podcast’s: what to listen to

As we experienced last year, in lockdown, out of lockdown and back in lockdown, keeping our minds engaged and entertained was a battle I think we all faced. For me podcasts really helped to keep me laughing, learning and relaxed, and for this I can not recommend transitioning to podcasts enough - if you’re not already there. As we got the exciting news from Boris, and the government roadmap was released, I shall still be tuning into my podcasts, and finding new podcasts to accompany me and the transition back to normality and beyond. If you are not an avid podcaster then may I ask why not?!

Whether you are on the commute to work, doing the house chores or simply trying to unwind, podcasts are the very best audio companion. They are so accessible, quick and easy to download and what’s more they are all (usually) free. They don’t demand your unwavering attention and there is a podcast for just about any topic that could possibly pique your interest.

If you are still with me, you must already be a total podcast junkie such as myself or you must want to start listening to them and don’t know where to start. Below are my top 5 recommendations, from laughs to education to sleep. I think I have you covered. If you give any of these a try please leave a comment and let me know if you enjoyed them as much as I do.

sha**ged. Married. annoyed

There is a reason this podcast is taking over the download chats. Outrageously funny with no holds barred this is a MUST. Chris and Rosie are a breath of fresh air, so incredibly relatable and real this podcast will leave you in stitches.

Letting us in on the true ups and down of marital life, the mundane, annoying and the downright hilarity of it all. They have open discussions and the ‘what’s your beef’ section, where the couple address habits and things that drive the other mad will have you nodding along in total understanding. They really do remove the rose-tinted-glasses when taking a look into their married life. There is a real underlying of true love for one another, not a soppy and grotesque type but the real, no-one is perfect type, a balance that is so apparent and genuine that you just fail to not acknowledge.

Finally, the ‘questions from the public’ will just leave you utterly stunned and in fits of laughter in equal measure. Chris and Rosie retell the stories, and answer questions in a way only they can. We all know Chris is a brilliant comedian but what you might not realise is Rosie is equally as hilarious, it is a duo just made in heaven. I couldn’t recommend this enough and I find myself laughing out loud when walking the dogs which often results in strange glares and people crossing the road away from me. I would recommend you start from the very 1st episode, they do not follow each other as such, but some of the quips and comments may not make sense and loose there comedic value as they sometimes reference elements from previous episodes.

Not one to listen to with any children around, strong langue and adult content are key elements in this podcast but I can promise you, it will not fail to make you laugh.

the history chicks

Hosted by 2 American women, this podcast will make History fun and enjoyable. I am a total history fanatic and so I came across this podcast whilst looking for something a little different, something that will educate me and keep my mind active and I stumbled across this gem.

It focuses on inspirational w0men throughout history. The information is relayed so delightfully by Beckett and Susan who aim to introduce female characters to us all whilst encouraging us to go and dig a little deeper ourselves. Listening to this podcast is like listening to a couple of old friends chat, truly warming and so very charming.

Championing our female greats, from Marie Antionette to Beatrix Potter, I can guarantee you will find a fascinating female that you didn't know you wanted to learn about but will be glad you did when you tune in. Very easy to listen too and family friendly, if nothing else it is certainly one to help the children with their history homework.

sleep cove

I think it is safe to say that the past 12 months has taken its toll on a lot of us, especially mentally. With the continued unknowing of what the future holds, the days of sitting at home, not being able to go to the office and spend evenings with friends, has been immensely hard to deal with. For many sleep can sometimes escape us and the night time can be torturous. Bring in Sleep Cove.

Christopher Fitton’s relaxing voice alone will help guide you to sleep, like a lullaby it will encourage you to let go and switch off. I am, on the whole, a great sleeper, but I do have the odd evening when sleep won’t come - especially when Dave is away. With numerous sleep meditations, hypnosis and sleep stories there is something there that will resonate with you and help you settle. From a sleep hypnosis to Lose Weight and Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle to a sleep meditation for Gratitude and Thankfulness, there is something for everyone.

I have not managed to stay awake through a full episode and I shall be surprised if you aren’t asleep within 20 minutes. When I listen to an episode I sleep so blissfully and deeply that I wake up feeling utterly revitalised. I can’t recommend this podcast enough to guide you to switch off and sleep, it really is a key addition to anyones podcast library.

grounded with louis theroux

Who doesn’t love Louis Theroux? A fantastic documentarian, who so skilfully delves into American sub-cultures often spending weeks at a time immersing himself within his subjects lifestyle. A national treasure to us Brits, his deeply humane and oddly funny guide through America’s quirky passages bring such joy and interest that going through the last year without a Theroux documentary seemed totally impossible.

Thankfully Louis embarked upon a podcast series which sees that incredible ability to balance pushing and probing his subject to such a point most journalists cannot, whilst retaining that incredible humanity, which we have come to love about him has made for a brilliant podcast.

Through conferencing software Louis Theroux sits down to chat with celebrities that have been of interest to him, whose career’s he has followed and delves into the depths of their upbringing and their climb to the top. From Boy George to Lenny Henry to Helena Bonham Carter, it is a brilliant series that will give you the Theroux fix we have so sorely missed.

1619

2020 saw the emergence of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. As a white, middle class British Female, I realise I am in a state of privilege, I have not had to overcome adversity, I have not suffered judgement on the harshest level and I have coasted through life relatively unscathed by society.

I grew up having it drilled into me to learn and respect other cultures, my mother is incredibly understanding and has worked in schools where 60% of the children came from ethnically diverse backgrounds and so growing up to me the colour of someones skin, their cultural backgrounds and their beliefs were something that I valued and which intrigued me.

Fast forward to 2020 and I am so utterly ashamed and shocked by the continued disregard, prejudice and inequality black people still suffer. Racism surely should not be a thing in todays society, but alas it is. ‘When the Black Live Matter’ movement evolved I felt it encouraged people like myself to go and read and learn about black culture, to understand the hardships they still face and the inequality they still suffer and for that I feel it did some good. The conversation started.

Amidst these turbulent times I came across this podcast upon my research into black history. It focuses on Black-American history but and is a fascinating listen. Hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, the podcast explores the history of the black slave trade from the very 1st ship load of Africans that landed on American soil, in 1619. Presented through the art of story telling, this podcast enlightens us on how slavery transformed America. I encourage anyone to listen to this podcast, to educate ourselves a little more and understand just how the slave trade really effected those who where so shamelessly forced into it.