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.

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You can see why: people still love true crime, scammers and freaky horror-thrillers about creepy people, and it’s very handy for TV producers and commissioners that podcasters have done some of the legwork for them. But there’s something about the intimacy of podcasting as a medium that can make the whole thing more satisfying to listen to. Often, interviewees on podcasts are talking about their experiences publicly for the first time, and there’s an immediacy and vulnerability to that, which makes it compelling listening. Podcasters get all the time they need to luxuriate in nuance and detail, and give the story they’re telling the space it needs to be told. So, we’ve pulled together seven of the best podcasts that have been adapted for TV right here.

Limetown

This scripted fiction pod was made into a show starring Stanley Tucci and Jessica Biel, which was perhaps unfairly cancelled after a single season, so if you want the full, creepy, atmospheric story of what’s going on at a neuroscience research centre in Tennessee. A 911 call draws police to the gates, but the facility stays locked – until three days later, when a pyre and a dead body are found, and 300 people are missing. Investigative reporter Lia Haddock goes on the hunt for clues. Listen now >>

Dr Death

The first series of this one was a proper blockbuster that told the story of Christopher Duntsch, a doctor who presented himself as a wunderkind of neurosurgery but who injured 31 people and killed two with his procedures. Later series looked at a chemotherapy-mad oncologist and a fraudulent thoracic surgeon who kept experimenting with synthetic tracheas. It’s properly nightmarish stuff, explored with a level of creeping dread and alarm which will stay with you. Listen now >>

Dirty John

If Dr Death was a blockbuster, the LA Times’ Dirty John was the Star Wars to its Jaws, the Avengers: Endgame to its Titanic. Debra Newell met John Michael Meehan on an online dating website, and he seemed like a catch: charming, good looking, had his life together. But Meehan was not the man he appeared to be. To say too much would ruin the whole thing, but it’s a twisty, deeply unpredictable story which reaches a wild climax which, depending on your view, will feel either like just desserts or a frustrating chance at justice missed. Listen now >>

Song Exploder

For a podcast that felt like the kind of thing only podcasting could do justice to – musicians breaking down the process of writing and recording their biggest hits, stripping down a song to its bare bones before putting it back together again – the TV version that turned up on Netflix did it great justice. Whereas the Netflix series has two seasons, pretty much everyone’s been on the podcast over more than 250 podcast episodes, from Foo Fighters to Sampha and Paramore to New Order. Listen now >>

Lore

Another one that tickles whatever part of your brain it is that likes sitting around a campfire listening to spooky stories, Lore tells true tales which lean toward the unsettling, the inexplicable and the mordaunt. There’s a delicacy and strange power to host Aaron Mahnke’s coolly underplayed narration, which makes the stranger-than-fiction stories all the more bone-chilling. The Amazon Prime series based on it looked at lobotomies, werewolves and haunted houses. Listen now >>

The Shrink Next Door

Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd and Kathryn Hahn all starred in the Apple TV+ adaptation of this psychological thriller of a true story about a psychiatrist who manages to inveigle his way into his clients’ lives and help himself to anything he likes. The tone isn’t quite true crime; it’s more like a relationship drama, with celebrity shrink ‘Ike’ Herschkopf and his biddable subject Marty Markowitz becoming bound tighter and tighter together over years of manipulation. Listen now >>

Can I Tell You a Secret?

Netflix has just announced an adaptation of Sirin Kale’s investigation into a mystery that gripped Northwich in the mid-noughties. Over a decade, dozens of apparently random women were sent the same message: “can I tell you a secret?” This mysterious person would then spread rumours of infidelities, which spiralled into real life fights and fall-outs. Kale tries to find the cyberstalker at the centre of it all, and speaks to the women whose lives he made a misery. In the end, things are far more complicated than they seem. Listen now >>

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But maybe you’re looking to get some metal, punk, hip hop and ska into your earholes. These are some of my favourite alternative music podcasts – bonus points for diversity in music culture!

Shout Louder

Originally an online punk magazine, founder Sarah Williams added the Shout Louder Punk Podcast to her repertoire of projects. She brings ‘the view from down the front,’ for those of us missing the mosh pit right now. Check out the recent live episode if you want to see if Robin Leitch from Random Hand and Dani Rascal from Faintest Idea can resolve their differences over a game of thumb war. Listen now >>

Hell Bent for Metal

Just as it is refreshing to hear female voices finally from the punk and metal scene, it is also invigorating to hear those from the LGBTQIA+ community. This weekly podcast will grab you from episode one, adorably entitled Gay Satanic Love Songs. Hell Bent for Metal gives you the LGBTQIA+ perspective on metal, and metal moments that have touched this community, and of course, lots and lots of Rob Halford (the Judas Priest frontman who, for an age and a half, seemed like the only gay metaller). Listen now >>

The Bridge: 50 Years of Hip Hop

This podcast makes it to the list because of the undeniable influences and amazing collaborations between the worlds of hip hop and rock. Who doesn’t love Walk this Way (Run DMC/Aerosmith)? Or Numb/Encore (Jay Z/Linkin Park)?! Hosted by Nas (one of the greatest 90s rappers) and Asian American journalist Miss Info, and with guests such as Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Mary J. Blige, Cypress Hill and Salt-N-Pepa, this podcast is a nostalgic walk through the 90s on the path that hip hop took from underground resistance genre to worldwide phenomenon. Listen now >>

That’s Not Metal

Although the title of this podcast puts me in mind of those guys who demand you name three songs of the band whose t-shirt you’re wearing to prove you’re a real fan, this podcast is anything but toxic masculinity. For a start, their occasionally changing line up of hosts includes the wonderful Sam, the non-binary metal fan. Launched in the early era of podcasts (yes, all the way back in 2015), it is the perfect place for honest album and festival reviews. Don’t know where to start out of their 435 episodes and counting? Try one of their annual Albums of the Year episodes. Listen now >>

The Dummy Room

With a Ramones-style theme tune and a tagline referencing veterans Screeching Weasel, it is clear off the bat that you are going to get some classic, 3-chord, fast-paced punk from this podcast. As hosts Jody and Nate play full songs (sure they are punk songs, so on average about 1:28 mins long), this podcast feels more like listening to a pirate radio station. Discover your next favourite underground punk band, support their work by buying their merch and look super cool at your next gig/embarrass your kids at the next parent’s evening. Listen now >>

Ska UK

If you love when metal and ska meet, treat yourself to Play Some Ska by Random Hand. Yes, that’s the second Random Hand mention, and yes, I might be obsessed with them. But also, check out this podcast. Hosts Lester and Sandra wrap up all the ska music, culture and fashion each month and tie it up with a bow in the form of musical interludes, again making it sound more like a radio station. There have been no episodes in 2023, so let’s hope this isn’t the end of ska in the UK. Listen now >>

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Now with more than sixty episodes in the back-catalogue, Claire has found success as a solo podcaster, with nominations for the International Women’s Podcast Awards and recently with features on the Amazon Music app. We caught up with Claire to ask her all about it…

Creativity Found has been listed as 10 Inspiring Indies in a featured list on Amazon Music in the US – how do you feel?

Excited that people who may not have otherwise come across the podcast might now find it, and also proud that some clever people at Amazon think its worthy of being highlighted and promoted this way. I know its worthy, but it’s always nice to know someone else thinks so too.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

Bear Brook from New Hampshire Public Radio. It’s a true crime series. I still listen to a lot of true crime, shows about cults, and podcasts about podcasts and podcasting.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

Because I realized I could. I accidently went on an online workshop about using Anchor, which I don’t use, that showed me that I could audio edit and produce something good. I had been speaking to people in general about returning to an artistic endeavour after time away for whatever reason, and thought it was an interesting topic to explore. And it is! And other people want to hear about it too, so two years down the line and I am booking guests six months in advance.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

I am inspired by my new podcast buddies that I have met since starting, in particular all the indies doing absolutely everything themselves, as I do. Podcasts with similar themes to Creativity Found are More Than Work by Rabiah Coon and The Second Chapter by Kristin Duffy. Clare Murigande’s Narratives of Purpose is really interesting, and Zoe Langley-Wathen’s Head Right Out is about outdoor adventuring, which is NOT something I do but great to hear how other people do it. I was very impressed with the production of Conning the Con by Sarah Ferris. She has done more shows now but for a first series it was very skilful.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

All of my guests so far are dreams, and I love them all equally! I did ask Johnny Vegas to come on. He talked on Grayson’s Art Club about using Naomi Woolf’s book The Beauty Myth as influence for his final show at uni, and I used it for my dissertation. I was at a crime writer’s event recently and asked author Clare Macintosh and the rest of the panel a question – I was very nervous. I managed to make it relevant to the podcast and asked Clare if she’d like to be a guest – she used to be a police officer. That one may actually happen, which is exciting.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?

That I like people! I always thought I was a bit of a lone bird, but I love meeting new people and having a good chat.

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

My guests cover all disciplines of the arts, so you might choose to hear from a photographer if photography is something you’re interested in, for example. There’s also an element of the emotions of an episode. If you are in the mood for something touching and emotional, I would recommend the episodes with Lou Hamilton, Leanne Tibiatowski, Andrea Carter Brown or Anna Lovind. For something more light-hearted, I’d suggest Maxyne Ryan, Tara L Lacey or Rabiah Coon.

Listen to Creativity Found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and other popular podcast apps. 

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Even if they don’t quite fit the criteria for my favourite shows, there’s a variety of hip hop related podcast that are most definitely worth a mention. They are either very new, or don’t exactly fit the Hip Hop podcast criteria, but they are doing great work and deserve celebrating!

Wax Poetics

Hosts: Andria Lislie and Matt Rogers

This is an artistic and creative podcast, that chucks in samples and cuts up the hosts talking. If you’re new to Wax Poetics, they are one of the most trusted sources of written media surrounding hip hop. Their vast knowledge and deep love of music has led to them being ambassadors of the scene. After a long absence from the scene, the team ran a successful crowdfunding campaign to relaunch the magazine in physical and digital form, seeing them enter the world of podcasts. Just like with the sequels, there’s a benefit to knowing the world of WP, but it’s a great journey. This pod is available on their website and Mixcloud. A brand new podcast for early 2021, it’s well worth keeping this on your radar. Listen now >>

Questlove Supreme

Hosts: Questlove, Phonte, Boss Bill, Laiya, Suga Steve, Unpaid Bill

This is a different kind of podcast, bridging the gap between interviews and group chat shows, think Drink Champs meets Letterman!
There’s an organic feel to this show which draws you in. It’s not just about the guest, it’s about Quest and his team, which is a stellar like up in itself. It’s an old one, but suggestion as to where to start would be the Q-Tip episode, as I it gives you a sense of what the show is all about. Listen now >>

Who We Be talks

Hosts: Henrie Kwushue and Harry Pinero (formerly DJ Semtex)

Recently revamped, Who We Be is a strong brand within the podcast community. As an official Spotify podcast, it has a defined structure and flow. On a personal level, I preferred DJ Semtex as a host, as he was much more embedded within the scene, and had personal relationships with the artists, which led to some profound interviews. A stand out episode being his interview with Common which led to the Chi Town MC talking incredibly openly and honestly with him due to their longstanding affiliation. The new format sees Henrie, a former Reprezent DJ and Harry, a Stormzy affiliated host join a variety of guests from the emerging UK rap scene. The podcast is filmed and available on a wide variety of platforms. Listen now >>

Big Rap Cookbook

Hosts: Fatty & Booda French

This is a passion led podcast, fusing hip hop and food. The duo created a book of the same name that explores some of Hip Hop’s most respected artists in the scene. They find connections between the artists and their culinary interests and dig deep to find out how food has inspired their music. The limited edition books had a huge buzz around them which prompted the beginnings of the podcast. It’s a simple yet unusual concept and works really well with some great guests. Standouts include Last Skeptik, Masta Ace and Juga-naut. Listen now >>

Sneakernomics

Hosts: DJ Ace & Nicholas Smith

BBC Sounds offer possibly the most in depth sneaker history podcast to date. This pod series mixes truth with imagined history, with voice actors recreating pivotal moments in sneaker history. With Smith’s encyclopedic knowledge of the history of trainers, alongside Ace’s passion and context. Listen now >>

Shotgun The Aux

Hosts: Aidan, Tom and Jake

Through interviews and classic album reviews, the podcast stemmed from a Bournemouth, UK based clothing label. The team have developed a strong online following, and really focus on UK hip hop. It’s a good listen, with some hosts who are passionate about exploring their scene. Stand out guests include Chester P, Mac Lloyd, Genesis Elijah and a vast range of UK hip hop luminaries. Listen now >>

Legacy podcasts

The following podcasts either no longer run or are no longer running in their original form, but they’re hugely influential to the world of hip hop podcasts so they need to be in the mix here.

Microphone Check

Hosts: Ali Shaheed Mohammed and Frankie Kelly

With the last episode launched in 2019, this is now a legacy podcast, but the guest list is stellar! Starting as an NPR show, it’s hosted by the legendary Ali Shaheed Mohammed of A Tribe Called Quest alongside Frankie Kelly. The hosts are both deep within the hip hop scene, and often their guests are friends, previous collaborators or similar, allowing for in depth conversations that span complex and at points challenging topics. The hosts aren’t scared to ask challenging questions, and the production on the show is flawless. Some of their guests are very rarely interviewed, which added to the mystique of Microphone Check. Guests include Mac Miller, Raphael Saadiq, Talib Kweli and a real mixture of other hip hop / music luminaries. Listen now >>

The Combat Jack show

Hosts: Reggie Osse

One of the original Hip Hop show, hosted by the former editor of The Source Magazine. Reggie (aka Combat Jack) was the go to for all things hip hop, with a near on encyclopedic knowledge of the scene. His show was in depth, well produced, and highly respected. The show also had a TV version on Complex. Reggie’s death in 2017 rocked the hip hop world, and many current shows still cite the Combat Jack Show as an influence. Listen now >>

NB: Reggie was the host of the Gimlet produced Mogul, a series base podcast that dug deep into hip hop. Each season focuses on a particular time in the genre and the wider impact on the creative communities.

The Cipher

Host: Shawn Setaro

Shawn is a great host and also a talented podcast producer, If his name is attached to a project it’s well worth checking out. Ending in 2019, the podcast had over 200 episodes, all interview focused, with true Hip Hop royalty. Having been immersed in the scene for a long time, Shawn knows his stuff, and really delves into the guest’s motivations and history. Listen now >>

Juan EP

Hosts: Peter Rosenberg and cipha sounds

Seen by many as the original hip hop podcast, these guys have created a die hard audience, including live shows.  Listen now >>

Book Of Rhymes

Host: Donwill

Donwill is a member of Tanya Morgan (who are great by the way!), and is also an aspiring comedian. This natural and laid back podcast has a range of guests with a common theme of exploration and self development through rhyme. Listen now >>

Let The Record Show

Hosts: Mike Pizzo and Warren Peace

The last episode of this pod was October 2020, so the hope is that it’s coming back Post-Covid. The format for this show is great, and visually stimulating alongside the sonics. The hosts sit around a turntable with their guest, having found vinyl version, often rare copies, of their guests favourite and most influential music. They then proceed to play the track in the background whilst their guest talks through the record and why they like it, often finding ways to link back to their own musical journey and collaborations. The format works well, and there’s interesting mix of guests, not just focusing on hip hop, more focusing on great music irrespective of genres. Listen now >>

Vice beats started making podcasts about hip hop in 2009, a show called Basement Sessions, and since then has hosted a number of radio shows, been a journalist in various forms, and hosted the Wordplay Podcast. His most recent venture is a podcast called Diggin’ The Crates alongside Dutch blog The Find.

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It’s fair to say that all musical tastes, no matter how far reaching, can be served through podcasts and that includes the arena of Hip Hop. BUT…. let’s be clear here, there’s a big difference in approaches to the music covered within Hip Hop podcasts. If you’re looking for a show to accompany your particular passion for the genre, this extensive (yet far from exhaustive) list offers an insight to some better known – and some more hidden gems – within the realm of Hip Hop podcasts.

Hip Hop Saved My Life

Hosts: Romesh Ranganathan & Rumaj

This is a long running and well known podcast, in which Romesh has used his comedic clout to connect the podcast to Comic Relief (alongside the Horn Section), and secured some stellar guests including internationally renowned names like Chuck D, DJ Shadow, DJ Premier and so many more, alongside some of the UK’s hip hop royalty. The thing that makes this show brilliant, and somewhat unsurprisingly, is the comedic element. The hosts have a seriously in depth knowledge of the genre and scene, and use the platform to speak to comedians, producers, radio presenters, DJs, MCs and simply fans. It’s an easy listen, and they are natural interviewers with great charisma. Don’t rely on this pod to be weekly, as part of the allure is that new batches of episodes arrives whenever the duo are ready, but trust me, they’re well worth the wait! Be sure to check out Romesh’s radio show – For The Love Of Hip Hop on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds Listen now >>

Breaking Atoms

Hosts: Chris Mitchell (Kinetik) & Sumit

This is a highly respected pod by two hosts who make a living from the creation of podcasts, so with that knowledge alone you know the audio is going to be on point! Sumit and Chris are long standing and respected members of the UK hip hop scene, and coming from two different standpoints as an MC alongside a PR / journalist, the show’s stance is to pay respect where due and dig deep into the history and grounding of their guests. Typically lasting about an hour, it’s all talk, with well researched questions, and guests often wanting to continue the conversation. The hosts are enthusiastic, professional, and charming, and with guests including Pete Rock, Statik Selektah and Marco Polo alongside some interviews from Sumit’s crates with Nas, Lupe Fiasco and more, the pod really started taking shape mid last year when the format was really locked down and the duo’s guest list really started to fly. Their Jay-z series – Brooklyn’s Finest: The Making Of Reasonable Doubt flew up the worldwide podcast charts, and sees the duo working at stellar levels of production, matching that of Spotify’s own music documentaries. Listen now >>

DadBodRapPod

Hosts: Dem One, David Ma, Nate LeBlanc

These guys are great. There’s something very wholesome about this pod. The San Jose based hosts are so positive alongside having a deep knowledge of hip hop. With the team including journalist David Ma, the guests are often asked incisive and well crafted questions. This pod is great for connecting dots in the scene, and often finding interviews with artists who you may not have heard of, but on investigation finding that they are firmly rooted within the scene and connected in many ways. With a solid format, and the show always starting with the hosts catching up, this show serves as a celebration of the scene, and it’s easy to get sucked into the conservations. Listen now >>

Crate 808

Host: Kambi Thandi

Possibly one of the most passionate podcasts around, the intros include a very well researched and constructed rhyme all about the guest in question. Kambi Thandi has been developing Crate 808 for a number of years, and has really found his stride. This is a 90s centric show, with a mixture of formats including interviews, guest panels, mailbag sessions. video and audio features and more alongside exclusive Patreon content breaking down classic hip hop albums. Kambi has some great guests, and has a natural and inquisitive nature, which sees guests like Pharoah Monch returning regularly. Well worth a listen. Listen now >>

Take It Personal

Hosts: DJ 360, Jason Gloss, Aaron Wade, Kevlar and Roger The Announcer

This podcast makes a bold statement that they are the best hip hop show, which of course is very divisive. They definitely have the trapping of being one the best out there. Their guests are always of an incredibly high standard, and they have managed to talk to some of Hip Hop’s royalty who very rarely give interviews, including the legendary Black Thought. The Philaflava crew’s gem is DJ 360, who offers up incredibly well researched and constructed mixes, featuring a wide range of cultural references. They are long and always great to listen to. One sticking point is that the team are dead set on the golden era (as described by the hosts) to the point of saying that they don’t like new hip hop, although they do occasionally play newer music. Some of the best episodes to check out to get you started include: Black Thought, the MF Doom tributes, DJ Premier and Jeru The Damaja. Listen now >>

Can’t Knock The Shuffle

Host: Sean Kantrowitz

This is a great concept show with an experienced host who really knows his stuff. Sean Kantrowitz uses playlists to randomly select what songs the guests will talk about, leading to a deep dive into songs, albums and memories. The format is simple and perfect, plus Sean has some of hip hop’s more elusive artists, including the incredible Bahamadia and Masta Ace. Listen now >>

The Midnight Miracle

Hosts: Dave Chapelle, Talib Kweli and Yassin Bey

Recorded during 2020 at Dave Chapelle’s Summer Camp in Ohio, this podcast is different, special and offer reflection and insight in an entirely different way to quite frankly any other podcast out there. The production levels are as expected, beautifully and meticulously constructed, with a deep knowledge and love of music. The hosts talk about life lessons, their journeys and their joint love and respect for a variety of musicians. Yassin talks in depth about his journey into hip hop, including meeting Talib Kweli, Amy WInehouse and more. It’s a thought provoking show, and is available on vinyl, which is becoming a new line for podcasts to expand reach. The talks are open, honest and at times the conversations are hard to hear, but this is up there with one of the finest podcasts around, and a definite to add to your playlist. Listen now >>

Bedroom Beethovens

Host: Cello

The hook of Cello’s show is that he explores the 10,000 hours it’s taken artists to get to where they are today. His style is almost investigative, frequently using Nerdwar as a reference point and having at least one question for guests which digs deep into their early career. The guests he chooses are very much producer’s producers. It’s a great list of artists who will be known and respected by hip hop fans who dig deeper into the scene, alongside producers who steer more towards soul, and a smattering of vocalists for good measure! It’s a well produced and constructed podcast, which also has a great website to document the development of the show. Listen now >>

Drink Champs

Hosts: N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN

Basically, two heavyweights within Hip Hop get their guests drunk and talk about Hip Hop, and it’s all filmed and turned into a podcast, oh, and it’s amazing! This show has become the go-to for Hip Hop heads wanting to find out about some of their favourite artists. EFN has a great interview style, twinned with N.O.R.E. passion and direct questioning, it makes for an enjoyable, in depth and at times hilarious deep dive into Rap culture. Listen now >>

NB: DJ EFN also hosts another great podcast called the Father Hoods Podcast alongside KGB and Manny Digital, which is well worth a listen! (there’s only so many podcasts that can be written about in depth here!)

Carhartt – Relevant Parties

Host: Chal Ravens

Launched in 2020, this podcast serves as a deep dive into the motivations and stories of the most influential indie record labels around. With the likes of Jazzy Sport, Stones Throw, Exit and Ninja Tune to name but a few. They are quite traditional interviews, but the stories and the fact that each episode is over an hour in length means you really get to find out all about the labels and the people behind them, Chal engaging the guests along the way with the relaxed demeanour. Listen now >>

Not added….and why!

There’s a few others that haven’t been added here but are worth mentioning:

The Breaks – A radio show rather than a dedicated podcast (but well worth a listen!) (Hosts: Confucius and Fresh) Listen now >>
Bodega Boys – More comedy focused than music, yet a good and bizarre listen. Listen now >>
Broken Record – Not a hip hop podcast! But has some great musical insights. Listen now >>

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And that’s that! There’s still more podcasts out there, and by no means are we saying that they are any less good BUT these podcasts above are the ones that are often referenced in lists and on a personal level, having listened to all of the above regularly, they are well worth listening to. If you’re still hungry for more, be sure to check out the latest season of Diggin’ The Crates on all streaming platforms, with guests including Romesh Ranganathan, J-Live, Marley Marl, Blu, Exile and many more.

Happy listening!

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Vice beats started making podcasts about hip hop in 2009, a show called Basement Sessions, and since then has hosted a number of radio shows, been a journalist in various forms, and hosted the Wordplay Podcast. His most recent venture is a podcast called Diggin’ The Crates alongside Dutch blog The Find.

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Acast: How did Nothing Is Real come to be?

AC: I come from a background of working as a TV producer and have also been producing podcasts and audio content for 12 years. My cousin, Jason Carty and a friend Steven Cockcroft are immense Beatles fans and are The Beatles Brains of Ireland. They are both massive music fans with a considerable and encyclopaedic knowledge of The Beatles. They had been wondering about doing a podcast for a while about The Beatles. I suggested coming into the studio, do a demo episode, see how it goes. That was almost 4 years ago so it clearly went well and continues to grow.

Can you tell us about some of the highlights of the last six seasons?

For my part, I love producing and recording the show, and being a reluctant contributor from time to time and seeing how its grown and taken on a life of its own. For Jason and Steven, getting to interview the foremost Beatles historian Mark Lewison in studio was incredible. Working with Disney+ and getting exclusive pre-release access to the Beatles ‘Get Back’ documentary, and then doing podcasts around the release was quite something. We’ve created and produced over 100 episodes covering topics as diverse as individual songs, people, & places. A live recording of an episode inside Abbey Road. The only Beatles podcast to have watched every movie made by Ringo Starr. Selling out Dublin’s The Workman’s club for a live episode. And of course, the friends we made along the way. So many highlights.

Why do you think niche music podcasts work so well?

Niche works in any podcast capacity. Niche is best. Narrowing your focus while speaking to individuals with a common interest, is a great way to build a community. It allows you to develop a relationship with your audience. With music, the history, legacy and discography of bands and singer songwriters is so rich and fertile. Interpretations of songs, albums, band breakups, management interference, the individual personalities, music has all the drama you could wish for. The Beatles, for example, did so much in such a short space of time, you sometimes forget what they managed to achieve. We are still finding new things out about them. You only need to look at the Disney+ series, ‘Get Back’. That was over 50 years ago, and it has thrown up so much, we could be discussing that for years to come, guaranteeing your podcast will be completely unique, because there is only one you. Also, don’t hesitate to explore topics you’re passionate about on your podcast. I think listeners can tell and engage way more when a podcaster is diving into topics and conversations that really interest them.

What do you love about podcasting?

The intimacy and immediacy of the media and medium still fascinates and excites me. It’s a malleable form of engagement and entertainment in the way that radio is not. The immersive, on demand, conversational nature of the mode. You can produce evergreen content, it can be ephemeral, it can be free form, work in several genres. I love storytelling and what some individuals and companies have done with podcasting and audio in the last few years transcends the practice. There are existing commercial and creative opportunities available but so much that can be done and developed. Best of all, podcasting is open to anyone. The barrier for entry are non-existent. The content needs to be interesting and output needs to be consistent. One of the first podcasts I ever heard was Arsecast from my good friend Andrew Mangan. His style and flair blew my mind and opened my mind to what was possible with podcasts. That led me to listening to Comedy Bang Bang, which at the start was called Comedy Death Ray Radio. That show and WTF with Marc Maron was an aurally illustrative example of improv comedy and long form interviews respectively and you could do anything you wanted. I was hooked.

What attracted you to releasing additional episodes via Acast+?

Building an audience and a community is difficult in any form of entertainment. With podcasts, it’s not passive. People are making a concentrated effort to voluntarily listen to your show instead of doing anything else. Acast+ offered an opportunity to further engage with our community, reward their loyalty. We can produce even more shows, bonus content, early access and ad free content. For us, it was a no brainer to experiment further with the form and with Acast who we’ve had a great relationship from the beginning of the show.

What can listeners expect to hear on your Acast+ episodes that they wouldn’t normally hear?

We have put up interviews with special guests. We have done extensive deep dives into topics that the fair-weather Beatles fan may find a little too intricate and in the weeds. Back to the niche aspect of podcasts, there is an audience out there for anything. Some people think that these types of things are a cash grab exercise, but I can tell you, from feedback of our subscribers and we know this ourselves, our production, content, and output levels are consistent every time. Any good podcaster will tell you; you must respect your listener’s time. Again, if they take the time, effort, and money to listen and engage with your show, you must value that and respond in kind in a consistent, proactive, and reactive way.

Has Acast+ allowed you to better interact with your listeners?

Absolutely. It’s almost like another parallel world on Acast+. We have huge followings on Facebook (currently 7,000+ on our members page) and Twitter (currently 6,000+ followers). Conversations and comments are always going on regarding shows on Acast+ which leads people to see what they are missing. I know that Acast are developing further ways to engage with Acast+ subscribers which we are really look forward to seeing.

Follow Nothing Is Real on Twitter and Instagram @BeatlesPod. Listen to Nothing Is Real now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps.

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Want to join the UK’s BIGGEST podcast network, alongside Dane Baptiste, Jessie Ware and Adam Buxton? Start podcasting with Acast today! Use the code ACAST-POD-BIBLE for three months of their “Influencer” plan free at acast.com/start-podcasting. 

Do you love Nothing Is Real? Check out these other Beatles podcasts!

The post Talking podcasts with Acast and Nothing Is Real appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Between Disney’s new three-part fly-on-the-studio-wall documentary The Beatles: Get Back, Paul McCartney’s own doc McCartney 3, 2, 1 and an expansive repackage of their last album, Let It Be, there’s been a lot of Beatles about in the last six months.

One of the most remarkable facts of their intensely remarkable story is that The Beatles never really stopped happening in the decades after they broke up. First it was fan conventions, then it was re-releases and TV documentaries. Now it’s the podcasting community that keeps the Beatles conversation going, and one of the best things about this is that they can hurdle the old gatekeepers who tended to tell the band’s story from a strictly blokeish, white perspective.

And there are absolutely loads of Beatles podcasts too. Here you’ll find new perspectives and under-examined angles on the story, which Derek Taylor, the band’s publicist, called “the 20th century’s greatest romance”.

Nothing is Real

The connoisseur’s choice, and a popular podcast in its own right even outside of the Beatles pod pool. Jason Carty and Steven Cockroft are Beatles aficionados – they’ve won the Beatles Brains of Ireland quiz before now – without ever getting anorak-y or losing sight of the fundamental magic of the story. Best of all, they zero in on particular moments and eras to pull out forgotten details, as well as recontextualising the big story beats. They’ve also watched the cinematic oeuvre of Ringo so you don’t have to. Listen elsewhere >>

I am the Eggpod

Host Chris Shaw wanders through a different Beatles or post-split solo work chosen by a guest. It’s a great example of the way that Beatles podcasts have helped to make sure the conversation isn’t just a bunch of middle aged white guys talking over each other – Another Kind of Mind is particularly good on that front. It’s like Desert Island Discs, but everyone always chooses the Beatles, talks about the Beatles, and picks the Beatles for their single luxury item. Listen elsewhere >>

Beatles Books

If you were intimidated by the amount of Beatles podcasts out there, don’t look at how big the pile of Beatles books is. Joe Wisbey has read most of them – he’s got a collection of more than 400 – and on this one he talks to authors about their work on the band and fans about the books which brought them into the swirl of different interpretations, agendas and vendettas which the Beatles publishing industry entails. Listen elsewhere >>

Winter of Discontent

Even if you’re a longstanding Beatles fan, there’s always something you’ve not heard. Few are dedicated enough to have listened to all of the audio reels which recorded the band working out songs for the Get Back project in January 1969, known to fans as the Nagra tapes. Fortunately, Nick Anthony has, and he’s chopped out the best bits and provided commentary on a window into the band at a particularly fractured and fascinating time. Listen elsewhere >>

Your Own Personal Beatles

Another guest-led one, but unlike Eggpod this one’s mainly about how the Beatles made them feel as a whole and the role they’ve played in the guest’s life rather than any particular album. The guests have been a mix of comedians, musicians and writers – including the likes of Shaparak Khorsandi, Jon Ronson and Mae Martin, who has a ‘Dig a Pony’ tattoo – and hosts Jack Pelling and Robin Allender bring their own musical insights too. Listen elsewhere >>

Beatles City

Sad as it is, the Beatles’ story is rapidly passing out of living memory. The Liverpool Echo’s podcast series began as an attempt to get interviews with people who remembered the band’s early days on record, from sweaty Cavern Club lunchtime gigs to the very day that John and Paul met. Since then it’s branched out into chats with authors, including Craig Brown about his excellent One, Two, Three, Four – and visits to important Beatle landmarks around Liverpool. Listen elsewhere >>

Bonus updates!

[ed. Following quite the discussion on Twitter, Tom sent us over some bonus Beatles pods to add to the list!]

Another Kind of Mind

One of the great things about the Beatle-podcasting ecosystem is that it’s coincided with a flowering of radically new perspectives on the band and, particularly, the relationships between the four Fabs. Another Kind of Mind is especially sharp and expansive on that theme. Phoebe Lorde, Daphne Mitchell and Thalia Reynolds bring a literate, empathetic perspective to all aspects of the band’s history – their five-part run picking apart the friendship between Lennon and McCartney was particularly good.

One Sweet Dream

Similarly deeply researched and keen to challenge the received wisdom of Beatles lore, Diana Erickson and AKOM’s Phoebe Lorde’s podcast is another must. Anyone on a post-Get Back jag for intel about the band’s last years and break-up should dig into the dissection of the story about Lennon’s demand for a “divorce” in September 1969. Like Another Kind of Mind, it’s attentive to the subtleties of the band’s emotional states and relationships that feels very fresh.

All About the Girl

From the very beginning in Liverpool, at the Cavern and the Casbah, women and girls were integral to the Beatles story. From the very prominent (Yoko Ono, Linda McCartney) to the quietly pivotal (Bettina Derlien, the Hamburg barmaid who did so much to ), hosts Chloe and Daisy find new angles on the story through unsung women who’ve been there all along.

Producing the Beatles

This one’s been on hiatus for a long while, which is understandable given the amount of work involved, but it’s the one that plays most with the podcast form with its in-studio soundscapes and exploratory sessions with musicians who get the music up on the jacks and have a good root around inside. Using studio tapes, outtakes and bootlegs, Producing the Beatles shows how their songs developed from embryonic doodles to fully fledged masterpieces.

The post 10 of the best The Beatles podcasts appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Celebrating podcasters is a common occurrence, but in this modern world being a solid, grade-A guest is something that needs celebrating. Our Podcast Prophet for issue #007 of the magazine was Kathy Burke.

Let’s not beat around the bush… Kathy Burke is a national treasure. After a long time away from the public gaze, her introduction to social media and resulting leap into the world of podcast guesting has been a joy to behold. With Kathy as a guest you are guaranteed honesty, frankness and either a lot of swearing or one hell of an editing job. The following episodes offer a wide variety of conversations, but be sure to search Kathy’s name in your podcast app to discover even more brilliant guest appearances.

OUT TO LUNCH w/ JAY RAYNER
Kathy Burke // Dec 2019

In the recent surge of food podcasts, Jay Rayner has stood out with his ability to get so much from this guests. In this episode he takes Kathy to Scott’s (the most expensive private dining room in London) and she isn’t in the slightest bit intimidated. Tales of sugar sandwiches and rationed oxo cubes as a child juxtapose beautifully with her comfort in very different surroundings. Listen now on Acast >>

THE ADAM BUXTON PODCAST
Ep.15 & Ep.56 // Kathy Burke // Apr 2016 & Nov 2017

A double dose of Buxton & Burke for your ears? Yes please! After an extensive career overview on Ep.15 Kathy returned for another ramble-chat on Ep.56 where she and Adam discussed the theatre, cringy memories, illness, movies and so much more. As down to Earth and unaffected as ever, both episodes remind us of what a treasure Kathy is.  Listen now on Acast >>

DESERT ISLAND DISCS: 2005-2010
Kathy Burke // Aug 2010

Desert Island Discs is the ultimate music show that isn’t really about the music, and that rings all the truer in podcast form. Kathy’s appearance brings insight into her somewhat troubled upbringing, how punk and an English teacher saved her in different ways and the roles she’s most related to. Oh and arguably the greatest luxury item selection of all time…  Listen now on Acast >>

ALAN DAVIES: AS YET UNTITLED
#CreamCakesAndPernod // Aug 2016

Essentially an audio recording of a TV show, As Yet Untitled brings together four celebrities to discuss anything they like with no plan or agenda. Joining Kathy in this 20 minute episode are Omid Djalili, Alex Horne and Shaun Ryder as well as host Alan Davies. Some may cower when confronted by four big male characters at one table. Not Kathy Burke. Listen now Acast>>

STEP BACK IN TIME w/ RYLAN CLARKE-NEAL
1997 – Kathy Burke // Dec 2018

In Step Back in Time, Rylan Clarke-Neal invites a showbiz pal to go back to a momentous year from the 80s, 90s, or 00s for a celebration of its pop culture highlights. 1997 was the year of choice for Kathy meaning she was able to dicuss her early career (including the origins of Kevin & Perry) before moving on to the Teletubbies, Brit-pop, and the death of Princess Diana. Listen now on Acast>>

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We hope you enjoy these Kathy Burke podcasts. Read more Podcast Prophet articles in the Pod Bible magazine, which you can read online or buy in our shop.

The post Top podcast guest appearances – Kathy Burke appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Song Exploder

Song Exploder is for people that like to know the nuts and bolts. Artists break their songs down to the individual tracks and instruments from a recording, and then tell listeners exactly how a track was made. Host Hrishikesh Hirway asks some of the most well-known musicians in the world about specific decisions that created their most well-known tracks. Hrishikesh actually removes his side of the conversation, so what we hear is a story of how the guests brought their songs to life. Guests include some of the biggest names across all genres: Fleetwood Mac, Billie Eilish, U2, Metallica, Solange, Lorde, Yo-Yo Ma, The Roots, Bon Iver, and more. Listen now on Acast >>

Sodajerker On Songwriting

This show is created and hosted by Simon Barber and Brian O’Connor, otherwise known as the songwriting team Sodajerker.  There are hundreds of episodes devoted to the art and craft of songwriting.  Simon and Brian have interviewed some of the most successful songwriters in the world – from Burt Bacharach talking about bringing songs to life with arrangement, to the one and only Sir Paul McCartney giving us an insight to his process. Listen now on Acast >>

Soundtracking with Edith Bowma‪n

We’ve interviewed Edith Bowman about her passion podcast. In Soundtracking, she sits down with a variety of film directors, actors, producers and composers to talk about the music that inspired them and how they use music in their films, from their current release to key moments in their career. The actual soundtrack is woven into the interview and it’s a really interesting listen. Edith’s spoken to some of the greats: Trent Reznor, Sofia Coppola, Tim Roth, Ben Wheatley and many more. Listen now on Acast >>

Desert Island Discs

Not only is Desert Island Disks a British institution but it’s still one of the best music interview-style podcasts out there. It’s been through a few hosts over the years, but currently Lauren Laverne is in charge. You all know the formula by now: you get eight tracks, a book and a luxury to take to a desert island – what do you choose? Many guests have talked about the soundtrack of their lives, including Ricky Gervais, Yoko Ono, Bruce Springsteen, Dame Judi Dench and so many more… the back-catalogue goes back to the 1970s! Listen now on Acast >>

Off The Beat And Track

I couldn’t complete the list without shouting about my own podcast, could I? It’s released through fellow Pod Bible co-founder Scroobius Pip’s Distraction Pieces Network and for each episode, I ask my guest to pick seven songs which have sound tracked their own creative journey. We hear what the songs mean to them, and what they are reminders of, from growing up to their clubbing days and so much more. I have spoken to some fantastic guests including Foo Fighters, Motley Crue, Idles, Fatboy Slim, Suede, Chic, Sleaford Mods andPublic Enemy. Listen now on Acast >> 

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Do you agree with Stu’s choices? Let us know on Twitter, or get in touch at info@podbiblemag.com if you want to recommend your own top 5 music podcasts.

The post Stu Whiffen’s top 5 music podcasts appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

My name is Edith Bowman and this particular podcast is called Play Next, in partnership with BMW and it’s about music. We play fantastic new music, speak to exciting artists and also start conversations with various names form the industry about topical, interesting subject. From the future of festivals to how best to collaborate.

What’s the first podcast you ever listened to?

Probably Adam Buxton, the god of podcasts.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

Well I started with my own podcast, Soundtracking about 4 years ago and immediately loved the connection it had with an audience and with it being independent, I was in charge and could choose who my guests were. With Play Next, I had a very similar experience in that I was fully involved in choosing music and guests and undertaking the interviews. There was no agenda, it was about the quality of music and guests.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

To be totally honest I don’t have that many that I religiously listen to, I have a few but what I love about the podcast world is how helpful it is for me with work and research. I can have access to dozens of interviews with guests and it’s such a fantastic opportunity.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

For Soundtracking John Williams and Martin Scorsese and for Play Next it would be amazing to speak with Sia, she doesn’t do much and I would love to talk to her about songwriting.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?

Anything is possible.

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

All of them. Each one is different but they all strive to do the same job of promoting and exposing music fans to amazing new music and having interesting, entertaining conversations.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

Find out more about me at edithbowman.com. You can stream Play Next, in partnership with BMW, on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all other major platforms.

The post Introduction to Play Next podcast appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Pod Bible: Who are you and what’s your podcast about?
Matt Hoss: My name is Matt Hoss, I’m a Stand-up Comedian, Broadcaster and I’m the host of Castival. Castival is the podcast where I bring on famous guests to pitch their dream music festival line-up. It’s joyous, warm and silly, but it also has room for deep conversations about music and discussions on why we’re passionate about the things that we love.

PB: What’s the first podcast you ever listened to?
MH: If I recall correctly, I believe it was Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (I believe the cool kids call it “RHLSTP”). I was (and still am) a massive Richard Herring fan, and I loved his stand-up shows and slowly migrated to his flagship podcast. Richard has a beautiful duality of being ridiculous and puerile, but incredibly sweet and articulate when appropriate (which is rarely). He is a brilliant comedian, interviewer and his output is phenomenal. I can’t thank him enough for getting me hooked on podcasts.

PB: Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?
MH: I love the punk nature of podcasts, it appeals with the type of comedy I like to do. The idea that anyone can record and broadcast anything, is pretty wonderful, and it means that you can tap into utterly bespoke interests.

I started Castival because I wanted a space to express my long and nuanced relationship with live music, talking with humour to amazing people about all aspects of it. I think it allows us to subtly discover more about the biography of a person and their thoughts, through their cultural recommendations. We can chat about the good and the bad times. I wanted Castival to be a platform to chat with guests who think and feel similarly to me about music and live performance, and to broadcast that to people who share a similar wavelength. It creates a community of people which I absolutely love. 

PB: Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?
MH: So many. My comedy persona was heavily inspired from the wit and guile of Pappy’s Flatshare, which really helped me become a very engaging, risk-taking and, ultimately, a very joyful comic (and a happier person). Their podcast is the only thing which helped me through lockdown. 

I love Marc Maron’s interview style (from the very famous WTF Podcast). He is incredibly perceptive and real, but with moments of levity, while not relying on the laugh. I think that is powerful and I tried to channel that for Castival. 

Greg Jenner’s You’re Dead To Me taught me the delicate balance of having enough humour to be hilarious but enough information to be interesting. 

PB: Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?
MH: The biggest pipe dream, for sure, would be to have both Ad-Rock and Mike D from the Beastie Boys come on and do it. Oh my goodness, I think I may lose my mind for them. I have so much love and respect for those two and their music taste is rich, vivid and utterly wonderful. The Beastie Boys book highlights this and I can’t recommend it enough. 

Some very close seconds: James Hetfield (Metallica’s frontman), Bruce Springsteen, Amy Poehler and James Acaster too.

PB: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?
MH: It’s a long game, so don’t be too harsh on yourself. Podcasting, like in stand-up comedy, you have to learn by trial and error and it takes time to build that following. So, don’t be upset if you don’t get the followers you wanted, be happy that people download and enjoy. More importantly, be happy if YOU enjoy it. I know so many podcasters who end up hating their own projects and ditching it. I am in the rare position where I get to talk to people I admire about the subject I am most passionate about, and my listeners can tell!

So get to a place where you are constantly improving, but ultimately you are doing it because you want to, not because you think it will lead you onto bigger things. 

PB: Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?
MH: I think that Episode 2 with Michael Legge is a pretty great place to start! It was the first one I recorded, and it was meant to be a 40 minute record. It lasted over two hours (Don’t worry, we edited it down).

Michael Legge (as heard on Do The Right Thing podcast) brings a mixture of novel ingenuity, legendary artists, as well as including some perfectly curated personal touches. He is able to tell hilarious stories, talk passionately about his favourite music as well as able to be sentimental too. It’s a good place to start because there is something in that episode for everyone. 

PB: Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?
MH: You can follow the podcast on Twitter, and you can email us your own dream festival.

We’re available to download from Apple, Spotify, Podbean and all good podcast apps.

You can also follow me at on Twitter, Twitch, Instagram, Facebook and on my website.

This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com

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POD BIBLE: Who are you and what’s your podcast about?
ED GAMBLE: I’m Ed Gamble, I’m a comedian, podcaster and metalhead. My new Spotify Original podcast, ‘Lifers’ is a dream come true for me. I’ve spent time with, and interviewed some icons of the metal scene about what they’ve sacrificed to dedicate their lives to the music they love. We’ve interviewed some legends that have been part of the scene for decades like Brian Tatler from Diamond Head and Steve Grimlett from Grim Reaper, and some of the newer bands like Brady from Conjuror and Djamila from Ithaca. The differences between the music industry then and now are startling – I found the whole thing very eye opening. There’s some great rock and roll road stories in there, as well as some incredible tales of people overcoming adversity to carry on doing what they were born to do. I love it. I’m certainly going to listen – and I can’t stand my own voice. 

PB: What’s the first podcast you ever listened to?
EG: Almost certainly the Ricky Gervais, Steve Merchant and Karl Pilkington Guardian Podcasts. I was addicted to everything they did and I used to listen constantly.  

PB: Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?
EG: Not long after Ricky et al broke the whole thing open, the comedian Ian Boldsworth invited me to be on his podcast, The Ray Peacock Podcast. This later became the Peacock & Gamble Podcast. We were there for the early days, and before Richard Herring, despite what he says. 

PB: Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?
EG: I got into podcasting because you are allowed to be chatty, relaxed and a bit sloppy if you like. I like to plug in and see what happens. That plays to my strengths. So I am always beyond impressed and inspired by podcasts that are scripted and have a huge amount of work poured into them beforehand. Particularly Tom Neenan Is Not All Men and The Beef & Dairy Network. Both hilarious and tightly scripted to within an inch of their lives. That shows how far podcasting has come – it used to be a load of people just chatting, and now you can find highly polished comedy that was usually reserved for TV and radio.

PB: Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?
EG: I would love to get someone like Corey Taylor from Slipknot or Rob Halford from Judas Priest. But honestly the joy of Lifers has been speaking to people in bands who might be a bit under the radar. These are bands that are still going despite not being at the that top level, and that’s where the interesting stories are. I perhaps would like to interview a couple more people from more underground extreme scenes, and maybe record some of the series in Europe or the US. 

PB: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?
EG: Whoever is editing it is doing all the hard work. 

PB: Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?
EG: The first episode with Brian Tatler. He is such a lovely, lovely man with such pathos in every story he told us. It was honestly like speaking to a delightful Rob Brydon character. I don’t think you need to like metal or have metal knowledge to enjoy this podcast – the characters we’ve found and the stories they tell are universal. We’ve all toyed with following our dreams, and this explores what that takes. 

PB: Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?
EG: Twitter, Instagram (@edgamblecomedy for both), my website edgamble.co.uk and ‘Lifers’ is available exclusively on Spotify now!

The post LIFERS – A New Podcast from Ed Gamble appeared first on POD BIBLE.