You know how it goes – you wake up, get changed, and you stumble to the bus stop while listening to that stale, old playlist you have downloaded on your phone – you slowly cry to yourself as Despacito plays for the 12th time this week. It’s only Wednesday.
Save yourself the misery this week and join the army of young people rushing to podcasts as a saviour, with 1 in 5 of 15-24 year olds now using the medium on a regular basis, according to an Ofcom report published for International Podcast Day.
Ian Macrae, Ofcom’s Director of Market Intelligence, described the boom in younger listeners as “explosive”, with many people dubbing 2018 ‘the year of the podcast’.
With podcasts ranging from every subject from comedy, to sports, to politics and even fiction, there’s no excuse to be still listening to that old playlist. So, settle into an hour of conversation and get ready to have your life sponsored by Squarespace. Not sure where to begin on your podcast adventure? Here’s a few to get you started!
My Dad Wrote A Porno
Currently one of the most popular podcasts in the world, My Dad Wrote A Porno is exactly what it says on the tin. Settle in for laughs galore with Jamie, James and Alice, as they travel through story of Belinda Blinked (written by Jamie’s own dad “Rocky Flintstone”) and the glamorously (un)sexy world of Steel’s Pots and Pans. You’ll cringe, you’ll laugh and probably cry – caution comes to listen to this one on public transport, if you don’t want strange looks from commuters.
The Adam Buxton Podcast
Join guests such as Wes Anderson, Aisling Bea and Louis Theroux, as your favourite comedians, filmmakers and actors sit down for a conversation with British Comedy veteran Adam Buxton. Chats range from their upbringing, to politics, to what music they’re listening to at the moment, with a couple of episodes packing a surprisingly emotional punch, and an insight into the artistic mind.
Rupaul: What’s the Tee? With Michelle Visage
For the drag race fans, What’s the Tee? Is a weekly chat podcast with Rupaul and Michelle Visage. Often they’ll invite the guest judge from that week’s episode of Rupaul’s Drag Race, such as Emma Bunton, Billy Eichner and Chaka Khan, for a chat which includes a look back at the illustrious careers of guests.
The True Geordie Podcast
Famed for his football and wrestling based YouTube channel, True Geordie (real name Brian Davis), is joined by pal Lawrence Mckenna for a conversation with some of the biggest youtube names as well as music artists such as Dizzee Rascal. However, The True Geordie Podcast really shines in its investigative episodes, some of which includes ‘The Truth About London Gangsters’ and ‘Kanye West vs Childish Gambino’.
Pod Save America
For those with an interest in American politics, Pod Save America is your key to understanding the current landscape of America as Jon Favreau, Dan Pfeiffer, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor speak to renowned journalists, comedians and activists about where the Trump presidency is leading the country and how it affects the whole world.
Serial
Undoubtedly one of the most interesting podcast series, Serial is unusual in that it lays out a true crime story over the course of one season and leaves the truth for us to decide upon ourselves. Think Making a Murderer, but for your ears. Rich in storytelling and shrouded in mystery, this 2015 podcast has went on to spawn S-Town, another great storytelling podcast to check out.
All podcasts are available for free on Itunes and Spotify.
