Sometimes, we need to escape. We need to escape from reality, from our own lives, from ourselves. Sometimes, we don’t even know when that time may be. I find that podcasts can be the perfect way of escapism, to listen to someone else, to immerse yourself into something that is a reflection of your mood but differential enough to make you understand. I have found myself in this place plenty a time and this helps, I promise. So if you find yourself in any of the following moods, why not delve into the podcast that I have suggested for you?
Inquisitive
The Joe Rogan Experience – The Joe Rogan Experience is a Spotify-exclusive audio and video podcast hosted by American comedian and television host Joe Rogan. It was originally launched on December 24, 2009, by Rogan and comedian Brian Redban, who is also producer and co-host. Joe has an impeccable interviewing style that leaves you intrigued and bewildered but in awe. He has interviewed many people such as Kanye West, Brian Cox and Elon Musk. If you’re feeling intrigued and wanting to delve more into curiosities, this is your guy! Go, dive in and enjoy.
Conflicted
Rabbit Hole – What is the internet doing to us? The Times tech columnist Kevin Roose discovers what happens when our lives move online. This podcast is thought-provoking and will leave you pondering so many questions about the life that we are currently leading. The podcast delves into issues such as Pewdiepie becoming acquainted with his influence on youngsters, the hardships of the internet and the control that we are facing.
Discouraged
What Planet Are We On? – Offering solutions and practical tips as well as hearing from experts, campaigners and well-known names. Liz Bonnin and the team explore the impacts of climate change. If you are feeling discouraged with the world, with your surroundings, with yourself… sometimes, it is alright to look for change. This podcast summarises the problems in which the world is facing and how you as an individual can make a part in the change.
Chilled
This is not a Drake podcast – Breaking down seminal moments in Drake’s career to explore the broader history and evolution of hip-hop, R&B, gender dynamics, and Black culture. Hosted by Ty Harper. This is a podcast in which you can chill out and learn at the same time. It focuses on big moments for Drake’s career, a career known by many, that can be broken in to smaller segments of the path that carved his way there.
Wanting to learn
Code Switch – It’s the fearless conversations about race that you’ve been waiting for! Hosted by journalists of colour, this podcast tackles the subject of race head-on. They explore how it impacts every part of society – from politics and pop culture to history, sports and everything in between. This podcast is for everyone because we are all part of this conversation, all a part of this history and we all have a lot to learn. This podcast offers personal and empathetic insights to issues that are long-lived and yet, still very present.
Alone
Grounded with Louis Theroux – Stuck at home, Louis is using the lockdown to track down some high-profile people he’s been longing to talk to – from all walks of life and on both sides of the Atlantic. In a year that a lot of us have felt stuck, alone, isolated… Louis Theroux once again offers a helping hand. This podcast is powerful, insightful and leaves you feeling much less alone than you will start it. Some of the stars that he interviews open up in such a way that is raw, truthful, honest… relatable.
Fun
My Wardrobe Malfunction – We’ve all had wardrobe malfunctions – moments when our clothes badly let us down. Susannah Constantine has had many. Like the time her dress straps snapped during a Windsor Castle supper, releasing her breasts into the soup. Susannah offers us a barrel of laughs and she and her line of doting celebs reminisce over some pretty questionable malfunctions. Guests include: Nadine Coyle, Cee Lo Green and James McVey.
Not 100%
Happy Place – Fearne Cotton talks to incredible people about life, love, loss, and everything in-between as she reveals what happiness means to them. The current climate has left many people battling their own demons, trying so desperately to feel ‘normal’, fighting what feels like a constant losing battle. Ferne delves into issues that are often filled with hate, stigma, a lack of respect. She interviews celebs such as Robbie Williams, Gareth Southgate, Emeli Sandé about their own struggles. The episodes are emotional but sometimes we need that in life, we need the reassurance that we aren’t the only ones.
Reminiscent
Revisiting – The only podcast you’ll ever need for nostalgia. We’re talking pink Motorola Razrs, Windows XP and Smirnoff Ice, all topped off with a Von Dutch cap and spritzed with Glo by J-Lo. This podcast is refreshing and takes you back a few years. You feel as though you are a part of a friendship with the presenters, rewinding to those moments in your life. They discuss first kisses, sex education and schoolgirl crushes… hilarious stuff!
Ready for a shock
The Dating Game Killer – In 1978, Rodney Alcala won a date on the popular TV show, The Dating Game. What no one knew was that he was a prolific serial killer in the middle of a cross-country murder spree. In this six-part series, co-hosts Tracy Pattin and Stephen Lang take listeners on an unbelievable journey into Alcala’s twisting secret life. They cover all aspects of this crazy story; witnesses, the murders, the justice system.