The UK has a thriving podcast scene, with hundreds of shows covering every topic imaginable. From true crime to comedy, politics to pop culture, there is a wealth of homegrown audio content to dive into. Here are 10 of the very best UK podcasts you need to be listening to in 2025:
1. Athletico Mince
Hosted by comedians Bob Mortimer and Andy Dawson, this surreal football podcast will have you laughing out loud. Filled with absurd anecdotes, fictional characters, and impressions, it's essential listening for fans of British humour. With a perfect five-star rating, Athletico Mince offers pure nonsense that will brighten your day.
2. My Dad Wrote A Porno
Jamie Morton reads chapters from an erotic novel written by his father, much to the amusement of his friends James Cooper and Alice Levine. This finished podcast contains adult themes and strong language, but also some of the best British comedy around. Self-deprecating with plenty of irony and puns, it's a classic. The perfect podcast for someone who enjoys British humour.
3. The Rest Is Politics
For those who like their analysis of British politics with an extra helping of wit and banter, The Rest Is Politics is essential. Hosted by irreverent political journalists Matt Forde and Alastair Campbell, topics range from Boris Johnson to climate change.
4. The News Agents
Delivering the daily news with a healthy dose of snark, this podcast burst onto the scene in 2022. Fronted by journalists Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall, The News Agents offers keen insight into politics and current affairs. The show is biased, with a pronounced London-centric perspective, but it remains highly listenable. It’s the perfect listen for people who routinely tune into Radio 4 for their current affairs needs.
5. Have You Heard George's Podcast?
Poet and spoken word artist George the Poet turns life on a London housing estate into a mesmerizing audio experience on Have You Heard George's Podcast? Mixing music, historical storytelling and fiction with his melodic voice, he challenges perceptions of working-class Black communities in Britain. Thought-provoking and innovative, it pushes the boundaries of podcasting.
6. Empire
Looking at history's greatest civilizations, Empire makes learning fun. With guests like eminent academics and lively co-hosts in historian William Dalrymple and journalist Anita Anand, topics have included the British Empire and Ottoman Empire. It brings colourful anecdotes to grand narratives.
7. Tailenders
Cricket fans will love Tailenders, featuring broadcaster Greg James, musician Felix White and England fast bowler Jimmy Anderson. Funny yet insightful, it tackles all aspects of the game. With a perfect five-star rating, Tailenders is hitting it out of the park.
8. The Mature Gamer
It’s not only teenage boys who like to game. The Mature Gamer Podcast features Kev, Anna, Sheepdog, and Pab offering viewers their own unique take on all things gaming, as well as the hilarious happenings in their personal lives. They discuss the latest and best games, grom Sonic the Hedgehog to Netbet slots, and everything in between. If you are into gaming, this is the one for you!
9. Brown Girls Do It Too
Bubbly hosts Rubina and Poppy aim to normalize conversations about sex and sexuality for young Asian women in this hilarious weekly chinwag. Think of it as going to the pub with your friends, sinking a few bottles of prosecco, and having a laugh. Unapologetic and raucous, their anecdote-filled romps challenge cultural expectations with plenty of wit and charm along the way. Fair warning, however, the banter is full of expletives and adult content, so not a podcast to listen to with your aged mother.
10. Sweet Bobby
Investigating an unbelievable decade-long catfishing ordeal suffered by Kirat Assi, Sweet Bobby makes for an enthralling listen as it slowly unravels a baffling scam. Despite a lack of firm conclusions, the exploration of such a convoluted case remains engaging from start to finish. It's one of the UK's most acclaimed true crime podcasts and has since been made into a Netflix film: Sweet Bobby: My catfish nightmare. Even if you have seen the Netflix version, we recommend you listen to the podcast for a look at how it all kicked off.
There is a huge diversity of excellent podcasts coming out of the UK, spanning every genre imaginable. While big names like Athletico Mince and My Dad Wrote A Porno are comedy staples, make sure to also check out innovative shows like Have You Heard George's Podcast? which is pushing creative boundaries. The Rest Is Politics offers a witty take on current affairs, while Empire brings history to life through colourful storytelling. Sports fans are covered with the cricket-focused Tailenders, and Brown Girls Do It Too provides a candid perspective on modern culture. And for true crime buffs, Sweet Bobby investigates an unbelievable real-life saga.
With such a stellar range of homegrown podcasts to choose from, your listening queue will be packed for 2025 and beyond.