All across the connected world – whether it’s C-Suite business leaders, regular commuters or just folks who likes to have smart conversations in their ears – people are plugging into the pleasure of podcasts. According to Statista, 4.8 million South Africans listen to podcasts every month. In the United States, according to Buzzsprout, 26% of the adult population listen to podcasts every week.
The question is: what are they listening to?
If you’re new to podcasts, it’s tough to know where to start. The good news is, there are plenty of places to go looking for great content. Podcasts are easy to access – and pretty much all of them are available for free. Some podcasters offer premium packages, where you pay them for extra content… but every podcast worth listening to can be streamed or downloaded from the usual places where you find your music. Simply tap on the Podcasts tab in Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or try apps like Overcast, Stitcher, and so on.
As to which podcasts you should listen to… That’s a tough question to answer. It’s a bit like saying, “I have a new microwave; what food should I cook?” It all comes down to your personal taste. Some podcasts last a few minutes; others keep you hooked for hours. Some are funny; others are dead-pan serious. Some are episodic; others feel like full-length audiobooks. Look and listen, and you’re sure to find something you like.
To help you get started, here’s a shortlist of some of the best.
Serial
If you like… true crime. Serial (especially Season 1) and its sister podcast S-Town are the OGs of edge-of-your-seat investigative podcasts.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
Call Her Daddy
If you like… frank and funny advice and conversations about girl’s stuff.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
The Joe Rogan Experience
If you like… being challenged (and either annoyed or inspired, depending on who’s guesting) by ideas and opinions from across the spectrum.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
Tech Talk with Vodacom
If you like… hearing smart people talk about the latest trends in tech.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
Podcast and Chill with MacG
If you like… hanging out and having a laugh with (funny and in-the-know) South African friends.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s
If you like... music, nostalgia, and life in general. Having completed his journey through the ’90s (which took way more than 60 songs), host Rob Harvilla recently started a new series on the 00s.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
Stuff You Should Know
If you like… being fabulously well-informed about absolutely everything.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou
If you like… staying up to date with the latest tech trends, and hearing South African voices from the tech and business world.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
The Rest is Football
If you like… hearing English football legends Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards analyse the Beautiful Game. Companion series The Rest is Football is essential listening if you’re a history nerd.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
What Now? with Trevor Noah
If you like… hearing ideas and opinions from global thought leaders.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
TED Talks Daily
If you like… short and sharp talks about big ideas.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcast
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