大象传媒

Looking for a great podcast to listen to but don't know where to start? Podcast Radio Hour is here to help.

Each week Podcast Radio Hour recommends the best podcasts and speaks to the people who make them.

Host Amanda Litherland picks her favourites from the one hundred episodes so far...

The best true crime, drama and investigations, whether fact or fiction

The Missing Cryptoqueen

Tech expert Jamie Bartlett and producer Georgia Catt go in search of Dr Ruja Ignatova – founder of an allegedly fraudulent cryptocurrency, OneCoin.

We hear about the outrageous levels of wealth held by those at the top, and encounter bizarre events such as a OneCoin beauty pageant in Romania.

Yet we also hear the tragic stories of individuals across the globe who have lost their life’s savings to the scheme.

Investigations are still ongoing, and I suspect this won’t be the last we’ll hear of Dr Ruja. Listen to The Missing Cryptoqueen here.

If you like this then try…

– A New York Times terrorism expert sets out to understand ISIS by hearing from a former member.

Scene On Radio – Seeing White

This documentary series studies racism through a different lens, by asking what it means to be white.

We hear about the roots of white supremacy, explore the history of racism and consider how it functions in American society today. Though the focus is on the States, the issues discussed are universal, and this 14-part series is essential listening for everyone.

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– Jon Ronson considers how the mass availability of online pornography has changed our world, in often unexpected ways.

Passenger List

A thrilling mystery drama – when a flight disappears between London and New York, Kaitlin Le (played by Kelly Marie Tran, Star Wars’ Rose) is determined to uncover the truth behind what happened to those on board. A cross- continental conspiracy unfolds, with twists, turns and a stellar cast including Patti Lupone and Colin Morgan..

If you like this then try…

Forest 404 – An environmental thriller set in the 24th Century. In a future where trees no longer exist, Pan (Pearl Mackie) discovers an audio recording of a rainforest and uncovers a forgotten past.

Song Exploder

Musicians take apart their songs and explain how they were written, piece by piece. One for music nerds and newbies alike! My favourite is Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsay Buckingham revealing the story behind Go Your Own Way, but I’ve also been really captivated by the composition of TV themes like Stranger Things and Game of Thrones.

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– A great way to discover old books. Literary guests discuss a favourite lesser-known classic with Andy Miller and John Mitchinson.

99% Invisible

A podcast about the hidden stories in the world around us – the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our lives. One that I always bang on about is episode 213 – Separation Anxiety – which explains how rubbish is collected in Taiwan. That might sound like the dullest topic on earth but it’s completely enthralling. You’ll never look at the world around you in the same way – and you’ll never stop telling everyone about it either.

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The Boring Talks – Short, intriguing lectures about seemingly mundane topics. Toilet door graffiti, the Argos Catalogue and Kinder Egg warning labels to name but a few.

Make sense of the news and politics

Brexitcast

Who would have thought four political correspondents discussing everyone’s least favourite dinner party topic could be so entertaining. Laura Kuenssberg, Chris Mason, Adam Fleming and Katya Adler’s podcast is a triumph, even gaining TV slots this year, proving just how popular it is. Listen to Brexitcast here.

If you like this then try…

Podlitical – Weekly political chat from outside the Westminster bubble, featuring 大象传媒 reporters from Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Political Party

The comedian and former political adviser Matt Forde speaks to politicians, policy makers and other important figures. Matt is a skilful interviewer, combining shrewd insight with topical comedy, meaning guests often reveal things you wouldn’t hear in your usual political show. Take for instance the episode where Tony Blair lets slip his student comedy past.

If you like this then try…

– Radio host Geoff Lloyd and Ed Miliband MP explore ways to make the world a better place, one policy at a time

Have You Heard George’s Podcast?

George The Poet’s multi award-winning series really does live up to the hype, combining current affairs and storytelling with rap. Mixed together with powerful soundscapes composed by super producer Benbrick, George’s rich social commentary amplifies often overlooked voices from his community. Start at the beginning, listen and learn.

If you like this then try…

– From the author behind the bestselling Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race this series looks at the history that has lead to the politics of today.

Comedy and hilarious chat

Fortunately… with Fi and Jane

Jane Garvey and Fi Glover’s uninhibited exchanges are a delight for anyone who likes hearing stories they probably shouldn’t. Each episode the pair chat to someone from the broadcast world and muse with acerbic wit on their own lives too.

Their mutual mocking is the product of a close friendship, and this combined with frank, funny anecdotes has resulted in a huge hit across the board. I recently took my best friend (who is a 28-year-old man) to see them live. A guaranteed joy every week. Listen to Fortunately... with Fi and Jane here.

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– Singer Jessie Ware and her mum Lennie host a famous person for dinner. Revealing chat and tempting cuisine. Don’t listen on an empty stomach.

Beef and Dairy Network Podcast

Ben Partridge’s fictional industry newsletter companion is one of the most ridiculously hysterical things you’ll ever hear. Including characters such as a "bovine arse vet", a psychotic abattoir owner, and a social worker trying to stop kids dealing lamb on the streets. Immerse yourself in this ludicrous world and I guarantee you’ll become that person stifling giggles on the bus.

If you like this then try…

– Tony Gardner stars as Michael, an actor whose ego is far larger than his actual filmography. Claire (Anna Crilly) is his agent’s assistant’s assistant who books him a series of catastrophic jobs, each more riotous than the last.

Dear Joan and Jericha

Absolutely not for the faint hearted, Julia Davis and Vicki Pepperdine’s agony aunts deliver some of the most indecent advice you can possibly imagine. This incredibly dark comedy has become a cult sensation, with topics impossible for me to politely paraphrase here. Completely outrageous and definitely not one for a family car journey.

If you like this then try…

– True stories of dating (usually) gone wrong. Your own worst experiences will pale in comparison.

Illuminating conversations with inspirational people

The Two Shot Podcast

The actor Craig Parkinson talks to actors, writers and other creative types about their careers. This might sound like any other celebrity chat podcast but Craig is a masterful interviewer, warm and genuinely curious. Charlie Cooper, Michael Balogun and Jodie Comer are some of my favourites, but you’ll hear thoughtful, inspiring stories whoever you pick.

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Cariad Lloyd chats to comedians, writers and other famous names about death. Much cheerier than it sounds and helpful if you’re going through bereavement yourself.

No Country For Young Women

Monty Onanuga and Sadia Azmat share their experience as minority women in a white man’s world. Their firm friendship is the bedrock of this hilarious podcast, where each week they riotously pick apart life, love and work, and – with the help of guests like Munroe Bergdorf, Nish Kumar and London Hughes – “try and figure out how we balance our British and ethnic identities”. Listen to No Country for Young Women here.

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– Milena, Tolly T and Audrey present unadulterated girl talk with no filter.

NB: My Non-Binary Life

Follow Caitlin Benedict as they come out as non-binary. Along with friend and mentor Amrou Al-Khadi they ask big questions about gender and identity, covering language, bodies, clothing, and so much more. Caitlin and Amrou discuss difficult issues with real compassion, and let non-binary listeners know that they are not alone. Listen to NB here.

If you like this then try…

- What it says on the tin. Real LGBTQ+ people (sometimes famous, sometimes not) tell their stories to Emma Goswell.