I find that listening to podcasts helps me to engage with big ideas, be more informed about the world around me, and enjoy some top-class entertainment. Maybe you haven’t tried podcasts yet, or maybe you’re looking for some new favourites. There are thousands of brilliant free podcasts out there just waiting to be discovered, but where do you start? Well, hopefully this list of my 12 favourites will point you in the right direction.
All of these are available free through iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher and other Podcast services.
Topic: History
Frequency: Daily
Running time: 10 mins
Historical events through the eyes of those who were there, from the worlds of politics, health, popular culture, technology, education, science, faith, arts and many more.
Topic: English Language
Frequency: Weekly
Running time: 20 mins
Helen Zaltzman explores the meaning and etymology of a different word each episode.
Topic: Christian apologetics
Frequency: Weekly
Running time: 10 – 20 mins
A conversational programme hosted by William Lane Craig and discussing the latest apologetic issues such as suffering, the evidence for Jesus, morality, science, the Bible and much more.
Topic: Christianity
Frequency: Weekly
Running time: 1 hr 20 mins
From Premier Christian Radio, this podcast explores issues of faith and morality through conversations between leading Christian and non-Christian thinkers.
Topic: Religious affairs
Frequency: Weekly
Running time: 30 mins
A weekly podcast exploring issues of faith and life from religion and politics to the Great Welsh Hymn.
Topic: Ethics
Frequency: Weekly
Running time: 30 mins
A weekly podcast exploring current ethical issues from ageism and forgiveness to violence and relationships.
Topic: Philosophy
Frequency: Ad hoc (generally 2 a month)
Running time: 15 – 20 mins
Top philosophers interviewed on bite-sized topics such as language, reality, knowledge, mind, responsibility, ethics and aesthetics.
Topic: Economics
Frequency: Weekly
Running time: 30 – 45 mins
Exploring the ‘hidden side of everything’ from generosity to Google searches and decision-making.
Topic: Comedy
Frequency: Monthly
Running time: 10 – 40 mins
“The number one podcast for those involved or just interested in the production of beef animals and dairy herds.” Hilarious!
Topic: Comedy
Frequency: Weekly
Running time: 30 – 45 mins
Four of the QI elves share their favourite facts of the week with plenty of witty banter.
Topic: Comedy
Frequency: Monthly
Running time: 40 – 50 mins
Helen, Olly and Martin the Sound Man answer an array of listeners’ questions (What’s the most expensive hotel in the world? How much is a year’s supply of Weetabix?) and give advice on everything from how to avoid socially awkward situations to how to cook roadkill. [Warning: Is sometimes a bit rude.]
Topic: General knowledge quiz
Frequency: Weekly
Running time: 15 – 20 mins
Every week there are four rounds – a music round and three other categories which could be anything from Famous Voices to TV Trios or Shipwrecks. Then there’s a musical interlude followed by the answers. The quiz is well-put together and the questions are just the right level of difficulty. James, who presents, sound like the nicest man ever. I’d love to meet him one day.
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