I'm starting to do a lot more about myself and that is because I feel like I'm getting a bit distant with my audience. Everything has become about something else and there's really hardly any room for me anymore. I know, I know, I'm probably not the most interesting of people - most of what I do is read and work, cook and watch movies. I know you're also probably thinking 'I actually do not care about you that much, I'm here for the book reviews.' And I apologise if that is you. I've been waiting a while to publish a list of my definitive podcasts. I think some time ago I said I would do ten in my list and I did try - but the article got so long that I considered that nobody would read it. I have since cut it down to five absolutes.
So, without further conversation - let's get on with the list...
5 Podcasts I Love
(Note: they are in no particular order)
Casefile
Listen to 'Casefile' here.
A true crime podcast which really outdoes itself - it seems like it may be recorded in Australia as many of the episodes do actually go over crimes in that country (though not all of them). Regarded as one of the best true crime podcasts in the world, Casefile is hosted by an anonymous host and goes through crimes and their aftermath in a dark and ominous way - some even lasting many episodes. I discovered this podcast a while back and honestly, I became addicted to it. I get excited each time a new episode is out and I tend to listen to them on the night they are released.
Literature and History
Listen to 'Literature and History' here.
I think this is probably my favourite podcast of all time because I've listened to some of the episodes multiple times. Literature and History is a podcast about the history of anglophonic literature in which the host - a PhD of literature, goes through some of the seminal works which make up the western world. These include multiple deep-dive episodes on the Bible and brilliant critiques on early philosophical literature. Episodes can be more than two hours long and sometimes require more than one listen to make sure you got everything. It is fantastic.
BBC Radio 4 - In Our Time
Listen to 'BBC Radio 4 - In Our Time' here.
I think there are more people who listen to this podcast than I would like to think and that makes me happy. I recently introduced my brother to the podcast (as of writing this in February of 2025) and its all about some really interesting topics from every subject you could possibly think of. There's episodes on science, philosophy, literature, gardening, animals, history and so much more. Melvynn Bragg talks to usually three academics who come at the topics from various angles and show us a series of critical thoughts on the subjects. It is a brilliant listen.
The No Sleep Podcast
Listen to the 'No Sleep Podcast' here.
You know me, I love a good scary story and what better place to find them than on the No Sleep Podcast? It's one of the most famous horror podcasts in the world and for very good reason. The No Sleep Podcast has a brilliant reputation for having independent stories on their show, performed like a radio drama and complete with sound effects and eerie music. I find it perfect for those late nights when it's all quiet and you need something to settle you into your silent time with a cup of tea. Of course, the most intense time to listen to this podcast is at Halloween because that is when they get even more frightening, usually with themes for the show.
Conspiracy Theories
Listen to the Conspiracy Theories Podcast here.
My brother showed this podcast to me and I then listened to the majority of the episodes over the next couple of months. Not too long but usually quite in-depth, the Conspiracy Podcast is not run by conspiracy theorists but rather people who would like to make us aware of all the different ideas that are being thrown around about some of the weird stuff happening around the world. As of writing this review, their latest episode is on the fall of the Georgia Guidestones and honestly, I was only partially aware of the stones - thinking they were some sort of strange art project. But the more I got into the episode, the weirder it got.
The Ancients by History Hit
Listen to 'The Ancients' by History Hit here.
History Hit is a great show and I have seen a lot of their stuff on YouTube. When it comes to their podcasts though, I think that their strength is definitely their ancient era episodes. The channel, entitled 'The Ancients' looks at everything from the Byzantine Empire to the Ice Age, the Neanderthals to the Fall of Carthage. Using academics and picking the brains of great minds, History Hit's 'The Ancients' has really gone above and beyond to make ancient history one of the most interesting aspects of the subject.
Conclusion
I hope you have enjoyed my list of five great podcasts and if I think of where I'm going to put the others, I will probably expand the list. But as of yet, check out the links that will lead you to the podcasts!
About the Creator
Annie Kapur
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Comments (1)
Ah, I used to listen to "No Sleep"! Very impressed. And let me add some you might like: The Rest Is History Lore Rabbits (last one has a cult following) Thank you for the list!!!