Celebrate National Podcast Day with These Must-Listen Shows
As I now host my own podcast, and spend so much time promoting Bird Brain, I wanted to use #nationalpodcastday as an excuse to rave about some other podcasts for a change! Whether you want a gripping series or something to dip in and out of, this list has something to offer.
Murder Most Irish
For when you want your despair served with a side of laughter
Murder Most Irish is not your average true crime podcast, the hosts don’t sound like AI generated robots, nor do they deliver the stories like emotionless husks; this is not murder porn. Sarah Jane and Emma (best friends and co-hosts) are not ghouls, but they are hilarious—there’s no denying that this pair feel like people I’d actually want to hang out with (mostly for the feminist rants)—but what makes this podcast stand out, is the way they use their platform to discuss Ireland’s darker side, rambling about anything from political corruption to how women and marginalised groups are still fighting for their rights.
They don't just tell crime stories; they show you how these cases fit into the broader social and political landscape of Ireland. This mix of ‘craic’ and unflinching honesty stops you from getting lost in the charm of their accents or the fun chemistry between them, and makes sure you understand that these aren’t just ‘stories’—these murders are frequently byproducts of misogyny.
I have spent more hours listening to Murder Most Irish than any other podcast, Spotify Wrapped lets me know every year! I’m no true crime junkie, so I think that stat speaks for itself; they have kept me coming back for more because as well as having ZERO respect for the gardai, they also address things that are topical before the heat cools off, they take risks… Currently, they are ending episodes with, “free Palestine“ and during the pandemic they were reminding people to wear masks. If I lived in Ireland, I would be on a mission to ingratiate myself with them!
No Such Thing as a Fish
For the curious and Tangentially minded
Humble brag, I saw an episode of No Such Thing as a Fish being recorded live in Cardiff, and it was every bit as sharp as it is after editing. This podcast is a guaranteed joy ride through facts. It’s made by the researchers behind QI, and each of the 4 come with a ‘fact of the week’ and then just riff off it with the other, the topics are wild, unexpected, and often silly too - I have a soft spot for incredibly intelligent people who don’t take themselves too seriously, but do bring their weird passions out for all to see.
The triumph of this podcast is that you can never predict which tangent it’ll spin off on, even when Anna, Dan, James and Andrew start their segments with a structured fact, they’ll end up discussing something completely random by the end of it. Clever, fast-paced, detailed and consistently surprising, No Such Thing as a Fish consistently lifts me out of funks and has me musing what a weird and wonderful world it is.
Did you know that half the nitrogen in your body was made in a factory? Neither did I, but it’s facts like that which keep me coming back for more.
Sweet Bobby
For when you want a twisting, mind-boggling story
If you like getting your teeth stuck into a series and you’ve not heard of Sweet Bobby yet, it’s time to remedy that immediately. This is one of those podcasts where you start off thinking, "Oh, a catfishing story, I’ve heard that before," and then, BAM! You’re hit with twists so absurd you question reality. The production value is top-notch, with the story unraveling like a Netflix thriller, but what really sells it is how deeply human the tale becomes.
It's about deception, but more than that, it’s about trust, vulnerability, and how much we really know about the people in our lives. I promise you, once you start, you won’t be able to stop.
Song Exploder
For the music nerds
Song Exploder is the podcast I go to when I want to dig deeper into the music I love, without needing to know how to actually play any instruments myself. Each episode breaks down a song piece by piece, with the artist or producer explaining the creative choices behind it.
The bite-sized episodes (mostly between 15-30 minutes) make it perfect for those little in-between moments, like when you're cooking dinner or tidying your bedroom. Some of my favourite episodes feature John Lennon and Billie Eilish—hearing the isolated vocal tracks and the thought process behind certain melodies feels really intimate.
It's like getting a private tour through the minds of musical geniuses, or being allowed an insight into why certain instruments and themes might resonate with the industry at a certain time.
Death in Ice Valley
For the slow burn mystery lovers
If you’re a fan of deep dives into unsolved mysteries, Death in Ice Valley is a must. The podcast follows the investigation into the mysterious death of the Isdal Woman, she was found dead in Norway under suspicious circumstances in 1970. As the series progresses, there’s the tantalising hint she might have been a spy and there’s a fascinating ramble through modern scientific testing to try to uncover new clues.
Death in Ice Valley is the kind of show where you feel the excitement of the hosts when they make even the tiniest bit of progress. The pacing is slow and deliberate—don’t expect a rush to conclusions (or any real conclusions at all)—but that’s what makes the whole experience so immersive. It’s like listening to a real-life Nordic Noir. The interviews are raw and unpolished, but in a way that feels inclusive and generous, rather than amateur.
Uncharted with Hannah Fry
For when you want to rethink the world around you
If you’re a fan of podcasts that make you re-examine everyday life, Uncharted with Hannah Fry is an absolute must-listen. Fry’s finds the balance between curiosity and intellect, making complex, abstract concepts relatable and engaging.
In each episode, she dissects different systems, policies, or technologies that shape our world—exploring why they work, or more often, why they don’t. But rather than the usual armchair critique, Hannah approaches these topics with a fresh angle, blending science, sociology, and storytelling (from experts) to offer surprising insights.
Episode 4: This Train Has Been Delayed stands out as a personal favourite. It’s an exploration of the maddening unpredictability of train travel and why no matter how sophisticated our technology gets, some systems, like the UK’s railways, seem perpetually stuck in chaos. Fry breaks down the inefficiencies that lead to endless delays, but what makes this episode brilliant is her focus on human behaviour—how passengers, engineers, and decision-makers alike all contribute to these problems, often unwittingly.
It’s not just a rant about late trains; it’s a study in how small decisions, from individuals and institutions, accumulate to create nationwide frustration. Fry is brilliant at pulling apart what seems like a mundane issue, revealing the complexity behind the chaos, and making you think twice the next time you're standing on a cold platform, waiting for a delayed service.
If you’ve ever stood in a crowded station feeling like your life is on pause due to yet another signal failure or mystery "train fault," this episode will hit home—and make you feel like maybe, just maybe, there's a reason behind all the madness.
Things Fell Apart – Series 2
For when you want to reflect on how we got to where we are now
I didn’t listen to series one, and it didn’t matter, each episode of this series also stands alone if you only fancy one and not the whole series, although I recommend listening to them all. Jon Ronson is speculating on the origins of today's culture wars by delving into the intimate corners of ideological conflict. The new series expands the scope of inquiry by examining the lesser-known but pivotal moments that have shaped public discourse, with a particular focus on how personal relationships and unexpected actions have led to seismic shifts in societal thinking.
One of the standout episodes in this series is "Don't Say That" (Episode 2), where Ronson uncovers the roots of modern cancel culture by speaking with individuals directly involved in early cases of public shaming. Among the most powerful interviews is with Justin Sacco, whose life was famously upended after an ill-advised tweet led to a social media storm. The episode critically examines how the line between accountability and vilification has become increasingly blurred, drawing on insights from sociologist Dr. Claire Wardle to reflect on the impact of digital media in amplifying moral outrage.
In "The Fight Over the Family" (Episode 4), Ronson interviews key figures in the battle over LGBTQ+ rights, including Genevieve Gluck, a vocal advocate for protecting children's rights within the transgender debate. This episode unpacks the moral complexities of this fight, particularly how well-intentioned campaigns on both sides of the debate can quickly spiral into uncompromising cultural clashes.
What makes this series stand out is Ronson’s knack for uncovering how deeply personal moments—one person’s mistake, a single protest, a private conversation—can explode into something much larger, pushing society in unexpected directions. Things Fell Apart invites listeners to grapple with the complex ways in which our personal lives intersect with public ideologies.
Ronson's deft storytelling not only reveals the origins of modern cultural conflict but also forces us to reflect on how easily the seeds of division are sown, often with unforeseen and far-reaching consequences.
380 – The Beaver Drop (Smollop)
For when you need a one-off, ridiculous but true tale
Finally, I have to break the UK mould and shout out this absolute gem. The Beaver Drop episode of Smollop might just be my favourite one-off podcast episode ever. Yes, you read that right: beavers parachuting out of planes. In 1948, Idaho’s Fish and Game Department decided to relocate a bunch of beavers by literally dropping them from the sky. It’s ridiculous, it’s true, and it’s told with all the charm and wit that makes this episode utterly irresistible. Plus, who doesn’t love a story where everything could have gone horribly wrong but somehow, hilariously, worked out in the end? Trust me, you’ll be telling this story at dinner parties for weeks.
So, there you have it! A little mix of mystery, laughter, and brilliant storytelling to help you celebrate National Podcast Day. Whether you’re new to the world of podcasts or just looking to add to your ever-growing list, there’s something here for everyone.
Drop me a comment to share your thoughts if you listen to any of these, and please share your own recommendations too. Now go forth and listen!
