Let's face it 2020 was, undoubtedly, the year of the podcasts.
It seemed like everyone and their mother started a podcast during lockdown, and by now you've probably listen to a fair share of what's out there. But if your thirst for listening to two strangers debate the intricacies of the universe while you procrastinate your uni work isn't full quenched - then you've come to the right place.
We've complied a list of our personal favourite podcasts that we're sure you'll love too. Whether you're looking for inspiration, business knowledge, or just a few laughs we've got something to catch your eye...er...ear.
For inspiration...
1. Manuel Work is a Bug
If you're one of those people who are fascinated by the potential of technology and how it might impact our future then this is podcast for you. Hosted by Matthew Black, the podcast is focused around all things automation, technological advancement, the future of work, and the intersection of humans and AI. You'll hear from industry-leading experts, CEOs, and entrepreneurs as they share their ground-breaking stories and how they see the future unfolding. Listen here on Google podcasts or Spotify.
2. The Ambition Accelerator Podcast
The Ambition Accelerator is here to help you get to where you want to be in life, whether that's breaking into the corporate world, being an entrepreneur, or just finding your purpose. It's hosted by Sophie Milliken - MD of SRS Recruitment and Employability Experts, best-selling author of The Ambition Accelerator, and all-around Girl Boss. Each episode, Sophie is joined by one trailblazing businesswoman to discuss their story, give out some helpful advice, and share some of the trials and tribulations they've faced throughout their career.
The podcasts has already featured conversations with Dragons’ Den’s Sara Davies MBE, The Apprentice’s Linda Plant, and founder and former CEO of Pacific Direct Lara Morgan. You can listen to it on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or Youtube.
For business...
3. The Extraordinary Podcast
Hosted by entrepreneur and strategist Tobias Dahlberg, The Extraordinary Podcast really lives up to its name. The podcast is all about expanding human potential and growing businesses and brands from the ground up. Starting from episode one, Tobias shares game-changing insight into the business world and actionable strategies that you can apply to your own life. It also features interviews from successful entrepreneurs that will talk you through their own journeys and all the things they wished they knew at the start of their business. You can listen to the podcast on Spotify or Apple podcasts.
4. That Bright Idea Podcast
Previously known as Lightbulb Moments, this podcast is dedicated to the innovations that have helped shape our world. Hosted by friends Eleanor "Ellie" Wood and Rhiannon Collins, each episode seeks to celebrate human achievement and shed some light on how this can impact our future. The podcast covers topics such as technological advancement, sustainability and the future of crowdfunding. Another plus? each episode is perfectly tea-break sized, coming in at just under 30 minutes - so you can squeeze it into your morning commute or afternoon stroll. Listen to it here.
For mental health...
5. Bryony Gordon's Mad World
This podcast's tag-line sums up its content perfectly: "intimate conversations about getting unwell - and getting better." Mad World is hosted by author and journalist, Bryony Gordon, as she speaks to a different guest each week about mental illness and how it has impacted their life. The conversations are extremely insightful, compassionate, and refreshingly honest. By the end of each episode, you'll be left with the feeling that things truly do get better and that there's always someone out there who is willing to listen. It's available to listen to now, on both Spotify and Apple podcasts.
6. The Daily Pep
The Daily Pep is rebel-rousing, encouraging, and inspiring (literally, it's in the Spotfiy description) and it's here to put the pep back in your step. Hosted by Meg Kissack, the podcast is a short and snappy reminder that you hve what it takes to succeed and find your own brand of happiness. A sister-podcast to The Couragemakers Podcast, it's designed to help you build the life of your dreams, one day at a time, and covers topics such as self-worth, trial-and-error, and building momentum that will carry you through any challenges that you might face. You can find it on Spotify and Apple podcasts here.
For laughs....
7. I Met You On LJ
If you grew up during the MSN-Myspace-Livejournal era of the Internet then, boy, do we have some great nostalgia for you. Longtime friends Maggie and V met twelve years ago and are now diving deep into the annals of Internet history. This podcast is a hilarious ride through each host's digital footprint as they talk through fandom's past, present, and future - from fanfiction, to proper fandom etiquette, to how to survive your first ComicCon.
Even if you're not all that big on "Internet fandoms", the energy and passion with which they debate each topic or regale you with their personal fandom experiences is enough to keep you hooked. Listen on Spotfiy here.
8. No Such Thing As A Fish
No Such Thing As A Fish is a weekly podcast series produced and presented by the researchers behind the BBC Two panel game QI. Each week, the researchers share the funniest, weirdest, or most interesting fact that they've discovered that week. Not only a barrel of laughs but genuinely interesting and engaging, the podcast is chock-full of debunks, longstanding myths, and funny, little facts that you can share at your next party to make you seem more interesting. You can find it on Spotify or Apple podcasts.
For when you're not sure what's next....
9. I Shouldn't Say This, But
Katy Leeson, Managing Director of Social Chain, launched this podcast to share her own journey as MD of one of the fastest growing social marketing agency in the world. Since then, it's taken on a life of it's own and opened up conversations about what it's like to be a woman in a predominantly male-dominated field. Throughout each episode, Katy explores the concept of Imposter Syndrome, and what to do when you feel like you're not good enough to succeed. It's a beautifully honest and open look at finding your feet and pursing your dreams. Listen here or here.
10. Twenty Something
Just by hearing the name of this podcast, you'll know it's right for you. It's exactly what it says on the tin: "Two twentysomething girls podcasting the trials and triumphs of this culturally significant time in people's lives." What you might not be prepared for though, is just how funny, heartfelt, and comforting this podcast is if you're feeling particularly lost right now. Made for those who don't know what the future holds, it covers everything from "How to be your own best friend" to investing and networking. It really is a catch-all for everyone out there that's still trying to get the hang of this whole "adulting" thing - give it a listen on Spotify and Apple podcasts.