It feels like everyone has a podcast these days with as many podcasts as TV shows (even Anglotopia has a podcast, but it’s currently on hiatus!).  Of course, this only means that there are tons of great podcasts to cater to every interest.  From comedy to news to the entertainment industry itself, we’ve collected ten different podcasts that we think you ought to try.  Filled with well-known names and important topics, we’re sure that one of these will meet your infotainment needs.  If you have a favorite British podcast that you’d like to share, you can put that in the comments. 

Everyone has their preferred way to listen to podcasts, so we won’t provide links here – all of these are finable on your preferred podcast app.

The Rest is History

Definitely a podcast for the history buffs, The Rest is History features Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook mixing the thorough analysis of professors with the humor of schoolboys.  They have over 300 episodes and focus primarily on English history.

Off Menu

Nothing quite hits your funny bone like podcasts hosted by comedians.  Ed Gamble and James Acaster team up to discuss one of their favorite subjects—food.  The theme of the podcast is that the hosts bring in a celebrity guest and Acaster’s genie waiter serves their favorite meal.  Guests have included everyone from their fellow comedians to movie stars like Kumail Nanjiani. 

The News Agents

If you haven’t got time to go through all the news of the day, The News Agents, will help break it down for you.  Hosted by Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopol, and Lewis Goodall, they take an analytical and sometimes skeptical look at the day’s events.  The new episodes hit every afternoon so you can catch up if your morning is too hectic. 

Hip Hop Saved My Life

Hip Hop Saved My Life is a music podcast with a twist for fans of classic hip hop.  Hosted by Romesh Ranganathan, he brings on guests to discuss their favorite songs, tell stories, and share details about some of your favorite albums.  Sometimes Romesh can go off on some pretty hilarious unrelated topics, such as how much guac is just right in a burrito.  More a podcast for those looking for a music podcast that’s on a different note.

Grounded with Louis Theroux

Louis Theroux is a journalist, broadcaster, author, and documentarian who hosts his Grounded podcast for BBC Radio Four, bringing on a different guest that he’s always wanted to interview.  The podcast began during the pandemic when Theroux couldn’t do his television shows but wanted to stay productive.  Theroux makes sure to reciprocate with his guests, telling stories of his own struggles to encourage them to open up. 

The Rest is Politics

What The Rest is History does for the past, The Rest is Politics does for government.  Hosted by former Press Secretary to Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell and former Secretary of State for International Development Rory Stewart, the two found common ground in this podcast after being expelled from the Labour and Conservatives parties, respectively.  They do two episodes per week, one that focuses on discussing contemporary political issues and a “question time” episode where they answer questions from listeners. 

Have You Heard George’s Podcast?

George Mpanga, known professionally as George the Poet, hosts this podcast that can be as varied in its subject material as George is in his talents.  Any given episode could feature a memoir, comedy, spoken word, rap, and art in all forms.  George the Poet often focuses on inner-city life in the United Kingdom, speaking from his perspective that transforms his life into art.

No Such Thing as a Fish

If you’re a fan of panel shows, you’ll want to check out No Such Thing as a Fish.  The podcast is presented by the “QI Elves”, the researchers who come up with all the interesting and off-the-wall questions for that panel show.  Each episode is based around a different fact presented by one of the hosts and discussed at length by the panel.  It’s definitely a must for trivia buffs and panel show fans. 

Films to Be Buried With

If you’re a fan of Ted Lasso, you’ll want to check out Brett Goldstein’s Films to Be Buried With.  As a film buff (in addition to being a writer and actor), Goldstein brings on a different guest each week to discuss the films that have shaped their lives and which ones they’d take to their graves.  Guests range from megastars like Sharon Stone to directors such as Edgar Wright.  It’s definitely a movie podcast of a different kind and well worth checking out whether you love movies or Roy Kent. 

Spark – True Stories Live

Spark brings true stories from across the United Kingdom from the people who lived them.  The stories told are as varied as the people telling them, with subjects ranging from city life to handling embarrassment.  If you enjoy similar stories presented on NPR, you’ll definitely want to give Spark a try for unique perspective on life in the United Kingdom.