Podcasts are the new television.
Entertainment in handy instalments, we love ’em as we can dip in and out (when we have time) and binge-listen while we mamma-multi-task.
If you’re not up to date, or wondering what all the hype is about, fear not we’re here to help with our pick of the best…
1. My Dad Wrote A Porno
Hosted by Jamie Morton, James Cooper, and Alice Levine, each episode of this pee-yourself-laughing podcast features Morton reading a new chapter of the erotic novel Belinda Blinked, unfortunately written by Jamie’s Northern Irish Dad under the pen name ‘Rocky Flintstone’. James and Alice provide hilarious running commentary, and if you don’t laugh out loud listening to this one we reckon you might be a lost cause.
2. Serial
Sarah Koenig, narrates this nonfiction investigative podcast. Season 1 investigates the 1999 murder of 18-year-old high school student, Hae Min Lee, and season 2 looks at the case of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, an American soldier who was held for five years by the Taliban. Serial hit number one on iTunes even prior to its official debut and remained in the top spot for several weeks.
3. Dubland
Two of our favourite Irish broadcasters, Suzanne Kane and PJ Gallagher, present this weekly homegrown podcast. The duo give their take on the week which usually includes a rant from PJ, their ‘Hero of the Week’ award and throw in some animal facts for good measure.
4. This American Life
This American Life is one of the most popular podcasts in the US, with around 2.5 million people downloading each episode. A non-fiction programme hosted by Ira Glass, TAL features essays, memoirs, and short fiction.
5. The S-Town
Yes, it is yet another investigative journalism podcast from the producers of Serial and This American Life, but we couldn’t leave it out. S-Town broke all previous podcast records when it was downloaded a whopping 10 million times in just four days; have a listen and you’ll see why.
6. At Home With…
Described as ‘Through The Keyhole” for the syle-concious, At Home With sees two fashion and lifestyle bloggers, Anna Gardner and Lily Pebbles rifling through the houses, wardrobes, fridges, and personal belongings of media-types. The ladies leave no stone unturned, even scrolling through people’s SkyPlus recordings. A great listen if you’re a nosey type.
7. Savage Love
Dr Dan Savage has been described as ‘America’s sweetheart and its least judgmental voice’. An agony uncle, the doc gives love and sex advice to people from every imaginable walk of life. Savage Love gets over 200,000 listeners every week and we think he kicks Dr Phil’s ass.
8. Alice Isn’t Dead
A sinister fictional thriller, Alice Isn’t Dead follows a truck driver’s encounters with not-quite-human serial murderers, towns literally lost in time, and a conspiracy that goes way beyond a missing woman. Creepy.
9. No Such Thing As A Fish
If you’re a fan of the BBC’s trivia quiz show QI, then this is the podcast for you. Listen to the QI researchers share their most interesting recent discoveries and then impress your friends and family with your newfound cleverness.
10. The Capital B
We’re not tooting our own horn here but BEEP BEEP… The Capital B is hosted by renowned author, and former business editor of the Sunday Independent, Nick Webb. JOE’s business podcast covers everything from fast food to fake tan to the latest parking hacks. This weekly listen is for anyone with a love of business but no time for boring.
