Podcasts are seriously underrated and have been around for 10 years now. Therefore, it seems only fair to shed some worthy light on the humble podcast. If you are an avid podcast listener looking for some new ear candy, or a rookie looking to broaden your podcast horizons, then take a look at our top picks that will have you thinking, laughing and crying, or all three rolled into one. The Lifestyle & Culture editors highlight and recommend their favourite podcasts from comedy gold to the perfect bedtime story to encourage you to practice the art of listening.
Welcome to Night Vale – Jade’s pick
For the perfect bedtime story that will fill your dreams with imaginative ideas …
If you’re looking for a brilliant, yet incredibly strange work of fiction, look no further than Welcome to Night Vale. The podcast follows a radio show in the fictional desert town of Night Vale where anything and everything weird, wonderful, and terrifying happens.Welcome to Night Vale finds a way to inject humour and romance into the craziness that becomes commonplace for the town’s citizens. Along with interesting content, the podcast also showcases independent bands and musicians. So if you like the unexpected and strange, but also want a fix for new music, this is the show for you.
RadioLab – Bella’s pick
For those searching for the answer to every question they have ever had …
There is something so captivating about this series of podcasts and I am still undecided on whether it is because of the enthusiastic presenters Jab Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, who investigate everything under the sun, quite literally, or if it is the fact that the duo tackle commonly held misconceptions. If you want know about everything and anything including about human attempts to communicate with dolphins or want answers on why the sky is blue? Then look know further than RadioLab.
Call Your Girlfriend – Bella’s pick
For deep down belly laughs …
Long story short, this podcast holds the key to long distance friendships. Ann Freidman and Aminatou Sow are the perfect two who really know each other inside out and showcase the best of funny and frank female friendships. Be prepared for each episode to take your thoughts anywhere from general life updates and jargon, political views and legislation to Drake’s penis muscles.
Spirits Podcast – Jade’s pick
For those who love a drink … or two …
This hilarious podcast features two women getting drunk together and discussing myths, legends, and folklore from around the world. These women have been friends since childhood and it’s easy to see in their witty and profanity-laced banter. Their topics cover everything from werewolves to Filipino ghouls to the crazy antics of the Greek gods with humour, passion, and a bevy of modern cultural references. Come for the interesting stories about how ancient people made sense of the world and stay for the laughter and thought-provoking conversation that these intelligent and hilarious women get drunk to have.
Think of podcasts as the younger, edgier cousin of radio that will get you hooked from the get go. These free, downloadable conversations are what we should be listening to in the 21st century. So, go forth and swap tunes for talks.
Bella Davis & Jade Verbick
Images: HRBCHDR, Callyourgirlfriend, Clevermove, London Palladium, Women and Words