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.

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Squid Scam

In 2021, scammers stole $16 million from thousands of investors across the globe, by capitalising on the hype around NFTs and the success of the hit Netflix series Squid Game. The scam was so believable, the BBC, Yahoo and CNBC covered its initial trading success, before later publishing headlines revealing the full scale of the fraud. Investigative journalist Janhoi McGregor takes a deep dive into the murky underworld of Crypto and NFTs, to attempt to uncover the true identity of the squid scammer in an attempt to find justice for the victims. Listen now >>

“Could not stop listening…”
Amazon Customer

“Excellent podcast and well presented”
Anon

Mel Robbins: Reinvent Your Life

Reinvention doesn’t have to be hard–it can be simple and fun. Buckle up and start your journey to a better life with motivational powerhouse and best-selling phenomenon Mel Robbins! Listen now >>

“Loved it! Great advice and it WORKS”
Mr McGlinn

“Change my life for better”
Amazon User

Sleep Sound with Sienna Miller

In this season of Sleep Sound, come with Sienna Miller as she transports you to some of the most relaxing winter and spring scenes on the planet. From a windstorm on an English harbour, to a dawn chorus by an Estonian lake, settle down and snuggle up to the rumble of approaching thunder. Take a deep breath, relax, and join Sienna on an escape to sleep. Listen now >>

“The sound and short story are beautiful”
Ms Byles

“Beautiful and powerful”
Anon

Shared Baggage

Relationship advice from comedians – what could possibly go wrong? Shared Baggage is the series where listeners seek help from stand-ups Catherine Bohart and Larry Dean on all things dating, love and sex. But don’t worry, relationship expert Charlene Douglas is there to steer them back onto the right track if (when) they get it wrong. They’re also joined each episode by comedians who bring their own experiences, perspective and – usually – much better advice. Listen now >>

“Great fun and interesting”
Anon

“Could not stop laughing!!!”
Sam

Jack Whitehall’s Safe Space

Jack Whitehall throws open the doors to his Safe Space, the place where we can all share our most embarrassing stories and try to feel better about ourselves along the way. With a career built on getting into awkward situations, Jack knows more than anyone the power that sharing can have in getting over the moments we most regret. So come in and settle down as Jack asks listeners, his best friend James and big name guests to share their personal humiliations so we can all move on, cringe-free. Listen now >>

“Always fabulous”
Ms Butler

“Great!”
Anon

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LISTEN NOW. SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED. SEE AUDIBLE.CO.UK FOR TERMS.

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THE CATCH

The story of the Freshwater Five is either one of the biggest drug busts in British History or one of the greatest miscarriages of justice. Presented by Raphael Rowe, a journalist who himself spent 12 years locked up for a crime he didin’t commit, this series delves into both sides of the case to piece together the real story.  Listen now >>

“Gripping”
(Anon)

 “What an interesting story, great reporting skills which kept the listener hooked throughout.”
(Ms. Brunsdon)

HERE’S EXACTLY WHAT TO DO

Mel Robbins is back, just in time to help you reimagine the life you want. Discover why Mel is a bestselling global phenomenon with her new Audible Original podcast, which guides you to take action so you can stay motivated and transform your life.   Listen now>>

“Superb guide to just getting on with it.”
(Caroline)

“Wow! Straight talking practical advice. Loved this.”
(Anon)

STEPHEN FRY’S INSIDE YOUR MIND

Stephen Fry travels into the most remarkable place we know – our brain. Exploring just how much we’ve learned about this mysterious structure in recent years, Stephen tries to answer some of the most difficult questions that remain. Listen now >>

“Fascinating, accessible and beautifully read.” (Anon)

“Loved it and enjoyed the immersive sound scape.” (Amazon Customer)

BADDIEL & RIPLEY’S BUY IT, LEAVE IT OR NOT

Listen in as old friends and comedy heroes, David Baddiel and Fay Ripley, sort out your shopping trolley – unboxing and reviewing the products you didn’t even know you wanted. Listen now >>

“Entertaining and funny. Proper laugh out loud”
(Rachel)

“As a shopaholic and comedy lover I was delighted to find this podcast. David and Fay are so natural together and very funny.”
(Anon)

DERREN BROWN’S BOOT CAMP FOR LIFE

By drawing on wisdom and insights from modern psychology to ancient philosophy, Derren Brown demonstrates how you can rise above your brain’s limitations and think yourself into a more fulfilling, less anxiety-ridden life. Listen now >>

“Another brilliant instalment by Derren.”
(A Kelly)

“The intelligence behind all this really leaves you questioning your behaviours and helps you to understand so much about yourself. ”
(Anon)

NATIONAL THEATRE X AUDIBLE NEW VOICES

New Voices, from Audible and the National Theatre, is a series of four short plays originally written for New View, from four young playwrights from across the UK. Listen now >>

“Amazing, wonderful, couldn’t stop listening!”

(C Martin)

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Every month, Audible members get one credit to use on any audiobook regardless of price or length, plus unlimited access to Audible Original Podcasts at no extra cost. Listen for free with your 30-day trial. From £7.99 / month after 30 days. Renews automatically.

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The archive is gigantic, and a gentle wade through it can quickly leave you bogged down in choice. One easy way in is to start with these podcasters who’ve been cast away by the BBC over the last few decades.

David Tennant

This very Doctor Who-centric episode went out on the same day Tennant’s Doctor regenerated into Matt Smith, and there’s a nicely elegiac, wistful tone to his chat with Kirsty Young as he recalls being a young Doctor Who obsessive with a Tom Baker scarf. His picks swing wildly between the very Scottish (The Proclaimers’ ‘Over and Done With’), the very bouncy (‘Me and the Farmer’ by the Housemartins) and the very 2010 (‘Ruby’ by Kaiser Chiefs). Listen now >>

Lyse Doucet

Having been a foreign correspondent for the BBC since 1982 covering Ivory Coast, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and, most recently, Ukraine, Lyse Doucet’s reminiscences from earlier this year drew on a professional life spent bearing witness to intensely important and distressing events. “I don’t believe in [being] emotional because that means you’ve lost control of your storytelling,” she told Lauren Laverne. “But empathy, I absolutely believe in.” Her podcast, A Wish For Afghanistan, speaks to ordinary people about their hopes for the country after the return of the Taliban. Listen now >>

Louis Theroux

Everyone’s favourite quietly probing documentarian made some pretty unexpected picks for his discs: ‘Heaven on their Minds’ from Jesus Christ Superstar sits next to the trailblazing hip hop of Eric B & Rakim and samba from Antônio Carlos Jobim. Theroux talks through being inspired to go to boarding school by Enid Blyton, his greatest hits and his habit destressing before tricky assignments by making loads of pasta sauce, and there’s a particularly nice moment when he reflects on his early work with fellow documentarian Michael Moore: “I think the level of incompetence that I brought to the job was, for him, a big plus.” Listen now >>

Ian Wright

As you’ll know if you’ve ever dropped round Wrighty’s House, the former Arsenal and England striker is an effervescent, perceptive guy who’s pretty much impossible to dislike. His chat with Laverne went beyond his footballing exploits and into his difficult early life, and the enormous difference which therapy has made to him since he first opened up. His memories of former teammate and childhood friend David Rocastle, who died at 33, are especially touching: “I don’t think of the accolades or the trophies I’ve won or the England caps – which mean the world to me – all I think about is the fact that I played with him for a year as a professional.” Listen now >>

Malcolm Gladwell

Doubling up on one artist is a slightly rogue Desert Island Discs decision, but then again Gladwell’s whole thing is thinking differently and challenging norms. And also, if you’re going to pick two records from one artist, it might as well be Marvin Gaye. Gladwell is on typically analytical form here. “One of my rules is, if at all possible I never want a person that I talk to to regret having talked to me,” he tells Kirsty Young. “This does not mean I’m nice to everyone… As I get older I more and more understand how many doors close when there’s a lack of generosity on the part of the journalist.” Listen now >>

Mary Beard

The joy of Desert Island Discs is often in the unexpected images that the interviewees’ picks conjure up. Few such images are more joyous than Mary Beard vibing to the Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin’s ‘Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves’. Bob Dylan, Henry Purcell and Janis Joplin all make appearances too, though perhaps most notable is her choice of luxury item: the Elgin Marbles. Unless her desert island is somewhere among the Greek archipelago, that might be a bit politically tricky. Listen now >>

Miriam Margolyes

Some interviewees take a little while to warm up; some never entirely let their guard down. Miriam Margolyes is not one of those interviewees. The Growing Old Disgracefully host is as straightforward and open as ever, but though she might seem to reside in a place beyond such petty concerns as embarrassment or propriety, she admits to feeling like a “frightened little muffin”. She leans into spoken word for her discs, picking extracts from Great Expectations and Private Lives along with a reading of Dylan Thomas’ A Visit to Grandpa’s. Listen now >>

Baroness Floella Benjamin

Benjamin’s route from working in a bank to getting into West End musicals and ascending to the House of Lords via presenting and making TV, writing books, running charities and campaigning for diversity in creative industries is a fascinating one. She’s great company on her From the Heart podcast and she’s got great taste too: George Benson, Ella Fitzgerald and Bob Marley all make Benjamin’s list. Listen now >>

Listen to Desert Island Disks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or other popular podcast players.

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MICHAEL CAINE: HEROES

Sir Michael Caine knows a lot about heroes. Fearless people who face danger and adversity head on, using their courage and strength to save the lives of others and show true bravery when the odds are stacked against them. Caine explores exceptional true stories of personal strength and gets to know the real people behind the headlines. Powerful, inspirational and life changing, no-one ever said being a hero was easy.  Listen now >>

“These stories reflect real people we should look up to in life!”
(Anon)

 “Although each story is about a difficult or scary subject, all the while, listening you feel inspired and hopeful”
(J. Luca)

 JAMALI MADDIX: SPOOKY SHIT

Have you ever experienced something you just can’t explain – an uncanny encounter with things that go bump in the night? Did it leave you with an unshakable belief in the paranormal? Or feeling like an idiot when your flatmate pointed out it was just your cat treading on the squeaky floorboard? Either way – you’re not alone! Join comedian Jamali Maddix as he asks fellow comics and celebrities to reveal their spookiest real-lfe tales and most uncanny experiences.   Listen now>>

“Very entertaining from start to finish, laugh out loud funny, intriguing conversations”
(R. Jenkins)

“I really loved this podcast, it was entertaining with a mixture of feelings from being spooked out to laughing.”
(Anon)

ABUSE OF POWER: STATE OF FLORIDA VS KRISHNA MAHARAJ

State of Florida vs. Krishna Maharaj is a investigative journey that spans 30 years in the American justice system, beginning when a British-Trinidadian businessman was arrested for a grisly double murder in 180s Miami. Listen now >>

“This is a must for anyone that likes true crime stories. One of the ‘best’ ones out there.” (M. Baz)

“Compelling listening. A terrifying account of how broken the US legal system is and the peril of being wrongly accused of a capital crime in America.” (Anon)

PHILIPPA PERRY’S SIBLINGS IN SESSION

In this new original series, Psychotherapist Philippa Perry explores six very different sibling relationships, and aims to bridge the communication gap within families. In a single intense session she goes under the skin of each of these relationships to find out what is working, what might not be working and how reflecting on this often overlooked relationship might benefit everyone involved. Listen now >>

“A great example of what you can expect in psychotherapy, how first relationships impact our relationship with the world.”
(Anon)

“I never thought I needed help until I’ve listened to PP, she’s simply brilliantly helpful.”
(J. Aggett)

PANIC ROOM

News is everywhere and it’s all bad! So, John Robins has sealed himself in his panci room and he won’t come out until the world’s fixed. Did you know that we’re rapidly running out of grave space? Or that the increasing convenience of modern life is slowly infantilising us? When is someone going to stop social media ripping society apart? And is it possible to eat anything at all without contributing to the destruction of the planet? Listen now >>

“Interesting and witty. I listened because I’m a John Robins fan but the 3 are really good together.”
(Anon)

“Thoroughly enjoyed – funny and surprisingly informative. ”
(Anon)

ANDY ZALTZMAN’S GREATEST OF ALL TIME

Andy Zaltzman attempts to reclaim the much-misused term ‘Greatest of All Time’ by using all of time… and delving through the, what is it now..? 13 billions years of archival material knocking around the universe. Listen now >>

“Fantastic podcast as expected, was delighted when I saw this, it’s a history and comedy combo – brilliant.”
(C. Bowman)

“Discovered this series earlier today, and have just finished it. Andy is brilliant as always, as are his guests. Interesting, thoughtful and very funny.”
(Anon)

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Every month, Audible members get one credit to use on any audiobook regardless of price or length, plus unlimited access to Audible Original Podcasts at no extra cost. Listen for free with your 30-day trial. From £7.99 / month after 30 days. Renews automatically.

The post The best Audible Original podcasts – from Andy Zaltzman’s GOATs, to panicking with John Robins… appeared first on POD BIBLE.

DEFIANCE

Legendary sprinter Michael Johnson embarks upon a personal journey through the history of protest in sport. Drawing in conversations with fellow athlete, commentators and educators, he discovers the remarkable stories of those who’ve taken stands, and assesses the impact of their efforts in driving societal change.  Listen now >>

“An worthwhile listen for anyone interested in sports, social issues and racism.”
(Anon)

 “Excellent review of sports people responsible for challenging the toxic norms int their sports, and bringing about positive change.”
(R. Standeven)

 ZOETROPE

New to Singapore, Tamsin’s attempts to settle in are quickly disrupted when her building’s speaker system crackles into life and an anonymous voice calls out “I saw what you did”. Things had been going well until her welcome drinks, a night that ended with her boss incapacitated in her bathroom. Although Tamsin will swear it was an accident, from the adjacent high-rise things looked altogether more menacing.   Listen now>>

“Good plot, suspenseful, brilliant performance, love daisy’s voice and accent, open end, more coming?.”
(Anon)

“I really enjoyed this. It’s got a really interesting plot and the whole cast is very good.”
(Curtis)

THE GRAHAM NRON BOOK CLUB 2

We’re still all about the stories – reading them, writing them, listening to them, talking about them – and in our new series we’re featuring some of the world’s best storytellers, including Margaret Atwood, Matt Haig, Walter Mosely, Lisa Taddeo and Val McDermid. Listen now >>

“Very enjoyable and informative podcast” (J. Kasiulis)

“Graham Norton and lots of nice people talking about books. What’s not to love?” (Anon)

CAR CRASH

A hilarious take on modern dating through the eyes of Northern ex-pat Grace and laid-back Londoner Elliot as they attempt to navigate life while being haunted through the years by a blind date that goes disastrously wrong. Listen now >>

“Absolutely loved this, loved all the characters, laughed out loud many many times.”
(Anon)

“Funny script with real heart, terrific cast, very timely and well observed. Loved it to bits.”
(S. Andrews)

KILLER BOOK CLUB

The idyllic quiet of a picture postcard English village is shattered when a book club member is murdered by his former student and lover. But why would anyone kill a retired English teacher, a pillar of his community? Perhaps the answer lies in the trail of writing that he, and his killer, left behind: diaries, poems and novels. Listen now >>

“Delighted that I found this series. A very interesting story told in a masterful way.”
(Anon)

“This is one of the best true crime podcast I’ve listened to a in along time. It covers a case that is almost to shocking to be believed. ”
(Anon)

A GROWN UP GUIDE TO PLANET EARTH

A Grown-up Guide To Planet Earth is a tour of our world from the inside, out. Geologist Professor Chris Jackson plunges into the molten world beneath our feet, to reveal what drives the explosive power of volcanoes and destructive energy of earthquakes. Listen now >>

“I definitely recommend this podcast to anyone who wants to know more about how our planet works.”
(Anon)

“The information is great and explained and described extremely well.”
(C. Ann)

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Every month, Audible members get one credit to use on any audiobook regardless of price or length, plus unlimited access to Audible Original Podcasts at no extra cost. Listen for free with your 30-day trial. From £7.99 / month after 30 days. Renews automatically.

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But however brilliant your Christmas is or isn’t, at some point you’ll be overcome with the urge to lie down in a dark room and stay very still for a while. That’s where your podcast Christmas specials come in.

Gathering around the fireside (or at least a nice bed of fireside FX) for an especially cosy chat is non-negotiable for most big pods now, but there’s a wealth of great Christmas-adjacent episodes out there too.

The Allusionist – Ep 41, Getting Toasty

Out on the frozen tundra of Antarctica, scientists Amy Lowitz, Christine Moran and Allison Barden can see the South Pole marker. Or they would, if there had been any daylight for the last four months. Shake off the plasticky excesses of the season with a meditative chat about exactly what working at the South Pole does to your body and your mind. Those elves should unionise. Listen now >>

Wireless Nights – Destiny’s Child, Christmas 2018

Jarvis Cocker’s Radio 4 show has returned for a new run recently, and this Yuletide edition is a good place to start with the back catalogue. We bump into people who slot into the Nativity story – a shepherdess, a stargazer, a baby born from a miraculous birth – as well as hearing a story about a Christmas spent adrift at sea. Listen now >>

The Boring Talks – An Underwhelming Christmas, 2018

After perhaps the most intensely underwhelming Christmas of all underwhelming Christmases in 2020, this one’s going to feel pretty sweet for a lot of us. But invariably, there’ll be a point at which you wonder what all the fuss is about. Rhodri Marsden comes over all Scrooge to compare the reality of Christmas with the reality of it in the UK, from white Christmases to grotty grottoes. Listen now >>

Christmas Past – The Eggnog Riot

In the spirit of keeping Christmas with us all year round, the Christmas Past podcast runs 12 months a year and mixes interviews with Christmas filmmakers, Christmas stories, new Christmas singles and bitesize history lessons. This is the latter; the backstory to ‘Jingle Bells’ is interesting enough, but a riot which broke out at West Point military academy in 1826 is too delicious. Listen now >>

Field Recordings – Singing Gate, Dorset

It ain’t Christmas until someone’s suggested a big walk. Whether you end up moving or not is irrelevant; the feeling that you should definitely go on a big walk has to be aired. If it feels like too much of an effort, try this short from Field Recordings, recorded on the winter solstice last year. No intro, no framing; just the sounds of Bronkham Hill ridge, dotted with ancient burial mounds and barrows. Atmospheric. Listen now >>

Off Menu – Ep 42, Christmas Special with Greg Davies

Off Menu wheels out the big stand-up guns for its Christmas specials, and over the last couple of years they’ve had Sarah Millican, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett and Nish Kumar on. The best, though, is the Taskmaster himself: Greg Davies. Invariably the best Off Menu menus are those of people who give the impression that eating is a terrible inconvenience, and Davies is no exception. No starter, no side, a steak cooked medium and a finale of Sussex pond pudding makes James Acaster’s brain fold in on itself. Listen now >>

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TITTING ABOUT

Comedy legends French & Saunders return for a second series of their smash hit podcast. The legendary pair are taking on yet more important subjects and, well, titting about with them. From kissing Idris Elba, to getting ill-advised matching tattoos on tour, to a blow-by-blow account of getting chewing gum stuck in their pants – it’s the absurdity and chat you need in your life right now.  Listen now >>

“Dawn and Jennifer make you jealous you weren’t there in person, the two best friends you never had.”
(Anon)

 “Totally obsessed with the first one and this is just as good.”
(H. Fitzsimmons)

 FINDING Q

They called themselves ‘Q’ and left a trail of cryptic messages for an increasing number of followers to obsess over. The conspiracy theory became a movement, crashing into mainstream politics and breaking countless families along the way. Journalist Nicky Woolf dives into the world of QAnon in his search to find the shadowy figure behind it all and the legacy they’ve created.  Listen now>>

“Gripping, tense, enlightening. Brilliantly produced.”
(D Sitkin)

“This is a beautifully made podcast, that really highlights the human cost of conspiracy theories”
(R. Marshall)

STEPHEN FRY’S EDWARDIAN SECRETS

Perhaps thanks to TV period dramas, the popular imagination may picture the Edwardian era as an idyllic window between the wars, a time of manners and tea on the lawn. But below the surface lies a frenetic and often bizarre age where scientific leaps forward went hand in hand with belief in fairies, and secrets of sex, lies and murder simmered. Listen now >>

“The topics are interesting and cleverly weaved together with great actors and music!!” (J. Kallen)

“A brilliant balance of entertaining storytelling and fascinating historical facts.” (Anon)

GETTING BETTER: THE FIGHT FOR THE NHS

Against the odds and against the clock, Nye Bevan is charged with creating the world’s first national health service. At home, his marriage is as fiery as the centre-stage politics. Meanwhile, we meet the front-line medical staff and patients whose lives and limbs are at stake. Listen now >>

“Very interesting and well performed. I was gripped to end.”
(C. Hamilton)

“This series really brought to life the struggle of the people who brought the NHS to life”
(Anon)

JASON AND JUDI’S FEEL GOOD PODCAST

Jason Manford and Judi Love are on a mission to find the best life hacks and sage advice to help you feel good. They’re joined by a host of expert guests who spill the beans – from career gurus and parenting coaches to exercise experts and relationship boffins. Every episode, Jason and Judi probe the professionals for new tips and tricks to add to their feel-good toolkit. Listen now >>

“I loved every episode. Jason and Judi just ‘bounce ‘ off each other.”
(Anon)

“So easy to listen to, so entertaining! Some fantastic tips delivered with a great dose of humour!”
(V. Perrin)

MY BODY, MY PODCAST

Elizabeth Banks believes that sex education is a lifelong pursuit that when done well, has the power to transform lives and society itself. Banks seamlessly mixes autobiography and information to create an open space to talk about all things sex and sexuality. My Body, My Podcast is her continuing education class and she would love you to join. Listen now >>

“An absolutely amazing and uplifting podcast that everyone needs to hear”
(N. Wrzesinski)

“Someone had to finally talk about all of these topics! Thank you Elizabeth Banks!”
(A. Vasquez)

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Every month, Audible members get one credit to use on any audiobook regardless of price or length, plus unlimited access to Audible Original Podcasts at no extra cost. Listen for free with your 30-day trial. From £7.99 / month after 30 days. Renews automatically.

The post The best Audible Original podcasts – From QAnon, to a fight for the NHS… appeared first on POD BIBLE.

COUPLEDOM

Idris and Sabrina Elba explore the power of partnerships with dues from all walks of life, whose connections span love, business, creativity, politics and more. The all-star line-up of guests includes Kris Jenner & Kim Kardashian West, Ben & Jerry, Christian Louboutin & Mika, and many more. Listen now >>

“An amazing podcast. Love Idris and Sabrina’s energy”
Claudia M

“The guests have been diverse and interesting; all have fascinating stories to tell”
Tam

 DEATH AT DEEPCUT

Between 1995 and 2002 four young trainee soldiers were found dead at a military training camp, Deepcut. The soldiers all died from gunshot wounds, all on guard duty. In each case the army quickly concluded the deaths were suicide. Investigative journalist Jane MacSorley and retired detective chief inspector Colin Sutton join forces to investigate the deaths and try to find answers about what really happened. Listen now>>

 “Gripping truth about establishment coverups”
Philip

“A really well presented series which deserves attention.”
K Smith

TOM ALLEN’S ROOM OF GIFTS

Tom Allen invites three celebrity gest to bring along their most unwanted gift and share the funny and revealing stories behind them. the winner gets to enter the fabled and mysterious Room of Gifts, to take a change and swap their present for something new… Listen now >>

“I could listen to Tom Allen forever! This is such a fun show”
Anon

“As times, this podcast had we laughing so hard I could hardly breath”
Kat

HASHTAG TRASHBAG

Present and author Dotty invites celeb guests to come and confess the thing they most want to put in the (hashtag) trashbag – however big, however trivial, what will be stuck in the waste disposal this week? Whether it’s mailing lists, cricket or superhero movies, Hashtag trashbag is the chopping block for all the things we love to hate. Listen now >>

“This is a really enjoyable, light-hearted and fun podcast”
B Guru

  “Dotty is amazing – really smart and funny and great chemistry with all the guests”
Anon

TAN FRANCE’S QUEER ICONS

As long as there have been humans, there have been LGBQTI+ people. Join Queer Eye’s Tan France to take a look a the lives, past and present, of those who have proudly defied rigid concepts of normality. Listen now >>

“Eye Opening to LGBT history & culture”
Anon

“The struggle of those whose lived experiences have made a path for others to love their truth”
Zee

MICHAEL CAINE: GANGS 

Sire Michael Caine knows a thing of two about gangs: whether that’s joining one as a kid, or playing gangsters in movies for over 50 years. Now Caine delves into the real stories behind the gangs we think we know so well, revealing the hidden realities behind the myths. Listen now >>

“Excellent”
Rita

“Superb, Riveting Back to Back Listening”
Tony O

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Every month, Audible members get one credit to use on any audiobook regardless of price or length, plus unlimited access to Audible Original Podcasts at no extra cost. Listen for free with your 30-day trial. From £7.99 / month after 30 days. Renews automatically.

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Daniel, why do you love podcasts?

Well most of the podcasts I listen to are conversations with people about a bunch of the things I’m super interested in, mainly occult, esoteric and conspiracy type stuff. Haha. Magick and tinfoil hats for the most part. I think people would expect me to listen to music pods, but I’ve got that covered in everything I do for Radio 1 and with Someone Who Isn’t Me.

Generally, most of the esoteric stuff is kinda fringe and can be a bit starchy, so when I find a great podcast host who knows what’s up then
I get stoked on it. But, as far as what I love about DOING a podcast, I’m into sitting down with people I find inspiring and asking them about their work and how they approach the creative process. How they might view that in a wider more spiritual sense. I also kind of use it as a means of becoming friends or often better friends with the guests I have. I love the idea that I can do an episode that has a totally different conversation with someone like Marilyn Manson or Maynard James Keenan or Laura Jane Grace than they would have talking about their latest album or book with someone else. That’s the fun of it. It also gives me an excuse to paint portraits of people I like without coming across as too much of a creepy weirdo.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

I guess it was probably something like The Joe Rogan Experience. The first pod I really remember was episode 666 of his, where he had Duncan Trussell as a guest. That conversation blew my mind, made me laugh a bunch and I became a fan of Duncan Trussell’s Family Hour straight away.

Which podcaster makes you laugh the most?

One of my regular listens is Last Podcast On The Left and those dudes are really funny, Henry Zebrowski is always so out of order, I love it. But to be honest, recently the one that makes me laugh most is Craig Reynolds who’s pod is The Downbeat. It’s mainly a drum podcast, but he’s super funny. Definitely got a Ricky Gervais kinda thing with his humour. If Ricky was obsessed with blast beats, the band Tool, weightlifting and a dog called Luna.

Which podcast has educated you the most?

I think Gordon White’s pod Rune Soup is great. He’s very smart, very well read, a brilliant interviewer and he’s totally cool with subjects that can come across as mad pretentious, so to be very matter of fact and down to earth about paranormal / UFO / mystical subjects is great. So yeah, Gordon and Jason Louv from Ultra Culture is where I get all my book list tips from.

Can you recommend a podcast that our readers may not have heard of?

So aside from all the ones I mentioned already (and Someone Who Isn’t Me obviously), I guess The Higher Side Chats has some pretty interesting guests. To be honest though, I do have to pick and choose with that one because some of it is the craziest conspiracy stuff and it ends up making me scream at the podcast and I have to turn it off. But there’s definitely good stuff in there. Also I got way into Emil Amos’ Drifters Sympathy when it first started. I kinda skipped the episodes when he spoke about some obscure music scene and binged all the episodes when he talks about his life when he was growing up as he has got the maddest stories. Like proper David Lynch vibes.

Someone Who Isn’t Me features Daniel talking to artists about music, art, culture and the esoteric. He presents The Rock Show on BBC Radio 1 every Sunday from 7pm-10pm and is also the curator of The Pit at Reading & Leeds Festivals. Listen now on ACAST, SPOTIFY or your favourite podcast app.

@danielpcarter // @SWIMpodcast

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But we know that many people are still asking “what’s a podcast?”, “how do you listen to podcasts?” and even “are podcasts free?”. If you are one of those people, here’s our guide for new podcast listeners.

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a digital audio file made available on the internet for downloading or streaming to a computer or an alternative device such as a phone. To be a little less clinical, it’s essentially a radio show that you can listen to wherever and whenever you choose without being interrupted by regular weather bulletins or travel updates.

Podcasts range from highly produced shows recorded in professional studios by major broadcasters to rough and ready homemade shows recorded on a laptop in someone’s bedroom. If you have a computer and an internet connection, you can make a podcast, making it one of the most democratic mediums around. Is it time to see what all the fuss is about?

How much do podcasts cost?

Nothing! Most podcasts are absolutely free, which makes them one of the most accessible forms of entertainment around. Many of the larger podcasts will feature adverts and some offer access to extra content or early access to episodes for a small fee, but 99% of podcasts are available for you to listen to on demand for nothing at all. There are literally millions of hours of top quality content out there for you to explore – so what’s stopping you?!

So how do I listen to a podcast?

The Spotify and Acast apps are available on all smart phones and other devices and cover a wide variety of podcasts. If you’re an iPhone user then the Apple Podcasts app should already be on your phone. The same applies for the Google Podcasts app on Android phones. Within these apps you can search for and subscribe to shows. When you subscribe, the latest episodes will be downloaded to your phone without you having to seek them out.

The Spotify app also allows you to scan codes that take you directly to the relevant podcast. You can use the Audible app to listen to Audible original podcasts.

If you prefer, you can also listen to podcasts on your computer. Use the Spotify desktop application (which is also available in your browser) or the Audible Cloud Player. 

Alternatively you can use iTunes or go direct to the website of the podcast you want to listen to. Finally, you can use your home smart speakers as a way to listen too. Just ask them to play you a podcast and go from there!

Which podcast should I listen to first?

If you’re a new podcast listener, you might be overwhelmed by the amount of podcasts on offer. But don’t worry, we’ve all asked ourselves “where do I start?” and that’s why we’re here! Our magazine is a great way of learning about the podcast landscape. Every week we also update the Pod Bible playlist on the Acast app to include a selection of shows form the latest magazine.

You can also find a podcast about your interests with some of our curated lists. Adam has pulled together 13 Football Podcasts to listen to in 2021, or you could start with the Best Sex & Relationships Podcasts. Scroobius Pip gave us 5 Solo Podcasts you need and you can find Stu’s 5 of the best Music Podcasts here.

You could check out some of the podcasts your favourite celebrities listen to with our For The Love of Pod series. And if you want to get ahead of the game, our New This Month editorial pulls together the most interesting new series and seasons every month. Or if you want to narrow it down a bit, our Where To Start articles give you an entry point to some of the most popular podcasts you must listen to.

But the very first podcast you must listen to is – of course – the Pod Bible podcast! It is the podcast podcast where podcasters talk to podcasters about podcasts and podcasting. Does it get anymore meta? The show is mostly hosted by editor Adam Richardson, but will occasionally feature the other founders of Pod Bible, Stu Whiffen and Scroobius Pip.

You can follow Pod Bible on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe to the podcast on ACAST, SPOTIFY, APPLE PODCASTS or ELSEWHERE. And drop us an email if you liked this article info@podbiblemag.com.

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The Blindboy Podcast

Each week plastic bag mask wearing Blindboy (one half of musicians and comedians The Rubberbandits) picks a topic to share his views or self declared “hot takes“ on… which may well sound unbearable, but what unfolds is always a strangely relaxing, history laden exploration of the widest range of topics from one of the best minds, and voices, in podcasting. LISTEN NOW >>

Say Your Mind

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. Say Your Mind sees Kelechi express her thoughts and views each week in the way they are best delivered: unfiltered. LISTEN NOW >>

The Sarah Silverman Podcast

Huge, established names jumping on the podcast band wagon can annoy some of the veterans of the scene… but when award winning comedian Sarah Silverman launched her podcast in 2020 she quickly became undeniable for her reasoned, rational and hilarious takes on the issues that she encounters in her day to day life, or that her listeners put to her. LISTEN NOW >>

Have You Heard George’s Podcast?

At this stage, what more can be said about George the Poet’s amazing offerings in the podcast world? They have won plaudits and awards left right and centre… and deserved every one of them. A mixture of storytelling, music and fiction builds a world of insight and art. LISTEN NOW >>

The Rob Auton Daily Podcast

In 2020, poet, comedian & Yorkshireman Rob Auton put out a podcast every single day. With durations tending to fall somewhere between 3 – 15 minutes these little nuggets of poetry, comedy and just wonderful thought are the ultimate binge podcast. LISTEN NOW >>

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Scroobius Pip founded Pod Bible magazine alongside Stu Whiffen and Adam Richardson back in February of 2019 but is best known as a podcaster, actor, rapper and label boss. His podcast Distraction Pieces began in 2014 and continues to deliver fascinating conversations week in, week out. Pip runs the company with Stu and Adam and contributes regularly to the magazine and Pod Bible Podcast. Head to Scroobiuspip.co.uk for more, and follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Have you listened to these solo podcasts? Or do you think we missed a podcast? Let us know on Twitter, or send us an email info@podbiblemag.com.

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When my own commute to work was shortened from an hour on a train down to the 30 second walk from my bedroom to my home office, with it went my traditional time for enjoying podcasts. As I began to adjust to my lifestyle in quarantine, what I definitely did not expect were for podcasts to fill a void, a sense of loneliness that I (nor probably anyone else) was prepared to handle. I may never be able to thank enough the hosts of the shows that got me through 2020, who went with me on my daily walks, who spoke quietly to me when the existential dread snuck in at night, who joined me for my morning coffee when I wasn’t quite ready to open a computer yet. I wish I could offer them something more than gratitude, but gratitude is all this year has left me with.

10. Reply All

The day I received word that my office was closed until further notice, I was in the car with my dog heading back to New York for a family emergency unrelated to the emergency the world was currently spiraling into. A dear friend calmly listened to me panic-pack my car and my request for something to listen to on my six-hour car ride and sent me Reply All’s episode 158, “The Case of the Missing Hit”. This mind-boggling journey to discover how a listener has been singing a 90’s song no one knows or has ever heard of for most of his life. “This is wild,” I thought on March 12th. Frankly, I had no idea HOW wild.

9. The Last Bohemians

I’d written about my unabashed love of the first series of The Last Bohemians and the brilliance of Kate Hutchinson towards the end of 2019. So I was thrilled that Series 2 carried me over into the first month of quarantine, sharing stories of extraordinary women who had overcome obstacles, including society’s expectations of them to lead the kind of wild, beautiful lifestyle I’d always dreamt of having myself. A programme like Bohemians also helped to keep my imagination running at a time when it started to feel hard to picture a world outside of the nightmare of the virus.

8. Tuesday Night Jaw

In May, I wrote about how proud I was to see my friend Matt Richards taking over for Jim Smallman on the wrestling-focused Distractions Pieces Network show. (Side note: Matt now works with Tony Jameson on something called Football Manager Therapy, which I love even though I have no earthly idea what they’re talking about.) What Matt did with the show was wonderful, and what Kirsty Bosley has done since she took over from Matt is equally delightful and so important in the wake of the #SpeakingOut movement in wrestling. While I’ve distanced myself from wrestling as a whole for personal reasons, TNJ remains a powerful program and a beacon of positivity for an industry trying desperately to find its way to rebirth after a powerful awakening this past summer.

7. The Streets Will Remember

There’s nothing I love more than a quality recommendation, and at a time when I thought “what if I never make new friends ever again because I can’t leave my house”, a coworker introduced me to Justin and Hani’s show The Streets Will Remember, discussing some of the greatest players in football history. The way they discuss a sport notorious for a fandom that can often be gatekeeper-y is so welcoming and refreshing. Tuning in every week to two friends bantering about the footballer of the week and making lists lead me to explore more of my own fandom and kept me company during some boiling late summer days.

6. Distraction Pieces

It would be really strange if I didn’t mention Scroobius Pip and his Distraction Pieces podcast. I’ve been listening to Pip’s show for years now, so it feels more like Podcast Zero for me; when I need to center myself, I know I can count on this show to deliver. Not only did Pip manage to have an insane year of guests even in lockdown, but his back catalogue is so deep even long-time fans like me still have things to discover. And his intros and outros (or his Films of the Year podcasts, which are just him speaking to his listeners) really help combat the loneliness and feel like a friend is just chatting about their life and the world.

5. Modern Love

I am a sucker for a good story – romantic, sad, surprising, haunting – I love them all. Modern Love has a great format with well-known voices reading the stories of everyday people. My favorites are the stories of redemption, of love lost and found, of people who come back together or find one another later in life. It helps to give hope, especially at a time when it’s easy to feel like there is no future because you can’t see beyond your current circumstances. There will always be an “and then”, and Modern Love is the perfect way to remind ourselves of that.

4. About Race with Reni Eddi-Lodge

Back in June, a lot of people were participating in what’s being called “performative antiracism”, posting black squares on Instagram and skipping all of the necessary education in order to rewire yourself to interact differently with the world around you and change your own awareness. While I did first experience About Race at that time, I find myself revisiting those nine episodes because they are so well-crafted as audio and the lessons within them are worth reminding ourselves of repeatedly: whether our televisions and Twitter feeds are reflecting them or not. The work continues, and it’s important to check back in from time to time.

3. David Tennant Does a Podcast With…

I’m not going to lie, I adore David Tennant. He’s a brilliant actor and the first series of his podcast was so much fun to experience. Series two was such a treat, coming toward the end of the year just as quarantine exhaustion was setting in for me. None of David’s interviews are the same, as his relationship to each guest is different and their own stories vary widely. But even the people I wasn’t expecting to connect with offered me things to think about – and he wrapped 2020 with a brilliant chat with another favorite of mine, Neil Gaiman, and there is nothing wrong with that!

2. Switched on Pop

I’ve already mentioned I love a recommendation and this one came from a friend in the music industry. I just wanted something to keep me company on my walks as the weather got colder, something to motivate me to keep moving. She noted that Vox’s pop music exploration podcast had an old episode about The Sunscreen Song which I might enjoy (being the everything-90’s enthusiast I am) and she was dead right. Every episode of this show I try (and I have gotten into the habit of trying them at random) has surprised and informed me. My walks go by so quickly because of my audio companions that I’ve now started walking even longer just to keep listening.

1. GIANT

There was really no other choice for my number 1 podcast of 2020. GIANT has been my inspiration this year to keep making things, whether I’m writing or podcasting or helping someone else with their passion project. The quality and inventiveness of each episode of this show carries it beyond being a “football” podcast. If you love podcasts and great audio, you will love GIANT, and it will likely help you want to create wonderful things for others (or maybe just yourself!) to enjoy. And if it can do that, its value is immeasurable.

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Jordan Rizzieri is a writer and producer based in New York. You can listen to her I Never Told You What I Do For A Living podcast, or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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