Comedy

Rebecca Clark / 31 March 2020

Feature

15 great podcasts to make you smile at home

Listen up, we've compiled some of the very best ear candy to give podcast fans their fix.

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There comes a time when a break from the screen is essential, so why not take a breather and listen to one of these great audio podcasts instead.

From the joys of parenthood to great sporting stories, true crime mysteries (with an upbeat twist) or some laugh out loud comedy – here’s our guide to some of our favourite podcasts to enjoy from the comfort of home.

Shagged. Married. Annoyed

Comedian Chris Ramsey and his singer-actress wife Rosie have been struggling to have an adult conversation without their child interrupting for some time now, so they created a hugely successful podcast instead.

With over fifty episodes available to listen to, the pair discuss relationships, arguments, ageing, their childhoods, and annoyances with one another, as well as answering questions from listeners and a mystery celeb each week.

The Football Ramble

What started out as a couple of blokes with some old mics joking about football in a kitchen has now “parked the bus” amongst the football podcasting elite. Such has been the success of the irreverent Football Ramble, that the lads have put on live shows worldwide, and authored a book.

The twice-weekly flagship show still sports a line-up one short of a five-a-side team, with host (or captain) Marcus Speller marshalling “the thinking man’s Martin Keown” Luke Moore, Jim Campbell and bulldog-like Pete Donaldson through the week’s footballing news. It’s all bolstered by listener correspondence, games and plenty of Kevin Keegan anecdotes. A supporting cast of ringers including Jonathan Wilson, Jules Breach, Andy Brassell and James Horncastle add a historic dimension and continental flair, with weekly pods dedicated to the beautiful game.

My Dad Wrote A Porno

Now onto its fifth series, each episode of hit podcast My Dad Wrote A Porno features host Jamie Morton reading a new chapter of his father’s amateur erotic novels, Belinda Blinked 1 – 5, written under the pen name Rocky Flintstone, with hilarious consequences. Listeners join Morton and co-hosts James Cooper and Alice Levine (and of course Belinda) every week for the increasingly wild escapades. Added bonus episodes of Footnotes then offer regular guests including Josh Groban, Lin-Manual Miranda, Elijah Wood and Mara Wilson a chance to weigh in on the madness.

Table Manners with Jessie Ware

There’s nobody better to chat family and food with than your own mother, so that’s just what singer-songwriter Jessie Ware does with her chef mum, Lennie. Recorded at Ware’s very own dinner table, the pair invite everyone from David Schwimmer and Vanessa Williams to Emilia Clarke and Rick Astley in for a natter and a bite to eat. Each week there’s a brand new guest from the world of music, culture or politics invited to join the party and serve up some riveting conversation.

No Such Thing As A Fish

This weekly podcast series produced and presented by the researchers of BBC Two panel show QI offers the listener a host of weird and wonderful facts. Hosted by Dan Schreiber with James Harkin, Andrew Hunter Murray and Anna Ptaszynski, each brings something new they have learned to a group discussion. Past topics have included the goats that guard Reagan’s library, poppy field crop circles, faked Apollo moon landings, correct gambling attire, the inventor of Vaseline, and Athens’ sixteen thousand secret swimming pools.

Happy Mum, Happy Baby

Following on from her bestselling book of the same name, author and blogger Giovanna Fletcher continues to build on conversations about her adventures into motherhood, tackling topics across all aspects of parenthood in this essential podcast. Now a mum of three, Fletcher offers advice and support to other parents with a series of candid and amiable chats with other high-profile mums and dads including Liz Earle, Jeff Brazier and The Duchess Of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.

Hip Hop Saved My Life

Join award-winning comedian Romesh Ranganathan as he talks lifesaving qualities of hip-hop music with a host of guests. His enthusiasm makes his chats with the likes of Riz Ahmed, Sampa The Great, DJ Shadow, Frankie Boyle, and Kano unique. Together, they discuss music, their own recollections of hip-hop, and a host of extras including holidays and personal stories. Can I kick it? If your name’s Romesh… yes you can.

The Joe Rogan Experience

A double whammy of audio and video podcast goodness, The Joe Rogan Experience hosted by American comedian, TV host, actor, sports commentator and martial artist, Joe Rogan alongside comedian Brian Redban, offers insights into every subject you can think of.

Each episode, they welcome guests including authors, journalists, doctors, boxers, physicists and more to the mic to offer insights, knowledge and education across a variety of topics. Plus, the podcast has been going since 2009, so there is 11 years of content – that’s over 1400 episodes – to sink those teeth into.

The Guilty Feminist

Comedian Deborah Francis-White steps up to the mic to host The Guilty Feminist, tackling topics relating to female empowerment alongside an ever-changing guest panel.

Usually recorded in front of a live audience, past discussions include the media, women in leadership, friendship, diversity, women making movies, and fatherhood.

The Adam Buxton Podcast

A combination of serious chats, interviews, personal stories and some homemade music jingles make up this weekly podcast by comedian, actor and writer Adam Buxton. Inviting the likes of Nicky Wire, Caitlin Moran, Michael Kiwanuka and Jeff Goldblum to share comic anecdotes and intimate stories, this heart-warming offering is well worth a listen.

No Money Mo Problem

Taking his inspiration from fellow comedians Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle, British stand-up comic Mo Gilligan moves his observational comedy from TV screens and live performances into the world of podcasts.

Each week, he sits down with guests including Tazor Black, Rebecca Judd and George The Poet as they discuss acting, youth clubs, social media and more, with hilarious results.

The Frank Skinner Show

Did you know Frank Skinner’s Saturday morning show on Absolute Radio has a podcast counterpart? You do now.

Join comedian and Radio Academy Award-winner Frank and his team – Emily and Alun – as the guys discuss everything from football to TV shows and bath-salts in this light-hearted pod that makes it feel like the weekend every time you listen.

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: Ears Edition

Show highlights and extended interviews from Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Trevor Noah make for great listening.

The Ears Edition of this regular TV piece keeps the mood light while delivering daily news updates and fun content. Expect anything from rapper and actor Awkwafina talking film roles, Roy Wood Jr reviewing the greatest pandemic films and updates from the President of the United States, Donald Trump.

All Killa No Filla

For any true crime buffs out there, it’s worth joining comedians Rachel Fairburn and Kiri Pritchard-McLean every week as they explore their shared passion for serial killers.

All Killa No Filla spends time detailing some of history’s most heinous crimes, but with the added bonus comic relief. From mass murders to spree killers and everything in between, the pair will have you laughing along with their unique blend of killer content.

Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster

There’s nothing better than a nice meal out and good laugh. Find out what happens when two great British comedians pair food and comedy together in a podcast.

Nominated for Best Entertainment at the 2019 British Podcast Awards, Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster invites guests to their mythical restaurant where they can select their dream menu. Now on its third series, past dinner guests have included Rose McGowan, Mike Skinner, Anthony Head and Katherine Ryan.

Discover more:

Feature: The best stand-up comedy to stream at home
Feature: Our guide to the best comedy live-streams
Feature: Our guide to streaming the best theatre at home

Have a browse of our Comedy guide right here.