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.

Created by the team behind Cheerful Earful, the global festival of funny podcasts, The Golden Lobes shine a spotlight on the creators and shows that keep audiences laughing week after week.

There were 13 award categories in total: Best Blooper, Best Tangent, Grower, Not a Shower, Best Social, Funniest Student podcast, Best Guest, Best Listener Moment, Earworm Award, Best Live podcast, Best Scripted Show, Best Artwork, The Big Ears Award and The Listener’s Lobe. For the full list of winners, see here.

Today, we’ll hear from some more of the award winners to find out more about their podcasts and how they felt about winning a Golden Lobes award.

Best Live Show

Lateral with Tom Scott

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I’m David Bodycombe, aka “Producer David”. Lateral is a comedy panel game all about weird questions with wonderful answers. Each week, three guests join forces to work out things like: how did someone’s broken bathroom extractor fan cause 250,000 Americans to get married last year? There is a link! (Answer in episode 36.)

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

You can’t go wrong with any of the episodes featuring Ella, Caroline and Tom from ‘Let’s Learn Everything!’ such as #131, ‘Very happy mice’. Their sense of fun and wonderment is infectious. However, many listeners start with our first episode and work forwards, because our format hasn’t changed very much over the two years.

What does winning a Golden Lobes Award mean to you?

We often tend to fly under the radar in terms of PR, so it’s lovely to receive some validation that we’re doing something right! We won the ‘Best Live Show’ category for our very first live event, which happened to be at the Cheerful Earful podcast festival itself. We’ll be back for the 2025 festival, so we have a lot to live up to!

Where can Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

Our official website at lateralcast.com has details of our previous episodes, full transcripts, and a link to send in your own question ideas. There’s also details of our tie-in book, and the Producer’s Club for ad-free episodes and bonus fun stuff. We have full video episodes on Spotify, or search for “lateralcast” on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for clips.

Judge’s comments

“Knows how to make the audience part of the show, an essential device to a successful live show (be it comedy or a podcast). Easy-to-follow gameshow format that feels inclusive to all. Well executed all round. Who wouldn’t want to be in the audience??

The host skilfully maintains the pace of the game, slowly unveiling more and more details, all the while cracking jokes. There is clearly chemistry across the panel, with the entire panel chipping in with jokes. The host brilliantly gets the crowd involved so they feel a part of the show and the recording captures the energy and laughter of the room. Nice to have some backing music whilst the question is read out. A fantastic clip which showcases every ingredient for a brilliant live show.”

Listen >>

Best Social

Thots TV

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

We are three flatmates and best friends who record on their ratchet living room floor. Thots TV is a nostalgic podcast (for adults!) about kid’s TV of our past, where we discuss shows we love and hate and the changing cultural landscape of children’s media. Our pod is overly candid, and every conversation we have on mic is just like one we’d have in our kitchen at 3AM. If you want to hear our critique of popular kids shows (and also know more about us than our own families) then let us slide into your eardrums before we hunt you down and make you listen anyway.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

Our Thomas and Friends episode is the perfect introduction to our podcast, with a nice mix of facts and comedy. Our favourite episodes are the ones about shows with rich history, and in this one we unpack a cultural landmark while also letting our listeners feel as though they are hanging out in our living room with us. You’ll come away having had a good laugh, and hopefully will have learnt something new as well.

What does winning a Golden Lobes Award mean to you?

Having a passion project that you share with your two best mates is already one of the greatest feelings, but to be able to call it “award-winning” is on another level. We’ve not had a day off in three years, and though we can’t complain about that, to know that people appreciate our work is immensely rewarding. Cheerful Earful (who run the Golden Lobes) is run by some of the nicest people in the industry. Getting to hang out with them at the ceremony was a highlight of our podcasting journey, and we can’t thank them enough.

Where can Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

We’re very active on Instagram (we did win Best Socials after all) but you can find us in lots of places:

Instagram: @th0tstv
X: @thots__tv
TikTok: @thotstvpod
YouTube: @ThotsTVPod
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/mu5Y8TNE

Judge’s comments

“There’s an effortless, infectious chemistry between the hosts that feels like you’re eavesdropping on a hilarious flatmate chat over a bottle of wine. Social media is clearly part of the podcast’s DNA with memes, clips, and even historical retellings that have built a super engaged community beyond the episodes. Keep doing what you’re doing!

This entrant clearly goes beyond simply posting clips of the podcast and hoping for the best. It’s clear they have a deep understanding and connection to the content (kids TV) that their audience is hungry for and they create non-podcast content to satisfy that hunger. They’ve carved out and nurtured a seriously impressive niche and the fruits of their labour are clearly very delicious. I’d maybe exercise caution when it comes to copyright rules; I’d hate to see such a successful account be caught out!”

Listen >>

Grower Not a Shower (Cult Favourite)

CheapShow

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

CheapShow is Paul Gannon & Eli Silverman’s “economy” comedy podcast that searches the charity shops, bargain bins or Poundlands of the UK to discover the treasure amongst the trash. Tonally, a lot of people have described our podcast as a cross between the sitcom “Bottom” and old magazine TV show “That’s Life!” but with a focus on cheap food, old vinyl, charity shop curios, retro board games, and whatever terrible surprises come our way. One week we can be a review podcast or game show, the next week an outdoors travelogue or narrative adventure – we’re a bit of a shapeshifter!

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

Tricky one – because there are many types of episodes that we do!

We tend to soft reboot the show every 50th episode, so anyone can jump in and start from a relatively clean slate.

If you want to hear us with a guest – Ep 375 with comedy legend Robert Popper has a REALLY bizarre surprise at its centre.

We escape the studio for “walkabout” episodes, Ep 357 takes us to Los Angeles for an odd adventure.

Ep 181 is a crowning achievement as it’s our 3-hour doc about the greatest pop culture story never told… Winkie!

What does winning a Golden Lobes Award mean to you?

It means a LOT to us! We’ve been going 10 years, heading towards 450 episodes and we’re probably the living definition of a cult podcast. We’ve had amazing support from our audience and our guests/contributors over the years but we’ve never really been “recognised” in more mainstream circles.

We love our odd, dumb, creative, surreal, vulgar podcast and to collect a Golden Lobe award that celebrates our achievements, despite us never grabbing hundreds of thousands of listeners, shows us that there are some industry people out there who love what we do too and that’s incredibly satisfying, emotionally, to hear.

Where can Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

CheapShow is everywhere! Your one-stop-shop for ALL things CheapShow is www.thecheapshow.co.uk.

From there, you can find links to our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Bsky etc) as well as our fortnightly YouTube series “Cheap Shots” which are shorter, but more visual versions of our usual format. It’s also where we host our live stream events and more interactive productions.
One last thing! To celebrate our 10th year of existence, we are releasing a vinyl album of songs and music from the past decade of CheapShow – and it’s fabulous! (Details here!)

Judge’s comments

“I adore the audience’s passion for this podcast, which has clearly carved out and owned a niche. The boys grubby humour is infectious and a welcome antidote to safer comedy. Singing ability is questionable.

The podcast brings the live shows to life brilliantly, with the audience and atmosphere in the room being captured effectively to engage listeners in the live experience rather than exclude them. With listeners contributing music, animation and art it’s clear the podcast has established itself as a cult favourite – 450 episodes is no small feat!”

Listen >> 

Also receiving Golden Lobes’ awards were:

This Paranormal Life won the Big Ears Award (Funniest Podcast) – listen >>

Joe Marler’s Things People Do won the Best Guest award – listen >>

Harry Hill’s Are We There Yet? won the Best Earworm award – listen >>

Ghastly Women won the Best Tangent award – listen >>

Legitimate Likes won the The Listener’s Lobe (Fan Favourite) award – listen >> 

Frank Off The Radio won the Lobes Legend (Services to Funny Audio) award – listen >>  

For more information on The Golden Lobes Awards see the Cheerful Earful website.

The post Catching up with the winners from The Golden Lobes Awards – Part 2! appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Created by the team behind Cheerful Earful, the global festival of funny podcasts, The Golden Lobes shine a spotlight on the creators and shows that keep audiences laughing week after week.

There were 13 award categories in total: Best Blooper, Best Tangent, Grower, Not a Shower, Best Social, Funniest Student podcast, Best Guest, Best Listener Moment, Earworm Award, Best Live podcast, Best Scripted Show, Best Artwork, The Big Ears Award and The Listener’s Lobe. For the full list of winners, see here.

We asked the organiser of the awards, Giles Gear, about what it was like to run the event:

“The Golden Lobes celebrate the funniest podcasts, people, and moments in the audio world. They began as an idea that grew out of our festival, Cheerful Earful, which is now entering its fourth year. It was hugely important to us that the Lobes were affordable (£25 to enter unlimited categories), accessible (just 5 minutes of audio required, keeping the barrier to entry low), and fun (because putting together your best bits shouldn’t feel like a chore). I personally get fed up seeing established awards charging nearly £100 just to enter or even attend the night.

What started as a mad November idea and a few chaotic WhatsApps culminated in a fantastic inaugural awards night at The Clapham Grand this May. We had a huge range of shows involved – from big networks and the BBC to indie favourites and even podcasts with only a handful of listeners. Any show that brought the laughs, regardless of genre or size, was welcomed with open arms.

The evening was a runaway success, with Frank Skinner kindly saying: ‘The Golden Lobes was a fun night out: none of the cheesy nonsense of more established awards ceremonies, nor anywhere near as long. It was just a bunch of very funny people saying very funny things. British comedy podcasts seem to be in a great state.’ We saw such a wealth of winners, and what started as a mad spin-off from our festival may well become the thing that endures. We’re already cooking up wild ideas for 2026 and welcome anyone to get involved!”

Today, we’ll hear from some of the award winners to find out more about their podcasts and how they felt about winning a Golden Lobes award.

Best Scripted Podcast

Harford: An Oral History

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I’m Dan Hooper, a Welsh comedy writer based in Frome. Harford: An Oral History explores the surreal history of Haverfordwest – known locally as Harford – through its inhabitants. Each episode explores a chapter from the town’s past – from an attempt to build the world’s tallest building to a battle enactment that escalates into a real conflict. My aim is to create something layered and strange – like stumbling onto a late-night radio broadcast. I didn’t want this to follow the usual chat or interview format. The Guardian called it “brimming with dry wit and unlikely twists,” and The Observer described it as “punchy” and “crackling with bible-black, absurd, twisted humour.”

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

The Funeral, it tells the tale of a group of teenagers finding a new hangout spot – the local crematorium. Then years later, one of them returns, becoming entangled in a long-buried family feud, a mistaken funeral, and an overly convoluted cover-up.

What does winning a Golden Lobes Award mean to you?

The chance for more people to listen to the show and to finally own a statue in the shape of an ear.

Where can Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

All you need to know about me is weaved into the podcast. Ok, probably not, at least not consciously. Just listen to the show!

Judge’s comments

“Yes. Lovely stuff. Several good gags in a very well-written, involving monologue. What’s lovely here is the commitment to the concept; the world feels real, the writing feels lovingly crafted, and the production feels considered as well. Any laughs here are perhaps on the smaller side, partly because of a seemingly deliberate low-key delivery, but they are there, and they’re worth finding. A real stand-out.”

Listen >>

Best Artwork

Go Home, You’re Drunk!

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

Go Home, You’re Drunk! is a comedy horror roleplaying adventure which sees a comedian try and find their way home after a night out! The podcast features some of the UK’s best comedians from shows like Taskmaster, Have I Got News For You, QI & Mock The Week. Inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and escape rooms, comedians must roll well and solve puzzles to survive whatever monsters await them on their journey. Can Marcus Brigstocke escape an abandoned tube line? Will Russell Kane get out of a sinister sports bar? Can Sophie Duker survive a boozy art class?! Listen and find out!

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

The very first episode starring Jordan Gray is a great place to start, in the episode Jordan has to put a stop to the Chicken Dipper Ripper who is terrorising chicken shops up and down the street! Another perfect introduction would be Nick Helm’s episode, which we were lucky enough to receive a Golden Lobe nomination for, or Alasdair Beckett-King’s episode where he has to navigate his friends’ stag and hen dos whilst being pursued by a terrifying witch called The Hag. Every episode is led stylistically by the guest, so just pick a comedian you love and get listening!

What does winning a Golden Lobes Award mean to you?

It was truly amazing to receive recognition for all the hard work we’ve put into the podcast and we’re very grateful to Cheerful Earful who are such a wonderful organisation. We’re also very excited to be doing our first ever live show with them in London this October!

Where can Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

Find us on Instagram & X @YoureDrunkPod and check out our website here.

Judge’s comments

“This artwork is really great! The composition of the drawing is excellent with a really clever use of layering and perspective and the type at the top perfectly fits with this. Everything has a really cohesive colour palette that perfectly represents the night time without being too dark or grey. The subject is excellent and is a really creative way of displaying the host’s role in the show and lastly the drawings of the characters are really expressive and well done! I can’t say enough good things about this one it’s just really great!”

Listen >> 

Best Blooper

I’ve Had A Rosé, Let’s Talk About Feelings with Sam Lake

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

Hi, I’m Sam Lake and I’m the host of I’ve Had A Rosé, Let’s Talk About Feelings (I know, the name alone is incredible). Each week, I’m joined by a new guest from the world of comedy. They choose a beverage that comforts them, anything from tea to Tennents. Then we talk about something they’re passionate about and I try to find out how it connects to their feelings and how they manage them. We’ve covered it all: Pokémon, Elvis, Lucozade, Britishness, The Supernatural and OF COURSE Henry Paget, the 5th Marquess of Anglesey.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

To embrace the silly, stupid and giggly core of our show, I’d recommend Episode #32: Espresso Martinis & The Texas Chainsaw Massacre with Phil Ellis. Probably the episode with the most breaking down in uncontrollable laughter. If you want an episode that’s more on the feelings side, proper deep chats, Episode #7: Family & Baileys with Josh Glanc & Episode #27: Rum Punch & D*ck with Sikisa are what you want.

What does winning a Golden Lobes Award mean to you?

We were THRILLED. We’ve only been doing this pod for little over a year and we can’t believe we’re officially an award-winning show. Plus, winning Best Blooper is so on brand for THIS show. And now we have a trophy (and a hole in the studio ceiling) to compliment it.

Where can Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

Across all social media we are at @ivehadarose where you can find highlights from all our episodes. And to listen to the full episodes, click here.

Or watch our episodes in glorious 4K(ish) on our YouTube channel.

Judge’s comments

“The contrast between Sam’s calming ASMR description to Marjolein shouting “IT’S BAD IT’S BAD IT’S BAD” is just brilliant. And her massive cackle after making a hole in the ceiling – it’s impossible not to laugh at Marjolein’s laugh!

This is such an unexpected live, visual moment that makes you wish you were in the room.”

Listen >> 

Best Listener Moment

Single Ladies In Your Area

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

Comedians Amy Gledhill and Harriet Kemsley are in their 30s and recently single …UH OH! They’re trying to navigate the dating scene… but the landscape has changed.

Everyone insists that you should use dating apps, but are also totally fed up with them.

Dating in your 20s seemed so much easier, but didn’t we just run head first towards red flags?

And with children and busy careers taking up most of your time, what if you’re just… tired?

These are questions and challenges that our hosts tackle headfirst, as they attempt to unlearn the (toxic) education on love, sex and relationships they endured in the 00s, and laugh themselves through the current dating world. They’ll speak to experts and friends, talk about dates they’ve been on and share your dating horror stories to try to figure it all out, so we all feel less alone!

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

Episode 15: Pubes, periods and bumping into your ex with Chloe Petts

What does winning a Golden Lobes Award mean to you?

We are thrilled to have won a Golden Lobe award. Thank you to everyone who has listened so far!

Where can Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

On IG at @singleladiespod, @thatamygledhill, and @harrietkemsley.

Judge’s comments

“I loved the rapport between Amy and Harriet and even though I’m not single anymore, I definitely want to check out their show now to reminisce about dating disasters of past. I almost spat out my drink at the reveal moment in this listener story and they had me laughing throughout the piece.”

Listen >> 

For more information on The Golden Lobes Awards see the Cheerful Earful website.

The post Catching up with the winners from The Golden Lobes Awards – Part 1! appeared first on POD BIBLE.