Breaking Down the Broadcasting Barrier

Before podcasts, getting your voice heard on air in Britain usually meant a BBC audition, a radio degree, or a lot of luck. Podcasting flattened the playing field. Suddenly, anyone with a mic and an idea could reach an audience – whether they were comedians in a kitchen, experts in a shed, or campaigners in community halls.

This democratic access gave rise to new voices that the mainstream often overlooked: people of colour, LGBTQ+ creators, disabled hosts, working-class storytellers. Shows like The Log Books, About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge, and Brown Girls Do It Too not only told stories that hadn’t been heard – they shaped how the UK understood its own diversity.

A New Kind of Comedy Club

Podcasting has also been a breeding ground for British comedy. In fact, some of today’s biggest names cut their teeth or rebooted their careers through podcasts. Off Menu, No Such Thing As A Fish, The Adam Buxton Podcast, and Athletico Mince have built cult followings, not just with live tours and merch, but with deeply loyal listeners who feel like part of the in-jokes.

More than a punchline delivery system, podcasts gave comedians the space to experiment and connect with audiences directly – without censors or schedules. They’ve also helped deconstruct the “panel show” format into something more fluid, intimate, and often smarter.

Rewriting the Rules of Journalism

The UK has a long and respected tradition of public interest journalism, but podcasting took that mission into people’s ears – and hearts. Investigative podcasts like The Missing Cryptoqueen, Untold: The Daniel Morgan Murder, and File on 4 have reached millions, combining forensic reporting with cinematic storytelling.

But it’s not just about prestige journalism. Podcasts like Political Thinking with Nick Robinson or The Rest Is Politics have made complex policy debates more human and accessible, while independent shows like Media Storm and Bylines have challenged the media narratives from the grassroots up.

This shift has empowered listeners not just to consume news, but to engage with it. In a time of misinformation and media distrust, podcasts have become a space for nuance – an increasingly rare commodity.

Changing the Way We Talk (and Listen)

Podcasts haven’t just affected what we consume – they’ve subtly reshaped how we talk. They’ve popularised certain speech rhythms (think the confessional monologue), made the long-form interview fashionable again, and brought emotional vulnerability into everyday conversations.

The rise of mental health podcasts – like Happy Place, How To Fail, and The Trauma Tapes – helped destigmatise therapy talk in the UK. Meanwhile, relationship-focused shows like Where Should We Begin? and You’re Wrong About (US imports with big British fanbases) changed the cultural tone from stiff upper lip to open-hearted introspection.

From the Podcast App to the High Street

Podcasts now have a real-world cultural footprint. They’re touring live shows, topping book charts, selling out theatres, and even influencing government debates. In 2021, My Dad Wrote A Porno was cited in Parliament for its role in sexual health education outreach. The Rest Is Politics became a fixture in national political discussion, with its hosts regularly appearing on news panels and front pages.

Podcast listeners also represent a new kind of cultural audience: engaged, supportive, curious. They buy merch, join Patreons, send emails, and – perhaps most importantly – talk about what they hear. Watercooler moments don’t just come from TV anymore. Podcasts have joined the UK’s everyday cultural chatter.

Looking Ahead: The Podcast as Cultural Archive

As the UK continues to grapple with its identity – post-Brexit, post-pandemic, mid-climate crisis – podcasts offer something vital: reflection. They’re a snapshot of how people really feel, what they really care about, and who’s finally being heard.

With schools using them as teaching tools, politicians referencing them in debates, and even the Royal Family dipping their toes in the audio world, the podcast is no longer a fringe format. It’s a cultural mainstay. And in the UK, where storytelling has always been a national sport, podcasts may just be its newest – and most exciting – arena.

The post From Niche to Nation: How podcasts have changed UK culture appeared first on POD BIBLE.

The Early Days: Pioneers and Podcasts

While podcasting as a medium began gaining traction globally in the early 2000s, it wasn’t until around 2004–2005 that UK creators began to explore the format in earnest. One of the earliest adopters was The Ricky Gervais Show, launched in 2005. Featuring Gervais, Stephen Merchant, and Karl Pilkington, the show was a game-changer – it became the first podcast to top 250,000 downloads per episode and helped popularise the term “podcast” in the UK mainstream.

Soon after, the BBC stepped into the space. As one of the UK’s most trusted broadcasters, the BBC began offering downloadable versions of its radio shows, such as The Archers and Desert Island Discs, paving the way for broader podcast adoption.

A Growing Ecosystem

Throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, podcasting in the UK grew steadily, though it remained a niche hobby for many. Independent creators began to find loyal audiences, and early successes like Answer Me This! and No Such Thing As A Fish proved that there was a growing appetite for content that was witty, offbeat, and proudly British.

As smartphones and mobile data became more accessible, listening habits shifted. Commuters and long-distance drivers embraced the format, and British podcasts expanded across genres – true crime, comedy, politics, history, and even football all found their voices.

The Boom Years

The late 2010s marked a tipping point. UK podcasting experienced a significant boom, catalysed by advancements in streaming platforms, increased funding, and high-profile talent entering the field.

Shows like Serial in the US had demonstrated the power of podcast storytelling, and UK counterparts weren’t far behind. The success of My Dad Wrote A Porno showcased British humour and became an international sensation. Meanwhile, investigative series like The Missing Cryptoqueen and Untold: The Daniel Morgan Murder highlighted British excellence in documentary audio journalism.

Commercial networks began to take podcasting seriously. Companies like Acast, Audioboom, and Somethin’ Else started investing in original content, while radio giants like Global and Bauer launched podcast networks of their own.

The Present Day: A New Audio Renaissance

Today, the UK podcasting scene is thriving. According to Ofcom, over 25% of adults in the UK now listen to podcasts weekly – a dramatic increase from just a few years ago. Creators come from all walks of life, offering diverse perspectives and filling gaps in traditional media coverage.

Podcasts like The Rest Is Politics, Off Menu, Diary of a CEO, and You’re Dead to Me consistently rank among the most-listened-to, with live tours, book deals, and spin-offs becoming increasingly common.

Funding models have also diversified. While advertising and sponsorship remain central, listener-supported models (Patreon, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions), brand partnerships, and licensing deals have given creators more options to sustain their work.

What’s Next?

The future of podcasting in the UK looks bright. With the rise of smart speakers, AI-driven content recommendations, and more inclusive voices entering the space, British podcasting is poised to grow in both volume and value.

As the lines between radio, podcasting, and streaming audio blur, one thing remains clear: the UK’s podcasting voice is only getting louder – and more interesting.

The post Soundwaves Across the Pond: A brief history of podcasting in the UK appeared first on POD BIBLE.

From Hollywood A-listers to pop stars, comedians to athletes, more and more celebrities are turning to podcasting not just as a platform, but as a priority. Whether they’re spilling secrets, sharing self-help, or hosting headline-making interviews, today’s stars are adding “podcaster” to their resumes with purpose.

So why has podcasting become the new must-have for the famous? Let’s unpack it.

1. Control the Narrative, One Episode at a Time

In an age where every tweet becomes a headline, celebrities are increasingly looking for platforms where they can speak freely, directly, and without media filters. Podcasts offer just that.

Instead of waiting for a press junket or a magazine feature, celebrities can hop on the mic and address fans directly – on their own terms. Think of SmartLess (Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett) or Archetypes (Meghan Markle), where personal insights and candid conversations become the headlines rather than the afterthoughts.

In a media landscape obsessed with soundbites, podcasting gives stars space for substance.

2. From Fame to Friendship: Building Real Connections

There’s a unique intimacy to podcasting. Listeners tune in regularly, often for an hour or more at a time. That kind of sustained attention is rare – and valuable.

For celebrities, podcasting is a way to reconnect with fans beyond the red carpet. It humanises them. Hearing a pop star talk about imposter syndrome or an actor get emotional over a childhood memory fosters a sense of realness that social media alone rarely delivers.

In a world where authenticity is currency, podcasts are where celebrities can cash in with depth – not just aesthetics.

3. It’s a Business Move, Not Just a Brand Boost

Let’s be honest – celebrity podcasts aren’t just passion projects. They’re big business.

With built-in fan bases, star-hosted shows are catnip for sponsors, streaming platforms, and ad buyers. Podcasts like The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett (featuring major celebrity guests), High Low with Emily Ratajkowski, and Table Manners with Jessie Ware regularly top charts and pull in significant revenue through advertising, exclusivity deals, live shows, and merchandise.

For celebrities looking to diversify their income and own their content, podcasting is a low-risk, high-reward venture.

4. A Platform for Passion Projects

Beyond brand-building, podcasts give celebrities space to explore topics they care about – without needing a script, a set, or a gatekeeper.

Whether it’s Dax Shepard getting deep on vulnerability in Armchair Expert, Fearne Cotton exploring emotional wellbeing in Happy Place, or Reece Witherspoon championing female storytelling via Hello Sunshine, podcasts let stars go niche. And often, that’s where they shine brightest.

It’s a creative outlet, a platform for advocacy, and a space where curiosity can lead the way – not ratings pressure.

5. The Smart Pivot in a Shifting Industry

The pandemic changed everything – from how audiences consume content to how stars create it. With film shoots paused, tours cancelled, and TV productions delayed, many celebrities turned to podcasting as a flexible, DIY-friendly way to stay connected and creatively active.

And they’ve stuck with it. Why? Because podcasting isn’t a placeholder anymore – it’s a primary platform. It fits around busy schedules, requires fewer resources, and offers freedom most other media formats can’t.

Plus, with increasing control over distribution and monetisation, it’s one of the few spaces where celebrities can truly own their content.

Final Thought: The Mic Is the New Stage

Podcasting is no longer the quirky side hustle for the rich and famous – it’s the main event. It offers authenticity, autonomy, and audience loyalty that other platforms struggle to match. And for celebrities navigating a noisy, hyper-connected world, having a podcast isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential.

So don’t be surprised if your favourite actor, athlete, or artist shows up in your podcast queue soon. In 2025, the real flex isn’t just a blockbuster or a hit single – it’s a chart-topping podcast.

The post Mic Drop Moments: Why podcasting has become a celebrity essential appeared first on POD BIBLE.

From kitchen-table setups to professionally filmed studio sessions, here’s how video podcasting is changing the game – and what it means for creators and listeners alike.

1. Audio Alone Is No Longer Enough (for some)

Once upon a time, audio podcasting had a kind of purity to it: all you needed was a mic, an idea, and somewhere to host it. But with the explosion of content across social media, attention spans have shortened – and visuals have become currency.

Video podcasting meets the moment. It gives audiences a face to go with the voice, a peek behind the curtain, and a whole new level of connection. For creators, video offers extra exposure. For listeners-turned-viewers, it creates a more immersive experience.
Podcasts aren’t just heard anymore. They’re watched, shared, and memed.

2. The Rise of the YouTube Podcaster

For a growing number of podcasts, YouTube has become the primary platform – not just an extra channel.

Shows like Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett and Have A Word have exploded thanks to full-length, professionally shot episodes on YouTube. These shows aren’t just conversations – they’re visual experiences, edited with the pacing and polish of a TV show.

YouTube’s algorithm and massive user base mean these podcasts often reach entirely new audiences – people who might never open a podcast app, but will happily watch a 45-minute chat while cooking or working.

3. Clips, Virality, and the TikTok Effect

Short-form video platforms – TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts – have changed podcast promotion entirely.

A single viral clip can propel a relatively unknown show into the charts. Creators are increasingly editing punchy, subtitled snippets of their best moments and sharing them across platforms. These clips don’t just drive views – they drive brand recognition and audience growth. It’s visual word-of-mouth in action.

Some podcasts now plan for clips while recording – structuring interviews with viral potential in mind. It’s a shift that’s blurring the line between content creation and traditional podcasting.

4. A New Level of Authenticity

Interestingly, video podcasting hasn’t made things more artificial – it’s made them feel more real.

Viewers love the awkward glances, the laughter, the non-verbal dynamics that come with face-to-face conversation. These moments don’t always come across in audio, but they shine in video. It’s part of why interview-based podcasts are thriving in visual formats – the chemistry is just as important as the content.

And in a media landscape where trust and relatability matter more than ever, that visual intimacy is a powerful tool.

5. But Is It Still a Podcast?

As video podcasting continues to grow, one question keeps bubbling up: Are we still talking about podcasts? Or is this just talk-show content by another name?

Purists might bristle, but the reality is this: the podcast format is evolving. Today’s audience doesn’t care what we call it – they care about how it makes them feel, where they can find it, and whether it connects. If that means a hybrid world where a show lives on both Spotify and YouTube, then so be it.

The best creators understand this and adapt their content to fit both formats without losing the heart of what makes it worth tuning in.

Final Thought: The Mic Meets the Camera

Video podcasting hasn’t replaced audio – it’s expanded its possibilities. It’s offered podcasters new audiences, new revenue streams, and new ways to express themselves. But it also comes with new challenges: more equipment, more editing, more performance.

Ultimately, the question isn’t whether podcasts should go visual – it’s whether they can do it well without losing the authenticity, intimacy, and storytelling that made audio so powerful in the first place.

The mic may have met the camera, but the heart of podcasting? That still lies in the connection.

The post Now We’re Watching: How video podcasting has changed the audio landscape appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Here are five music podcasts you absolutely need in your life – including one that’s all about the songs that shaped us.

1. Off The Beat & Track with Stu Whiffen

What it is: Honest, heartfelt conversations about the songs that define us.

Why it’s essential:

Hosted by DJ and podcaster Stu Whiffen, Off The Beat & Track is a beautifully simple concept done brilliantly. Each guest – be they musicians, comedians, actors, or creatives – talks through the songs that shaped key moments in their life: first song that had an emotional impact on them, first heartbreak, the song that soundtracked school years.

It’s part music chat, part life story, and it’s all delivered with warmth and sincerity. Stu has a knack for getting his guests to open up, which makes every episode feel personal, honest, and unexpectedly moving.

Start with: The episodes featuring Maxine Peake, The Killers or Fatboy Slim for deep cuts and deeper conversations.

2. Dissect

What it is: Long-form musical analysis like you’ve never heard before.

Why it’s essential:

If you love digging into lyrics, production choices, and artistic intent, Dissect is your holy grail. Each season takes one influential album – from Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly to Beyoncé’s Lemonade – and unpacks it, song by song, layer by layer.

It’s academic without being dull, and passionate without being preachy. Dissect treats music as art worth studying – and makes you hear your favourite albums in a whole new way.

Start with: Season 3’s exploration of Frank Ocean’s Blonde is a masterclass in musical storytelling.

3. Song Exploder

What it is: Artists breaking down one song, piece by piece.

Why it’s essential:

Each episode of Song Exploder sees a musician take apart one of their tracks, explaining the creative process, the inspiration, and the technical decisions behind it. You’ll hear original demos, early versions, and behind-the-scenes stories straight from the source.

It’s produced with elegance and precision, and it’s especially rewarding for anyone who writes, plays, or simply lives for music.

Start with: The Dua Lipa episode on “Love Again” or any of the archival classics like REM’s “Losing My Religion.”

4. Digging Deep with Robert Plant

What it is: A rock legend reflecting on the songs that shaped his career.

Why it’s essential:

Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant may not be who you expect to find in your podcast app – but Digging Deep is an unexpectedly touching and revealing listen.

In each episode, Plant explores one of his own songs (from across his long career, not just Zep), talking through the stories, collaborators, and sonic influences behind the track. It’s part oral history, part musical memoir, and all charisma.

Start with: His reflections on “Big Log” and the unexpected collaborations that followed.

5. Tape Notes

What it is: Artists and producers unpacking how albums are made.

Why it’s essential:

Hosted by John Kennedy, Tape Notes brings musicians and their producers into the studio (literally or virtually) to break down the recording process – from first demo to final mix. It’s technical but always accessible, and it gives rare insight into how albums actually come together.

Guests have included The 1975, London Grammar, Arlo Parks, and Biffy Clyro, offering a mix of genres and personalities – but the constant is honesty, humour, and serious studio nerdery.

Start with: The episode with Wolf Alice for an intimate look at collaboration and chaos in music-making.

Final Track

In a world where music can feel disposable, these podcasts remind us of its power – how it shapes identity, builds community, and captures emotion in a way nothing else can.

Whether you want to nerd out over production, relive life through song, or just hear artists be real, these music podcasts deliver.

So plug in, press play, and let the music (and the stories behind it) move you.

The post Turn It Up: 5 music podcasts you need in your life appeared first on POD BIBLE.

But how did a genre focused on death, deceit, and detective work come to dominate our earbuds? And what does this obsession say about us as listeners – and as a culture?

The Spark That Lit the Fuse

While true crime stories have always gripped audiences – think courtroom dramas, tabloid headlines, and late-night documentaries – it was the launch of Serial in 2014 that truly changed the game.

The story of Adnan Syed, a high school student convicted of murder under questionable circumstances, wasn’t just gripping – it was genre-defining. Serial broke podcast records, ignited Reddit forums, and even reopened legal proceedings. It proved that podcasts could be investigative, emotional, and binge-worthy – and audiences were hooked.

The aftermath? A tidal wave of true crime podcasts, from scrappy indie sleuths to blockbuster productions.

Why We Can’t Stop Listening

At first glance, it might seem odd: why are millions of people choosing to spend their spare time listening to stories about murder and mystery? But true crime taps into something deeply human.

It’s part curiosity, part cautionary tale. We’re drawn to the psychological puzzle, the search for justice, the thrill of solving something unsolved. And in podcast form, the genre becomes even more intimate – you’re not just watching a story, you’re inside it, guided by a trusted narrator or investigative host.

True crime podcasts also offer space for reflection. They raise real questions about justice, class, gender, race, and power. Done well, they’re not just entertainment – they’re education.

The UK’s Voice in the Genre

The UK has played a major role in true crime podcasting’s global rise. Shows like They Walk Among Us, The Missing Cryptoqueen, Bad People, and Unheard: The Fred & Rose West Tapes have shown that British creators can bring nuance, restraint, and world-class storytelling to the genre.

British true crime often leans toward quiet horror – gripping tales of deception and tragedy, told with calm, clinical precision. There’s less tabloid sensationalism and more deep research, expert analysis, and human empathy.

And let’s not forget the indie creators: from single-host deep-dives into cold cases to grassroots campaigns for justice, UK podcasting has nurtured a diverse, passionate true crime community.

When Popularity Meets Responsibility

But with popularity comes responsibility – and true crime hasn’t escaped criticism.

Some shows have been accused of exploiting tragedy, misrepresenting facts, or prioritising drama over dignity. As the genre grew, so did ethical questions: How do we tell these stories responsibly? What do we owe to victims, families, and communities? When does “true crime” become voyeurism?

Many leading podcasts are now making transparency and ethics part of their production process – fact-checking, consulting legal experts, and including survivor voices. That’s a crucial shift in an industry that, for a time, blurred the line between storytelling and spectacle.

From Podcasts to Pop Culture Powerhouse

Today, true crime isn’t just a podcast genre – it’s a pop culture ecosystem.

Podcasts have inspired Netflix documentaries (The Staircase, Dirty John), bestselling books (I’ll Be Gone in the Dark), and even stage tours. Fans attend live recordings, trade theories in Facebook groups, and follow trials in real-time.

Entire platforms like Wondery and Crime Junkie’s Audiochuck have built empires on true crime. And the genre’s appeal cuts across age, gender, and geography – it’s the great unifier of the podcasting world.

Where Does It Go From Here?

True crime’s grip on podcasting isn’t loosening – but it is evolving.

Listeners are seeking more than just shock value. They want depth, context, and justice.

Podcasts that explore the why, not just the how. Stories that centre victims, challenge institutions, and illuminate the systems that fail people before the crime even happens.

Creators are listening. And as the genre matures, we may see fewer serial killers and more systemic storytelling – because sometimes, the biggest crimes don’t happen in the shadows, but in plain sight.

Final Thought

True crime has taken over podcasting because it speaks to something primal: our need for answers, justice, and human connection. And while the genre may be dark, at its best, it shines a light – on truth, on injustice, and on the voices that need to be heard.

The post Murder, Mystery & Mic Drops: How true crime took over podcasting appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Whether you’re a solo founder, a startup team, or a global brand, having a podcast could be one of the smartest networking moves you make. Here’s why.

1. Instant Access to Influencers

Think of your podcast as a backstage pass to conversations that matter.

Inviting a guest onto your show gives you a reason to reach out to people who might otherwise ignore your cold email – industry leaders, potential collaborators, even future investors. A podcast interview isn’t just a Q&A; it’s a 30- to 60-minute relationship-building opportunity disguised as content.

You’re offering them a platform and visibility. In return, you get time, insights, and often, an open door for future collaboration.

Pro tip: Always follow up. A post-episode thank-you can easily lead to a meeting, a partnership, or even a client.

2. You Become a Connector, Not Just a Consumer

One underrated benefit of podcasting is the ability to bring people together.

When your business hosts a podcast, you’re no longer just attending networking events – you’re creating them. You can connect people across your industry, feature clients, give shoutouts to partners, and build a community around shared conversations.

That makes you more than a voice – you become a hub. And in networking, being a connector is far more valuable than being a collector of contacts.

3. Demonstrate Expertise Without the Pitch

Let’s be honest – nobody likes the hard sell. A podcast allows your business to share its values, insights, and vision in a more natural, engaging way. Instead of pitching your product or service, you’re discussing trends, challenges, and stories that matter to your audience.

It’s thought leadership in action. Over time, your show becomes a portfolio of your knowledge, passion, and credibility – something your network can easily share and reference.

Bonus: When your podcast is well-produced and consistent, it also becomes a subtle signal of professionalism and commitment.

4. Keep Your Network Warm

Most of us struggle to stay top of mind in our networks. A podcast solves that.

If people subscribe to your show, they’re hearing from you regularly. That means when they need something in your field – advice, a recommendation, a service – you’re already front-of-mind. It’s long-term, value-first relationship management without the awkward check-in emails.

And when you include guests, they often promote their appearance, bringing your name to their audience too. It’s networking by osmosis.

5. Build a Global Rolodex (and Reputation)

One of podcasting’s most powerful advantages is that it’s borderless. You’re not limited to networking in your local market. With a podcast, you can connect with people and audiences around the world, expanding your reach far beyond what’s possible at a physical event or trade show.

For businesses looking to scale, export, or just think bigger, this global exposure can open unexpected doors – from international collaborations to global speaking opportunities.

Final Thought: The Mic Is Mightier Than the Business Card

Podcasting isn’t just content – it’s a conversation starter. It creates a reason to connect, a space to showcase expertise, and a platform that gives back as much as it puts out. In a networking world increasingly defined by authenticity and value, a business podcast is more than a marketing tool – it’s your digital handshake.

So if you’re wondering how to grow your network in 2025, consider this: don’t just go to the table. Host it.

The post Mic to Market: How a business podcast supercharges your networking appeared first on POD BIBLE.

From surreal improv to deliciously niche humour, here are five UK comedy podcasts that deserve a spot in your rotation.

1. Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

What it is: A dream dinner party with a twist

Why it’s unmissable:

Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite celebrity guests into their fictional “dream restaurant” to choose their ultimate starter, main, side, dessert, and drink. It sounds simple – but the show’s success lies in its surreal tangents, unexpectedly deep food debates, and the perfect odd-couple dynamic between its hosts.

From Riz Ahmed to Mary Berry, guests reveal more about themselves through food than you’d think – and the laughs come thick and fast.

Start with: Kathy Burke’s episode. Trust us.

2. Athletico Mince

What it is: A football podcast that’s barely about football

Why it’s unmissable:

Originally launched by comedian Bob Mortimer and sports presenter Andy Dawson as a parody of football culture, Athletico Mince has evolved into something much weirder and more wonderful. Sure, there are jokes about Steve Bruce and Gareth Southgate – but there are also fictional characters, oddball sketches, and Bob’s uniquely surreal storytelling.

You don’t even need to like football to enjoy it. In fact, that might help.

Start with: Any episode involving “Barry Homeowner” for pure, glorious nonsense.

3. The Bugle

What it is: Satirical world news from a British perspective

Why it’s unmissable:

Founded by John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman back in 2007, The Bugle is one of the original comedy podcasts – and it’s still going strong. Now hosted by Zaltzman with a rotating cast of brilliant international comedians, it delivers razor-sharp satire on UK and global politics, with a tone that’s both clever and completely unhinged.

It’s smart, strange, and deeply cathartic – especially in chaotic times.

Start with: A recent headline episode – you’ll be amazed how much chaos they cover in 40 minutes.

4. No Such Thing As A Fish

What it is: Weird facts, funny people, endless trivia

Why it’s unmissable:

Brought to you by the researchers behind QI (aka the “QI Elves”), this long-running hit sees four witty fact-finders share the most bizarre and brilliant things they’ve learned each week. The facts are real, but the conversation is playfully chaotic.

It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh and makes you cleverer – ideal for fans of pub quizzes and strange Wikipedia rabbit holes.

Start with: Their live episode compilations – they bring even more energy with an audience.

5. Stath Lets Flats: The Podcast

What it is: Behind the scenes of one of Britain’s funniest sitcoms

Why it’s unmissable:

If you loved Jamie Demetriou’s BAFTA-winning sitcom Stath Lets Flats, the podcast is a perfect follow-up. Co-hosted by Demetriou and castmates (including Natasia Demetriou and Al Roberts), the show mixes behind-the-scenes stories, improv bits, and off-the-cuff comedy that often feels like an extension of the chaotic Stath universe.

Even if you haven’t seen the show (you should), the podcast’s offbeat style is hilarious in its own right.

Start with: Any episode where the cast goes completely off-script – it’s audio absurdity at its finest.

Final Thought

UK comedy podcasting is in a golden age. Whether you’re after sharp satire, surreal sketches, or just a good old laugh between mates, there’s something here for every sense of humour. So plug in, press play, and let the good times roll (and the bad jokes fly).

The post Laugh Out Loud: 5 UK comedy podcasts you need to hear appeared first on POD BIBLE.

From comedy to true crime, DIY setups to studio-backed series, here are five of the most important pioneers in UK podcasting whose influence still echoes in earbuds today.

1. Ricky Gervais – The Ricky Gervais Show

Let’s start with the obvious: you simply can’t talk about the early days of UK podcasting without Ricky Gervais.

Launched in 2005 with co-creators Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington, The Ricky Gervais Show was one of the first podcasts to truly go global. It became a record-breaking hit, racking up millions of downloads and even being adapted into an HBO animated series.

But more than that, it proved podcasts could be funny, weird, and wildly successful. Pilkington’s deadpan logic became cult legend, and the show’s format – casual, unscripted, laugh-heavy – set a template for comedy pods that still holds today.

Why it matters: It was the UK’s first real podcasting juggernaut, and arguably kickstarted the entire scene.

2. Helen Zaltzman – Answer Me This! and The Allusionist

Before podcasting was mainstream, Helen Zaltzman was already making it sound smart, strange, and supremely listenable.

Answer Me This!, co-hosted with Olly Mann, debuted in 2007. It was funny, fast-paced, and famously DIY – produced in Zaltzman’s living room long before remote recording was the norm. It won awards, drew in a loyal fanbase, and showed that indie podcasters could punch above their weight.

Later, Zaltzman launched The Allusionist, a beautifully produced podcast about language, which became a cornerstone of the Radiotopia network and cemented her status as one of podcasting’s most innovative voices.

Why it matters: Zaltzman was one of the first UK podcasters to make a living from audio and remains a champion of independent creators.

3. Benjamin Fitton – They Walk Among Us

True crime has become one of podcasting’s biggest genres – and Benjamin Fitton helped give it a distinctly British voice.

Launched in 2016, They Walk Among Us brought a UK-centric approach to true crime: restrained, respectful, and meticulously researched. Unlike many US shows, it avoided sensationalism, focusing instead on lesser-known cases and the quiet horror of everyday tragedies.

The podcast grew from a passion project into a multi-award-winning franchise, with millions of downloads and dedicated fans around the world.

Why it matters: Fitton helped define the tone of UK true crime podcasting and proved that slow, thoughtful storytelling can still grip a massive audience.

4. Deborah Frances-White – The Guilty Feminist

Blending comedy, confession, and activism, The Guilty Feminist broke the mould when it launched in 2016 – and helped usher feminism into the mainstream podcast space.

Hosted by comedian Deborah Frances-White, the show brought live-audience energy to deeply personal and political topics. With its signature format (“I’m a feminist but…”), it gave space for contradiction and complexity – qualities that traditional media often overlooks.

The podcast quickly became a cultural touchstone, leading to sold-out tours, a bestselling book, and spin-offs tackling race, identity, and justice.

Why it matters: Frances-White proved podcasts could be both funny and revolutionary – and helped bring feminist discourse to thousands who might never have picked up a theory book.

5. Greg Jenner – You’re Dead To Me

Greg Jenner is the historical consultant behind Horrible Histories, but in 2019, he brought his sharp wit and deep knowledge to podcasting with You’re Dead To Me.

Combining expert guests with comedians, the show is part history lesson, part comedy club – and a rare example of a BBC podcast that cracked both the top charts and the classroom.

Its success has helped broaden the idea of what an “educational” podcast can be: accessible, entertaining, and endlessly memeable.

Why it matters: Jenner showed that podcasts can teach without preaching – and that history has a home in modern audio.

Final Thoughts

These five figures didn’t just make podcasts – they shaped the UK’s entire podcasting culture. They proved the medium could be funny, fearless, and profoundly human. They gave us permission to speak freely, listen closely, and laugh loudly.

In a world now flooded with pods, their pioneering voices still remind us what podcasting is really about: connection.

The post Voices That Carved the Way: Five pioneers of UK podcasting appeared first on POD BIBLE.

The answer, like most things in mental health, isn’t simple. But it is worth exploring.

For Listeners: Companionship, Catharsis, and Clarity

For many, podcast listening is more than entertainment – it’s a form of emotional support.

Podcasts about mental health (Happy Place, The Mindset Mentor, The Mental Health Moles) can provide comfort, reduce stigma, and offer practical coping tools. Long-form interviews, comedy chat shows, and gentle storytelling (think You’re Wrong About or LeVar Burton Reads) help people feel less alone – especially during moments of anxiety, grief, or isolation.

During the pandemic, millions turned to podcasts as a substitute for social contact. In that context, listening wasn’t just passive – it was connection. The sense of intimacy that podcasting creates, with hosts speaking directly into your ears, fosters a kind of parasocial friendship that’s been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness.

Of course, not every show is soothing. Doom-scrolling through true crime or politics podcasts late at night isn’t exactly self-care. Like any medium, balance is key.

For Creators: Expression and Exhaustion

On the other side of the mic, podcasting can be both healing and hard.

Many podcasters describe their work as cathartic. It gives them space to process emotions, share lived experiences, or advocate for causes they care about. For some, it’s a creative outlet that helps fight depression or burnout. The ability to tell your story, in your own voice, on your own terms, can be profoundly empowering.

But there’s a flipside. Podcasting – especially independently – is a lot of work. Writing, editing, marketing, recording, monetising… the pressure to stay consistent and “grow your audience” can lead to stress and burnout. Mental health podcasters, in particular, often shoulder emotional labour and listener expectations while managing their own wellness behind the scenes.

If you’re podcasting for self-expression, that’s beautiful. If you’re podcasting and trying to be your own producer, social media manager, and therapist, it can become overwhelming fast.

The Danger of the Echo Chamber

There’s another layer worth considering: the echo chamber effect.

Some listeners gravitate toward podcasts that confirm their worldview. While this can feel validating, it can also isolate people from differing perspectives – or deepen anxiety around certain topics (especially when consuming endless content on trauma, true crime, or global crises).

Podcasts are powerful, but they’re not always curated with mental wellbeing in mind. It’s up to listeners to tune into what feels nourishing and know when to switch off.

So… Is Podcasting Good for Your Mental Health?

In many cases, yes.

For listeners, it can provide community, knowledge, and a sense of calm. For creators, it can be a platform for healing, creativity, and connection. But like any tool, its impact depends on how – and why – you use it.

Some tips:

• As a listener: Curate your feed with care. Choose shows that leave you feeling better, not worse. Take breaks. You don’t need to finish every episode.
• As a creator: Set boundaries. Be honest with your audience about what you can (and can’t) offer. Ask for help. Prioritise rest.
• For everyone: Remember that real mental health support goes beyond podcasts. They can inspire and educate – but they’re not a substitute for therapy or clinical care.

Final Thoughts

Podcasting is a uniquely intimate, human medium – and that’s its superpower. When done thoughtfully, it fosters empathy, encourages reflection, and makes people feel seen and heard. And in a world that often feels loud and disconnected, that alone is good for all our mental health.

Just don’t forget to press pause when you need it.

The post Mic Check, Mind Check: Is podcasting good for your mental health? appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Welcome to the age of AI-powered podcasting!

Production, but Smarter

For many podcasters, the most time-consuming part of making a show isn’t recording – it’s everything else. Editing, transcribing, mixing, cleaning up audio… it can be a full-time job. That’s where AI is already making a huge impact.

Tools like Descript, Adobe Podcast, and Alitu are allowing creators to edit audio as easily as a Word doc – cutting “ums” and pauses with a single click or generating high-quality transcriptions in seconds. Noise removal, EQ balancing, and even full episode mastering can now be automated, dramatically speeding up workflows for indie podcasters and production houses alike.

Suddenly, what once required a studio and a sound engineer can now be done on a laptop in a café.

The Voice Revolution

One of the most talked-about developments in AI is voice synthesis. In other words: cloning voices and generating speech from text. This has huge potential for podcasting – good and bad.

Some creators are experimenting with “AI co-hosts” or synthetic narrators that can read scripts, translate episodes into other languages, or deliver content 24/7. It also opens the door to accessibility: for example, translating a podcast into multiple languages using the same voice tone and cadence.

But it raises serious ethical concerns. What happens when someone’s voice is cloned without consent? Or when fake interviews start blurring the line between fiction and reality? AI voices may be useful, but the human voice – warts and all – still carries something algorithms can’t replicate: trust.

Discoverability & Personalisation

If there’s one problem all podcasters face, it’s getting heard. With over 5 million podcasts globally, standing out is harder than ever. AI-driven discovery engines are starting to tackle this, using natural language processing to analyse transcripts and recommend episodes based on actual content – not just titles or tags.

Spotify, Apple, and Amazon are all investing in smarter search and personalised recommendations. Meanwhile, AI-powered tools are helping creators write episode descriptions, generate SEO-friendly titles, and even craft social media copy. In a world where discoverability is half the battle, AI may be the secret weapon smaller shows need to grow.

Creative Collaboration or Creative Crisis?

AI is also creeping into content creation itself. Some podcasters use AI to brainstorm episode ideas, generate interview questions, or create fictional narratives and scripts. AI-generated soundtracks and ambient audio are also becoming more common – especially for narrative podcasts and audio fiction.

But this creative boost comes with tension. At what point does AI stop being a tool and start becoming the creator? And how do we credit work created by – or with – the help of algorithms?

In response, some creators are choosing to be transparent about their use of AI, treating it like a collaborator rather than a silent assistant. Others worry that as AI becomes more capable, the industry may devalue original voices in favour of cheap, fast, synthetic content.

The Human Element Still Matters

Despite the hype, one thing is clear: AI can enhance podcasting, but it can’t replace the human connection that makes the medium so powerful. Listeners don’t just tune in for facts or sounds – they tune in for personality, vulnerability, perspective. AI can’t replicate lived experience, emotional nuance, or that moment when a host bursts out laughing mid-story.

In a way, the rise of AI might remind us what we value most about podcasting: its humanity.

What’s Next?

As AI continues to evolve, expect more innovation – AI-curated playlists, real-time transcription and translation, smarter ad targeting, maybe even virtual podcast guests trained on historical figures or celebrities. But also expect more debate: about rights, ethics, originality, and what it means to be a creator in a world where machines can “create.”

One thing’s for sure: AI is not the future of podcasting – it’s already part of its present. The real question now is how we choose to use it.

The post Plugged In: How AI is changing the world of podcasting appeared first on POD BIBLE.

What began as a slow tug-of-war has become a full-blown stream war. So how did we get here, and who’s winning in the race to be podcasting’s home base?

Apple: The Original Gatekeeper Fights Back

Apple was there at the very beginning. In 2005, it added podcasts to iTunes and, for a while, basically was the podcast industry. It gave the medium credibility and helped it scale – but for years, Apple did very little to evolve the platform. No original content, no monetisation tools, no strategic investment.

That changed in the early 2020s. By 2025, Apple Podcasts has repositioned itself as a premium, creator-focused platform. It now offers paid subscriptions, enhanced analytics, exclusive content, and improved discoverability features. The introduction of Apple Originals – high-quality, Apple-funded podcasts – was a major turning point, helping it claw back market share from Spotify.

Apple’s strength? Trust, long-standing brand loyalty, and tight integration across iPhones, Macs, and Siri-enabled devices. For many listeners, Apple Podcasts is still the default – and that’s a powerful position.

Spotify: From Streaming Giant to Audio Empire

Spotify, meanwhile, went all-in on podcasts years ago – and hasn’t let up.

Its strategy? Own the platform, own the content, own the audience. That’s why it spent big on exclusive deals with the likes of Joe Rogan, Call Her Daddy, and Emma Chamberlain. It snapped up production studios like Gimlet and Parcast, developed its own ad tech ecosystem (Spotify Audience Network), and built features like video podcasts and interactive polls directly into the app.

By 2025, Spotify has evolved into a podcast-first platform as much as it is a music service. Its algorithm-driven discovery, seamless UI, and exclusive content library continue to attract millions of younger, mobile-first users.

Spotify’s strength? Innovation, personalisation, and an aggressive push into new formats like live audio, video podcasting, and smart speaker integration.

Where the War Is Being Fought

Here’s where the Apple vs. Spotify podcast competition is heating up:

• Exclusives & Originals: Spotify still leads in sheer volume of exclusive content, but Apple’s focus on quality, prestige storytelling is winning over discerning listeners.
• User Experience: Spotify’s sleek, data-rich app offers intuitive navigation and smart recommendations. Apple, however, is catching up with a more streamlined app and better curation.
• Monetisation Tools: Both platforms now offer podcasters paid subscription options – but Apple takes a cut, while Spotify offers more flexible pricing and audience-building tools via Anchor (now Spotify for Podcasters).
• Global Reach: Spotify has pushed hard into global markets with translated content and region-specific shows. Apple, long dominant in the US and UK, is now fighting to stay relevant abroad.
• Search and Discovery: Spotify’s algorithmic recommendations remain more powerful, but Apple’s editorial playlists and human curation offer a more boutique experience.

What It Means for Creators and Listeners

For podcasters, the streaming war presents both opportunity and challenge.

More platforms competing means more investment, more monetisation options, and more chances to reach new audiences. But it also means navigating fragmentation. Do you go exclusive? Stay on all platforms? Build a community on Apple? Or double down on Spotify’s tools?

For listeners, the choice has never been more personal. Do you stick with the platform you’ve used for years – or go where your favourite show just signed an exclusive deal? Do you want algorithmic recommendations, or a more curated experience? And how many apps are you really willing to juggle?

Is There a Winner?

In short: not yet.

Spotify may have a lead in aggressive innovation and youth appeal, but Apple’s deep-rooted integration and emphasis on quality content still make it a dominant force. And with newer players like YouTube and Amazon Audible muscling into the space, the battle for your ears is far from over.

What’s clear is this: the future of podcasting will be shaped not just by creators, but by platforms – and the choices we make as listeners.

Final Thought: Power to the Pod

While Apple and Spotify fight it out in boardrooms and product updates, podcasting itself keeps growing – more voices, more stories, more listeners than ever before. And that’s the real win.

Because no matter who’s hosting your favourite show, the beauty of podcasting has always been the same: connection, creativity, and conversation – delivered straight to your ears.

The post Stream Wars: Apple vs. Spotify and the battle for your ears in 2025 appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Before the Boom: Early Whispers

While the true crime podcast genre was ignited globally by the explosive success of Serial in 2014, the UK had been cultivating its own dark storytelling tradition well before that. British listeners had long been fans of crime documentaries on radio and TV – think Crimewatch, Panorama specials, and even BBC Radio 4’s File on 4, which occasionally explored criminal investigations in long-form audio.

But podcasting brought something new: intimacy, depth, and a DIY spirit. Independent creators, journalists, and hobbyists began experimenting with the format, often covering cold cases, unsolved murders, or historic crimes overlooked by mainstream media.

The Breakout: Untold and The Missing Cryptoqueen

The UK’s true crime podcast scene truly hit its stride in the late 2010s, with the release of some genre-defining shows.

Untold: The Daniel Morgan Murder, released by Global and hosted by investigative journalist Peter Jukes, was a landmark. It tackled one of Britain’s most scandalous unsolved murders and alleged police corruption, blending meticulous journalism with gripping storytelling. It not only reopened public interest in the case – it arguably helped move it closer to resolution.

Then came The Missing Cryptoqueen, a BBC Sounds production that followed journalist Jamie Bartlett as he unraveled the story of Dr. Ruja Ignatova, the self-styled crypto mogul who disappeared with billions. It wasn’t just a story about fraud; it was about trust, digital evangelism, and power. It showed that true crime podcasts could tackle modern-day mysteries just as compellingly as historic ones.

The Indie Explosion

At the same time, a wave of independent true crime podcasts was gaining traction. Shows like They Walk Among Us began quietly, with host Benjamin Fitton covering British crimes with a solemn tone and straightforward delivery. What started as a passion project grew into one of the UK’s most popular and respected true crime podcasts, winning awards and spawning spin-offs.

Meanwhile, other creators brought a more casual, conversational style to the genre. RedHanded, hosted by Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire, blended detailed research with humour and sharp commentary. The duo’s chemistry and commitment to nuance helped them stand out – and build a fiercely loyal fanbase.

A Matter of Ethics

As the genre matured, so did the conversation around ethics. With crime comes victims, and with popularity comes scrutiny. Many UK podcasters began reflecting on how to responsibly tell these stories. Some, like Unheard: The Fred & Rose West Tapes, took a journalistic approach, using archival audio and expert interviews to provide context and avoid sensationalism.

Others turned their attention to underrepresented stories, shining a light on systemic injustice. Who Killed CJ Davis?, In the Footsteps of Killers, and Catch Me If You Can are part of a growing wave of UK podcasts that blend investigative rigour with social critique, challenging assumptions and encouraging change.

Mainstream Meets Murder

As true crime became one of the UK’s most listened-to genres, major players jumped in. The BBC, Global, Amazon, and Spotify all invested in true crime originals. Shows like Bad People and Obsessed With… (which often companion popular crime dramas) helped bring true crime into the podcasting mainstream.

The result is a landscape that ranges from DIY to big-budget, from the grotesque to the political, from the historical to the ongoing. UK podcasting now boasts a rich and varied true crime ecosystem – one that rivals its US counterpart in quality, depth, and originality.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the genre faces both opportunity and responsibility. Audiences are growing more sophisticated and more discerning. There’s demand for stories that go beyond “whodunnit” to ask “why” and “what now?”. Podcasts that explore criminal justice reform, community impact, and survivor voices are on the rise.

With new technologies – such as immersive audio and AI-assisted research – on the horizon, the tools for storytelling will only improve. But at the heart of it all will remain the same enduring British curiosity: the need to understand what drives people to the edge, and what their stories tell us about ourselves.

The post Crimes of the Ear: The rise and history of UK true crime podcasting appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Some of our writers have recommended their favourite new shows – all of the released in the past four months. And of course, we catch-up on some of the shows we’ve been recommending weekly in our newsletter…

Self Help by Scottee
Recommended by Suchandrika Chakrabarti

Multi-hyphenate writer and performer Scottee has made a podcast about mental health, which feels like a series of deeply intimate voice notes from your mate who’s just had an epiphany they had to share. As Scottee strode through the rain, I trudged through the drizzle, and listened to him laying out the podcast’s mission statement: “What happens when I’m left alone with the voices in my head, something doctors are always trying to stop me from doing.” Spending time alone with Scottee’s voice in your head is alternately painful and uplifting, illuminating and righteous-anger-provoking. His words will stay with you. Listen now >>

Things Fell Apart – Series 2
Recommended by Tom Nicholson

Jon Ronson’s excellent culture wars pod returns for a second series picking away at the wrong presumptions and half-truths which spawned some of the most insidious wedge issues in British and American politics. This time the conspiracy theory which says 15-minute cities are a Big Government plot is traced back to a meeting at Chipping Norton Town Hall, the death of George Floyd is connected to a spurious mental health diagnosis in the eighties, and lockdown laws in Michigan get a young man mixed up in a terrible crime. Level-headed, humane and meticulous. Listen now >>

The Gatekeepers
Recommended by Zainab Amer

In this eight-part series, author and journalist Jamie Bartlett journeys into Big Tech’s dominance over information. The first episode transports us back to the Capitol riots in 2021 and Trump’s subsequent Twitter suspension. Marking a pivotal moment, Jamie traces social media’s roots back to the 1960s counterculture and a Bill passed by Clinton. Featuring compelling interviews with early tech pioneers, we are left pondering: where do we go from here? The Gatekeepers offers us a fly-on-the-wall experience for anyone interested in how a handful of companies have come to dictate not just what we see, but even what we think. Listen now >>

Never Post
Recommended by Katie Stokes

I love listening to commentary about the internet on the internet. It’s a uniquely meta experience, one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed on the newly released Never Post. The first few episodes are loaded with questions about life online – what is Posting Disease? Why does “influencer voice” exist? When did metrics replace community? And who better qualified to host than Mike Rugnetta, veteran internet dweller and creator who adds this to his array of podcast and video content. Mike shares recent news about the web and story segments with guests, with playful interludes throughout. If the first few episodes are indicative of what’s to come, we can expect curated and creative observations from unexpected pockets of the internet. Listen now >>

GASBAGS
Recommended by Francesca Turauskis

If you’re after a masterclass in how to do a buddy podcast to a professional standard, give GASBAGS a go. Given that the show is run by audio-producers, Anna Perrott and Sophie Little, it’s no surprise that this podcast sounds great, and part of the draw for me was the meta-audio concept. Anna and Sophie speak to us from their non-profit podcast studio SOUNDYARD, and offer much-needed transparency to the ups and downs of running a small business as women (with questionable maths skills). This show could have been dry… but the friendship chat is wholesome without being bloated, and the solid structure keeps episodes under half an hour. As a bonus for audio fans, every episode has podcast recommendations and a ‘found sound’ of the week to keep your ears attuned. I am slightly obsessed. Listen now >>

The Plug Podcast
Recommended by Takudzwa Mudiwa

The Plug Podcast connects content creators of colour to creative opportunities. Host Simone Pennant lets us into the conversations her community are having about TV (for example, the response to Jeremy Hunt’s comments comparing British TV to “Hollywood” even though it is facing a major economic downturn) and just four episodes in, there is already a never-ending list of names providing a mix of concrete advice and words of encouragement. This is a thoughtful podcast for creatives of colour and is very informative for anyone who is just interested in TV. The name ‘The Plug’ comes from the idea that someone provides you with valuable resources and information and that is exactly what this podcast does. Listen now >>

Recommendations from our newsletter:

Camlann – one for fiction fans, this podcast is inspired by Arthurian legends but set in a post-apocalyptic Wales. The music and voice acting are both very moving. Listen now >>

Weird Transfers – A series to add to your list of football podcasts, this well-thought-out mini series comes from Sumit Sharma of Breaking Atoms: The Hip Hop Podcasts. It looks into weird football transfers and ran during this season’s transfer window. Listen now >> 

Serial: Series Four – It needs a recommendation as Serial has once again made it to the top of the charts, but the new looks into the truth of Guantánamo in the way only Serial can. Listen now >>

The 3 Body Podcast – Obsessed with the Netflix new series? Did you know there is a companion podcast? There’s a lot to unpack in the 3 Body Problem, and the podcast goes deeper into aspects that are difficult to address in the sci-fi format. Listen now >>

Dead River – Dead River is the story of Brazil’s worst environmental disaster — the Mariana dam collapse — that claimed the lives of 19 people. This isn’t just a tale about the tragedy itself though, but rather a look at the relationship with nature, pursuit of happiness, the impact of greed, and the overnight disappearance of centuries-old traditions. Listen now >>

Oceans: Life Under Water – A collaboration between Crowd Network and Greenpeace UK, this podcast aims to connect people to the world we don’t often see under water. Each episode brings us a couple of interviews and some watery sound design as wildlife filmmaker and broadcaster Hannah Stitfall meets freedivers, whale experts, and much more. Listen now >>

Untold: The Retreat – A fascinating first story for the new investigative series from the Financial Times. Untold: The Retreat examines a group that promotes the intensive meditation known as Vipassana. Thousands of people go on Goenka retreats every year to practise Vispassana, but some participants feel a deep sense of terror, and even a break with reality after such deep meditation. Listen now >> 

Want weekly recommendations for new podcasts? Make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter to find out about our favourite new shows as they are released! Do you have a new podcast you want us to know about? Get in touch here.

The post The best new podcasts of SPRING 2024 appeared first on POD BIBLE.

We’re a very podcast-savvy nation now. More than 70% of the UK population are familiar with podcasts, and fewer people are asking “what’s a podcast?” these days. But it can still be hard to know where to start, and easy to be overwhelmed by how many podcasts there are out there.

But don’t worry – Pod Bible is here to help you narrow it down. In fact, that’s what we’ve been about for half a decade now. Our introduction to some of the best podcasts for beginners has been pulled from our magazine archive. These are some of the biggest podcasts around and we’ve laid out who the hosts are, how many episodes there are and why we think you might like these shows if you’ve never listened to a podcast before. Plus, the hosts share their own elevator pitch.

We’re updating this list all the time, so if you’re still dipping your toe in, why not bookmark this page as a cheat-sheet? It could help you sound like the biggest podcast fan in the UK!

1. The Adam Buxton Podcast (Issue #001)

Host: Adam Buxton
Category: General Interviews
Number of episodes: Nearly 200
Listen if you like: Adam Buxton! and other celebrities

The host says: “Three of my favourites, which I’ve listened back to and felt really happy with were Romesh Ranganathan (EP.61) Tash Demetriou (EP. 32 & EP.82) and Tim Key (EP.77). Yes, I know that’s four.”

We say: Where better to start than with the Pod Bible-award-winning, listener favourite, Adam Buxton. His show is a simple format well-executed. His chats with comedians, writers and musicians often only briefly touch on their work, but The Adam Buxton Podcast has been the gold standard of interview podcasts for a little while now. Although technically our first cover-star, Adam only actually made it onto the cover last year. Listen here >>

2. Off Menu (Issue #015)

Host: James Acast and Ed Gamble
Category: Comedy, Arts
Number of episodes: More than 150
Listen if you: enjoy eating food, and watching comedy panel shows

The host says: “Ed Gamble and I invite a guest into the dream restaurant and ask them their favourite ever starter, main course, side dish, drink and dessert. Also, I am a genie.”

We say: Off Menu once nearly crashed our website because the article was so popular. But when Ed Gamble and James Acaster started the show in 2018, they expected to make no more than 10 episodes. Three years and nearly 200 episodes later they’ve heard about some truly delicious menus and some wonderfully bizarre requests. A highlight was the 100th episode, where we finally got to hear the hosts’ own dream menus. Listen here >> 

3. The Guilty Feminist (Issue #013)

Host: Deborah Francis-White
Category: Society & Culture, Comedy
Number of episodes: Over 300
Listen if you: have ever felt like you should be better at feminism…

The host says: “The Guilty Feminist is a podcast about our noble goals as 21st century feminists and our hypocrisies and insecurities, which undermine those goals.”

We say: The Guilty Feminist has grown into a podcasting juggernaut, producing engaging episodes week in, week out while building a loyal live audience. Whilst some podcasts have made the jump to the stage from recording in bedrooms, TGF was always a stage-show, giving it a different energy (and sound) to some shows. Episodes start with a reassuring “I’m a feminist but…” segment that always gets the crowd cheering. Listen here >> 

4. Films To Be Buried With (Issue #023)

Host: Brett Goldstein
Category: Film
Number of episodes: More than 200
Listen if you like: Ted Lasso, the guy who plays Hercules in Marvel…

The host says: “A guest comes on, I tell them they’ve died, then we discuss their life through the films that meant the most to them. What film scared them the most, made them cry the most etc. At the end they pick the film to go in their coffin and take to heaven. Life, death, movies.”

We say: He might be an Emmy-winning actor, writer and comedian. And sure, he is now literally a demi-god in the Marvel franchise. But he will always be a podcaster to us. Considering how busy he is, we’ve been worried he would put his passion project on hold. But not Brett – he hardly takes a week off of this show! Listen here >>

5. The Receipts (Issue #010)

Host: Audrey & Tolly T
Category: Comedy
Number of episodes: More than 150
Listen if you: want to hear real conversations

The hosts say: “The show is made up of our lived experiences and no topic is off limits.”

We say: A bit like jumping into a group chat, The Receipts grew a cult following due to their open and unfiltered approach, where no subject was off limits. This was the type of show that is all about the hosts – alas one third of The Receipts, Milena, left in autumn 2023 – but their relationship with listeners was a massive part of the show too – and the ‘Your Receipts’ feature still gives their community a part to play.

6. Kermode & Mayo’s Take (Issue #022)

Hosts: Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo
Category: Film and TV
Number of episodes: < 50
Listen if you: read Rolling Stone or Empire magazines

The hosts say: “…we are still just chatting about films, life, getting distracted by avocados and elementary physics etc. But delivering a number of pods a week has obviously modernised what we do, breaking it down into more digestible chunks. So hopefully the heritage listeners feel well served, and the new listeners feel fabulously welcome.”

We say: Kermode & Mayo’s Take is technically a new show, but it is also an evolution from the pairs’ Film Review that ran on BBC Radio 5 live. Kermode gets excited about films, Mayo drily undercuts him and there’s a lot of chatter about stuff that has nothing to do with anything. Listen here >>

7. Sh**ged, Married, Annoyed (Issue #004)

Hosts: Chris and Rosie Ramsey
Category: Comedy
Number of episodes: More than 150
Listen if you: like to eavesdrop on couple’s private lives

The hosts say: “[we get] to be funny together as a couple, on our own terms. We can literally say anything we want, and if we are happy to put it out, then out it goes! We record it in our kitchen in our own time and often have to stop recording because someone in the street is mowing their lawn or the fridge is humming. It’s so low rent, but it’s getting a lot of love, so we’re doing something right.”

We say: Chris and Rosie were fun separately, but getting them together on microphone is a real treat for fans. Since we spoke to the couple in August 2019, they’ve gone on to do a live tour and write a book based on this podcast, so we certainly agree that they are doing something right! Listen here >> 

8. No Such Thing As A Fish (Issue #018)

Hosts: James Harkin, Anna Ptaszynski, Andrew Murray and Dan Schreiber
Category: Comedy, History, Science
Number of episodes: More than 450
Listen if you: want to be the type of person who knows the answers on QI

The hosts say: “The first elevator shaft was built four years before the elevator was invented. If that intrigues you, then you’ll like our show. (You’ll like it even more if the mere mention of the word ‘shaft’ made you giggle).”

We say: This award-winning podcast from the QI offices is quite interesting in and of itself. It’s an example of how podcasts can cross genres, giving us some facts and figures, as well as some silliness too. Listen here >>

9. Soundtracking (Issue #003)

Host: Edith Bowman
Category: Music, Film
Number of episodes: More than 300
Listen if you: think the soundtracks are the best part of the film

The host says: “The episode we recorded with Jon Favreau was our first ever and I am forever in his debt for being so enthusiastic and willing to jump on board with us. And then our very first episode with Ben Wheatley, he’s such a great supporter of the podcast, we appreciate his love so much. He’s been on three times now!”

We say: With an outstanding broadcasting career behind her, Edith Bowman knows a thing or two about creating engaging audio. In Soundtracking, she has conversations with film directors, actors, producers and composers to shine a spotlight on how music is used in film. We’re surprised there aren’t more radio shows dedicated to movie soundtracks, because the stories that come from the creators on this show are fascinating. Listen here >>

10. Stephen Fry’s 7 Deadly Sins (Issue #009)

Host: Stephen Fry
Category: Society & Culture
Number of episodes: 9
Listen if you: want an in-depth exploration of the human heart

The host says: “I think it offers a different way of looking at the problems of the world without recourse to the usual blandishments of echo chamber politics and culture on the one hand or endless reiterations of neoBuddhist mindfulness on the other. With all due respect to both brands of podcast.”

We say: Best known for his acting and presenting (as well as being a bonafide National Treasure) Stephen Fry released his first ‘Podgram’ way back in 2008! 7 Deadly Sins was only a short-run series, but the combination of music, Stephen’s wonderful narration and the deep research on each of the sins make this a great starting point for new podcast listeners. Listen here >>

11. The Kurupt FM Podkast (Issue #012)

Host: Beats, Chabuddy G, Grindah, Steves
Category: Comedy
Number of episodes: 13
Listen if you like: Mockumentaries, strong language and dangerously high level lyrical content.

The hosts say: “First of all I would never pitch anything in an elevator. We’re way above that now. I’d probably get the Best Podcast award that we won out of my bag and just hold it out in front of me and then when the other people in the lift ask “why have you got that award?” I’d explain; We do an award winning podcast called The Kurupt FM Podkast where we talk about different topics and help you to understand them. The best way to describe it is probably it’s like injecting pure knowledge directly into your brain using headphones.”

We say: Audible may be best known for audio books, but it was natural for them to step into podcasts with Audible Originals. This mocumentary follows on from the BBC TV show People Just Do Nothing. After the world’s biggest pirate radio station, Kurupt FM, shut down, the team rose from the ashes as a podcast – this podcast. Only available on Audible >>

12. Table Manners (Issue #011)

Host: Jessie and Lennie Ware
Category: Comedy, Arts (food)
Number of episodes: Over 200
Listen if you: want to hear the real version of ‘the dream dinner party’

The hosts say: “Our podcast elevator pitch is a mother and daughter duo invite a guest round to their house for a ‘friday night dinner’. Friday night dinner was always a big thing in our house. I’d have friends over for dinner and mum would cook, but she couldn’t resist joining in the conversations we’d have and the podcast basically became a continuation of that. We’ve been lucky to have some really amazing and fascinating guests round to mums for dinner – it’s great fun – a great meal and a chat!”

We say: Jessie Ware is perhaps still most famous as a singer, but Lennie Ware is certainly most famous for this podcast. A great example of authentic conversations caught on microphone. Get the table ready, pick your favourite guest and join in. Listen here >> 

13. Hip Hop Saved My Life (Issue #006)

Host: Romesh Ranganathan and RuMaj
Category: Music
Number of episodes: 135
Listen if you like: Hip hop or Romesh Ranganathan or RuMaj.

The hosts say: “we had Afrika Baby Bam from the Jungle Brothers on the podcast [that] was when I first realised that this thing that started off as a hobby had somehow enabled me to be in the same room as legends who had shaped my life, and people who I admire so much.”

We say: Romesh Ranganathan may be one of the busiest men in show business, but that didn’t stop him from starting a podcast about one of his biggest passions in life – hip hop. Romesh of course brings his comedy credentials into this show, but the music and artists are the focus here. Listen here >> 

14. Drunk Women Solving Crime (Issue #008)

Host: Hannah George, Catie Wilkins and Taylor Glenn
Category: True Crime, Comedy
Number of episodes: More than 200
Listen if you: fancy yourself as a Sherlock Holmes – booze and all

The hosts say: “Drunk Women is the most fun I’ve ever had at work. Only a podcast could allow for this kind of format, and we are in charge of our content completely. That’s what’s exhilarating about podcasts vs other mediums.”

We say: Our favourite slightly-sozzled super-sleuths, each episode of Drunk Women Solving Crime tackles true crime in a slightly different way. Rather than gruesome, the crimes chosen are personal, petty and – sometimes – pointless. It makes for a far more relaxed atmosphere, and the drunkenness fits perfectly. Listen here >> 

15. Say Your Mind (Issue #017)

Host: Kelechi Okafour
Category: Society & Culture, Current Affairs
Number of episodes: More than 250
Listen if you: Want a rallying call from Kelechi Okafour

The host says: “Say Your Mind is the current affairs podcast that you might not want to listen to on loudspeaker at work, but you definitely want to listen to regardless. The podcast expertly combines tarot, current affairs and pop culture into one expletive filled fun time and is delivered to you from the perspective of a Nigerian-British Baby Girl. I am the Baby Girl FYI.”

We say: As the media is starting to realise, actress, director and public speaker Kelechi Okafor is one of the most powerful and important voices around at the moment. Kelechi Okafor wears many hats and as her podcast has grown she has built herself the perfect platform to show each one off in all its glory – though its 280th and final episode went out in late January 2024. Say Your Mind will be missed. Listen here >>

16. Happy Place (Issue #007)

Host: Fearne Cotton
Category: Society & Culture
Number of episodes: Nearly 200
Listen if you like: Insights to celebrities’ lives

The host says: “Often we think of people in the public eye, revered characters or academics as above us but when they let loose and allow us to delve beneath the surface we can all experience a deeper level of connection.”

We say: Broadcaster and positivity pioneer Fearne Cotton transitioned brilliantly from the regimented format of TV and radio to the flexibility of podcasting. These aren’t interviews, but rather a conversation that’s relaxed and really gives us a sense of the real people behind some of the most famous names in showbiz. Listen here >>

17. My Dad Wrote A Porno (Issue #014)

Hosts: Jamie Morton, James Cooper and Alice Levine
Category: Comedy
Number of episodes: 168
Listen if you: Like rude, crude and incredibly lewd shows!

The hosts say: “Do you like porn? Do you like laughing? Then you’ll love My Dad Wrote A Porno.”

We say: One of the most recommended podcasts, My Dad Wrote a Porno have been downloaded more than 430m downloads globally since its launch in 2015, as well as selling out two world tours of the live show. Celebrity guests have included Hamilton’s Lin Manuel Miranda and Dame Emma Thompson. MDWAP has now sadly ended, so if you’re overwhelmed with the weekly aspect of some podcasts, this will give you a chance to catch-up. Listen here >>

18. Wrighty’s House (Issue #019)

Hosts: Ian Wright
Category: Sport
Number of episodes: 100 +
Listen if you like: Football punditry with the social commentary

The host says: “Wrighty’s House is a safe place where a group of friends come together and talk about football in a very inclusive and positive way. It’s my yard! It’s the place where the WhatsApp group comes to life.”

We say: This podcast allows listeners access to a national legend without the filter of traditional broadcasting. It’s no exaggeration to say that having Wrighty as a Pod Bile coverstar was a highlight. His infectious enthusiasm and unapologetic honesty make this a must listen, but the way he elevates and learns from each of his co-hosts is also a joy to behold. A Pod Bible favourite. Listen here >>

19. The Blindboy Podcast (Issue #017)

Host: Blindboy
Category: Comedy, Solo
Number of episodes: More than 260
Listen if you: want to hear a real-life Krapp’s Last Tape every single week

The host says: “My podcasts are monologue essays on whatever topic I’m genuinely passionate about at that moment. I’d consider them to be pieces of writing, because I approach a podcast like I would a piece of writing. I try to bring the structure, prose and storytelling of fiction, to subject matter that is factual.”

We say: Who is Blindboy? A storyteller? A poet? A journalist? A historian? A musician? If you listen to the Blindboy podcast, you’ll find out that he’s all of the above and more… Listen here >> 

20. RedHanded (Issue #021)

Hosts: Hannah Maguire & Suruthi Bala
Category: True crime
Number of episodes: Nearly 350
Listen if you: want a good example of a True Crime podcast

The hosts say: “RedHanded is the ultimate true crime podcast for people who want more than crime. We aim to cover all sorts of cases, the obvious ones like Chris Watts and Casey Anthony to ones that other true crime podcasts don’t – like the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khasgohhi and the evolution of the satanic panic into modern day QAnon. RedHanded is for people who want all the facts, along with thoughtful analysis, but delivered like they are just down the pub with their mates.”

We say: What started as a passion project between friends quickly became one of the most successful true crime podcasts around. The show hits differently than popular US-counterparts – Hannah and Suruthi cover crimes from both sides of the Atalantic, and they can give UK-listeners context that American shows might assume people know. Listen here >>

21. Football Ramble (Issue #005)

Hosts: Marcus Speller, Jules Breach, Luke Aaron Moore, Andy Brassell, Pete Donaldson, Vithushan Ehantharajah, Jim Campbell, Kate Mason, Dotun Adebayo
Category: Sport
Number of episodes: 1729 and counting!
Listen if you: Love football (or know someone who does and want to impress them)

The hosts say: “Taking a show that a number of years ago only used to release one knockabout podcast a fortnight and getting it to a stage where it puts out six vastly different types of show every week was and is a huge undertaking. It’s been a real team effort and we’re very proud of it.”

We say: Football Ramble has changed quite a bit since it started in 2007, but one thing that’s been a mainstay is the level of entertainment. The Ramble gang consistently tackle each aspect of the game with a nuanced and thoughtful approach, whilst not losing the best level of silliness. It’s also worth checking out the offshoot podcast, Upfront. Listen here >> 

22. WTF with Marc Maron (issue #024)

Host: Marc Maron, obviously
Category: Interviews, Arts
Number of episodes: More than 1500. Yep – one thousand five hundred and sixteen, and no sign of slowing down.
Listen if you: What to hear an OG podcaster, and why every interview podcast that follows owes Maron a pint.

The host says: “The secret of being a good podcaster? Being interested and listening and having a good producer.”

We say: Probably the podcast which deserves the title of ‘podcast which made podcasts podcasts’ more than any other podcast. Maron’s laidback style and feel for the flow of a conversation is balanced by his deeply engaged and well prepped questioning convinced a general public who had yet to see the point of this weird radio-but-not-radio thing of its benefits. Namely: you can go deep and long with conversations in a way that live production just won’t allow. Normally you’d say Maron walked so Adam Buxton and the like could run, but Maron was sprinting pretty much out of the gate. Listen here >>

23. RHLSTP with Richard Herring (Issue #002)

Hosts: Richard Herring
Category: Comedy
Number of episodes: If including bonuses and re-runs, over 550
Listen if you: Like stand-up comedy, and especially if you miss live shows

The host says: “[listen to] the episode of Collings and Herrin where I called Andrew’s mum “a fucking idiot” as it was a real moment of surprise and risk, which opened up a whole new door as to what was possible in this medium. Could have ended it all there and then, but luckily we held on for a few more years!”

We say: The Guardian calls him “The Podfather” and Richard has a huge amount of podcast credits, but the RHLSTP is the one to start with. We remember when this was called ‘Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast’ but at some point in the last 400 episodes the venue changed and the name was shortened. Check out the back-catalogue for episodes with Stephen Fry, Eddie Izzard, Dawn French, David Mitchell, Katherine Ryan and Brian Blessed and many more. Listen here >> 

24. Feel Better, Live More (issue #026)

Host: Dr Rangan Chatterjee
Category: Health
Number of episodes: More than 350
Listen if you like: Simple, straight-talking advice to make every day healthier.

The host says: “My podcast is about empowering every single listener to be the architect of their own health and happiness. Health is so much more than just our food choices and our exercise habits. It is about our relationships, our mindset, the way we approach conflict and the way we manage stress. The key message behind my show is that all of us can feel better than we currently do, and that it is not as hard as you might think.”

We say: The conflicting messages we get all the time about what we should and shouldn’t be doing with our bodies can be deeply confusing, but Rangan Chatterjee’s clear, waffle-free interviews with experts and holistic approach makes it all feel a lot more achievable. Listen here >>

25. Off Air with Jane and Fi (issue #025)

Hosts: Jane Garvey and Fi Glover.
Category: Arts, Comedy
Number of episodes: 135 and counting
Listen if you: Like BBC Radio Four, The Times or unencumbered chat between women…

The host says: “Women of a certain age have their sentences finished by other women of a certain age,” says Jane. Fi adds: “And sometimes it’s funny.”

We say: More than sometimes, Fi. Some broadcasters have the ability to make you feel like you’re listening to a friend you’ve known for a very long time; it’s even more rare to find a duo who both have that, and can make you feel like you’re a part of their gang. Jane and Fi are one of those duos. Whether they’re interviewing novelists or arguing over what makes the perfect hot cross bun, they’re always excellent company. Listen here >>

26. Wolf & Owl (Issue #020)

Hosts: Tom Davis (The Wolf) and Romesh Ranganathan (The Owl)
Category: Comedy
Number of episodes: Over 100
Listen if you: want an entertaining waste of time

The hosts say: “Two buddies chatting nonsense for an hour each week, join us, you might just learn something about the World and maybe, about yourself.”

We say: Romesh is the only podcaster who’s made it onto our cover more than once! Two men having a chat is hardly a new trend in the world of podcasting, but when the men involved share humour, vulnerability and an undying love for each other then you’re probably on to a winner. Listen here >> 

27. Pod Save The UK  (Issue #027)

Hosts: Nish Kumar and Coco Khan
Category: Politics/Comedy
Number of episodes: 25
Listen if you: Need a fun way of knowing what’s going on in the UK

The hosts say: “A progressive politics podcast from an outsider’s perspective, where the listener isn’t talked down to and instead lifted up and encouraged to engage in politics – all through the prism of hope and humour.”

We say: A podcast probably can’t save the UK, but it can certainly save you some time by explaining what’s actually going on in UK politics. With only a small back-catalogue, episodes that are timely, and hosts you likely know from elsewhere, this is a great podcast to start with if you get overwhelmed by the always-on nature of some podcasts. Listen here >>

28. Closet Confessions (Issue #028)

Hosts: Candice Brathwaite and Coco Sarel
Category: Comedy
Number of episodes: Over 70
Listen if you: Want TikTok levels of truth in a longer form

The hosts say: “Closet Confessions is recorded in an actual working closet (so we’re surrounded by a lot of pretty shoes). Myself and Sarel kick off with a confession each, then we take a pop culture moment and expand on it like a spider diagram. And the last segment, we call the Closet Cousins, we go to a listener’s confession, chop it up, and try to help. It’s sisterhood and community based. It’s extremely funny. Someone said ‘spiritual’.”

We say: Candice and Sarel have managed to build a community of listeners that span generations, but who are all in on their inside jokes. The podcast feels like a safe space for everyone who shares their own confessions. If you value sisterhood – or want an insight to it – this podcast is for you!  Listen here >>

29. Dish (Issue #028)

Hosts: Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett
Category: Food and Drink
Number of Episodes: 70
Listen if you: Are a foodie who wants dinner chats about the food

The hosts say: “Dish is a podcast about food and entertaining, I do it with Nick Grimshaw, obviously, who’s just incredible. We interview guests as if they’re coming to our house for dinner and it’s literally set up like that, you know. People come and they have a great dinner!”

We say: A simple yet nourishing recipe for one of the best new podcasts of recent years. We caught up with Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett to discuss their appetising show, dish…

Listen here >>

30. Cuddle Club (Issue #030)

Host: Lou Sanders
Category: Comedy
Number of episodes: More than 140
Listen if you: Short celeb conversations that feel like a hug

The host says: “Woman asks nosy questions to comedians and strangers. No, it’s really a way into relationships. I’m fascinated by what makes people who they are. Was your mum an asshole? Do you have commitment issues? And what gives you a drive? It’s that kind of thing, but funnier.”

We say: A podcast about cuddling? Sign us up! But there’s a lot more to it than that…

Want more podcast recommendations? Check out the back catalogue of Pod Bible magazine, or search our website for more reviews, interviews and podcast recommendations. 

The post 30 of the BEST podcasts for beginners appeared first on POD BIBLE.