37 Best Podcasts Of 2020 You Need To Listen To This Year
Podcasts have transformed the daily grind into an altogether more bearable experience. Providing some much needed escapism from the dreaded Northern line and bringing moments of joy to otherwise mundane household chores, podcasts have steadily become a necessity of everyday life, ever since Serial first hit the scene.
Whether you’re looking to delve into the gritty details of a true crime podcast, learn something new or simply laugh out loud, we’ve got you covered. These are the best podcasts that you need to make time to listen to, featuring old favourites as well as some new kids on the block. Browse, download and thank us later.
Best true crime podcasts
The Last Days of August
The brief: Captivating investigation into the death of an adult actress
Frequency: Seven episodes
Average time: 30 minutes
Centring on the tragic suicide of 23-year-old adult actress August Ames, this podcast provides an unsettling look into the pornography industry, exploring a number of deeply personal stories that converge along the way. Journalist Jon Ronson (The Butterfly Effect) investigates the events that culminated in Ames’ death, through interviews with several figures in adult entertainment, including Ames’ widowed producer husband Kevin Moore. Carefully crafted and featuring compelling storytelling throughout, Jon Ronson handles issues, that could easily descend into salacious territory, in a consistently sensitive manner, taking great care not to sensationalise Ames’ untimely death. Gripping and informative, this podcast is a must listen.
Truth and Lies: Jeffrey Epstein
The brief: Giving voices to the women who survived his crimes
Frequency: Eight episode series
Average time: Roughly 45 minutes
We all know the end of the story, but how did financier Jeffrey Epstein get away with his repeated abuse of young women for so long? This podcast uncovers the sex offender’s far-reaching network of underage girls and the horrific acts that resulted in dozens of victims spanning across multiple states. Tracking Epstein’s sexual abuse back to 2005 when investigators first began unraveling his dark past, this podcast tells the stories of the women who lived through it, as well as lawyers and investigators who sought to bring Epstein to justice.
The Missing Cryptoqueen
The brief: Unsolved mystery, tech edition
Frequency: Eight episode series
Average time: 35 minutes
Dr Ruja Ignatova was the glamorous ‘cryptoqueen’ who promised investors the world with her new cryptocurrency OneCoin. Seemingly at the forefront of a financial revolution, it was poised to become the new Bitcoin and turn its investors into millionaires. However, after amassing £4bn and thousands of followers, OneCoin was exposed as a glorified pyramid scheme. In 2017, secret warrants were issued for the arrests of its founders, but Dr Ruja simply disappeared. And she’s never been seen since. This podcast sees tech expert Jamie Bartlett hunt the globe in search of Dr Ruja, the mastermind behind one of the biggest cryptocurrency scams ever seen. If you were a fan of The Dropout (below), you’re sure to find yourself lost in this thrilling chase.
Redhanded
The brief: Two Brits cover whodunits, mysteries and other curious crimes
Frequency: Weekly
Average time: 50 minutes
If you’re a true crime expert, tired of hearing the same cases rehashed over and over, Redhanded has got you covered. Bringing light to cases that you’ve likely never heard of, as well as original new perspectives on the few that you have, this podcast sees its two hosts cover gruesome cases in great detail. Looking at everything from serial killers to hauntings and possessions, there’s no topic too disturbing for these girls to explore. Well-researched and witty, while the podcast covers a lot of content, the natural flow and rapport of the two hosts makes Redhanded an easy listen. Sharp commentary alongside the facts sets this apart from your average true crime podcast, with the end result being an entertaining yet informative listen.
The Dropout
The brief: An exploration of the lies that built the youngest self-made female billionaire
Frequency: Six episode series
Average time: 45 minutes
This podcast follows the unprecedented rise and eventual fall of Elizabeth Holmes, a Stanford dropout hailed as “the next Steve Jobs”. Once the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire and CEO of a revolutionary blood testing startup valued at $9 billion, The Dropout unravels evidence from a three-year investigation into Holmes’ disturbing track record of fabrication, deceit and betrayal. Hosted by Rebecca Jarvis, Holmes’ story is told through a compilation of interviews with former patients, employees, investors and even her own testimony. Risking the welfare of potentially millions of patients, in this podcast we are shown the distressing extent to which one woman was willing to go in order to chase fame and ambition. Make sure you’re up to speed on the case ahead of Holmes’ scheduled 2020 trial.
To Live and Die in LA
The brief: Real life Hollywood mystery with no shortage of twists and turns
Frequency: 12 episode series
Average time: 30 minutes
In 2018, aspiring actress Adea Shabani disappeared from her Hollywood apartment. So what happened? Having moved to L.A. from Macedonia to make a name for herself, at just 25-years-old, Shabani had everything ahead of her. In this gripping series, Rolling Stone journalist Neil Strauss follows the case as it unfolds, as told through jarring first-hand accounts, clips and evidence. Drawing together details from this multi-state investigation, you will find yourself compulsively listening to this violent, intricate game of cat-and-mouse. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, another twist hits.
Casefile
The brief: The answer to your true crime addiction
Frequency: Every Saturday
Average time: One hour
No podcast lineup would be complete without Casefile. Hosted by an anonymous Australian man (only serving to add to the appeal of the series), this true crime podcast examines a whole host of cases in its weekly episodes. Unearthing the grisly evidence and true stories surrounding solved and cold crimes alike, this is sure to be a hit if you’re a Serial fan. The best part? If you’ve only just discovered Casefile, you’re in for a treat, as it’s been going since 2016, meaning there are hundreds of episodes for you to catch up on. Or, if you’re looking to see what it’s all about before investing hours, some fan favourites of this podcast include the Silk Road series and coverage of the Moors murders. Guaranteed you won’t want to stop listening. But, you may also struggle to sleep after listening.
Best interview podcasts
Dolly Parton’s America
The brief: A look into the Dolly-verse
Frequency: Nine part series
Average time: 50 minutes
The podcast you didn’t know you needed, Dolly Parton’s America is a deep dive into the world of this living legend. An intimate portrait of the country star and her far-reaching impact on American culture, this podcast looks at everything from Dolly's discography to deeply personal anecdotes. Carefully crafted, refreshingly personal and overall easy listening, prepare to fall in love with Dolly Parton in this series.
Awards Chatter
The brief: Hollywood heavyweights talk through their careers
Frequency: Weekly
Average time: One hour
Awards Chatter is your go-to for revealing, in-depth conversations with some of the most accomplished people in entertainment. Hosted by Scott Feinberg, his thorough approach to research elicits sincere engagement and enthusiasm from guests. Posing thoughtful yet tough questions, each episode is packed with quality insights that your average interview wouldn’t scratch the surface of. A nirvana for cinema fans, the informal interview style of this podcast makes for an easy yet interesting listen. Better still, there’s no shortage of star power, with past guests including Julia Roberts, George Clooney and Shia LaBeouf.
Table Manners
The brief: Dinner table discussions
Frequency: Every Wednesday
Average time: 50 minutes
Laugh and listen your way through this podcast which gives an update to the standard interview format, joining dinner and discussion. Hosted by Jessie Ware from the comfort of her own dinner table, Table Manners has the feel of a cosy catch up rather than formulaic interview. With Ware’s mother Lennie in charge of cooking each week, listen in as the pair talk through their guest’s life, loves and vitally, favourite foods. With past guests including Antoni Porowski and Charlotte Tilbury MBE, nothing is off the menu on this podcast. Table Manners is served.
How I Built This
The brief: Innovators share the stories behind their brands
Frequency: Typically every Monday
Average time: 50 minutes
Ever wondered how some of the world’s biggest brands got their start? From Five Guys to Instagram, How I Built This gives listeners a chance to learn about the stories behind now-huge businesses. Speaking to a different creator in each episode, hear origin stories as told by the people who lived it themselves. Through childhood anecdotes, humble beginnings and often unprecedented growth, this podcast peels back some of the mystique surrounding business success, exploring the highs and lows of innovators along the way. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for advice or simply want to hear the fascinating context behind some of the world’s best loved brands, you’re in for a treat. Pro tip - be sure to listen to the Ben & Jerry’s episode and prepare to be inspired by their feel good story and uncompromising stance on humanitarianism. If you think you love Ben & Jerry’s now, wait ‘til you listen to this.
Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
The brief: Cosy chats with our favourite feel good qween
Frequency: Every Wednesday
Average time: Roughly 50 minutes each
If you’re left feeling like you haven’t had your full JVN fix after finishing the latest series of Queer Eye, fear not. We have the solution. A weekly podcast exploring just about everything and anything, in each episode Jonathon speaks to a different expert, talking through themes that span LGBTQ laws, to kittens. Bringing the same honest yet optimistic outlook that we have come to love him for to each episode, this series is the perfect way to learn something more about a whole host of issues in a digestible yet intelligent way. You’ll come for JVN but stay for the genuine insights.
How to Fail
The brief: Reassuring anecdotes of failure from the people who seem to have it all
Frequency: Every Wednesday
Average time: 50 minutes
A celebration of our shortcomings and imperfections, How to Fail is the reminder we all need that it’s our failures that shape us the most. Hosted by journalist Elizabeth Day, each week a new guest imparts some wisdom around their personal challenges, ingrained anxieties and how dealing with them has helped them grow and go on to success. Undoubtedly a feel good podcast, guests’ refreshingly vulnerable and honest anecdotes make this a treat to listen to. Start yourself off with Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s second How to Fail episode in which she talks through three personal failures from the past year as well as sharing some insights about how Fleabag came into existence.
Happy Place
The brief: Uplifting and inspiring people explain how they navigate life
Frequency: Every Monday
Average time: Around 40 minutes each
Happy Place sees Fearne Cotton delve into mindfulness and what happiness means to different people. In intimate conversations with the likes of Mary Berry and, more recently, Hillary Rodham Clinton, the great success behind this podcast is how universally relatable it is. Uplifting and sincere, Happy Place allows listeners a rare look into less openly talked about issues like mental health in the public eye. Highlighting humanity and reminding us that celebrities face a lot of the same obstacles that the average person does, the podcast is a uniting, positive force that we could all do with a bit more of.
Best comedy podcasts
Dear Joan and Jericha
The brief: Mercilessly sardonic agony aunts
Frequency: Two seasons, 8 episodes each
Average time: 20 minutes
Excruciating and yet entirely addictive, Dear Joan and Jericha is a satirical advice podcast in which Julia Davis and Vicki Pepperdine take on the roles of two self-involved middle-aged agony aunts. Addressing the relationship woes of their listeners with the most perfect mixture of condescension, crudity and pure cruelty, this podcast will shock you and make you laugh in equal measure. Dark comedy at its best, you can always count on Joan and Jericha to offer thoroughly patronising and unhelpful advice.
GOSSIPMONGERS
The brief: Ridiculous rumour reading from British comedians
Frequency: Two seasons, 17 total episodes
Average time: 30-40 minutes
This podcast sees comedians David Earl, Joe Wilkinson and Poppy Hillstead read out absurd rumours and urban myths sent in from listeners. Spanning the almost believable to the entirely ludicrous, whether the stories are true or not (likely not) you will undoubtedly find yourself giggling through each episode. With guests including the likes of Ricky Gervais and Richard Osman, whatever you do make sure that you make it to season two’s second episode - a firm fan favourite in which the panel and Joe Lycett delve into the tale of ‘the space worm’. Weird and wonderful comedy at its finest.
Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
The brief: Where food and comedy meet
Frequency: Every Wednesday
Average time: One hour
This podcast sees Ed Gamble and James Acaster talk to guests about their dream menu, from starter to dessert. Though it might not sound like the obvious formula for a comedy podcast, it makes for a laughter-inducing listen, covering integral societal issues such as ‘poppadoms or bread?’ and the best burger in the world. With guests ranging from Loyle Carner to Jess Phillips MP, every episode has its own varied, hilarious tangents. Just make sure you don’t listen on an empty stomach.
Sh**ged Married Annoyed
The brief: Giggles, gripes and grossness
Frequency: Every Friday
Average time: One hour
Effortlessly funny Chris and Rosie Ramsey transform the mundanities of life into a hilarious weekly podcast. While there are a lot of podcasts out there looking at similar topics, few do it as well as this one. Covering their ‘beef of the week’, questions from listeners and general gripes, Sh**ged Married Annoyed feels more like listening in on a catch up with friends. Universally relatable subjects paired with their natural charm and chemistry make this an easy listen that you will inevitably binge your way through. With over 16,500 five star reviews on Apple Podcasts, you’ll be in good company listening to this.
Mortified
The brief: Adults read out hysterical, honest and heartwarming relics of their childhood
Frequency: Twice a month
Average time: 30 minutes
Mortifying in the greatest possible way, this podcast is a series in which adults read the humiliating things they wrote as a child including diaries, letters, lyrics and everything in between. As if that weren’t cringe-worthy enough, they’re airing these embarrassing stories for total strangers. You’ll undoubtedly relate to 90 percent of the stories and will find yourself laughing your way through this honest, nostalgia-inducing podcast.
Sooo Many White Guys
The brief: Hilarious, candid discussions with a diverse line-up of innovators
Frequency: Four seasons, between 10-15 episodes each
Average time: 40 minutes
If you were a fan of Two Dope Queens, you’ll already be familiar with the sharp wit of Phoebe Robinson. In this podcast she’s over being 'the token black woman in an ocean of white dudes.' So over it that she’s taking matters into her own hands. In discussions with musicians, authors, actors and performers who are generally non-white, female and members of the LGBTQ+ community, Robinson brings her usual creative insight, humour and flair. With cameos from the likes of Lizzo and executive producer Ilana Glazer, at the end of each season to balance things out Robinson brings in a 'token white dude' to speak on behalf of the 'entire white race.' Seems fair, right? Tackling prevalent issues around race and feminism in her distinctively funny yet effortless way, this podcast is a welcome breath of fresh air.
If I Were You
The brief: Comedy duo give their two cents on listeners’ tribulations
Frequency: Every Monday
Average time: 45 minutes
Jake Hurwitz and Amir Blumenfeld host a comedy advice podcast in which they respond to real listeners’ problems, offering tongue-in-cheek, at times morally questionable advice. Observational comedy at its best, the duo have perfected the formula for this podcast over the years, mocking listeners and providing unsolicited advice along the way. With over 400 episodes under their belts and cameos from the likes of Ben Schwartz and Thomas Middleditch, if you’re just learning about this podcast now you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
My Dad Wrote a Porno
The brief: What it says on the tin - excruciating yet hilarious
Frequency: Every Monday
Average time: 40 minutes each
No best podcasts list would really be complete without a shout-out to My Dad Wrote a Porno. Cringe-inducing in the best way possible, in each episode host Jamie Morton reads a chapter of his father’s amateur erotic novel Belinda Blinked to two friends. Analysing and grimacing their way through the bawdy prose of “Rocky Flintstone” (his father’s chosen pseudonym), this podcast will see you laugh, groan and learn how to liken to female form to a whole host of seemingly innocent inanimate objects. With over 200 million downloads and sold out live shows to boot, you don’t have to just take our word for it when we say it’s worth a listen.
Comedy Bang Bang
The brief: Amazingly absurd improv-come-chat
Frequency: Every Monday
Average time: Between one to two hours
One for the comedy nerds, Comedy Bang Bang is a weekly podcast hosted by writer Scott Aukerman (co-creator of Between Two Ferns). With past guests including the likes of Andy Samberg, Chelsea Peretti and Weird Al Yankovic, no two episodes are similar on this comedy podcast, though that’s exactly the beauty of it. While often beginning as an interview format, this quickly evolves into a fusion of conversation and character improv from comedy legends. For newcomers to Comedy Bang Bang it’s worth having a listen to their ‘Best of’ episodes so you can get a feel for the show’s at times bizarre (but brilliant!) sense of humour.
Best music podcasts
Song Exploder
The brief: Musicians explain the stories behind their hits
Frequency: Every other Wednesday
Average time: 20 minutes
A podcast in which musicians deconstruct their songs to reveal how they came to fruition in short but sweet episodes. Offering first-hand insights from artists into the backstories behind some of their biggest hits from both a technical and personal point of view, Song Exploder is in no way just for audio junkies. Songs covered range from that of Norah Jones to the Game of Thrones theme song, but if you only listen to one episode from this podcast make sure it’s the Fleetwood Mac one.
Popcast
The brief: A music critic dissects the charts
Frequency: Generally weekly, differing days
Average time: One hour
Hosted by Jon Caramanica, Popcast is much more than a podcast about pop music. Taking a closer look into a huge range of musical genres, this series examines everything from whether AirPods are worth the money to Kanye West’s radical shift into religious music. Peppered with fascinating insights and expert interviews, Popcast is a thorough and well-researched look into the music world from a critic with years of experience. At the very least you’ll come away from listening with a host of new dinner party conversation starters.
Best podcasts for learning something new
99% Invisible
The brief: The design podcast you didn’t know you needed in your life
Frequency: Every Tuesday or Wednesday
Average time: 30 minutes
Shining a light on often overlooked elements of design that surround us on a daily basis, 99% Invisible explains the complexities that go into designing everyday objects and structures we often take for granted. From the origin of curb cuts to automating chilli harvests, this podcast sees Roman Mars weave intricate and fascinating narratives around the process of design and its far-reaching influence. High-quality production, one of the most soothing voices in podcast history and a fresh topic covered in each episode. What more could you want? Guaranteed you’ll start to look at the world a little differently. Listen to the Heyoon episode and prepare to be hooked.
Something Rhymes with Purple
The brief: Your fresh vocab fix
Frequency: Every Tuesday
Average time: 20 minutes
And now for something completely different. If you’ve ever felt dissatisfied with your vocabulary (or should we say lexicon?) Something Rhymes with Purple is the ultimate remedy for this. Listen as hosts Gyles and Susie guide you through selections of words you never even knew existed, their origins and the beauty of the English language. You’ll come away having learnt something new and suddenly aware of how often you use words like ‘nice’ and ‘good’.
You're Dead to Me
The brief: History meets comedy
Frequency: Weekly
Average time: 45 minutes
Whether or not you can remember what happened in 1066, You’re Dead to Me is the podcast making history accessible for the masses. Self-described as 'history for people who don’t like history,' in this podcast Greg Jenner of Horrible Histories is joined by an expert historian and quick-witted comedian. Taking on a new historical period or figure each week, the panel talk through the facts and misconceptions of a topic, from Stonehenge to LGBTQ+ history. Though it might not sound like the most obvious choice for a podcast listen, you will no doubt find yourself coming back for more, with past guests including Shappi Khorsandi and Sara Pascoe. Just one listen to the history of football episode and you’ll come away feeling ready to resit your old GCSE exam.
No Such Thing as a Fish
The brief: A curated round up of facts that seem too ludicrous to be true
Frequency: Every Friday
Average time: 45 minutes
A weekly podcast from the team of researchers behind the BBC panel show QI, No Such Thing as a Fish is the series to help you up your dinner party conversation. Each week hosts Dan, James, Anna and Andy bring their favourite facts that they’ve uncovered from the last seven days. Did you know that Greta Thunberg’s middle name is Tintin? Or that in Japan you can buy left-handed chopsticks? Well, if you listened to this podcast you would have.
Revisionist History
The brief: Intricate deep dives into things of the past
Frequency: Four seasons, 10 or 11 episodes each
Average time: 40 minutes
Described in his own words as a 'podcast about things overlooked and misunderstood', Revisionist History is a series by author Malcolm Gladwell that prompts listeners to reconsider their initial understanding of events, people and concepts. Taking a closer look into everything from a famous painting to a basketball player’s technique, Gladwell’s insightful storytelling makes for an engaging podcast from which you’ll gain a new perspective on something you thought was finite.
Best culture podcasts
Your Broccoli Weekly
The brief: Engaging, easy to digest news
Frequency: Every Sunday
Average time: 50 minutes
Staying in the loop has never been simpler than it is with Your Broccoli Weekly. In this new podcast, host Diyora Shadijanova selects three major stories from the week and breaks them down into digestible, insightful listens. Balancing facts with varied viewpoints, Your Broccoli Weekly tackles core issues that are often overlooked or avoided head on. Informative and engaging, this podcast provides a much needed fresh look at the state of British culture and politics. To get an idea of what you can expect in the weeks to come, give the 2019 round-up episode a listen.
Homo Sapiens
The brief: Eclectic and energetic discussions around LGBTQ+ themes
Frequency: 35 episodes as well as a handful of shorter bonus clips
Average time: 50 minutes
Self-described as 'Radio 4’s ‘Woman’s Hour’ for an LGBTQ+ audience', Homo Sapiens provides frank yet fun discussion around the stories shaping the international LGBTQ+ community. Helmed by Christopher Sweeney and Will Young (yes, that Will Young), the podcast features informative tidbits, stories and interviews with inspiring people including the founder of UK Black Pride and Britain’s first out Muslim drag queen. A candid exploration into everything from how the world is changing for gender-fluid people to Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Homo Sapiens makes for a heartwarming, easy listen while still addressing often stigmatised issues.
The Guilty Feminist
The brief: Validation you’re not a “bad” feminist
Frequency: Twice a week, often Mondays and Wednesdays
Average time: 50 to 70 minutes
Helping to make feminism more accessible for the masses, The Guilty Feminist is the perfect non-preachy format to better understand what being a feminist in the 21st century means. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling like a 'bad' feminist, this podcast will help you put that to rest. Tackling issues that can at times be difficult to talk about, host Deborah Frances-White perfectly balances discussion around important contemporary problems with comedy and lightness. Examining topics that range from sex workers’ rights to women in music, no topics is off limits in The Guilty Feminist. Prepare to join a tribe of inspiring, motivating and moving women.
Best fashion and beauty podcasts
The Business of Fashion podcast
The brief: Compulsory listening for fashion followers
Frequency: Every Friday
Average time: 40 minutes
The latest news and insights of the fashion world from the people who know what they’re talking about. A detailed and informative extension of the fashion bible’s online articles, this podcast will appeal to industry experts as well as those with a general interest in how the fashion world is changing. Covering topical issues like upcycling and the environmental impact of fashion, this podcast is the ultimate weekly insight into the happenings of the industry. Featuring interviews with present day pioneers from brands like Ganni and Reformation, Imran Amed and the rest of the Business of Fashion team allow us a rare peek into the minds of the disruptors in retail. We recommend listening to Amed’s interview with Sébastien Kopp, co-founder of the stylish and sustainable brand Veja for a preview of what you can expect from this fashion podcast.
Fashion No Filter
The brief: Intimate, easy to digest industry insights
Frequency: Irregular episodes, 25 and counting
Average time: 45 minutes
Fashion influencer Camille Charriere and journalist Monica Ainley give an insider’s look into how the world of fashion runs, trends that are grabbing them and who is on their style radar. Including interviews with the likes of Lucy Yeomans (Editor-in-Chief of Net-a-Porter) and Mugler's creative director Casey Cadwallader, Fashion No Filter provides rare industry insights in an accessible format. Approaching themes like the role of Instagram in businesses and how to power dress, Fashion No Filter’s intimate musings and pertinent commentary make this a delight to listen to.
The Beauty Brains
The brief: Experts explain the science behind beauty
Frequency: Generally weekly
Average time: 40 minutes
The Beauty Brains is the podcast shedding light on the science behind beauty. Cosmetic scientists dish on the information you need to become a more informed beauty buyer, from whether jade rollers really work, to understanding how cosmetics are tested. Debunking common misconceptions and providing straight to the point reviews, advice and recommendations, The Beauty Brains is your secret weapon to becoming a more conscious consumer. Forget blowing three figures on a dermatologist appointment, this podcast has you covered.
Fat Mascara
The brief: Your go-to for all things beauty
Frequency: Every Tuesday
Average time: 40-60 minutes
Beauty directors Jessica Matlin (Harper’s Bazaar) and Jennifer Goldstein (Marie Claire) dish on the beauty realm’s latest happenings, from the new cosmetics you need in your bag to a facialist’s top tips for clear skin. Informative, fast-paced and entertaining, Fat Mascara is our favourite one stop for trustworthy reviews and insights into emerging beauty trends. Interviewing a whole host of industry icons including Charlotte Tilbury MBE and Jen Atkin, this award-winning podcast provides expert advice from people who live and breathe beauty.
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