The Top Five Podcasts of 2020
In 2020 we were not only starved of company but also culture. As such, many of us turned to a friendly voice to fill our ears and minds with stories of inspiration and human contact. In short, 2020 was a good year to start a podcast, with an estimated 56 million of us in the UK tuning in. Here are our top five podcast recommendations to see you into springtime.
Modern Love
Modern Love started life as a New York Times column where readers could submit their stories of love. The column warmed the hearts of thousands of readers and as a podcast, has proved to be even more compelling as a narrative of the human experience. Love stories are read by notable personalities or the authors themselves. Each episode is between 20-30 minutes long, perfect for squeezing into your lunch break. Favourites include the charming story of a first date that ended up in the Emergency Room, read by comedy writer Judd Apatow.
Fall in love at first listen here.
I Weigh
I Weigh, started as a social media post, became a movement and is now a fantastic podcast. Host Jameela Jamil challenges society’s definition of worth through weight by asking some seriously interesting guests from the literary, film and media worlds their views on hard-hitting topics. The podcast aims to amplify and empower diverse voices and celebrate viewing body positivity differently. We would recommend starting with the episode featuring the extraordinary actor, model and disabled rights activist, Jillian Mercado.
Listen to the podcast here.
Grounded
Back in March, with no sign of filming or travel being allowed anytime soon, Louis Theroux took his celebrated documentary making talent to podcast form. In each episode, Louis interviews a celebrity guest; asking them about their lives and careers. The interviews are rambling and in true Louis style, some awkward moments ensue. Top listens from the first series include his interviews with Rose McGowan, Gail Porter and Miriam Margolyes.
Listen to the podcast here.
All In The Mind
Join author and psychology lecturer Claudia Hammond, as she explores the limits and possibilities of the human mind. From the impact of space travel to the anatomy of touch, there is no corner of the mind that Claudia won’t tackle. We’d recommend starting off with November’s episode, ‘Tools to get you through winter’.
Listen to the podcast here.
The Guilty Feminist
If you haven’t listened to this podcast, well... quite frankly, where have you been? This multi-award-winning show is hosted by comedian and writer, Deborah Frances-White. The podcast has been graced with the presence of some hilarious guests including the likes of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Dawn French and Ruby Wax. The show is a supportive forum where women can discuss issues surrounding feminism in the 21st century. Each guest is introduced with the line “I’m a feminist but…” followed by a story of how their feminist principles have conflicted with their real lives. We’ll leave you with the host’s own entry as a taster of what to expect:
‘I’m a feminist but… one time I went on a women’s rights march, and I popped into a department store to use the loo, and I got distracted trying out face cream. And when I came out the march was gone.’ Deborah Frances-White
Listen to the podcast here.
Which of these will you be listening to? We’d love to hear what’s been getting you through the winter months in the comments. If you like our blog, you’ll love our Instagram.