Regularly updated podcasts
These are my favourite fifteen regularly updated podcasts – entertaining, thought-provoking, flawlessly produced and beautifully presented.
Hover over the podcast logo to read a short description. Click on the logo to go to the podcast’s home page.
In Our Time
In Our Time is an absolute institution. In almost two decades and in over 750 episodes, Melvyn Bragg and a host of academics have delved into subjects from the Abbasid Caliphate to Zoroastrianism. History, science, philosophy and the arts are interrogated in 45-minute intellectual tours de force.
99% Invisible
Roman Mars is one of the biggest names in podcasting, and it isn't hard to see why. 99% Invisible (or 99PI) is a beautiful podcast for beautiful nerds. It focuses on the the things we don’t think about — the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world.
Criminal
Criminal is a podcast about crime. But this isn't another true crime podcast. Instead, it tells inspiring, touching and funny stories involving crime. It is beautifully hosted by Phoebe Judge.
Histories of the Unexpected
Dr Sam Willis and Professor James Daybell argue convincingly that everything has a history. And this series presents the stories of some of the overlooked and unexpected things that actually tell us a lot more about what has happened and who we are today. Compelling and wonderfully presented.
Seriously
Seriously is BBC Radio's curation of quirky, curious and seriously interesting documentaries from across the network. Given how much great stuff is put out on the BBC, it is impossible to keep up with it all. But Seriously gives you a chance to catch up on documentaries you might never have otherwise heard of, let alone heard.
Art Detective
Dr Janina Ramirez tells the stories of the visual expression of culture, politics, society, religion, emotion, zeitgeist, channelled through the brush, chisel, or hands of creative individuals. Bringing one piece to life in each episode, this is a great gateway to art history.
Casefile
Casefile is, along with They Walk Among Us, my favourite true crime podcast. It is an Australian production, but looks at cases from around the world. It is remarkably thoroughly researched and well presented.
The Allusionist
In which Helen Zaltzmann takes language outside to show who is the boss. Plenty for any language lovers, bibliophiles, lexicographers and etymologist.
They Walk Among Us
They Walk Among Us is a relative newcomer, but it is fast becoming one of my favourite podcasts. It is a UK-based true crime podcast that explores the cases that fascinate and repel. The two-part episode (episodes 11 and 12 of season 1) on the Phillpotts was especially moving.
Lore
Our fears have roots. Lore exposes the darker side of history, exploring the creatures, people, and places of our wildest nightmares. Aaron Mahnke is the master storyteller presenting in a style similar to a campfire experience. Why listen? Because sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction.
Does history always repeat itself? No, but there are often some useful and familiar echoes. The Long View's Jonathan Freedland takes current events and looks at historical parallels. Some episodes go back centuries to demonstrate that not much changes!
Myths and Legends
Put a gun to my head and make me pick one podcast out of these twelve, and I'd pick the Myths and Legends podcast. Some of the world's greatest stories expertly and often hilariously told by Jason Weiser.
Dan Snow's History Hit
Dan Snow has an infectious and inspiring enthusiasm for all things history! His podcast covers a wide range of subjects, times and places and includes anniversaries, stories that go behind the headlines and interviews with leading historians. A must listen.
Stephen J. Dubner and Steven D. Levitt wrote the blockbuster book Freakonomics. Of all the things that this has produced, my favourite is the podcast. At the moment, they are thinking about what we would do if we got a 'do over' for earth.
Unexplained
Unexplained is a bi-weekly podcast about strange and mysterious real life events that continue to evade explanation. It is wonderfully presented by Richard Maclean Smith and covers everything from time travellers to ghosts.
One-off podcast series
