What are you listening to these days? Perhaps you’re looking for some new and inspiring content that speaks directly to you. In that case, you’re probably wondering about the podcasts you should tune in to.
There are millions of podcasts available, and the number of new ones released in 2024 is growing steadily. In fact, podcasts in the UK are expected to attract 18.3 million users.
Here at UK Podcasts, we keep you up to speed on the hottest podcasts of the moment. Let’s check out this list of the best podcasts, which includes plenty of those crucial investigative whodunits to keep you up at night, political podcasts that examine the news from a different angle, how you can have a bit of fun and win some cash, and comedy podcasts featuring your favorite hilarious people.
Empire
Empire, one of the many shows produced by Goalhanger, Gary Lineker's all-conquering podcast firm, examines the most powerful civilisations in history, series by series. It begins with the British Empire, and other empires that have been covered include the Ottoman and Persian ones. Even though many of the guests are renowned academics, it never feels overly dry because co-hosts William Dalrymple, a historian, and Anita Anand, a journalist, bring out the vibrant, colourful anecdotes that give these expansive storylines life.
The WhichBingo Podcast
In addition to keeping up with the most recent news on online bingo and slots, listeners can enjoy each entertaining episode. Sawyer prepares listeners for their next live casino visit. Laura talks with WhichBingo bingo expert and editor Anita Heffernan about what's hot and sometimes what's not. Take in some sophisticated online casino banter and learn about their featured visitors!
Ruthie's Table 4
Situated on the Thames in west London, the River Café is a culinary institution and a favourite hangout for A-list celebrities, serving up some of the best Italian food in the area. With this series of audio interviews, the owner Ruthie Rogers uses her exceptional contacts book to ask notable (and sometimes extremely famous) visitors about their relationship with food. Celebrities such as Lily Allen, Carey Mulligan, Austin Butler, and Wes Anderson reminisce about their early dinners and share their favourite recipes; the chats are amiable, humorous, and frequently surprisingly personal.
Short History Of…
For most of us, school history classes were far from ideal. Although everyone is aware of the rhyme that describes the sequence in which Henry VIII's wives were abandoned, you’re still responsible for the remaining portion of your education. And for those who lack the time to go through Wikipedia entries, watch documentaries, or read books about every single subject (which would take some time if we were talking about all of history), this podcast is ideal. British actor John Hopkins hosts this fascinating hour-long Short History Of... podcast, which summarises some of the most important historical events, occurrences, and figures, from The Russian Revolution to The Knights Templar, Ernest Shackleton to Stonehenge. You can even watch an episode of Henry VIII to remember your school days.
Sounds Like A Cult
"Sounds Like A Cult," a captivating, easy-to-listen series hosted by Amanda Montell, is focused on the contemporary "cults" that we all belong to. All subjects are handled with sincere curiosity and a sense of humour, regardless of whether they’re pop cultural phenomena like The Real Housewives franchises, Mom-fluencers, and Taylor Swift, or more serious subjects like spiritual scammers and doomsday preppers. Every episode examines the various groups and poses the question, "Are they a cult?" And if so, to what extent?
Griefcast
The fact that life goes on as usual even when your own world stops spinning is one of the cruellest things about being bereaved. If no one around has ever gone through a loss similar to yours, you may feel extremely lonely at times. Herein lies the role of Griefcast. Every episode has a guest speaker who’s also gone through grief or loss. If that seems a bit too gloomy for you, fear not—the majority of the guests, which include comedians Adam Buxton, Robert Webb, and Aisling Bea, offer a rare and frequently much-needed sense of humour and lightness to the subject.
Sentimental Garbage
Sentimental Garbage is like attending a university English Lit course, only the topic is your favourite romantic comedy and the folks talking about it are smart, endearing ladies. Every week, effervescent novelist Caroline O'Donoghue, who hosts the show, welcomes a guest to talk about the essentials of life, including girlie popular culture that’s usually dismissed as "sentimental garbage" or trashy. This podcast, which covers everything from "Real Housewives" to Avril Lavigne, is definitely intended for girls.
The Trojan Horse Affair
The Trojan Horse Affair, one of the most controversial and talked-about podcasts of 2022, explores the 2014 theory of a covert Islamic extremist conspiracy to infiltrate Birmingham schools and radicalise the pupils. Reporter Brian Reed and aspiring investigative journalist Hamza Syed set out to identify the writer of the anonymous letter that sparked it all in order to learn the truth about what actually transpired. The hosts are left with more questions than answers, which is frustrating for both listeners and Reed and Syed. They’re also locked in a confrontation with those in positions of authority who are determined to do everything it takes to avoid being questioned. You might easily finish listening to this frustrating podcast in a single day since it’s so captivating.
Pod Save the UK
British politics are a dumpster fire, but comedian Nish Kumar and journalist Coco Khan have turned it into a podcast. Weekly episodes feature the most recent political headlines, including the Tories Morris Dancing during lockdown parties and Speedy Sue's attempt to beat a driving charge. Talkative, astute, humorous, and unapologetically political, Nish is a liberal stand-up known as Coco's "leftwing Barbie."
Conclusion
There's no way you should miss any of the podcasts on this list. Listen to the most exciting podcasts on our site, right from your browser. If you're seeking news, politics, humour, online casinos, and everything related to lifestyle and culture, tune in to any one or all of them for your weekly fix.