The official British singles chart turned 70 last year, and while we’re all obviously delighted for that venerable institution to celebrate its Platinum Jubilee it should probably be looking over its shoulder. There’s another numerical ranking that might one day overtake it as the barometer of exactly what the nation is thinking about and feeling: the podcast charts.

There are a few different podcast charts around, and they all seem to have slightly different ideas of what’s popular and who’s going, as Smash Hits used to put it, down the dumper. For this article, we’re going by the Apple Podcasts chart, and this is just a snapshot of things as they stand this month. That said, there’s a fair few instant hits, which have clamped themselves to the upper reaches of the charts on launch and might be difficult to dislodge.

The Diary of a CEO

Part business heavyweight, part new age sage, all podcast behemoth, Dragons’ Den’s Steven Bartlett is Britain’s highest profile example of a very 2020s archetype: the CEO who’s almost as much a spiritual leader as someone who knows how to stick a business together. His podcast is all about finding that thing every business leader with their LinkedIn recommendations likes to talk about now, purpose, with the help of guests who’ve been down to the bottom as well as up at the top, much like him. Listen now >>

The Rest is Politics

One of the many unexpected narrative turns of British politics in the last few years is the rebirth of Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart as centrist dads with a runaway hit podcast reflecting on domestic and international politics twice a week. Originally pitched as a classic odd couple dynamic – Campbell the trenchant Labour scrapper, Stewart the old Etonian liberal Tory – the reason it works is actually that they realise they’re so similar, and happy to do what they call ‘disagreeing agreeably’. They’re both fuming with the government, for one thing, and both good at taking a global view on the news. Listen now >>

The Therapy Crouch

After sewing up the football podcast game, Peter Crouch of – let me check my notes here – The Peter Crouch Podcast has planted a long, surprisingly cultured foot into relationships podcasts. If you’re doing a relationship pod these days you’ve got to do it with your real life partner, and Abbey Clancy is ideal for it: funny, opinionated, and only too happy to take the mick out of her husband. Each time they dissect a difficulty your love life might throw up, from working out when to move in together to the perfect proposal. Listen now >>

Sh**ged Married Annoyed

Of course, The Therapy Crouch follows in the footsteps of the relationship pod that set the new agenda: Chris and Rosie Ramsey’s giant hit passed 100 million downloads more than a year ago, and doesn’t look like it’ll slow down any time soon. The format is loose and freewheeling, the better to let the Ramseys’ easy chat flow and bring forth the relatable laughs about the day to day irritations and agitations your nearest and dearest are so good at landing in your life. Listen now >>

The News Agents

BBC heavyweights Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall all left the corporation earlier this year to lead Global’s banner current affairs pod, and even this early on in proceedings it looks like the gamble’s paying off. Through the late Johnson collapse, the Tory leadership scramble, the Truss interregnum and the Sunak ultimatum, they’ve been around Westminster and the party conferences reporting with authority and confidence. Listen now >>

The Rest is History

The other big hit in the Goalhangers production house stable sees historians Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland (not that one) digging through corners of history both familiar and obscure, and also using it as a means to look at current affairs with a longer view than most other podcasts tend to take. The series of World Cup-themed specials, which dive deep into a slice of a competing nation’s history, have been particularly good. Listen now >>

Off Menu

You know your podcast is doing quite well when you collab with a menswear brand on a run of tie-in t-shirts. Ed Gamble and James Acaster’s food pod is that kind of big, and you can see its popularity in the rash of podcasts where guests think up a fantasy thing: festival line-up, film screenings, that sort of thing. But Off Menu still does it best, and draws on guests as varied as Stanley Tucci, Rina Sawayama, Ed Sheeran and Rylan – plus Rylan’s mum, who called in during their recording because she was worried he’d died. Listen now >>

ZOE Science and Nutrition

The breakout health and science podcast in the UK became what it is with a very simple idea: if you ask questions people are worried about, and have them answered by experts, listeners will flock to you. Each time presenter Jonathan Wolf takes one question – what’s the best natural sugar alternative? Is dairy good or bad for you? How do ultra-processed foods affect your body? – and sits down with a scientist or health professional to talk over the latest research. It’s reassuringly clerical and straightforward, but never hectoring. Listen now >>

Scamanda

Amanda Riley is dying of cancer. Everyone knows that. It’s heartbreaking, especially given that she’d just got her life exactly how she wanted it: the perfect husband, the perfect house, the perfect life. But as that none too subtle portmanteau title implies, all is not what it seems. Amanda’s friends and family believe her, though, and start to raise money for her treatments – more than $100,000. Over the seven years she kept up the charade, the lengths that she goes to to keep her ruse going become more and more extreme. Listen now >>

Brydon &

Aw, lovely, cuddly Rob Brydon. There are more than enough interview podcasts out there, but Brydon’s is more than just another rush job with a shoehorned plug for whatever the guest is promoting. His easy warmth and feel for a story make podcasting an obvious home for him, but interestingly, Brydon’s often at his best as an interviewer when his guest pushes back a little, and encourages him into comic running battles with a gently waspish edge. Steve Coogan’s recent appearance is a case in point. The third series of his chats has pushed him back up the charts. Listen now >>

—

Ready for more recommendations? Make sure you check out our lists in the Recommendation section.

This article was originally published in December 2022 and last updated on 1st August 2023.

The post The 10 most popular podcasts in the UK appeared first on POD BIBLE.

A lucky few (hundred thousand) fans experienced the festival atmosphere and influencers are fastidiously learning how to pronounce team names (look up Xandra and “Alfa Romero”). But if you missed the action this time, what better way is there to get yourself caught up than with our top podcast picks?

Whether you’re a die-hard fan wanting to geek out on stories from the archives or you’re a Drive to Survive dabbler drawn to the off-track gossip, there’s an F1 podcast for you.

Going Purple

Presenter Lissie Mackintosh is a rising star in Formula 1 – and deservedly so. Starting out as a TikToker dedicated to creating more diverse F1 content, she now boasts an impressive CV of high-profile interviews and co-created content with the sport’s iconic teams. Her Going Purple podcast talks about ‘serious F1 stuff in a not-so serious way’, and covers a range of F1-related subjects from occasional race catch-ups and day-in-the-life of episodes to race weekend features and interviews with huge F1 names such as Lando Norris, Natalie Pinkham and Nico Hulkenburg. While Lissie’s deeply knowledgeable about the sport, her podcast is for anyone with even a slight interest in F1, so it’s perfect if you’re at the start of what will surely be a lifelong love. Listen on your podcast app >>

Dirty Air F1 Podcast

If Ted Kravitz’s post-race stroll around the paddock isn’t enough to help you decompress after a high-stress grand prix, then look no further than Dirty Air. Every week comedians Josh Weller and Alfie Brown offer their very irreverent takes on what they call “the most ludicrous sport on earth”. A welcome antidote to both the mainstream coverage and wannabe commentary around a sport that can sometimes take itself too seriously, the pair will indulge you and their creative sensibilities with fake news, sketches and close-to-the-bone takes that bring the funny to Formula 1. For outrageous memes and commentary, their Instagram’s definitely worth a follow too.

The Dirty Air lads will be at Silverstone this weekend for a very special live podcast. If you’re lucky enough to have grand prix tickets, head to the Driver’s Inn Stage at 8pm on Saturday 8th July. Listen on your podcast app >>

3 Legs 4 Wheels (Formula 1 Podcast)

The Isle of Man might be famously associated with the TT Races, but this island-based quartet of podcasters are mad about Formula 1, and with their insightful and engaging discussions you’ll feel less alone in your deep obsession with every detail of the sport. Chris, Lee, Paul and Sian go beneath the surface of headlines, drama and gossip, to talk about the tracks, engineering, car design and the impact of team changes, to leave you a little wiser about Formula 1. Expect well-rounded discussions that draw on the sport’s rich history and the knowledge of people who’ve been following it well before the Drive to Survive era. Listen on your podcast app >>

Wheel it up

“Three black women talking all things Formula 1,” is the tagline, and this fun, rough-and-ready show brings together three exciting new voices in podcasting to give you a fresh and funny take on the weekend’s track action. Keeping in hilarious slips-of-the-tongue like ‘the Caribbean Grand Prix’ – what a spectacle that would be! – and scolding each other for missing Quali, Simone, Chanise and Anita are the three friends you’re desperate to chat to after every race weekend. Listen now >>

P1 with Matt and Tommy

Prolific podcasters Matt Gallagher and Tom Bellingham put out several episodes a week, to bring you all the latest news, reaction, predictions and opinions from the best sport in the world. From every Ferrari strategy blunder to spicy off-track controversies, we’ll be in your ears keeping you up to speed. They might call themselves die-hard fans, but this pair have incredible access to bring you big-hitter interviews with prominent F1 voices and drivers like TikTok favourite (and Alpine driver) Esteban ‘Estie Bestie’ Ocon. Listen on your podcast app >>

Beyond the Grid

A podcast about Formula 1 by Formula 1 itself. It makes sense, doesn’t it? Formula 1’s fastest stars slow down and open up, sharing untold stories and unrivalled insight. Tom Clarkson brings you revealing, feature-length interviews and amazing anecdotes from superstar drivers, team bosses, tech geniuses and racing legends. The range of interviews and insights is second-to-none so if you want to immerse yourself in the world of Formula 1 and hear the best stories straight from the horse’s mouth, then dive in. Listen on your podcast app >>

—

Lastly, as you’re putting up the bunting and donning your Lando, Lewis and George swag for a very British weekend of sport, why not swat up on Silverstone itself with this one-off series from the BBC’s Total Sport Podcast? Corner by Corner: Silverstone is your perfect companion to your Grand Prix weekend, with bitesize episodes that’ll give you the lowdown on the rich history of the home of British motor racing.

The post 6 of the best Formula 1 podcasts we’d put in pole position appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Ruthie’s Table 4

Table 4 is situated near The River Café’s open kitchen which is one of my favourite restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to sit down and have a conversation with Ruth Rogers. She invites her guests to reminisce about family suppers, first dates, restaurants and comfort food. With guests ranging from Steve McQueen, Jamie Oliver, Martha Stewart to Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, it’s well worth a listen. Listen now >>

Honey & Co – The Food Sessions

Coming from another of my favourite restaurants in London is the husband-and-wife chef-duo Sarit Packer & Itamar Srulovich……Honey & Co. Their conversations with incredible chefs and cooks from across the food industry is an inspiring, and mouth-watering, way to enjoy a podcast. From Yotam Ottolenghi and the OTK team, to Sami Tamimi, Tara Wigley and Andi Oliver. This show won loads of awards in 2021 and it’s great. Listen now >>

Table Manners with Jessie & Lennie Ware

It’s one of the biggest podcasts in the UK for a reason and has been a staple on my list for years. I started listening to this because I was fascinated by the guests, but I have grown to love the banter between Jessie and Lennie too. The food always sounds delicious and with guests ranging from Stanley Tucci to Munya Chawawa and Dannii Minogue, it’s a great listen. I prefer the ones in their homes… but that’s me. Listen now >>

Comfort Eating with Grace Dent

Having followed Grace Dent’s career for years, it seemed like a natural transition into podcasts for her. Again, she interviews various famous people, but the twist is that she unpicks their favourite ‘comfort’ food. From Graham Norton, Amma Asante to Adam Kay there are some pretty eye-opening stories of what people eat behind closed doors. Listen now >>

A Slice of Cheese with Jenny Linford

If you love cheese, then this is a great listen. Speaking to cheesemakers around the world, A Slice of Cheese is a pretty in-depth view on cheese, cheese pairings and food that go with cheese. Understanding their journeys, struggles and how they make cheese a way of life. Listen now >>

Agony Uncles with The Hairy Bikers

The only show in this list that isn’t an interview show… and not strictly a food podcast, but it’s hard not to love these two. Given their background, not a week goes by without some sort of food dilemma being tackled (think Air Fryers, Flour Power and Pasty Passion). Agony Uncles is a lot of fun and the banter between Dave and Si as they are joined by Posh Tash to share their life experiences to solve listeners problems continues to delight. Listen now >>

Sally Miller is Chief Marketing Officer at Auddy, inspiring and engaging audiences through audio. Supporting creators, creating branded content and private podcasts.

—

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

The post AUDDY RECOMMENDS: 6 more of the best foodie podcasts appeared first on POD BIBLE.

But you’re also kind of busy, and despite your best efforts your partner/mates/colleagues/flatmates/pets don’t have anywhere near as much invested in, say, the ongoing struggle for control of Waystar-RoyCo. Where do you put your energy, your urge to shout about it, your extremely tenuous fan theories? Or, if you pick up a show absolutely yonks after everyone else was raving about it, how do you feel it unfurling before you without getting the standard “What, you’re only just watching Breaking Bad?” response from anyone you try to chat about it with?

You listen to one of the many watchalong podcasts, obviously. There are a few different genres here, from the kinds of slightly ramshackle, homemade pods powered by their hosts’ deep devotion to their subject to the super-swish broadcaster produced tie-ins that have become de rigeur for shows big and small. Here are some of the best.

His Darker Materials

Hosts Dave Corkery and Empire magazine’s Helen O’Hara delve deep into HBO and the BBC’s adaptation of Philip Pullman’s novels, with cast members including Dafne Keen and Amir Wilson and VFX don Russell Dodgson also popping by to explain how the show comes together behind the scenes. Empire Podcast listeners will already be familiar with O’Hara’s mix of insight, knowledge and generally being a laugh, and the easy rapport she has with Corkery is the bedrock here. Listen now >>

Buffering: A Rewatch Adventure

It’s hard to overstate quite how important Buffy the Vampire Slayer was to a generation of young people who found community and recognition in its portrayal of gay women. Hosts Kristin Russo and Jenny Owen Youngs are both queer and bring that perspective to their ep-by-ep rewatch of Buffy. Astutely picking out viewpoints that were bypassed in the late nineties, they bring a fresh and affectionate eye to a show they both love. And, at the end of each episode, there’s a new original song responding to what they’ve seen. Now they’ve finished Buffy, the pair are moving onto another cult favourite with The eX-Files: An X-Files Podcast. Listen now >>

Office Ladies

The crew who starred in The US Office are clearly loath to leave a thing they loved behind – after Brian Baumgartner’s The Office Deep Dive pod, which featured pretty much anyone who’s ever been near Dunder Mifflin there’s this from Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey who played Pam and Angela respectively. It’s another ep-by-ep breakdown, and the very palpable sense that these best pals are having fun wandering down memory lane is apt for the ultimate comfort blanket sitcom. Listen now >>

The Crown Official Podcast

Official podcasts can be a teensy bit dull, but what you lose in spicy takes and off-brand wittering you gain in glossier presentation and a hotline straight to the big dogs at the heart of things. The Crown costs about a trillion quid as it is, and clearly some of that’s gone to the official tie-in pod: Edith Bowman on hosting duties, cast members dropping by to chat, and a raft of fascinating below-the-line professionals doing the hard yards to pull the whole thing together. Listen now >>

Dragoncast

Back in the heady days of early 2019, before that Starbucks cup got left on Daenerys’ desk and everything started going to pot, the Game of Thrones fandom was one of the most obsessive and upbeat fandoms around. With House of the Dragon, it feels like the good times are back again, and Jamie East’s podcast has been there for all the ups and downs. Sue Perkins and journalist Chris Mandle are regular guests, and ensure every fan theory and world-building detail is chased down. Listen now >>

Dug Too Deep

A billion quid later, we’re still kind of making our minds up about whether Amazon Prime’s admittedly beautiful Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power series was worth all the palaver. But as with everything Tolkien, there are passionate defenders of – and, even more crucially, knowledgeable interpreters of – his work everywhere. Jim, Aron, David and John are some such types, reverently irreverent about everything Rings of Power but full of Middle Earth lore too. The chiptune rendering of Concerning Hobbits which opens each ep is a joy. Listen now >>

The Lost Boys

Film journalists Jacob Stolworthy (Lost superfan) and Jack Shepherd (Lost agnostic) watch the entirety of the extremely what-just-happened desert island drama. It’s a particularly handy pod for the Lost first-timer, what with Jacob’s deep knowledge and Jack’s knack for asking exactly what you’re probably thinking about the show which stands as probably the biggest fan theory generator since Twin Peaks. The interviews with the cast and crew are excellent too. Listen now >>

Firecrotch and Normcore: A Succession Podcast

Husband and wife Geoff Lloyd and Sara Barron will be familiar from their work on BBC comedy across TV and radio, and as well as breaking down each episode they’re exceptionally good at picking up and pulling at the stray threads which live rent-free in the heads of Succession stans. Where exactly did Marcia’s son go? We deserve to know. Listen now >>

HBO’s Succession Podcast

Official tie-in podcasts can be a bit of a mixed bag. Yes, the access to stars and prime movers is great, but the necessity of only being nice about the thing that it’s tied in with can make the discussion a little anodyne. Fortunately, Succession is on such outrageously good form that it takes that roadblock out of the way of HBO’s pod, and host Kara Swisher is appropriately brisk with her guests to get the most out of them. Well, it wouldn’t be right if such an unsentimental show got too cosy a pod, would it? Listen now >>

Talking Sopranos

It’s been off the air for more than 15 years, but it’s never the wrong time to get into The Sopranos. Whether you’re fresh to it or on a twelfth rewatch, this is the top companion pod. Its hosts are Michael Imperioli and Steve Schirripa, who played Christopher Moltisanti and Bobby Baccalieri, and who liberally sprinkle anecdotes and memories from their time on set into the mix. It’s as close as you’ll get to hanging out eavesdropping on Tony in Dr Melfi’s office in podcast form. Listen now >>

This article was original published on January 4, 2023.

The post 10 of the best watch-along podcasts for TV fans appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Kate Thornton has returned to ask guests three provoking questions over three glasses of wine. White Wine Question Time with Kate Thornton has received a stunning makeover as the newest show to join the Stak network (makers of Football Ramble, Abroad in Japan and much more!).

Each week, Kate brings together well-known friends for an intimate, personable interview, posing three thought-provoking questions over three glasses of wine. But these aren’t just your regular friends! Kate has interviewed some of the biggest names on the block, from Michelle Visage to Dannii Minouge, Keith Lemon and Torvill and Dean – to name a few. For this season of White Wine Question Time, Kate has already had some hilarious and insightful conversations with the likes of ex-cricketer, Phil Tufnell, and comedian, Adam Hills, with many more extraordinary guests to come.

As well as new episodes every Friday, Kate is delving into past White Wine Question Time interviews to bring you a brand new segment, ‘Something From The Cellar’. These episodes are bite-sized vintage cuts featuring some of Kate’s favourite clips from the incredible selection of over 200 previous guests. These pockets of past interviews will be released every Tuesday, resharing some of the best stories from the most fascinating of guests.

Of course, at the front and centre is the critically acclaimed broadcasting sensation that is Kate Thornton. From presenting the first ever season of X-Factor, to hosting Loose Women, This Morning, and her catalogue of work with BBC Radio 2, there is no doubt that Kate is a total professional in front of the mic.

“We’re delighted that Kate has chosen to bring White Wine Question Time to Stak. It’s a show we’ve admired from afar for a long time” marks Luke, COO of Stak, “Kate’s an exceptional interviewer and consistently gets the absolute best out of her incredible mix of guests. We can’t wait to collaborate with her and push the show forward together to make it even bigger and better.”

After 3 years of podcasting, and now with a brand new era of White Wine Question Time, Kate is ready to bring you a whole host of captivating celebrity insights, like you have never heard them before. Kate adds her excitement for this new chapter of White Wine Question Time:

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Stak family – a company who have been piping brilliant shows and conversations into listeners’ ears since they started back in 2007. With their podcasting expertise and the hundreds of millions of downloads they’ve already acquired for their shows, I’m really excited to be taking White Wine Question Time to the next level with them!”

Listen and subscribe to White Wine Question Time with Kate Thornton, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps – new episodes are released every Tuesday & Friday.

—

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

The post White Wine Question Time is BACK! appeared first on POD BIBLE.

PB: WHY DO YOU LOVE PODCASTS?

SP: Podcasting is THE most intimate medium, in my opinion. You’re literally talking into someone’s ear. I love how podcasts allow space for difficult and delicate conversations. With Masala Podcast, I’ve been able to connect with other South Asian womxn, discussing taboo topics like sex, sexuality, periods and even nipple hair! These are topics that would otherwise have been really tough to talk about. As a creator, I also love how democratic podcasts are. You don’t need to have an Oxbridge accent to be a presenter. You don’t need millions to create a podcast. All you need is a strong concept and hard work – and your audio masterpiece can be out in the world right alongside content created by big-name media houses.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST PODCAST YOU EVER LISTENED TO?

I think the first podcast I ever heard was The Guilty Feminist. I remember seeing it somewhere and thinking, “What is a podcast?” Yup, I was that much of a podcast-virgin! I also remember listening to My Dad Wrote A Porno. What a genius name! And a brilliantly funny and original podcast.

WHICH PODCASTER MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

The podcast that makes me road with laughter is Dear Joan And Jericha. It’s so wrong that it’s right. If that makes sense. I love everything about it. The filthy bits, which make me gasp out loud laughing. The downright unusable advice, always unsympathetic & totally judgemental. The patriarchal bullshit that they present in this funny, ironic fashion. (It’s always the women who are in the wrong in the “advice” given.)

WHICH PODCAST HAS EDUCATED YOU THE MOST?

I’d have to say Where Should We Begin? by Esther Perel. It’s all about therapist Esther Perel counselling couples who’re having difficulties. So as a listener, you can unashamedly hear all about other people’s problems.

But here’s the surprising thing, as I hear someone delve deep into their childhood or behaviour patterns, I find myself looking at my own behaviours and psychology. So it’s been hugely educational for me personally. Like having therapy without having therapy.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A SHOW OUR READERS MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF?

I only heard about this brilliant podcast recently: Why Won’t You Date Me? Another awesome WOC Nicole Byer exploring why she is single, while discussing topics related to love, life, and sex. Really funny and at times, quite thought-provoking.

Masala Podcast is a podcast about all those things South Asian women are ‘not supposed to talk about’. Everything from sex, sexuality, periods, menopause, mental health, shame, sexual harassment to… nipple hair! Featuring interviews with fierce South Asian women about taboo topics and personal stories around what it means to be a South Asian feminist today. Masala Podcast was a winner at Spotify SoundUp 2018.  It is the winner of multiple British Podcast Awards 2020, 2021 & 2022.

Listen to Masala Podcast: The South Asian feminist podcast on Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

Read other interviews with your favourite podcasts in the Pod Bible Magazine archive >>

The post Sangeeta Pillai: “You don’t need to have an Oxbridge accent” appeared first on POD BIBLE.

As much as I love sharing my weekly recommendations in the Pod Bible newsletter, I’ve missed the chance to share a more in-depth analysis of the podcasts I’ve been enjoying. So, like all the best franchises, I’m rebooting our ‘new podcasts’ feature. And like any superhero reboot, it’s going to look every-so-slightly different. Coming to a screen near you in time for Spring – my essential list of the best new podcasts to add to your queue…

The Last Soviet

I’ve noticed several podcasts have – consciously or not – been analysing the history of the Soviet Union recently. The Last Soviet does this through the story of Sergei Krikalev, the cosmonaut on the Mir space station at the time the Soviet Union collapsed. Krikalev is told he can come back to Earth, but doing so would risk Russia’s claim on Mir. So he’s asked if he could stay in space – alone – until further notice. This story would be thrilling in itself. But add to that NSYNC’s Lance Bass as a narrator telling his own story of becoming a trained cosmonaut… I’m obsessed. Don’t skip ‘The Lance Files’. Whilst not strictly part of the narrative, it had so many nuggets of amazement. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

Synthetic Stories

Listening to the first episode of this show gave me a sense of things being not-quite-right. It might have something to do with the storyline (a young woman becomes obsessed with a new app called Horror World) but it’s probably more to do with the fact that This Is Distorted has made an entire podcast using AI. From the artwork, to the script, title and even the Press Release we were sent, Synthetic Stories is a podcast, about a podcast, made by… the podcast? The first episode works well as a horror genre, but the heart-warming tale of the second episode doesn’t quite land – perhaps because the writer doesn’t have a heart. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

Pilot Season 2023

With more and more worthy podcast ideas vying for funding and attention, Pilot Season is a fantastic idea from award-winning production company Unedited. Described as ‘a mixtape of formats’, the feed showcases five new shows by letting people listen to ‘pilot episodes’ before the series is commissioned. The first episodes cover a wide range of topics, from hidden statistics of curry houses, to Reading Festival. In the first pilot, ‘Facts That Matter’, journalist, writer and broadcaster Gary Younge explains why the UK has more jobs in Indian restaurants than in industries like shipbuilding, steel, and coal – something I would never have thought about, but that is a symptom of underlying aspects of UK society. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

Where’s Home Really?

When uttered by strangers it can have the effect of making people feel unwelcome, but in Where’s Home Really? journalist, restaurant critic, and Masterchef judge Jimi Famurewa flips the question to focus on the ‘home’ in the question. He asks his guests to reveal a person, a phrase, a place and a plate that best represent what home means to them. In the first episode, comedian Stephen K Amos gives us a suitably comedic take involving the News at 10 gong, whilst touching on some topics like racism – all in a refreshingly brisk 28 minutes. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

Bitter/Sweet

This is another show that thinks about the relationship between food and our deepest memories. Like many food shows, it asks guests to share a profound moment in their lives involving an evocative meal. But unlike many food shows, the guests’ stories are interlaced with mini-memoirs from the creator Natasha Miller (founder of Miller Libertine, a taste branding consultancy that has won several Great Taste Awards.) Bitter/Sweet is the perfect name for these narrations – the first episode hits you in your gut as she talks about Sunday lunch and her mother. With short episodes the length the need to be, there’s no excuse not to listen to this one! Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

Tony Robinson’s Cunningcast

Tony Robinson has been entertaining us for more than 50 years in various forms – and now he has a podcast talking about various different things. The launch episodes pulled us straight into Tony-territory with one episode focused on Blackadder (featuring the always enteratining Miriam Margolyes) followed by one on Stonehenge, Tony’s favourite ancient landmark. Whether you love him most as Baldric in Blackadder or himself on Time Team, this podcast is going to please you. And it quite clearly pleases Tony as well – he obviously enjoys speaking to the friends and experts he has on, and has lost none of the passion for his chosen subjects, even after 50 years of being connected to them. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

My Ramadan

An Australian podcast perfect for tuning into right now, My Ramadan features experiences of Ramadan and Eid through five specially themed episodes. Sarah Malik (investigative journalist, author and television presenter) chats with her guests about aspects like navigating work while fasting, slowing down and how Ramadan connects to spirituality and self. Some of the guests are famous, others and regular Australians, but what’s worth listening to hear is the affinity Sarah and her interviewees share. In ‘The hipsterfication of Ramadan’ despite the generational gap, you can hear the joint passion behind their favourite Iftar food traditions and the frustrations of micro (and macro) aggressions. The series will culminate in a special Eid episode (21st-22nd April). Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

High Strange

Can we have sensible conversations about the possibility of intelligent life beyond our planet? Perhaps more pertinently, could a podcast be the perfect place to do that? In High Strange, Payne Lindsey (creator of Ambie-winning podcast Up and Vanished) attempts to break the stigma surrounding the topic of UFOs. Each episode, a story of unidentified activity is interspaced with news clips, speeches from presidents and interviews with experts and skeptics. The variety of references makes the argument for intelligent life more compelling, but the dramatic score underneath does make this seem more like the storytelling than a ‘conversation’. If you want to believe, but are slightly concerned about the company you’d be keeping, I’m not convinced this will change your mind – yet. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

Bear Brook

A man is serving life in prison for a murder he says he didn’t commit. A woman’s last moments are painted out in your ears. Chilling tapes from police interrogations. We’ve been here before with podcasts right? But something about Bear Brook has captured people. Claire Jones at Lemonada called it “gobsmacking”, Hannah Veridier at the Guardian says it’s a “thoughtful podcast”. I say – it’s worth a listen if you like crime podcasts, and especially if you want to think about why you like crime podcasts. Following in the footsteps of The Trojan Horse Affair, we get a meta podcast that explains itself as it goes. After a reveal that did get me gasping, host Jason Moon talks through the narrative devices he just used “I did it, and I’m telling you I did it as a demonstration”. This is about the power of storytelling, not just in podcasts but in the murder investigations themselves. Wherever that makes the show more ethical or thoughtful, I’m unsure. But it is certainly more interesting. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

Buried

This ten part series has made it into my ‘most-recommend’ over the past few months, with a few friends thanking/blaming me for the things they now know from it. Husband and wife investigative journalists Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor dig into the illegal dumping of waste across the UK and beyond. From a deathbed confession, to Mafia connections and possible carcinogenic soil, Buried reminds us we don’t have to look to the US for stories of corruption to unearth. Made for BBC Radio 4, the episodes have a strict run-time of 15 mins or less, making this very easy to storm through, or fit in around other listening. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

The Rewild Podcast

Wildlife filmmaker James Shooter teams up with Rewilding Europe to create this podcast as he travels across the continent. He talks to the people and highlights the initiatives in various countries that are working to return landscapes to less human-managed forms. As shows like Wild Isles highlight rewilding to a wider audience, this podcast provides a good insight to the wider picture. Monthly episodes look at different countries – the episode on ‘Seawilding’ brings to the surface (ahem) an area that is often out of sight and out of mind, but close to my own Network’s heart. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

Bust of Trust: A Kid’s Mystery Podcast

Small Wardour bring out a podcast for curious kids’ – and adults – who’d like to investigate some of the biggest world mysteries. Bust or Trust asks for help to uncover the truth behind Big Foot, the Lost City of Atlantis and more with their very own Mulder and Scully hosts, “Myth Truster” Tiernan Douieb and “Myth Buster” Athena Kugblenu. It’s great fun, but also a great way to start teaching critical thinking. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

Other podcasts for your list:

From Gay to Ze – Lotte Jeffs and Stu Oakley broke new audio-ground with their first podcast, Some Families. From Gay to Ze continues the story by celebrating the messy reality of modern families and the intersection of queer culture. We caught up with Lotte and Stu recently to talk about the show. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

Dwelling – As standard housing in the UK is becoming unobtainable, Marnie Woodmeade investigates alternative homes, from abandoned buildings to lost rivers. And as restrictions on alternative lifestyles tighten, she questions what the future will hold of the people choosing – or forced into – those lifestyles. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

This Little Light – Flea, founding member and bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, talks to other musicians about their music education and evolution. First guest are Rick Rubin and FINNEAS. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

Made With Love – With an obligatory reference to his love of knitting, champion diver Tom Daley speaks to a much loved celebrity about doing what they love. Listen on your favourite podcast app >> 

Black Prose – Black writers talk amongst themselves in conversations that are revealing and so necessary. Journalist Yolanthe Fawehinmi speaks to writers of all regards – from journalists, and authors to songwriters and rappers — about their careers, top tips and writing rituals. Listen on your favourite podcast app >>

—

Francesca Turauskis is an award-winning podcast producer, Digital Editor for Pod Bible magazine and the Founder and Lead Producer of Tremula Network, a group of podcasts focused on unheard stories within adventure and outdoors. She has worked with Broccoli Productions, Stripped Media, and Ochenta. She’s been a judge for the International Women’s Podcast Awards, has spoken at the International Women’s Podcast Festival and runs workshops on How to Podcast for individuals and small businesses.

The post The best new podcasts of SPRING 2023 appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Congratulations on your 1000th episode! How are you celebrating?

Ha – the curse of the daily podcast means our celebrations involve recording, publishing and planning – the juggernaut never stops! We may allow ourselves a reflective hour or so – unless there’s breaking news – in which case, back to the grindstone!

More than 3 years of daily episodes – have you ever missed a day?

Aside from Bank Holidays no – and we make up for those by doing some special bonus episodes. That’s the thing with news annoyingly, it’s never ending!

What are you most proud of?

I think to be a small independent publisher in news is extremely tough – so I’m really proud we’ve taken on the giants and often beaten them! Our size means we are far more nimble and can make decisions a lot faster than our peers – which really helps. They have the budget and the teams, we have agility and personality.

Does the 7 minute limit make it easier or harder to do a daily show?

At first it made it incredibly difficult. How could we possibly fit all the news in (Especially as we launched on the day Boris came out of hospital after Covid). But as we found our feet, it’s become a real feat of engineering – we are probably the most efficient sub-editors on earth! Not an ounce of flab is allowed in our episodes – there’s no time!

Tell us about the survey -where did that idea come from?

I live on social media and therefore constantly feel I’m trapped in a bubble of my own making. Hopefully this survey will give us at the Smart 7 a real sense of where our listener’s heads are at, what they’re concerned about and what their hopes are for the future of the nation. Not only will this help us make the podcast better – the results will definitely be of interest to everyone.

Listen and subscribe to The Smart 7 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

The post Jamie East from Smart 7: On reaching 1000 episodes – “the juggernaut never stops!” appeared first on POD BIBLE.

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

—

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

The post Which Audible Original Podcasts should you listen to in March? (Issue #025) appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Joe Cornish is one of the forgotten forefathers of podcasting. Way back in the early days of the medium, Adam & Joe’s 6 Music radio show grew a cult following, with it’s podcast version adding classic bonus content that’s remembered fondly to this day. But whilst Adam went on to further cement his pod god status, Joe went off to that there Hollywood. Thankfully he is as good a guest as he was a co-host, as the following episodes prove.

SCRIPT APART
Attack The Block with Joe Cornish / Jun 2020

On Script Apart, journalist Al Horner speaks to screenwriters about their initial screenplays for films that are now beloved. From what changed to what stayed the same, the full journey from page to screen is dissected. In this episode Al is joined by filmmaker and podcast hall-of-famer Joe Cornish to discuss his 2011 sci-fi / action film Attack The Block. Joe is in great form as always as he reveals the real life mugging that inspired the film, the importance of research to tell an authentic story and so much more. Listen on your podcast app >>

THE ADAM BUXTON PODCAST
Christmas Episodes | Dec 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20

For many a podcast fan Christmas isn’t about a white bearded man bringing gifts, it’s about a black bearded man (with increasing grey patches) reuniting with his ghost of podcasts past and giving our ears the greatest gift they could wish for. From the exchanging of gifts to the exchanging of scorn, from yearly reflections to yearly Tom Cruise story segments… it’s not Christmas until Dr Buckies and Cornballs have given their Christmas speech. (Episode numbers – 12, 34, 62, 88, 115, 145) Listen on your podcast app >>

FILMS TO BE BURIED WITH
#71 | Joe Cornish / Nov 2019

Joe is a dream guest for Brett Goldstein’s podcast, the show that asks guests to discuss their lives through the films that mean a lot to them. Not only do we get to revel in Joe’s choices and the detail in which he can remember certain scenes, we also get to enjoy some wonderful tangential chats on acting, directing and comedy in general. Brett and Joe’s get on like a house on fire and their strong opinions on DVD categorisation will have you reorganising your shelves in no time. Listen on your podcast app >>

SOUNDTRACKING
Joe Cornish on The Kid Who Would Be King I Feb 2019

Coinciding with the release of The Boy Who Would Be King, Joe joined Edith Bowman to discuss his musical choices within the film. As well as songs that influenced scenes and writing, we also hear about the score from Electric Wave Bureau. The journeys that lead to every tiny choice in film making can be as fascinating as the films themselves so getting to hear those stories and some of the amazing music provides the ultimate, cliched “podcasts take you on a journey” experience. Listen on your podcast app >>

Read more Podcast Prophet articles in the back-catalogue of Pod Bible magazines >>

The post Joe Cornish’s top podcast guest appearances appeared first on POD BIBLE.

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 >>

—

The post 6 of the best alternative music podcasts with diverse voices appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Don’t forget to check out Rick’s science podcast EUREKA! co-hosted with Dr. Michael Brooks.

THE FAULT LINE: BUSH, BLAIR AND IRAQ

I will freely admit that going into this podcast I thought “surely I already know how we got from 9/11 to the Iraq War” but it turns out – 1 did not. This is forensically detailed, both fascinating and horrifying in roughly equal measure. David Dimbleby is a terrific host, and his presence lures in some big name interviews. And yes, one of those big names is a pretty candid Tony Blair. I believe there is a new series of The Fault Line out now, this time tracing the path from an unsolved homicide to the uprising in Portland a couple of years ago. Listen on your podcast app >>

RATIONALLY SPEAKING

One of the few podcasts that I find myself regularly checking the homepage of for new episodes. I have a (healthy) addiction to it.

Rationalism is a way of trying to figure out how the world works, as opposed to how you might like it to. The subjects covered are US-centric but very wide-ranging. In my opinion, Julia Galef is the best interviewer working today – she is smart, very-well researched, asks exactly the right questions and doesn’t shy away from confronting her guests where necessary. This is a great example of a show that will absolutely make you feel smarter. Listen on your podcast app >>

MORE OR LESS

Just to really ramp up my geek credentials, More or Less is my long-term favourite podcast. As a numberphile, I love Tim Harford and the team’s light-touch approach to the numbers all around us. It’s been especially invaluable during the pandemic, casting a measured eye over the suspicious statistics and unlikely claims flying around in the media. They are the masters of cool debunking – and you always come away with the sense that Tim is not angry with people for getting their numbers wrong, he’s just disappointed. Listen on your podcast app >>

THE ALFIE BROWN SHOW

You could be forgiven for thinking that the last thing anyone needed was another comedian with a podcast. But you’d be wrong, because we actually do all need Alfie Brown’s new show. Mercifully, it isn’t him just chatting inanely to a fellow comic. Rather, it feels like we’re getting a new full-length stand-up show – at least a work-in-progress – every week. I’ve been watching them on YouTube (does it still count as a podcast? Dunno) and it feels pleasingly intimate. Alfie is a deep thinker, he’s coruscatingly honest at times, but that’s not what you’ll keep coming back for, which is this – he is really, really, really funny. Listen on your podcast app >>

SLOW BURN

Every season of this podcast is dynamite. Its trick is a neat one – take a very well-known, very well documented historical event or person, and then somehow surprise the listener with new detail, great access and original analysis. I loved the Biggie and Tupac season and the Watergate season but the one that really blew me away was the second season, all about Monica Lewinsky and the impeachment of Bill Clinton. The ins and outs (ahem) of that story were a revelation to me. And there’s no doubt that it has formed the basis of the latest series of American Crime Story (which is well worth a watch, too). Listen on your podcast app >>

—

We hope you enjoy these podcasts recommended by Rick Edwards! Read more For The Love of Pod articles in the Pod Bible magazine, which you can read online or buy in our shop.

The post What podcasts does Rick Edwards listen to? appeared first on POD BIBLE.

PB: IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO JUST BEFORE YOU RECORDED THE FIRST EPISODE OF YOUR PODCAST AND GIVE YOURSELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

RH: Time travel? What a ludicrous idea. If you change one thing the whole history of the world changes. I wouldn’t want to risk it. I like the way that I entered this medium early and made my own mistakes and successes and the progress has been steady, as it should be if you want to secure a future. I’d tell myself never to listen to the me from the future, who is more of a sell-out, because the route to success was about doing it because it was fun and liberating and autonomous and not worrying about whether it would pay or lead anywhere else. Maybe I need the me of the past to come forward to now and give me some advice, because I think he totally got what was exciting and revolutionary about self-created content.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT GUEST?

Being ready to laugh at themselves and take the piss out of me, being open (though sometimes it’s fun to see the more guarded guests relax and start to enjoy themselves) and be ready to have a proper crack at answering the emergency questions, even though some of them are really hard and they might not have an immediate answer. And someone who enjoys the experience enough to open up and give a part of themselves that they haven’t previously revealed. In short – someone who is ready to enjoy themselves.

WHAT MAKES A GREAT HOST?

Listening is more important than talking, though it’s hard sometimes when you are trying to keep things rolling. Knowing when to shut up and being able to sense when things are moving somewhere interesting and guide the podcast there if required. I only book people I like or think that I will like, so genuine interest in your subject is important as well as trying to find questions they haven’t been asked before. It’s a very difficult job and the people who are good at it make it look like an easy job, but maintaining 60 to 90 minutes of unprepared chat with (sometimes) a stranger, is no mean feat. Unless they’re Brian Blessed, in which case, just sit back and try and find a moment when he’s breathing to toss in a joke.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR WORST PODCAST MOMENT?

A couple of guests have got too drunk too quick and been a bit weird or aggressive or just odd. Sometimes I am having so much fun with a guest that I haven’t realised I’ve over stepped a line. And so you sometimes get remorse about the way things have gone or something dumb you’ve said. In the Stephen Merchant one I thought we were on the same page with the mutual mockery and didn’t realise he had taken something the wrong way and so that was a little bit awkward. Such things can play on my mind for a few days. I want the guests to have fun so it’s a horrible feeling if you suspect that they haven’t enjoyed it all. Not being able to think of anything to say is probably the worst though. I’ve got young kids and sometimes tiredness has made the process very difficult. So thank God for Emergency Questions.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT PODCASTS THAT APPEALS TO YOU?

The autonomy is the main thing. Being able to do whatever I want, pretty much immediately, without having to go through commissioners or committees. And it’s a pretty level playing field. If you can do good stuff then people will find it and tell their friends. There’s a democracy to it and a meritocracy too. But the freedom to try anything you want (even if it’s playing snooker against yourself) is very refreshing and artistically fulfilling. And it’s amazing to be the person who decides if there will be another series (with some consultation from your listeners).

WHAT IS YOUR PODCAST / PODCASTER PET PEEVE?

What’s great about podcasting is the way the audience helps keep it afloat by chipping in a couple of quid or buying a book or backing a kickstarter or coming to a live show. And it’s been amazing to fund the filming of RHLSTP via the power of the audience giving a couple of quid. And don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that podcasts are free, so anyone can enjoy them, BUT, I wish more people felt that podcasts were worth a tiny contribution. If everyone who listened gave me even 25p per hour then I would be able to use the funds to make my own sitcoms or films. I think someone will be the Charlie Chaplin of this industry (and it’s possible that someone already is) in that like with his early films, you could make a fortune with all your audience chucking in the tiniest amount of money. And if the right person gets that kind of funding they’d be able to make incredible things! I am not saying I am the new Charlie Chaplin, that is for other people to say.

And I’m not. But all I am saying is that if you can afford it, then chuck your favourite few podcasters a quid each a year. If you choose wisely those people will use your money to give you even more “free” entertainment. Maybe sponsorship etc will make this idea redundant, but I love the idea of a podcaster being funded by their audience, who are then rewarded by even more stuff that they like. You may call me a dreamer….

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU FOUND ANNOYING AS A LISTENER BUT THEN UNDERSTOOD WHEN YOU STARTED MAKING YOUR OWN?

I started so early that I hadn’t ever really listened to any before I began doing it. But I think I initially didn’t really like people putting adverts in stuff, but have gradually come round to the fact that it’s fair enough to have a minute or two of self-promotion or advertising in order to facilitate hours of free product, though ideally I’d still prefer it if the audience paid a tiny amount and there were no ads. It’s not so bad when the podcaster chooses a good company or makes some effort to do the ads in the style of the podcast (Buxton is king of this of course) and I personally have enjoyed managing to find companies that I would promote for free who give the listener something for free as well as funding the podcast. That’s sort of magic right? The audience pay for the podcast by not giving up any money and getting given something themselves… if the product is actually good then they will stay on board and the sponsor makes money too. It’s free money for everyone, right? This could solve Brexit.

WHICH ONE EPISODE OF YOUR OWN MEANS THE MOST TO YOU?

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

AND FINALLY, WHICH ONE EPISODE NOT OF YOUR OWN MEANS THE MOST TO YOU?

Adam Buxton interviewing Michael Palin. Partly because that’s the guest I would most like and am furiously jealous of Adam, but mainly because it was a thing of utter beauty and a meeting of lovely comedy minds from two different generations, sharing laughter and also grief.

www.richardherring.co.uk // @Herring1967

Main Photo: Kirsten McTernan

Read Issue #002 of Pod Bible Magazine online here, and you can get physical copies of the back catalogue here. 

The post THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO… Richard Herring appeared first on POD BIBLE.

When it comes to guests on the U.S. podcast scene, comedian Theo Von is hard to compete with – he literally won a “guest of the year” belt, which he carries around on tour with him. His life experiences are truly unique and give him a perspective that is simply incomparable. In the last year or two Theo seems to have gone from “reality star turned stand up” to “every stand-ups favourite stand-up” and his podcast appearances have had a lot to do with that. Having genuinely unique outlooks and takes on things (rather than just telling the same stories every time you show up) is the key to being a consistently great guest. Theo ticks that box as much as anyone else out there.

INSIDE OF YOU w/ Michael Rosenbaum
Dec 2018

This conversation is a prime example of example of what makes Theo such a unique guest. As he proceeds to tell true story after true story from his youth, host Michael Rosenbaum repeatedly thinks Theo is telling a joke or riffing a web of fiction. But, as Theo repeatedly insists, he REALLY isn’t. His upbringing just wasn’t like most. Was it being born to an already OAP father, the result of being breast fed by a small breasted mother or the troubles that come with having an adult penis whilst still a toddler? Well that’s for Theo, and Theo only to theories on. Listen on your podcast app >>

RACE WARS
Hot Mashed Potatoes // Oct 2016

Who would’ve predicted that, on a comedy podcast called Race Wars, a mullet wearing, redneck sounding, Louisiana Native… would end up being the conscience of the group? Any podcast with three or more people battling for mic time can get messy, but in this episode Theo sits back and interjects at all the right moment. Rather than fighting for mic time, he revels in the hit ratio of his observations. Listen on your podcast app >>

TIN FOIL HAT w/ Sam Tripoli
#93 // The Night Stalker and Chem Trails // May 2018

There’s something painfully joyous about podcasts with a little tension. The first 20 minutes or so of this chat are seat squirmingly tense as the two guests have some things to settle over comments made on previous podcasts. Thankfully, if you’re on the same side of them, there is nothing that unites quite like a good conspiracy theory. The subject of chem trails quickly wash over any tension and the Night Stalker kills off anything that remains lingering. Listen on your podcast app >>

THE FIGHTER & THE KID
TFATK Episode 422 // Best of Theo Von // Dec 2018

After being a show stealing guest on the Fighter & The Kid, Theo was asked to step in and co-host with Brendan Schaub when Brian Callen was away shooting a TV show. The success of these guest spots not only won him the coveted “Guest of the Year” belt, but even spawned a spin off podcast (The
King & The Sting) with Brendan! Now THAT is successful guesting. If you’re new to Theo this (along with his Instagram clips) is your perfect starting point. Listen on your podcast app >>

The post Theo Von’s top podcast appearances appeared first on POD BIBLE.

PB: TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR SHOW! WHAT’S YOUR PODCAST ELEVATOR PITCH?

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

Anna: Reminds me of the fact that the person who patented the first elevator was called Otis, and the person who patented the first elevator brakes was also called Otis. What ever happened to the name Otis?

WHY PODCASTING? WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE FORMAT THAT APPEALS TO YOU?

Andy: There’s No Such Thing As A Commissioner, meaning that as long as the internet still exists, you can’t be stopped.

Dan: Ironic that Andy is saying that – he wanted us to stop at 100 episodes. Poor guy is 400 eps in now.

YOU’VE BEEN PODCASTING SINCE 2014, WHAT‘S THE SECRET TO YOUR LONGEVITY?

Andy: Never miss a week. And I think the format we chose helped too – by good luck we picked a format where the subject of discussion each week is ‘any four nouns’, so it’s always going to be pretty varied from week to week.

James: I think the main thing is the varied subjects like Andy says. But we’ve also been helped by the fact that the podcast has kept growing. First with live shows, then a TV spin off, then books, then international tours… there’s always been a ‘next thing’ to look forward to.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO BEFORE YOU STARTED OUT AND GIVE YOURSELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Dan: Learn how to pronounce the word Covent and Ptaszynski.  Listeners will understand what I mean by that.

Anna: Don’t send long and unnecessarily detailed replies to the first 100 listeners who write in with feedback. You are setting the bar at a level you can’t possibly sustain.

HOW DID YOU FIND PODCASTING DURING THE PANDEMIC RELATED LOCKDOWNS?

Andy: At the start I think we were worried we might not be able to replicate our show or get the comedy in a Zoom environment – but thankfully we were already well-established enough that it felt natural, wouldn’t talk over each other, that kind of thing.

James: As the editor, I found it to be an immense amount of extra work: the timing is never quite the same if you’re not in the same room, especially when people’s wifi would cut out. Also, Anna always seemed to find a place to record that was next to a combine harvester, which didn’t help.

YOUR LIVE SHOWS ARE HUGELY POPULAR AND YOU’VE PERFORMED IN SOME SPECTACULAR PLACES, DO YOU HAVE ANY DREAM VENUES YOU’D LOVE TO PERFORM IN?

Anna: I’d love to do a tour of interesting countries where we’d get tiny audiences who would have no idea who we were. Just for the sake of adventure really. Botswana, Paraguay, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea etc. I’ve struggled to convince our tour managers it’s a good idea, sadly.

Andy: There’s a hillside in Scotland, which has an enormous oil tanker built into the side, where the echo of every word you say lasts about a minute. I think recording there would be great, if only to give the sound technician a breakdown.

WHICH EPISODE OR EPISODES OF YOUR PODCAST MEAN THE MOST TO YOU?

Andy: I think the first one. Due to the auto-play feature on Apple I’ve heard the intro dozens of times now. I sometimes re-listen to it and think – we had no idea how big a part of our lives this podcast would become.

James: I’m extremely proud of a section of episode 198 when we managed to get 15 minutes of decent comedy out of a guy called William Hazlitt who, even by the standards of early 19th century essayists, is pretty dull.

WHICH PODCASTS OR PODCAST HOSTS INSPIRE YOU?

Andy: I’d have to say The Cryptid Factor hosted by Dan Schreiber.

Dan: Same.

FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE PODCASTS?

Dan: Plumbing the Death Star, which is a brilliantly silly show from Australia. And Seeker! The Ken Campbell Podcast, which brings together archive recordings from Campbell’s brilliant live shows and talks.

Andy: In Writing With Hattie Crisell is highly revealing about all sorts of brilliant writers.

Anna: Sideways, hosted by Matthew Syed. It’s fascinating, and it really stretches your thought muscles.

James: I’ll listen to absolutely anything except for The Cryptid Factor hosted by Dan Schreiber.

Listen to No Such Thing As A Fish on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps.

The post THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO… No Such Thing As A Fish appeared first on POD BIBLE.