningshort.com/listen
The Explainer
Covering all things Ireland, The Explainer podcast takes a look at the biggest news stories to come out of the Emerald Isle that week. From the pandemic and house prices to politics and Brexit, Irish ex-pats can keep up with all the things going on at home from the desert so they know what the craic is when they arrive in Dublin airport.
Best for: An Irish take on all things Ireland – as well as opinions and commentary on the rest of the world’s headlines.
Where to listen: soundcloud.com/the- explainer-podcast
The High Low
While The High Low has (sadly) already come to an end, it’s still well worth listening to old episodes. In it, Dolly Alderton, of Everything I Know About Love fame, and journalist Pandora Sykes chat about all things cultural, whether it’s high or low brow (hence the name). With millions of fans around the globe, you might find that plenty of your friends will be shocked that you haven’t already tuned in.
Best for: Those who like a bit of variety in their podcast series.
Where to listen: dollyalderton.com/podcasts
Top series to help you improve your outlook
How to Fail by Elizabeth Day
After Elizabeth Day found herself divorced at the age of 38, she decided to take stock of her life. Turning the idea of success on its head, the journalist talks to famous faces, from actors to writers, about their three biggest failures. Warning: guests get emotional. Top episodes include Gloria Steinem, Andrew Scott and a crying Alexandra Burke. If you’re after more failure, buy the spin-off book.
Best for: Gaining an understanding of the lessons to be drawn from failure.
Where to listen: elizabethdayonline.co.uk
The GaryVee Audio Experience
Those already familiar with Gary Vayerchuk’s off-brand ‘against the grain’ approach to business and employee wellbeing will know this series is going to be jam packed with plenty of positive talking. The high-energy, motivational podcasts mirror the hosts’ spotless optimism, with the pursuit of success, and how best to navigate the often bumpy road along the way, taking top billing. It’s punchy, energising and will have listeners feeling like they can take on the world. Money-back guarantee if good thoughts aren’t oozing from your ear lobes after each episode.
Best for: Listeners who thrive on vocalised positive energy and use it to help propel themselves forward each and every day.
Where to listen: garyvaynerchuk.com/podcast
Food Psych
We all have a relationship with food, which is quite understandable considering we need it to, ya know, live. But some relationships are healthier than others, and in this Food Psych podcast from nutritionist Christy Harrison, the focus is on making peace with gastronomic bonds. Guests cover a menu of talking points from paths to body image healing and weight stigma. Diet culture is called out “for the life that that it is” and picks apart restrictive behaviours that masquerade as wellness.
Best for: Getting a better understanding of food and how its impacts our lives, often in a sneaky way that we’ve become too accepting of.
Where to listen: christyharrison.com/foodpsych
High Performance Podcast
It takes many qualities to rise to the top – and stay there – but the secrets of success shouldn’t be locked away behind closed doors. Ambitions of making it the highest summit, then wrapped your ears around the High Performance Podcast. Hosted by sports broadcaster Jake Humphreys and organisational psychologist professor Damian Hughes, each episodes delves into the non-negotiable behaviours that have seen guests – who come from the realms of music, sport, big business and entertainment – rise and rise. An ideal series for those wanting to find the next level at work or in their personal lives.
Best for: People with designs on bigger and better things both in the office and at home.
Where to listen: thehighperformancepodcast.com
The Mind Aware
Discover a daily dose of concentrated pep with best-selling author Dana Wilde and her The Mind Aware podcast. Airing with a real business edge, the show ventures beyond the boundaries of ‘normal’ mind sets and positive mentally tricks to explain exactly how the most successful among us address wealth, health and everything between. Each episode is designed to over-come sabotaging thoughts that are preventing us from hitting our straps.
Best for: Ago-getter, achievers and entrepreneurs who are maximising their lives at every opportunity.
Where to listen: themindaware.libsyn.com
Get a kick out of your listening
Golazzo: The Italian Football Show
Reliving the iconic Channel 4 Saturday morning programme, Gazzetta Football Italia, James Richardson, James Horncastle and Gab Marcotti look back at the glory days of Serie A in the 80s and 90s with plenty of anecdotes and never heard stories about the league’s greatest and infamous legends. Altogether now: Goooooalllllazzzzoooo (or was it goal Lazio?)
Best for: Brilliant insight on the beautiful game and its cherished status in Italy (and across Europe).
Where to listen: thetotallyfootballshow.com
Life Goals with Theo Delaney
Award-winning filmmaker and ad man Theo Delaney speaks to journalists, broadcasters, actors and more about their favourite football memories. Think Desert Island Discs but instead of picking music, it’s goals. The chats are sincere, the goals are fantastic and each guest also picks a song that remind them of the era to go with each pick. Highlight episodes are with actor David Morriset, TV bigwig Greg Dyke and DJ Normal Jay. The series is poignant and often enlightening.
Best for: Peeps who love flexing their sporting intellect during half-time.
Where to listen: theodelaney.com/life-goals
That Peter Crouch Podcast
He may have been the most unlikely of football players and an even more unlikely podcast host, but the beanpole striker shows he is as good on the mic as he was on the pitch. Brilliant banter with co-hosts Tom Fordyce and Christ Stark, Crouchy chats about all the big issues surrounding the beautiful game and also sheds some light into the world of pro football and his own well-travelled career.
Best for: Fits of laughter as you enjoy your mixed drinks poolside.
Where to listen: bbc.co.uk/sounds
Every day’s a school day
History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
This 370-episode-and-counting podcast isn’t for the faint hearted. But if you’re looking to impress your guests at the dinner party by waxing lyrical about a boffin who died 1,000 years ago, this is for you. History of Philosophy Without any Gaps by Peter Adamson goes all the way back to the start of critical thinking up until the present day. If it fries your brain the first couple of episodes just slip into the infinity pool to cool off.
Best for: Intellectuals (or wannabes) with a deep desire to understand their place in the world.
Where to listen: historyofphilosophy.net
You’re Wrong About…
Do you remember that time in 2016 where it seemed like killer clowns were just everyone in the news? That was pretty weird, huh? Well if you tune into You’re Wrong About… you’ll get to explore the phenomenon in greater detail, as well as other fascinating tales that played out in the media over the years. Previous topics include Princess Diana and the O.J. Simpson trial, and you’ll soon find out all the ways you got things wrong at the time.
Best for: People who love plugging gaps in their knowledge – and promptly correcting their mates when they’ve got the wrong end of the stick.
Where to listen: stitcher.com/show/youre-wrong-about
You Are Not So Smart
Ready to listen and learn? David McRaney, host of You Are Not So Smart, has crafted a fun and explorative platform in which to develop a great understanding of what he calls mankind’s “undeserved” confidence in its own perceptions, motivations and behaviours. As a former spam sharer of sensationalised news stories, he’s now taken a more considerate approach to the headlines that drive our behaviours, and seeks to help his audience rediscover humility in their own existence and reconnect with the “stumbling, fumbling community of man” trying to make sense of things the best we can.
Best for: Anyone click-happy when it comes to a sensational headline.
Where to listen: youarenotsosmart.com
