Flora Rowe

I am, to say the least, a huge advocate for radio. Earlier this year I wrote about how Radio is still an essential form of media however, I did not consider the surging popularity of podcasts. It could be argued that they are two of a kind; however podcasts appear to have a higher tolerance for creativity and a huge variety of content. There are some in particular that have been ticking all the boxes yet with such a vast choice of Podcasts out there, I aim to give you an insight into what I believe are the cream of the crop.

A classic that has got fans uncontrollably giggling is My Dad Wrote A Porno. This series sees Jamie Morton, along with two friends, reading out his 60 year old dad’s erotic novel. While, like most people, you would probably ignore that your father would write such a book and would almost certainly not create a commentary in podcast form, the concept is genius. Morton’s awkwardness and quick wit is the perfect formula for hilarity as we delve into the hidden thoughts of “Rocky Flintstone”. If this sounds a little crude to you then I have the solution.

Numerous friends have been raving about The High Low Show, something I wish I knew about sooner. Based on the fact that no one’s life is particularly high brow and that no one solely consumes all that pop-culture has to offer, Sykes and Alderton avoid any form of rambling, yet skilfully blend pop-culture and news to create a captivating insight into life as a millennial and with their generous helping of humour, this podcast should not be missed. Another podcast that Sykes and Alderton frequently reference is Desert Island Discs. In my eyes, this is the classic podcast, the best radio has to offer and, I believe, everyone should be able to find an episode that they find gripping, stimulating and tantalisingly insightful. Each episode sees Kirsty Young hosting a celebrity who guides the audience through their life via 8 singles. DID is a key podcast as to me, and it seems to be everything a podcast can be by providing an honest observation of reality: Young’s interviewing ability brings you into the studio.

While this provides the most intimate of interviews into today’s cultural leaders, podcasts such as Serial or S-Town delve into closed murder cases and I cannot emphasise how fascinating these are. The gripping thing about Serial is that it is not a simple case but rather the opposite – it is complex and frustrating and a unique insight into American culture.

This is what podcasts do – they drag you in and captivate you, bringing you intimate conversations and while radio can give you these, podcasts have an accessibility that radio doesn’t. While I stick with the stance that radio is still an invaluable form of media, podcasts could be the future.