What should you be listening to summer 2018? Podcasts to care about
Dear Joan and Jericha
What’s it about?
Julia Davis (Nighty Night) and Vicki Pepperdine’s (Getting On) new podcast sees the pair take on the roles of two local radio agony aunts, neither of whom have an ounce of empathy with their audience's problems. Under the guises of Joan and Jericha, the duo dissect letters from their listeners, making brutally absurd and utterly hilarious judgements about them, that always seem to favour the men in the picture, not the women writing in.
Who does it appeal to?
If you like humour that’s a little bit dirty and pushes the boundaries, this is the podcast to tune into right now. A favourite of The High Low hosts Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes, the wince-worthy comments and bizarre situations are wickedly funny. Be warned: it’s not one to invite the whole family to listen in on, unless you’re fully prepared to cringe together.
Dear Joan and Jericha is available to download for free on iTunes
Happy Place
What’s it about?
TV and radio presenter Fearne Cotton has been focusing on self-help a lot lately, releasing several books on the subject, including her latest: Happy: Finding Joy in Every Day and Letting Go of Perfect. Moving into the podcast sphere, Fearne draws on her own experiences as well as those of her famous guests, including Dawn French, Paloma Faith and Stephen Fry.
Who does it appeal to?
If you’re feeling a little lost or looking for some guidance on finding inner happiness from well-known voices, this could be the podcast for you. The Guardian dismissively described it as a 'shameless cash-in on the mindfulness trend, but a nice cash-in at that', while the Financial Times said: 'Happy Place is less about self-help platitudes than honest, no-nonsense and engaging conversation about dealing with life’s challenging moments.'
Happy Place is available to download for free on iTunes
The Teacher's Pet
What’s it about?
This one is a little different from the rest of the list, but it’s no less essential. Sitting pretty at the top of the iTunes charts in the UK, US, and its native Australia, The Teacher’s Pet details journalist Hedley Thomas’s investigation into a mysterious case that went cold more than thirty years ago. Lynn Dawson went missing in 1982; within two years, PE teacher husband Chris had married one of his students, with whom he had been conducting an affair since the girl was sixteen. Lynn hasn’t been seen since, but nobody has ever been charged in her disappearance. We can only hope that Thomas’s shocking findings trigger a re-opening of the case.
Who does it appeal to?
Fans of S-Town and similarly tense thrillers will be hooked as the narrative moves from Lynn and Chris’s high school romance to details of the extensive grooming and sexual abuse that took place in Australian secondary schools in the early 80s. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart, but The Teacher’s Pet definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the most shocking true crime podcasts yet.
The Teacher's Pet is available to download for free on iTunes
Nobody Panic
What’s it about?
Former hosts of The Debrief podcast Stevie Martin and Tessa Coates are back with a new podcast: Nobody Panic. Still hilarious, still here to reassure 20-somethings they’re doing ok, the duo will continue to discuss life’s questions – big and small – and offer advice on how to be a fully functioning adult without screaming all the time.
Who does it appeal to?
Those who found themselves at a loss following the closure of The Debrief will love Stevie and Tessa’s new podcast – it’s basically the same principle but under a different name. Meanwhile those unfamiliar with The Debrief, but looking to listen to two hilarious women unpack the life topics we’re all thinking about, should tune in too.
Nobody Panic is available to download for free on iTunes
History is Sexy
What’s it about?
In this fun and informative new podcast, writers Dr Emma Southon and Janina Matthewson dissect all the juiciest bits of history while delving into topics school left us wanting to know more about. Each episode ties back into a modern context, too.
Who does it appeal to?
If you were a fan of Horrible Histories back in the day, wished you paid more attention in history lessons at school or are just generally curious about events of the past, this light, good-humoured podcast will help you get stuck into the past.
History is Sexy is available to download for free on iTunes
In Good Company
What’s it about?
Otegha Uwagba, founder of Women Who and author of career guide Little Black Book: A Toolkit for Working Women, launched a podcast at the end of 2017 and it’s very good. Focusing on women with interesting careers, it offers practical advice for those just starting out as well as those with years of experience already under their belt.
Who does it appeal to?
Anyone (but especially women) in search of inspiring career stories or keen to hear how other women made it happen. Otegha’s fresh ideas will have you wanting to get out there and make things happen in your own working life.
In Good Company is available to download for free on iTunes
Unpopped
What's it about?
Unpopped is a new BBC podcast with the aim of ‘getting serious about the silly stuff’. Essentially, journalist Hayley Campbell and a panel of guests sit down to analyse various bits of pop culture – covering everything from Paris Hilton to Twin Peaks. The episodes vary in quality, but you’ll learn lots of interesting nuggets about celebrities and zeitgeisty topics.
Who does it appeal to?
Those with an unquenchable thirst to know more about some of the biggest celebrity names on the planet, plus the pop culture topics we all love to talk about but rarely scratch the surface of.
Unpopped is available to download for free on iTunes
