At least this is when I hopped on the podcasting train. But it can be difficult to know where to start. Podcasting has become oversaturated which runs the risk of diminishing the value of what individual creators have to say. Some great podcasts fail to gain any exposure due to Rogans’ and fellow podcast giants’ monopoly over the podcasting charts.
So here, I lay out some great podcasts I am personally a fan of, or have been recommended by others. I hope these suggestions point those in the right direction who may feel swamped by the array of options.
Sounds Like A Cult
This is a more recent podcast find that I have been thoroughly enjoying. The hosts tap into a range of topics within pop culture which have worryingly culty characteristics. It’s hilarious but also a fascinating deep-dive into some of our more concerning cultural obsessions. The episodes cover the cult of the Kardashians, academia, megachurches, and suitably, the cult of podcasting.
a fascinating deep-dive into some of our more concerning cultural obsessions
The Great Women Artists
this podcast by Katy Hessel is a must if you are interested in the arts or art history. The purpose of the show is to cover a range of female artists working today or from the past in order to challenge our male dominated Western art canon. She talks to artists and academics first hand. Some highlights include the episodes with Mary Beard, Tracey Emin, Alice Neel, and recently the episode with Marina Warner which covers the artistic representation of mythical women.
In Our Time
Originally a BBC 4 radio show, In Our Time is available on Spotify and other platforms in podcast format. Whilst I wouldn’t say this is light listening, the show is a fantastic starting point for those just wanting to learn more about history, science, and the ideas that have shaped our world. Bragg has been running the show since 1998, meaning there are episodes on quite literally anything one could be curious about. If spoiled for choice, I suggest starting with the episodes on stoicism, the cultural revolution, the Iliad, the French Revolution, and beauty. There are few podcasts that are as iconic and long-standing as this one.
Intelligence Squared
A show that showcases academic based discussions from great contemporary thinkers. If the debate in podcasts such as In Our Time seems too heavy, this is where I would turn. Often through a political lens, the conversations this podcast highlights look into the future as much as they touch upon the past. Episodes cover everything from art in the age of #MeToo, atheism, London vs New York, ChatGPT, to the link between private education and the ruling elite.
Natalie Haynes Stands Up For The Classics
A perfect listen for anyone interested in the ancient world. As the author of Pandora’s Jar and Divine Might, Haynes’ takes her knowledge into stand-up format in this show, making grappling with the likes of Homer and Horace that bit more engaging. Much of her work takes on the classics from a feminist angle, and she wonderfully reframes our readings on mythological figures such as Helen, Jocasta, and Medusa.
she wonderfully reframes our readings on mythological figure
Stuff You Should Know
A fun and lighthearted podcast on a range of curious topics. I like to dip into this one if I’m feeling inquisitive but not sure where to go. The hosts cover in depth all sorts of issues you would otherwise pass a blind eye to. Episodes covers topic as niche as kombucha, Dolly Parton, and umami, to as profound as the nature of reality, the origin of human intelligence, and forgiveness.