During lockdown [1], a number of us found ourselves missing the daily commute (and subsequently, our daily podcast listening session) more than ever before. So much so that people actually began to re-create the commute at home. Whatever reason you have, it's clear that the humble podcast is not going anywhere.
Whether it's true crime, pop culture, or trend forecasting, there truly is a podcast for every type of listener. I can say that because personally, it took me a while to get into the idea of listening to someone just talk through my headphones, but after I discovered Jessie Ware's Table Manners [2], I was hooked. Other personal favourites include the Off Menu podcast with James Acaster and What Would the Aunties Say? [3], hosted by beauty influencer Anchal. It's easier than ever to record your own podcast, and that level of accessibility has meant that there's a whole heap of interesting things to listen to. If you're looking for something new to try out, however, all that choice can be overwhelming.
As a result, I've rounded up the best UK podcasts to listen to right now, including the inspiring How to Fail With Elizabeth Day, the impressive No Such Thing as a Fish, and the undoubtedly hilarious The Receipts Podcast. Keep reading to find out more about the best podcasts to add to your rotation now.
Table Manners
Table Manners is a hilarious, food-focused podcast hosted by singer Jessie Ware and her charming mum, Lenny. Throughout the series, the Wares host a number of famous musicians, celebrities, and even political figures to discuss the food that made their childhood and to share recommendations for their favourite spots. Previous guests have included the likes of Schitt's Creek [4] star Dan Levy [5], London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and RuPaul's Drag Race UK royalty Michelle Visage.
Listen to Table Manners on Spotify [6].
Off Menu
Off Menu is another entertaining food-based podcast, hosted by comedians James Acaster and Ed Gamble. The pair interview an array of guests and ask them about the meal that would be served in their dream restaurant, all the while making hilarious judgements.
Listen to Off Menu on Spotify [7].
The Receipts Podcast
Hosted by three friends, Tolly T, Milena Sanchez, and Audrey, The Receipts Podcast is the ultimate girl's best friend in audio form. The trio unpack listeners' dilemmas whilst discussing topics like relationships, sex, and pop culture.
Listen to The Receipts Podcast on Spotify [8].
Create Tomorrow, The WGSN Podcast
If when listening to a podcast, learning new things is something that interests you, then this is the one for you. Created by the team of experts behind trend-forecasting agency WGSN, Create Tomorrow delves into the future of fashion and beauty through topics like the power of nostalgia, the future of homewares, and rebranding wellness.
Listen to Create Tomorrow, The WGSN Podcast on Spotify [9].
How to Fail With Elizabeth Day
For fans of Elizabeth Day's book How to Fail, you'll be familiar with this one. For those of you who are not, the podcast sees Day interviewing a number of famous guests about what they consider to be their biggest failures. It's wholesome, inspirational, and at times a really good laugh, so it's definitely worth giving it a listen.
Listen to How to Fail With Elizabeth Day on Spotify [10].
Make It Reign With Josh Smith
Hosted by Glamour UK's contributing editor Josh Smith, Make It Reign With Josh Smith is a podcast that hopes to inspire and encourage honest conversations. Each episode features a special guest, who joins Smith for a totally unfiltered conversation about overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, and rising above. Previous guests have included Sex Education's Aimee Lou Wood [11] and Shadow and Bone [12] star Jessie Mei Li [13]. What's not to like?
Listen to Make It Reign With Josh Smith on Spotify [14].
What Would the Aunties Say?
Created by beauty influencer (and soon-to-be book author [15]) Anchal, What Would the Aunties Say? is a podcast for brown girls everywhere, centred on the struggles that they face in terms of judgement from their families. The podcast covers a range of topics from colourism and sexism to identity and anti-Blackness.
Listen to What Would the Aunties Say? on Spotify [16].
Who We Be Talks
Spotify's Who We Be Talks initially began as a playlist back in 2017, which featured the best of the UK's rap, grime, and R&B music. The playlist quickly garnered half a million followers and has since been turned into a podcast hosted by social media stars Harry Pinero and No Signal [17]'s Henrie. Previous guests have included some stellar Black British talent, including Stefflon Don, Ivorian Doll, and comedian Stevo the Madman.
Listen to Who We Be Talks on Spotify [18].
Working Hard, Hardly Working
Tala founder Grace Beverley released her first book [19], Working Hard, Hardly Working, earlier this year in the hopes that readers would find new ways to be productive whilst also taking meaningful breaks when they need it the most. Beverley has now released a podcast of the same name, which aims to help listeners learn about confidence, business management, and growing a company through inspiring guest speakers.
Listen to Working Hard, Hardly Working on Spotify [20].
Masala Podcast
Masala Podcast, hosted by Sangeeta Pillai, is about to enter into its third season, having launched back in 2018 through Spotify's Sound Up programme. The podcast aims to unite strong South Asian women through refreshingly honest stories and tackles a number of issues like colourism, sex, and mental health. The podcast has also been nominated for two British Podcast Awards 2021 including best sex and relationships podcast and best interview podcast.
Listen to Masala Podcast on Spotify [21].
No Such Thing as a Fish
Created by the QI Elves, No Such Thing as a Fish is exactly the podcast to listen to if you hope to impress friends and colleagues with random facts. Each episode, hosts Dan Schreiber, James Harkin, and Andrew Hunter Murray, along with Anna Ptaszynski, discuss the best things they've found out that week for your listening pleasure.
Listen to No Such Thing as a Fish on Spotify [22].
The High Low
Despite the fact that The High Low came to an unfortunate end back in 2020, it's still a very excellent podcast to listen to. Hosted by Pandora Sykes and Dolly Alderton, the show aims to cover both "highbrow" and "lowbrow" news in an engaging and relatable way.
Listen to The High Low on Spotify [23].
Casefile True Crime
No list of podcast recommendations is complete without true crime, and Casefile True Crime is just the thing. With over 170 cases (episodes), the podcast takes you on a journey through some of the most interesting mysteries ever to exist.
Listen to Casefile True Crime on Spotify [24].
Feed Me Female: The Podcast
Feed Me Female is an all new podcast that aims to explore all the daily dramas and dilemmas faced by contemporary women in candid and unfiltered conversation. From dating to friendship drama to financial insecurities, along with news, polls, and comedy sketches, the creators hope to empower others navigating their 20s and 30s to feel confident and prepared, and able to laugh at all that life brings.
Listen to Feed Me Female on Apple Podcasts now [25].
