Your Recommended Podcasts (part 1)

Bang On

I love these women. The blurb says, “Bang On brings together two of Australia’s most respected and most loved music journalists and presenters – who are also great friends, with your one stop shop for all the conversations you need to be across this week (but just don’t have the time to read a think-piece about).”

Boners of the Heart

The blurb says, “Rose Matafeo and Alice Snedden are three things: Female, funny and friends. Rose's globe-trotting, TV-starring comedy chops come up against Alice's hilarious improv-honed brain and abandoned (though completed) law degree as they chat celeb crushes, philosophy and the upbringings that made them.”

Chat 10 Looks 3

The blurb says, “A peripatetic podcast in which Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb discuss what they're reading, watching, cooking, listening to or irrationally exhilarated by. One of them likes show tunes and is a monster who chucks books once she's read them. The other one wrote this.” I say, anyone who uses peripatetic in a podcast blurb gets my vote.

Dear Joan & Jericha

Apparently these are ‘famously rude and unfiltered agony aunts’, which sounds awesome. A fair few of you recommended this pod, but with big disclaimers: ‘VERY rude!’, ‘NSFFamily Drives!!’ etc etc… love to listen to someone who shocks you unshockable lot.

Decorating the Set

The blurb says, “Beth Kushnick, a set decorator for over 30 years who has worked on countless award-winning television series and feature films, wants to help YOU realize the space that best expresses who you are! Each week, Beth will give you approachable, yet sophisticated tips to create the perfect space for your home, office, or social media backdrop.”

Divorced not Dead

The blurb says, "Caroline Stanbury is divorced, not dead. Remember when you were destined for the spinster life if you found yourself without marital bliss after 40? Forget that! Recently divorced at the age of 44, Caroline is here to let you know that not only is there life after divorce - it can be your best one yet!”

Dolly Parton’s America

2019 but still oft-recommended. The blurb says, “In this intensely divided moment, one of the few things everyone still seems to agree on is Dolly Parton—but why? That simple question leads to a deeply personal, historical, and musical rethinking of one of America's great icons. Join us for a 9-episode journey into the Dollyverse.”

Dying for Sex

The blurb says, “When host Nikki Boyer’s best friend Molly is diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer, she decides to do something bold. She leaves an unhappy marriage and embarks on a series of sexual adventures to feel alive. Over this six-part miniseries, Molly shares the details of her hilarious escapades in a story about friendship, death, and what you do with the time you have left.”

Emsolation

Social Media Doyenne, Businesswoman, Comedian and all-round-solid-Aussie chick, Em Rusciano ‘pivoted’ (blaugh) lockdown into this cracker of a pod. The blurb says, “In this time of lockdown, it’s time to tune in and switch off. Let Em Rusciano speak to you in her soothing tones (NB: Not at all soothing) as she shuts out the c-word and thrives in isolation. There’s wine to be drunk! There’s shows to be watched! There’s family fights to be bitterly picked over! … Shut out the noise of the world, and get down in lockdown with Em.”

Esther Perel’s Where Do We Begin?

The blurb says, “Listen to the incomparable therapist Esther Perel counsel real couples as they reveal the most intimate, personal, and complicated details of the conflicts that have brought them to her door.”

Fake Doctors, Real Friends

Now, I’ve never watched Scrubs (sorry, sorry) but I hear from fans that this is the shit. Can they make one w The Priest & PWB for Fleabag?? I digress.

The blurb says, “Scrubs co-stars and real-life best friends Zach Braff and Donald Faison for a weekly comedy podcast where they relive the hit TV show, one episode at a time.”

Finding Desperado

The blurb says, “Australia’s premier (and only) pop culture detectives, Alexei and Cameron have uncovered a bizarre Guinness World Record from 2005. A record held by an elusive European aristocrat. A record that they believe to be fake.”

Fortunately … with Fi & Jane

The blurb says, “A frank look behind the scenes with broadcasters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover as guests from Radio, TV and podcasting share stories they probably shouldn't. “

Fresh Air with Terry Gross

The blurb says, “The Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programs. Hosted by Terry Gross, the show features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.”

Girl’s Got Moxie

The blurb says, “From the familiar to the taboo (and sometimes uncomfortable), join Moxie products co-founder Mia Klitsas for thought-provoking tales of period drama, women’s health, cultural and societal issues affecting women today and chats with clever gals with ‘Moxie’ who are killing it in life and business.” FULL DISCLOSURE I AM ON THIS ONE. Deep in lockdown we recorded through terrible internet (mine) and some rather emotional stories (also mine).

Grounded with Louis Theroux

If you’ve been under a Lockdown Rock (haven’t we all?) maybe you haven’t heard of LT’s explosion onto the Podcast scene. I recommend Helena Bonham Carter’s ep. She’s the BEST.

The Happiness Lab

The blurb says, “In ‘The Happiness Lab’ podcast, Yale professor Dr Laurie Santos will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will forever alter the way you think about happiness. She's changed the lives of thousands of people through her class "Psychology and the Good Life," and she'll change yours, too.” Shit. Really!? I am totally up for that.

How Did This Get Made?

This is an awesome premise, but I worry they’ll just tear holes in all of my favourite films … The blurb says, “Have you ever seen a movie so bad that it’s amazing? Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas want to hear about it! We’ll watch it with our funniest friends, and report back to you with the results.”

Imagined Life

What an AMAZING concept.

The blurb says, “Each episode guides listeners on an immersive journey through the surprising moments and challenges that shaped someone’s life before they were famous. Clues about your identity are dropped along the way, but only at the end will you learn who “you” are.”

Just The Gist

ALERT! A *lot* of you recommended this one. The blurb says, “Famous scandals, true crime, celeb dramas, conspiracy theories, politics, amazing people throughout history... if it's an incredible story, hilarious hosts Comedian Rosie Waterland and Jacob Stanley will tell you about it without bogging you down with any of the boring bits. You'll get just the gist of what you need to know - only get the juiciest, most entertaining details (you know, the ones that make you look very smart and interesting when you repeat them at a dinner party).”

Katherine Ryan - Telling Every Boy

The blurb says, “In ‘The Happiness Lab’ podcast, Yale professor Dr Laurie Santos will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will forever alter the way you think about happiness. She's changed the lives of thousands of people through her class "Psychology and the Good Life," and she'll change yours, too.” Shit. Really!? I am totally up for that.

Marriage & Martinis

The blurb says, “In ‘The Happiness Lab’ podcast, Yale professor Dr Laurie Santos will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will forever alter the way you think about happiness. She's changed the lives of thousands of people through her class "Psychology and the Good Life," and she'll change yours, too.” Shit. Really!? I am totally up for that.

My Year in Mensa

The blurb says, “Jamie Loftus takes you through her year in the high-IQ Mensa society, from taking the test as a joke to spending the Fourth of July with 2000 angry Mensans in Phoenix. Chaos reigns, but at least it tests well.”

Off Menu

ALERT! A *lot* of you recommended this one. The blurb says, “Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite special guests into their magical restaurant to each choose their favourite starter, main course, side dish, dessert and drink. Ever wanted to eat your dream meal? It's time to order Off Menu.”

Overwhelmed & Dying

ALERT! This was recommended a lot. The blurb says, “Comedian Judith Lucy is totally overwhelmed by the state of the world and her own life. The family she grew up in is dead, she's a lot closer to dying than she wants to be and now after a particularly bad break-up, she's single again. This podcast is her attempt at trying to work out how to feel less overwhelmed: about climate change, getting older, and being single, this time potentially forever ... oh, and the search for purpose and meaning. This is going to get deep.”