Six Podcasts To Liven Up Your Morning Commute
- Naomi Abel-Hirsch
- Nov 27, 2018
- 3 min read
From Elizabeth Day’s celebration of what hasn’t gone to plan in life in How to Fail, to the revealing tale of life inside the terror organisation Islamic State as told in Caliphate. Here is a list of the hottest audio offerings we can recommend…
1. Slow Burn
Slow Burn is a new limited series from Slate, seeking to convey a sense of what it was like to live through Watergate in 1970s America and the Monica Lewinsky controversy in the 1990s. The series is a fascinating product of deep research and extensive examination, led by American journalist Leon Neyfakh. Despite weighty and controversial topics, at no point does the series feel dense. It’s addictive to say the least, and constantly leaves you desperate to download the next episode. The podcast asks important questions, such as ‘How can the past help us understand the present?’ and ‘How do the whims and impulses of individual men can – and constantly do – alter the course of history?’ – questions we all would love to know the answers to. This series is not one to be missed.
2. How to Fail with Elizabeth Day
Writer and journalist Elizabeth Day sets out to subvert the negative connotations often associated with failure in her podcast How to Fail. In an immersive set of interviews and discussions with writers, journalists, comedians and politicians, Elizabeth and her guests discuss past trials, errors and misjudgments. A fascinating nuance of the series reveals the differing reactions between men and women to discussions of their own failures. Women appear much more willing to admit to and discuss past downfalls, whereas many of the male guests are hesitant and even defiant at times. At its worst this podcast is a great pick-me-up, and at its best an enlightening revelation of gender politics – a powerful combination!
3. Caliphate
Caliphate is a New York Times’ limited audio series on the Islamic State. The podcast is a tricky listen, one you have to remain focused on and brace yourself to hear the unimaginable. The podcast documents terrorism: beyond extreme violence, terrorism typically conjures up a shadow of fear that looms over millions of people. The podcast is led by two voices: Rukmini Callimachi, the Times’ foreign correspondent and resident terrorism expert, and series producer Andy Mills, who plays Watson to Callimachi’s Holmes. The podcast is exceptionally produced and emotionally responsible.
4. The High Low
The double act Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes effortlessly breeze through chat about topical headlines, current affairs, cultural recommendations, and anything else that particularly takes their fancy. Sykes and Alderton have refreshing voices that never fail to brighten up a morning commute. The witty duo handle difficult discussions with measured responses, and their frequent digressions only serve to enhance the accessible, friendly tone that consistently places them at the top of the charts.
5. Fortunately… with Fi and Jane
Fortunately never fails to lift spirits. Fi Glover and Jane Garvey lift the lid on the inner workings of radio, discussing the ins and outs of the industry while simultaneously showcasing their indelible comedic talent. Despite sometimes feeling like a tipsy extension of Woman’s House, the show maintains effective levels of professionalism and expertise. Recent guests have included Michele Hussain and Helen Zaltzman.
6. The Tip Off
The Tip Off is an addictive and didactic podcast revealing exclusive behind-the-scenes details about riveting investigative journalism cases. Hosted by Maeve McClenaghan, from the London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism, the podcast is just the right mix of informative, gripping, and conversational. By explaining the process behind each news story, the listener gets a substantial insight into the world of investigative journalism. Stay tuned for more podcast recommendations!
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