Podcasts are the ultimate way to stay entertained and informed on the go. From laughs to deep dives – here are a few we really rate at the moment.
‘Off Menu’ with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Each week, Off Menu’s British comedians James Acaster and Ed Gamble welcome special guests into their “magical restaurant”. There, they get to order their all-time favourite starter, main course, dessert, side dish and drink.
Every episode, the hosts throw in a random mystery ingredient, and if the guest mentions it, they’re kicked out of the restaurant – think Babybel, for example.
Past invitees have included Louis Theroux, Rick Astley and Sebastian Stan, as well as a brilliant smorgasbord of British comedians like Lolly Adefope, Joe Lycett and Greg Davies. There’s even the occasional politician thrown in for good measure.
We’re new to this one and can’t believe we’ve only just discovered it! The upside is we have years of episodes to catch up on. Food is such a great way to get to know people and learn about their latest projects – and, of course, we can’t get enough of Acaster, who is an absolute riot. So, if you’ve ever wondered what Theroux’s go-to drink is (Bullet Bourbon with orange juice) or why actor Harris Dickinson would choose Guinness bread over papadums, Off Menu is essential listening.
‘The Rest is Politics: Trump’s Insurrection’
The Rest Is Politics: US is worth tuning into if you want to learn more about (and be completely horrified by) the current state of American politics. The podcast’s mini-series, Trump’s Insurrection – released to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the Capitol attack – takes a chilling look at the events leading up to January 6 2021 and the aftermath. And of course, in the past week, Trump has pardoned more than 1,000 individuals involved in the insurrection.
Presented by Anthony Scaramucci (aka The Mooch), who briefly served as Trump’s director of communications before being fired in a media storm, and Katty Kay, the BBC’s US special correspondent and author, the podcast gives a unique insider’s view into Trump’s character and his disastrous handling of key moments in his presidency.
The series digs into the final year of Trump’s first term in office, the effects of Covid and the Black Lives Matter movement, his re-election campaign, and his chaotic response to losing the 2020 election. From steamrolling opponents to denying reality, the way he handled his defeat – and the events leading to the Capitol attack – is both fascinating and deeply troubling. Trump’s “Never admit you’re wrong, never admit defeat” mantra is terrifying and shows just how little respect he has for democracy.
Endlessly fascinating, but also depressing, Trump’s Insurrection is a sobering look at the US’s political landscape, shedding light on Trump’s mindset and what we might expect from him in the future. Yikes.
‘The Rest is Classified’
Actually, we’re big fans of the The Rest is … compendium of podcasts, including The Rest is History, The Rest is Entertainment, and, as you can see above, and The Rest is Politics, both the US and UK series. So, it’s no surprise that The Rest is Classified is just as brilliant.
This one delves into the mysterious world of spies and espionage, offering a fascinating look behind the scenes. The hosts are more than qualified for the job – David McCloskey is a former CIA analyst, and Gordon Corera is a veteran security correspondent. They both have first-hand experience in the field.
Past episodes that had us absolutely hooked include the story of how North Korean cybercriminals managed to pull off the biggest bank heist in history, and the tale of Mansfield Cummings, the man who shaped MI6.
This podcast really opens your eyes to the secretive world happening all around us, introducing a colourful array of characters and events. Listening to it, you’ll start to feel like you’re in the middle of a Mission: Impossible plot – minus the exploding helicopters, hopefully!
‘That’s Messed Up: An SVU Podcast’
This one might sound niche and leave you a bit perplexed, but That’s Messed Up: An SVU Podcast is binge-worthy! Each week, comedians Liza Treyger and Kara Klenk break down an episode of NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, the iconic police procedural that follows the detectives of the New York Special Victims Unit as they tackle sexually based offences. With 26 seasons under its belt, it holds the title of the longest-running primetime live-action series on American television.
The hosts somehow manage to bring humour into their discussions while still handling the very serious subject matter of sex crimes with the appropriate sensitivity. They dive deep into each episode, exploring the true crimes that inspired them (terrifying stuff), and chat with actors, writers, and even past guests like comedian Kathy Griffin, British-Nigerian actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim (aka the Fresca man), and some of the show’s major stars, like Kelli Giddish, who plays detective Amanda Rollins.
If you’re a fan of SVU, or just into true crime with a dash of comedy, That’s Messed Up is a wild ride. Dun dun!
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