34 best podcasts to listen to in 2021
Struggling to choose a podcast for your daily walks? We've narrowed down our top picks for you.
Whether you're out for a walk, cleaning the house or just want to give your eyes a rest but still want some entertainment, you can't beat a good old podcast, and with so many to choose from these days, it can feel a little overwhelming.
Luckily, RadioTimes.com are here to help and our audio experts have picked out some of the best pods so you can start listening straight away.
If you fancy something that'll tickle your funny body, there's the hugely popular Guilty Feminist pod to check out or the hilarious My Dad Wrote a Porno, while sports fans can check out our Football Times podcast, or even Greg James's Tailenders for all the cricket commentary you'll need for The Hundred.
Read on for our recommendations as to which comedy, sport, lifestyle, news and culture podcasts you need to subscribe to.
Best Comedy Podcasts
The Guilty Feminist
If you've ever felt as though you're not the greatest feminist you could be, then The Guilty Feminist is for you. Recorded in front of a live audience, this pod sees host and comedian Deborah Frances-White welcome a host of celebrity guests (from Aisling Bea to Sinhu Vee) on to speak about topics "all 21st century feminists agree on" whilst also confessing their worries about undermining the ideals they know they should follow.
More like this
Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, Deborah Frances-White revealed that a new Guilty Feminist spin-off is on the way, focusing on investigative journalism.
"The Guilty Feminists are going to be releasing some new podcasts very soon, including an investigative journalist podcast where we look at feminist stories and news stories that our listeners might be interested in," she said. "It's the Guilty Feminist Presents in which I hire two fantastic investigative journalists to go and find out stuff about the world."
Poog
If you're tired of trying to keep up with the latest creams, oils and other wellness trends populating the internet, then this podcast from comedians Kate Berlant (Sorry to Bother You, Loki, Search Party) and Jacqueline Novak (Broad City, Inside Amy Schumer) is for you. Poog, which is literally Goop spelt backwards, sees the best friends try out various products and practices, consult healers and experts whilst trying to sort the scams from the skin saviours.
Listen to Poog on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
My Dad Wrote a Porno
If you're in the mood for a good old belly laugh, then My Dad Wrote a Porno is the podcast to get into this year. Hosted by James Morton, James Cooper and former BBC Radio 1 DJ Alice Levine, each episode sees the trio read a new chapter of Belinda Blinked – erotic fiction written and self-published by Morton's father. That says it all really.
Listen to My Dad Wrote a Porno on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Sh**ged Married Annoyed
Hosted by comedian Chris Ramsey and his wife, presenter and author Rosie Ramsey, Sh**ged Married Annoyed is a hilarious look into their married life, with the chart-topping podcast discussing life, relationships, annoyances, parenting and everything in between. With the duo answering questions from the public and a secret celebrity each week, Sh**ged Married Annoyed makes for excellent light-hearted listening.
Listen to Sh**ged Married Annoyed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Receipts Podcast
Relationships, situationships and general life drama are just a few topics covered in The Receipt Podcast – a fun and honest show fronted by Audrey 'Ghana's Finest' Indome, Tolani 'Tolly T' Shoneye and Milena Sanchez. The podcast, which makes a brief cameo in BBC drama I May Destroy You, sees the presenting trio discuss the public's problems with no filter as they touch on everything from race and religion, to everyday life.
Listen to The Receipts Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are available exclusively on Spotify.
Table Manners
Who knew singer Jessie Ware and her chef mum Lennie would make such excellent podcast hosts? On their weekly show Table Manners, the mother-daughter duo host a variety of stars – from WandaVision's Elizabeth Olsen to music legend Dolly Parton – at Jessie's kitchen table as they have a bit of a chat and chow down on some home-cooked food.
Listen to Table Manners on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Las Culturistas
Hosted by Saturday Night Live's Bowen Yang and comedian Matt Rogers, Las Culturistas is a hilarious examination of the day's biggest pop culture moments, with the pair guiding listeners on an unforgettable journey through the formative cultural experiences that turned them into self-professed culture consultants. With stars such as Drag Race's Peppermint, actor Will Ferrell and The Politician's Ben Platt stopping by, each episode of Las Culturalistas is 90 minutes of pure, unadulterated fun.
Listen to Las Culturistas on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Ever wondered what certain celebrities' dream dishes would be? Off Menu with comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster answers that question. With the duo inviting on a different star from the entertainment world onto the podcast each week, Off Menu reveals which starters, mains and desserts the likes of Russell Howard, Claudia Winkleman, Louis Theroux and Katherine Ryan would pick.
Listen to Off Menu on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Best Arts and Culture podcasts
Comfort Eating with Grace Dent
A brand new podcast from The Guardian, Comfort Eating is hosted by restaurant critic Grace Dent, who invites celebrities to chat about the foods that give them the ultimate serotonin rush. Whether it's a Woolworth's pork and egg pie (Russell T Davies's pick) or anything off the menu at Pizza Hut (Nish Kumar), Dent's famous guests dish all on their top comfort foods. With episodes released every Tuesday, the current series is set to see the likes of Mae Martin, Rafe Spall and other celebs drop by the podcast to talk all things food.
Listen to Comfort Eating with Grace Dent on Spotify, The Guardian website, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Movies That Changed My Life
This IMDb podcast is the ultimate listen for movie buffs, with host Ian de Borja asking actors and directors which films inspired them to enter the industry. Speaking to guests like Ed Helms, Sarah Chalke, Ian McShane, Kelly Marie Tran, Edgar Wright, Billy Porter and Elle Fanning among others, the podcast breaks down the movies that mean the most to them from Harry Potter and Star Wars, to The Colour Purple and Grease.
The RadioTimes.com Doctor Who podcast
We couldn't compile a list of 2021's best podcasts without including RadioTimes.com's Doctor Who podcast of course! Hosted by RadioTimes.com's Sci-Fi and Fantasy Editor Huw Fullerton, the show dives into the deepest corners of the Whoniverse to deliver first-look reviews, the latest announcements and the weirdest theories about the show's future.
Listen to RadioTimes.com Doctor Who podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
United Zingdom
Hosted by Vice UK's executive editor Zing Tsjeng, this BBC Sounds podcast follows Tsjeng, who is originally from Singapore, as she explores what it means to be British while debating whether to become a UK citizen. Featuring fascinating guests and tackling thought-provoking topics, United Zingdom is excellent food for thought in these Brexit-focussed times.
Listen to United Zingdom on BBC Sounds, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Louis Theroux: Grounded
Documentarian-extraordinaire Louis Theroux is back with his own lockdown podcast Grounded – in which he interviews stars from across the globe, from Sia and Rylan Clark-Neal, to Ruby Wax and Michaela Coel. With Theroux touching on topics both light-hearted and intimate, the celebrities' revealing responses will leave you wanting more.
Listen to Grounded with Louis Theroux on BBC Sounds, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
The New York Times' Popcast
Hosted by The New York Times pop music critic Jon Caramanica, Popcast covers the latest in pop music criticism, trends and news. Charting the rising stars of the time, to looking back on major pop music moments, this podcast is perfect for music lovers.
Listen to Popcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Dolly Parton's America
This NPR podcast explores America's universal adoration of Dolly Parton – "one of the few things everyone still seems to agree on" in this intensely divided moment. Hosted by Jad Abumrad, Dolly Parton's America looks at why the country music icon is so beloved in nine episodes.
Listen to Dolly Parton's America on WNYCStudios, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Best news/politics podcasts
Newscast
If you're wanting to be across current affairs in the UK, from coronavirus to Brexit, the BBC's Newscast is an excellent 30-minute round-up of the hottest political and cultural stories of the day. Featuring in-depth interviews and key political analysis, Newscast sees BBC News chief political correspondent Adam Fleming, political editor Laura Kuenssberg, Europe editor Katya Adler and political correspondent Chris Mason tackle the topics of the moment.
Listen to Newscast on BBC Sounds, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Americast
Hosted by Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis, BBC North America editor Jon Sopel and chief North America reporter Anthony Zurcher, Americast dives into the dramatic world of US politics. From covering in-detail outgoing president Donald Trump's impeachment hearings, to analysing president-elect Joe Biden's plans for the 50 states, this podcast is definitely worth following during America's presidential transition.
Listen to Americast on BBC Sounds, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Today in Focus
Produced by The Guardian, Today in Focus explores a particular story of the day to deliver a deeper understanding of the topic. Hosted by The Guardian's Editor-at-Large Anushka Asthana, this daily podcast combines personal storytelling with insightful analysis over the course of 20-30 minutes.
Listen to Today in Focus on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Stories of our times
Hosted by journalist Manveen Rana and columnist David Aaronovitch, this podcast from The Times tells one remarkable story in depth every day, from examining when we're all likely to receive the vaccine and analysing the recent US Capitol riot, to discussing concussions in sport and reflecting on the Arab Spring 10 years later.
Listen to Stories of our times on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Lovett or Leave It
If you're looking for alternative coverage of what's going on in American politics, Lovett or Leave It is a popular podcast option. Hosted by former Obama speechwriter Jon Lovett, this podcast sees a panel of comedians, actors and journalists break down the week's biggest news, with episodes released every Saturday.
Listen to Lovett or Leave It on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Best true crime podcasts
You're Wrong About
Hosted by HuffPost reporter Michael Hobbs and journalist Sarah Marshall, this podcast looks back on certain people or events that may have been miscast in the public imagination. You're Wrong About tackles high-profile historical moments from O.J Simpson's trial and ice skating Tonya Harding's prosecution for attacking her rival, to the death of Princess Diana and the Newsboys' strike of 1899.
Listen to You're Wrong About on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
My Favorite Murder
This American true-crime podcast follows stand-up comedian Karen Kilgariff and writer Georgia Hardstark as they tell each other their favourite murder stories and broadcast hometown tales sent in by fans.
Listen to My Favorite Murder on Sticher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Killer Queens
If you're a fan of both true crime and the 90's, Killer Queens is the perfect podcast for you. Hosted by sisters Tori Tobi and Tyrella Slemp, these hour-long episodes recap some of the nation's favourite cases whilst dropping in various Spice Girls, Clueless and Friends references to fulfil all your light true crime needs.
Listen to Killer Queens on Sticher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
This American Life
Responsible for iconic podcasts like Serial and S-Town, This American Life is an essential listen for true-crime fans, with its weekly show hosted by radio personality Ira Glass. The hour-long programme explores a variety of stories about current events told through the first-person narrative and with 25 years worth of content to get through, there's plenty of episodes to get you through 2021.
Listen to This American Life on Sticher, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Best sport podcasts
Football Times
For all things football, make sure to check out RadioTimes.com's Football Times – the weekly podcast that kicks off with snappy previews of upcoming live Premier League games. Hosted by RadioTimes.com's Sport Editor Michael Potts, Football Times provides the hottest fantasy football tips, discusses the league's up-and-coming players and explores predictions for the upcoming season.
Listen to Football Times on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
That Peter Crouch Podcast
Hosted by footballer Peter Crouch, BBC Sport journalist Tom Fordyce and Radio 1 presenter Chris Stark, this BBC 5 Live podcast explores what it takes to be a professional footballer, with episodes providing insight on transfers, managers, dressing rooms and player confessions. With an impressive roster of guests, from Prince William to Harry Redknapp, That Peter Crouch Podcast is a fun look at the world of football.
Listen to That Peter Crouch Podcast on BBC Sounds, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Bradley Wiggins Show
If you're a cycling fanatic, Eurosport's The Bradley Wiggins Show is the podcast to plug into, with the Olympic gold-medallist discussing the biggest races of the year alongside journalist Graham Willgoss.
Listen to The Bradley Wiggins Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Tailenders
Hosted by Radio 1 DJ Greg James, cricketer James Anderson and The Maccabees' Felix White, Tailenders takes an alternative look at cricket, with the wicket-mad trio reviewing recent matches, discussing upcoming games and thinking of ways to innovate the game.
Listen to Tailenders on BBC Sounds, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Best health and lifestyle podcasts
Good Influence with Gemma Styles
Hosted by Gemma Styles – the sister of One Direction's Harry Styles – Good Influence looks at the topics we should know more about, from mental health and climate change, to self belief and nutrition. With the likes of Laura Whitmore, Matt Haig, Zoe Sugg and Deborah Frances-White stopping by the pod, Gemma spends each hour-long episode answering listeners' questions and discussing the matters we should pay more attention to.
Speaking to RadioTimes.com at the British Podcast Awards, Gemma revealed that her brother will come on the podcast at some point, adding: "We've discussed it. I think it's just figuring out what we want to talk about and when."
Mads World
After getting catfished by someone masquerading as a Premier League footballer and going viral, Maddy Carty decided to start Mads World – a podcast exploring the funniest, most tragic and interesting stories people have to tell. Hosted by Carty, the pod looks at dating, relationships, sex and life from the point of view of an Australian living in London and covers everything from self love and sobriety, to flatmates and OnlyFans with a range of special guests.
Listen to Mads World on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcast.
The Cupid Couch
A brand new podcast hosted by Harry Potter star Genevieve Gaunt, The Cupid Couch takes a look at modern-day love stories and historical tales to find out how we still haven't quite mastered the art of relationships despite tryingfor thousands of years. From catfishing and Tudor Tinder to polyamory, Gaunt explores it all with a line-up of celebrity guests including Rose McGowan, Kathy Lette and Buck Angel. Episodes are available from Saturday 26th June.
Listen to The Cupid Couch on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
- For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides.
Getting Personal with Daphne Bugler and Isabella Hobbs
Fronted by journalist Daphne Bugler and educator Isabella Hobbs, Getting Personal is an in-depth look at the highs and lows of life, with various celebrities dropping by to share stories about their mental wellbeing.
With the likes of Strictly's Amy Dowden, activist Laura Jackson, singer Lennon Stella and presenter Jake Humphrey appearing on the podcast, this relatively new podcast explores these stars' tales of love, anger, sadness, fear, happiness and everything in between.
Listen to Getting Personal on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Happy Place
Hosted by Fearne Cotton, Happy Place delves into the subject of happiness, with the broadcaster drawing on her own experiences and sharing advice from experts on how to work through feeling blue. With a star-studded line-up of guests, from Robbie Williams and Sam Smith, to Alicia Keys and Daisy May Cooper, Happy Place reflects on how these stars made changes in their own lives on a journey to find inner happiness.
Listen to The Happy Place on Global Player, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Happy Mum, Happy Baby
In this podcast, I'm A Celebrity winner Giovanna Fletcher tackles the topic of motherhood by chatting to other high-profile mums and dads. Alongside guests such as Samantha Cameron, Joe Wicks, Alesha Dixon and the Duchess of Cambridge, Happy Mum, Happy Baby looks at all aspects of parenthood and encourages those raising children to stop comparing themselves to other parents.
Listen to Happy Mum, Happy Baby on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
