There's definitely been a boom in podcasting in 2017. I have a podcast app on my phone and, apart from the main social media channels, it's one of the most used apps I've ever downloaded. I currently have 41 podcast feeds stored in there and refresh the downloads about twice a week. Some are radio show round-ups (or segments from the show), some are comedy, some are crime related and some are hobby/interest related. I tend to listen to my podcasts in the car on the way to work as most are around the length of the 25-minute journey.
Here are my favourite podcast picks - if you haven't already, you should give them a try.
My Dad Wrote A Porno
Right... I know I'm late to the party but I've just started listening to My Dad Wrote A Porno. It's been downloaded to the app for absolutely ages and I decided to give it a go this week after reading rave reviews (and realising that it's now on the third series). Anyway, Jamie's dad wrote an erotic novel, Jamie acquired a copy and decided to read a chapter a week to his friends, Alice and James, who interject with their thoughts, feedback and writing tips for the author, Rocky Flintstone (pen name, obvs).
I've literally been laughing out loud, almost weeping, in the car and have had to drive with the windows wound up so that none of the (adult) content seeps out whilst I'm sat at traffic lights.
S-Town
This podcast was launched earlier this year and, unusually - but ingeniously - all seven episodes were launched in one fell swoop. It's hosted by Brian Reed who received communication from a man named John Mclemore asking for him to investigate claims that the son from a wealthy local family was bragging that he got away with murder. The investigation goes much deeper, uncovers a treasure hunt and the whole story is absolutely gripping.
This podcast was perfect for the car as there were no other distractions around me and I could really concentrate on the 'story'. Brian Reed is a very engaging story teller but please don't search for spoilers or photos until you have listened to the full series.
The Karen and Ellen Letters
I've mentioned this podcast before on the blog and this is usually my first choice of recommendation to anyone who wants a new podcast to listen to. It is a series of letters from the 1980s sent between two teenage girls and their landlord. The podcast is narrated by actors, and the story of the discovery of the letters and the journey to prove their authenticity is provided by their current owner, Josh Hallmark.
Listen to series one now in preparation for the new series coming in November. Each episode comes with an 'aftershow' where friends of Josh and fans of the show discuss and dissect the content of the letters.
Do The Right Thing
A panel show with comedians Danielle Ward, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Michael Legge and guests where the teams must work out the right thing to do in a given situation.
It's always recorded in front of a live audience and there is a rumoured new series coming soon but a Summer Special was released a couple of months ago just to keep us going.
Run, Selfie, Repeat
I've been following Kelly Roberts since I discovered her vlogging channel on YouTube which documented her journey to try and qualify for the Boston Marathon. Her podcast now covers female empowerment, running and the pursuit of finding your happiest and strongest self even when you're feeling your most vulnerable.
Kelly has been the subject of many running forums recently after it was discovered that she participated in a race without paying for an entry. She has addressed this head-on via her blog and her podcast and moved forward, learning lessons along the way. She has now formed a professioinal, working partnership with many running communities and has appeared on the cover of Women's Running magazine. She is actually my running girl-crush but don't tell her I said that.
Wine and Crime
Three friends get together, drink wine and discuss true crime stories. Yes, it's that simple.
Love your true crime? There's more true crime podcast recommendations here from Sian at Geek is New Chic and even more from Kirsty at Just Me Kirsty
Six new-to-me podcasts that I'm listening to next
You Must Remember This - exploring the secret and/or forgotten histories of Hollywood's first century.
Fashion Hags - talk about all things fashion and how much it can drive us nuts.
Very Bad Words - linguists, experts and historians explore 'forbidden words' and what gives them their power.
Song Exploder - musicians take apart their songs and tell the story of how they were made.
Ultimate Scrutiny - it's the end of culture so look at the world and evaluate what's been good and what's been abysmal.
The History Chicks - two women, half the population, several thousand years of history.
So I've shared my favourite six, plus six that I'm going to try as soon as I've blitzed My Dad Wrote A Porno - and I've got plenty of space in my podcast app for more so I'm looking for you to recommend some to me - even your own if you have one. Share in the comments or tweet me (@nickieohara) your recommendations.