
Features
37 podcasts you can listen to right now to get you through isolation
3 years ago

Now that ‘in’ is the new ‘out’ and we are spending more time than we ever have at home, podcasts can offer a wealth of information and light-hearted escapism from our self-isolation reality.
If you fancy tuning into a podcast, but don’t know where to you start – try right here!
Jump headfirst into juicy conversation, inspiring speakers and unforgettable facts with some of the best podcasts around as well as special ‘Coronavirus’ episodes launching daily.
Here’s a look at some of our favourites out there right now….
Great Company
1 – The Gemma Collins Podcast
In times like this, only the GC can save us! For super-silly escapism and laugh-oud-loud banter this hilarious, sassy and heart-warming show is hard to beat.
2 – Table Manners with Jessie Ware
Sit down to family dinner with singer Jessie Ware and her mum Lennie as they invite stars from Rick Astley to Emilia Clarke, John Bishop and David Schwimmer round for tea!
3 – The Adam Buxton Podcast
The man who practically invented the podcast brings us one of the most popular shows around with great guests, mad tangents and whimsical ideas.
4 – Off Menu with James Acaster and Ed Gamble
Special guests including The Inbetweeners Joe Thomas, comedian Joe Lycett and activist Rose McGowan order their favourite 3-course meal in this imaginary restaurant!
5 – In The Third Person
Celebrities get candid about life in the spotlight, hosted by The Streets’ Mike Skinner with guests including Liam Gallagher, Alexa Chung and SB.TV mogul, Jamal Edwards.
6 – Mel Giedroyc is Quilting
A real comfort blanket, this new podcast sees radio presenter Andy Bush and his friend Mel Giedroyc serve up half an hour of heart-warming stories and innocent banter as they sew a patchwork quilt.
7 – Dolly Parton’s America
If you are missing the 9 to 5 (see what we did there) or just fancy an hour or two in Dolly’s world, this podcast packs as much of a punch as the blonde bombshell herself!
Thinking About Relationships
8 – You’re Dead To Me
One for the whole family, this totally bingeable podcast from Twitter favourite Greg Jenner appeals to both parents and children. Based loosely around an irreverent history lesson, Jenner’s upbeat persona and clever subject matter list means its fun and accessible for all ages.
9 – Oprah’s Masterclass
Wisdom, life lessons and inspiring conversations brought to you by Queen of The Convo, Oprah, and A-lists guests from Jane Fonda to Jay-Z.
10 – How Do You Cope?
Guests explore personal challenges including actress Sally Phillips on life with her son who has Down’s Syndrome and Adam Kay on his experience as an NHS junior doctor.
11 – Fearne Cotton Happy Place
Fearne Cotton shares her advice for having the best relationship with yourself and others, in this super positive podcast full of life affirmations to keep you smiling.
12 – On Being
Take a break with Krista Tippett’s super chilled-out podcast that addresses everything that goes into the experience of being human, from being brave to kindness.
13 – Sh****d, Married, Annoyed
The only way Rosie and Chris Ramsey can have a conversation without being interrupted by a toddler or ending up staring at their phones is by doing a podcast. They chat all about life, relationships, arguments, annoyances, parenting, growing up and everything in between.
14 – Where Should We Begin
Savvy psychotherapist Esther Perel invites us to this exploration of common obstacles and insecurities, offering fascinating insight and advice into our love lives.
Talking About Music
15 – Hip Hop Saved My Life
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan swaps stories and invites celebrity guests to share their love of all things Hip Hop.
16 – Song Exploder
Talking about music Artists dissect famous songs to explore how classic tracks were brought to life and the creative process behind that initial, brilliant idea.
17 – The Giddy Carousel of Pop
Turn the pages of iconic magazine Smash Hits which ran from 1978 to 2006, and chat with the journalists who brought you some of your favourite pin-ups and exclusives.
18 – David Walliams’ Marvellous Musical Podcast
From the film composer behind Star Wars and Harry Potter to weird musical instruments including a helicopter quartet, and an A-to-Z of crazy Classical composers!
Chatting About Footie
19 – That Peter Crouch Podcast
Chatting about footie, Peter Crouch, Tom Fordyce and Chris Stark bring you their hilarious guide to life as a professional footballer.
20 – Athletico Mince
A surreal, sport-themed bonkers observational from Bob Mortimer and Andy Dawson.
21 – The Greatest Game
Jamie Carragher invites footballers and famous fans to chat about the greatest game they’ve ever seen or played in.
For Career Inspiration
22 – The Dropout
One of the most downloaded podcasts of the year, The Dropout tells the story of the rise and fall of former Silicon Valley darling Elizabeth Holmes.
23 – How to Fail by Elizabeth Day
Based on her best-selling book, successful celebrities discuss how failure helped to lead to success in this honest and uplifting series.
24 – Secret Leaders
Inspiring business leaders from Jo Malone to Deliveroo, and Shazam talk you through their entrepreneurial process in interviews that are equal parts irreverent, funny and frank.
25 – Hey, Cool Job!
US writer Mary HK Choi interviews everyone from creative directors to paparazzi photographers, Editors-in-Chief to accessory designers about how they got to the top of leading brands.
Classic Tune-Ins
26 – TED Talks Daily
Thought-provoking talks given by leading thinkers from TED conferences around the globe, from the current pandemic to co-parenting.
27 – Desert Island Discs
They have a brilliant roster of guests and the conversations are so interesting. Definitely check out the Keith Richards episode.
28 – Woman’s Hour
A Radio 4 institution covering topics from climate change to Brexit and the menopause, with fascinating insights from experts and journalists.
29 – Bookclub
Leading authors reveal the inspiration and process behind their work and reveal the favourites on their own bookshelves.
Everything On-Screen
30 – Rule of Three
Comedy writers and performers from Alan Partridge to Eddie Izzard, Charlie Brooker to Matt Lucas discuss what makes their favourite films and classic TV shows so funny.
31 – What To Watch On Netflix
The eternal question is answered as some of Netflix’ biggest stars and creators share recommendations from new shows to deep dives in the archives.
32 – Film Stories
Go behind the scenes on your favourite movies, including the Bond film that was almost never made, to who lead roles were offered to first – like Tom Hanks as Jerry Maguire!
Food For Thought
33 – Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee
With many of us finding it difficult to know where to turn for accurate medical information, Dr Chatterjee brings us a podcast full of useful tips and practical advice. With over 16 years’ experience as a GP, he manages to cut through the sensationalism by offering sensible options to support your health and well-being during isolation.
34 – Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
A current affairs and comedy hybrid, as Queer Eye’s hilarious Jonathan interviews leading experts and gets curious about the why’s, when’s and what’s of everything under the sun.
35 – Costing The Earth
Stay informed with the sharpest minds offering the latest ideas surrounding sustainability – from fast fashion to plastic oceans, fertility to eco-homes and going vegan.
36 – Under The Skin With Russell Brand
Leading guests and celebrities to join Russell to delve beneath the surface of people and ideas that define our time – from philosophy and mental health to democracy and fame.
37 – Stuff You Should Know
An assortment of inspired info from Morphic Fields to exclamation marks, the history of Bonsai trees and even the secret origins of Monopoly as a left-wing socialist tool.