Podcasts are the latest craze. Indeed, I have hopped onto the bandwagon myself, opting to listen to a podcast rather than my own carefully curated playlists during my morning commute to university. Whether you are trying to expand your knowledge or just looking for some entertainment, this list includes the top five podcasts you should be listening to right now.
This American Life
Having received a Pulitzer Prize last year, This American Life is the podcast to listen to if you are wanting to learn and become more educated. An episode is released weekly with a different theme and then stories are narrated in relation to the topic of discussion. The journalism that goes into this podcast is brilliant, as not only is everything meticulously researched, but you can hear the passion and interest from Ira Glass as he talks about the lives of ordinary, everyday people.
Recommended Episode: 360: Switched at Birth
Hip Hop Saved My Life
Hosted by the hilarious comedian Romesh Ranganathan, this podcast takes an interview format where celebrity guests are questioned about their interest in hip hop and rap music. With big names ranging from Dizzee Rascal to Louis Theroux, each episode features personal stories and entertaining discussions that are bound to make you laugh. What I particularly love about this podcast is that it does not solely focus on the analysis of hip hop tracks, but goes beyond that to think about the genre more holistically and personalises it to each individual.
Recommended Episode: S2 – Episode 31: James Acaster
The Receipts Podcast
As indicated by the name, this podcast is aimed at more of a Gen Z audience. Hosted by Tolani Shoneye, Milena Sanchez and Audrey Indome, The Receipts Podcast talks about a range of topics from an unfiltered perspective, which are mainly situated around the theme of love, sex and relationships. The chemistry between the three hosts is incredible and it is refreshing to see three black women dominating a platform that is usually occupied by white men trying to be funny with ‘hot takes’ – for example, as seen on The Joe Rogan Experience.
Recommended Episode: 136. Hosanna in excelsis!
The Morality of Everyday Things
If you are into philosophical discussions and debates, then this is the podcast for you. The Morality of Everyday Things aims to probe the different ways we think about the world by asking questions that are both serious – such as, ‘Is trophy hunting really wrong?’ – and seemingly mundane – like, ‘Should you lie to your kids about Santa Claus?’ Aside from occasionally making your brain hurt with all the different angles that hosts Ant and Jake come from, this podcast is a brilliant gateway to making informed opinions and decisions about important topics. There are so many arguments I have stolen from various episodes that have given me a great grounding for proving my points to other people.
Recommended Episode: Can we enjoy the music of problematic artists?
Burnz Agony Aunts
Produced by the University of Birmingham’s radio station, Burn FM, this podcast is created, recorded, hosted and edited by two students, who go by the pseudonyms of Auntie Jewel and Uncle Michael. The comedic duo have a natural back-and-forth banter that is difficult to match and when they are talking, it really feels as though you are in the room with them. Each episode dissects juicy stories submitted by listeners and offers useful advice on what to do in sticky situations. With punny titles, ridiculous analogies and kitschy slang galore, Burnz Agony Aunts is the perfect podcast for any occasion.
Recommended Episode: Episode Three: To Be or Not To Be Transparent?
