It stands to reason; who doesn’t want to fill the in-between times that might otherwise be wasted with learning or laughing or being otherwise gripped? We trace the resurgence in popularity back to the release of This American Life’s Serial, a series that left no stone unturned in its consideration of an unsatisfactory conviction in a murder case from the nineties (so much so that the accused, Adnan Syed, has recently been released from prison). Everyone tuned in; everyone had a theory.
Now, though, the water cooler moments might be over a huge variety of shows – from the ones that celebrate food to those that dissect our turbulent political times. They are, after all, a brilliant way for broadcasters to connect with audiences – all while listeners multitask. These are the podcasts that are proving stratospherically popular in 2023.
The Rest Is Politics
The fact its hosts seem taken by surprise by the success of their podcast, which launched in March 2022, makes them all the more lovable. And yet it should hardly come as a surprise. Former MP, former soldier, former diplomat, author and academic Rory Stewart, and political colossus and former Downing Street Director of Communications Alastair Campbell sit on either side of the political divide; are titans of political debate; and, crucially, agree to disagree agreeably. (That is when they do, in fact, disagree with one another which, frequently, they do not). This represents the kind of measured attitude to politics that so many of us have craved over the past tumultuous years. No wonder, then, that their live events at venues such as The Royal Albert Hall sell out in minutes. Listen here.
The Witch Trials Of JK Rowling
Tireless advocate for women’s rights or evil transphobe: in the years since JK Rowling showed her support on Twitter for Maya Forstater, a tax expert who lost her job after expressing the opinion that men cannot become women, many people have come down hard on one side or the other. The Harry Potter author later clarified her position on her website – but the blog only seemed to calcify people’s positions on either side of the debate. Now a six-part podcast delves deeper into the life and views the world’s bestselling author and the controversies that surround her. They say, ‘J.K. Rowling speaks with unprecedented candour and depth’ – and that’s on everything, from book bans to gender. Host Megan Phelps-Roper, an escapee of the disturbingly hard right Westboro Baptist Church, interviews Rowling, her supporters and her critics. Decide for yourself and listen here.
Nearly Weds
And now for a little light relief. This comic podcast is presented by Made In Chelsea alumnus Jamie Laing and fiancé, fellow TV personality Sophie Habboo, who talk rings, receptions, relationships, proposals and wedding planners. Silly and fun, it’s one for anyone getting bogged down in ‘wedmin’ and seeking a bit of daftness. Listen here.
The Coldest Case In Laramie
Were you hooked on Serial? Then this true crime podcast is for you. From the same producers comes The Coldest Case In Laramie, which is presented by Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative New York Times reporter, Kim Barker. She returns to her hometown of Laramie, Wyoming, to delve into an unsolved murder that took place while she was at high school there. In the wake of an arrest of a former police officer, listeners can expect conflicting stories and twists and turns aplenty. Listen here.
Call Her Daddy
Presented by Alex Cooper, Call Her Daddy is the most popular podcast among female listeners right now. And, say the people behind it, it’s wise not to try and guess what you might find here: they only promise that you will both laugh and cry. Recent episodes have featured interviews with Rebel Wilson on dating fails and finding ‘the one’; chats with Jane Fonda on the importance of female friendship; and how to become more confident in social settings. Listen here.
Huberman Lab
One of the things we most love about a good podcast is the way in which we can dive right into topics that are, ordinarily, largely off limits to us. Huberman Lab is all about neuroscience, a topic that might be fascinating but which we’d generally feel unequal to exploring. The beauty of this podcast is the way in which it is non-patronisingly presented so that even those with no scientific background may learn something. Dr Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine and, via his discussions with other eminent experts, talks about the science behind time-restricted eating, how much water we should drink, and female hormone optimisation amongst many other things. It’s fascinating, clearly presented stuff. Listen here.
Zoe
Personalised nutrition company, Zoe, has been busy revolutionising the way we regard healthy food choices (a clue: there is no one-size-fits-all approach and the way foods affect our biology is different for everyone). The people behind it have even found time to host a podcast too, in which they deep dive into a variety of topics with some of the top scientists from around the world. Recent episodes have included why ‘everything you’ve heard about lactose is wrong’; ‘eggs: are they good for me?’; and ‘how to improve blood sugar control with exercise’. Listen here.
The News Agents
Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall are a dream team when it comes to the news. And in The News Agents, they not only tell us happening but dissect why it is happening. Plus, they are prolific; episodes are available every weekday afternoon. Recent episodes at the time of writing included ‘BBC Vs Linekar: They Think It’s All Over… It Isn’t’; and ‘Is Suella Prepared To Break International Law’. Three journalists at the top of their game giving us the news thoughtfully: brilliant. Listen here.
The Deck Investigates
Another podcast, another true crime investigation. It seems we cannot get enough. This season looks at the story of Darlene Hulse who was taken from her home in Indiana in 1984. Though it was witnessed by Darlene’s eldest two daughters, neither recognised the attacker – and a day later, her body was found six miles from her house. The case has remained unsolved for almost 40 years… now The Deck is on the case. Listen here.
By Nancy Alsop
March 2023
