I really like podcasts. If you aren’t into podcasts, then at the beginning they are a bit weird and you’re probably not sure what to do with them. Think of them as long, better radio shows which are designed to be entertaining. I listen to them whilst commuting, in the car, at the gym and even whilst doing a bit of cleaning. Whether someone decides to find podcasts by checking out sites like https://www.knowledgeformen.com/the-best-joe-rogan-podcasts-of-all-time/, for example, on Spotify or on YouTube, there are many topics that people discuss on podcasts and there are shows out there for pretty much everyone.

The quality and diversity of podcasts has increased huge amounts over the last couple of years and now there are thousands out there for you to listen to. I have around 20 that I listen to regularly, then a whole lot more that I dip in and out of. I thought I would do a little round up of the best podcasts that I have listened to this year. Think of these as the series which will get you hooked on podcasts. A lot of them have huge amount of episodes, so I’ve also marked on the episodes which you should start first.

If you are still a bit perplexed on how to listen and download podcasts, then there are lots of guides – one for iPhones, Android or through your computer.

The one which made Podcasts popular – Serial

Before Serial there were a whole load of podcasts but not a lot of listeners. Then Serial came along, 12 episodes of one story told week by week. Season 1 focused on the case of Adnan Sayed, a man in jail for murdering Hae Min Lee in 1999. The whole case is like it’s out of a novel, full of an odd cast of characters and conflicting statements. It really is addictive listening which has spun off a lot of further podcasts (including Undisclosed which is good but not great).

Season 2 has now started and we are currently on episode 3. It takes a different genre, following the story of the desertion of Bowe Berghdal in Afghanistan, I’m enjoying it so far so we will see how it pans out.

Where to start? Definitely season 1, episode 1, then binge listen to the whole 12 episodes!

The one for if you are obsessed with unsolved Mysteries – Thinking Sideways

If Serial has whet your appetite for the need to solve odd mysteries, then thinking sideways is a good option. It has kept me very entertained over the past year. Each week, the three hosts take on a different mystery, talk through what happened then go through theories to see what the most likely scenario is. I really enjoyed listening to this to get new perspectives on some cases which I knew nothing about. Plus they have a huge back catalogue if you need a binge.

Where to start? On some of the good true crime ones – Madeline McCann (26 March), Disappearance of Sneha Philip (28 May), and Lisanne Froon and Kris Kremers (15 Jan).

The one for when you need to embarrassingly laugh on public transport – My Dad Wrote a Porno

There are so many hilarious podcasts out there, but the one to start with is for sure – My Dad Wrote a Porno. Essentially it has 3 hosts and the main guy, his dad wrote a porno called Belinda Blinked. Maybe one day it’ll end up on a site just like Open Tube V with tour guide escorts in Thailand to keep it spicy? They read out a chapter per episode and it is HILARIOUS. Like seriously, it is so badly written and some of the stuff that comes out of that book is ridiculous. This will make you giggle uncontrollably so be prepared if you are listening in public!

Where to start? Right at the beginning!

The one for the entrepreneurial spirit – Start Up (+ The Pitch)

The start up movement is huge in tech, so it’s natural that it has moved into the podcasting medium and there are a whole heap which focus on business and starting your own company. The one I’ve been enjoying the most is Start Up, which in its first series followed the start up of a podcasting company, then in the second series, a dating company. It is really well made and is fascinating to see into the behind the scenes of what it is actually like to run a business.

Runner up here does go to The Pitch – one to try if you like Dragons Den, each episode someone pitches their idea and you get to hear from investors.

Where to start? For Start Up, the beginning of either season 1 or 2, for The Pitch, you can start anywhere, but number 3 is a good one.

The one for some British humour – Answer Me This

Another if you want a giggle but if you are more inclined to British humour then Answer Me This is the way to go. Helen and Oly pretty much do what they say, answer questions that people send or phone in. Not only do you get to have a laugh but you also get to learn a few things too. Helen and Oly are both awesome hosts and are on quite a few podcasts, Olys other podcast, The Modern Mann is also well worth a listen.

Where to start? Anywhere! AMT327 was a good one, but honestly, just pick one and jump in.

The one for pop culture – SRSLY

If you’re a fan of posts like my ‘What to Watch, Read and Listen To’, then SRSLY pretty much takes that concept into a podcast. The two hosts sound very posh but are actually really down to earth and they focus primarily on British film, TV and literature. They cover a huge range of genres and topics and have certainly inspired me to watch and read a whole range of things. A solid addition to get you thinking podcast.

Where to start? I love their Christmas episode on Love Actually, but you can start anywhere really.

The one for Story Tellers – The Black Tapes Podcast

Following Serial, there are now quite a few series which are done in the same style but all fictional. The Black Tapes is one of them which I really enjoyed. It follows a journalist investigating ‘The Black Tapes’ all of which have some aspect of paranormal involved which can’t be solved. It is really well made and a good option if you are after something different. Shout out here to Limetown which is another good option as well.

Where to start? Right at the beginning!

Here are a few extras which are also worth a mention: Invisibilia, Reply All, Sword and Scale, The Skeptics Guide to the Universe, Dan Snow’s History Hit and How to Survive.

Now, there is no excuse for you to not find something you love in this list. Give some a go, browse the podcasts app and find more that you love. I promise there is something for everyone out there.

Do you listen to podcasts regularly? Any you can recommend?

JC xx