FEATURE:
A Trusted Companion
The Good Podcast Guide
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MAYBE this is not so much a guide…
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as a traditional rundown of the best podcasts - but I wanted people to realise the sheer range and brilliance of podcasts available. This is a period where a lot of us are seeking out great diversions and stuff to keep us entertained. I have written about radio, and how important it is to support musicians when they need it most. There are some upsides to be taken from what is happening now. Whilst we can only get some limited time outside, I think there is a lot of options if you want some audio company. Whilst I am planning my own podcast – and figuring out whether it will be possible at all -, there are enough out there to keep as us all lifted and informed. If you have your favourites and need some more expansion and guidance, there are a few websites and links that will guide you to some wonderful podcasts. I think we all need a laugh and some brightness in our life, so where do you go if you need to have your spirits raised? This article from Good Housekeeping makes some excellent points:
“When the world feels like a perpetually cold place, your boss is breathing down your neck, the kids seem possessed by demons, and nothing goes your way, you need a good laugh. One of those can't stop, can't breathe, can't speak, lose time for a few minutes kind of laughs feels like a workout for your soul. But if you think you've got to save the merriment for a special occasion, you're clearly not listening to enough podcasts. Our favorite comedy podcasts deliver those moments while commuting, when you need a distraction from mindless tasks, at the gym, or really any time you can pop on those headphones and get out of your own head.
Some of the funny podcasts we love come courtesy of comedians you may already love, like Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata, Marc Maron and Jason Mantzoukas. Others are basically audio versions of your favorite TV shows, complete with zany sound effects and theme songs. Then there are those that cover not-so-silly topics in more lighthearted ways. Of course, not everyone has the same sense of humor. What makes me cackle won't even get a snicker out of you. That's why we found a wide selection of hilarious podcasts, so every funny bone gets the same chance at a tickle”.
There are some great podcast recommendations there, and I think the excellent My Dad Wrote a Porno, and How Did This Get Made? are the two I would select particularly. The BBC – who I shall come back to later – are great when it comes to comedy podcasts. This link gives you some tips, but certainly investigate The Adam Buxton Podcast.
“From the jingles to the comedy royalty guests, Adam’s chats with comedians always start normal and work their way through surrealism to genuine mental health concerns and back to a delightful song. Previous guest highlights include Iain Lee and Kathy Burke – well worth a scroll back through the archive. You can also download old Adam & Joe highlights from their time at BBC 6 Music as a podcast – Black Squadron assemble!”
If you are more into your history podcasts, there are plenty of treats to check out. The BBC have you covered on that front and, when you look at their directory, there are plenty to select from! If you, like me, want a cool music podcast, sites like this can poke you in the right direction. There are two from the pack that I would handpick for special consideration:
“Explaining the creative process can be, well… a process, but hit podcast Song Exploder has succeeded in explaining the origins behind the biggest hits without getting lost in the weeds. Often copied but never replicated, Song Exploder lets the artists themselves break down their songs without getting in the way. Since 2014, musician and composer Hrishikesh Hirway (now musician Thao Nguyen) host and produce the show, revealing the creative process of artists as diverse as Lorde, The Mountain Goats and John Carpenter, to name a few.
Listen on Apple Music and Spotify”.
“It may be called Popcast, but the New York Times’ music podcast covers a wide scope of music. Hosted by music critic Jon Caramanica, you can count on the roundtable of critics to tackle every subject matter with rigorous enthusiasm, from the rise of Post Malone to Chris Cornell’s legacy, the bootleg merch trade, the future of jazz and the unfair hand dealt to Ashley Simpson. While each episode usually includes an expert guest (or guests) on the topic at hand, the dream team of writers Joe Coscarelli, Caryn Ganz, Jon Pareles and Caramanica each offer diverse expertise in genres and eras to keep the discourse piping hot.
Listen on Apple Music and Spotify”.
I would also recommend The First Time with… Matt Everitt, as he chats with some chats with some music icons in a funny, thoughtful and deep way.
There are enough options if you like true crime, but if you want a more general list of the very best podcasts, here is some instruction. No matter what genre and thing you are into, there is a podcast out there for you. It is a perfect time to explore; not just for amusement and to keep yourself occupied, but you can learn quite a lot and have your eyes opened. I am thinking about whether I can realistically create my own podcast, and I and I am getting inspiration from some truly excellent music podcasts. As a massive Beatles fan, I have been listening to the wonderful I Am the Eggpod, and I would encourage other people to listen too. If you are tempted to start your own podcast, there are guides that can help you on your way. Although there are a lot of steps involved, most of us can start our own, if we have a good idea. Whether you want to make your own, or you need some pointers regarding new podcasts and the very best out there, here is the time to explore. We are relying on avenues like podcasts to keep us all busy and, with that in mind, let us all…
PHOTO CREDIT: @austindistel/Unsplash
GET listening!