‘Half an hour of human goodness’: readers’ favourite podcasts of 2021

Guardian readers
·4 min read

Against the Odds

Alice, 32, Munich, Germany

I discovered it during the 2021 lockdown period – it gave me a break from my never-ending home office. The people’s adventures narrated in the podcast had the power to make me explore new places and give me another point of view on how to deal with difficult experiences.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Jeremy Bamber and White House Farm

Jeremy Bamber in 2002.
Jeremy Bamber in 2002. Photograph: Michael Stephens/PA

David Chakrabarti, 52, South Tyneside

Unlike the plethora of podcasts available on this case, the JB Innocence Campaign’s podcast is based upon evidence formerly withheld under Public Interest Immunity. JBIC offered to work with and share information with the makers of the White House Farm drama but said they were shut out and ignored. Neither the book that was dramatised nor the resulting drama are in any way the definitive version of the case. Though JBIC’s podcasts should also be heard with a critical ear, they contain a wealth of information regarding prosecution witnesses and police corruption that you will simply not find in any other podcast.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

2 Beers Till Takeoff

Sam Hutchings, 28, Rio de Janeiro

Seemingly low budget, but an extremely funny and insightful travel show hosted by Big Sid, a Brit, and Phil, a Canadian, who are usually joined by a guest from somewhere else in the world. Each episode they go in-depth on another country from their vast personal experience. They seem to know everything from the best sights to the best bars in each place, and always finish with a real-life story that will blow your mind. For example, in the first episode, Big Sid was in Sri Lanka and got shot at. If, like me, you love to travel and miss it sorely this is the podcast for you. It makes you forget all about the pandemic, even if just for an hour.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Jackie Weaver has the Authority

Screengrab taken from video of a Zoom meeting dated 10/12/20 showing parish clerk Jackie Weaver during a meeting of Handforth Parish Council.
Jackie Weaver during a meeting of Handforth parish council. Photograph: Handforth Parish Council/PA

Matthew Diamond, over 60, North Herts

This is a straightforward celeb interview show hosted by the scourge of Handforth parish council. At first glance it seems like a gimmick until you realise that Jackie Weaver is a podcasting natural and an absolutely brilliant interviewer without a trace of ego or “I Am”. The result is half an hour of human goodness.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

The DateAdvisor

Andy, 54, London

As a middle-aged single guy trying to date, this podcast (which comes in conveniently snappy 30-minute episodes) made me laugh and gave me hope. It’s hosted by Jon Briggs, the original voice of Siri, and features a small rotating cast of middle-aged daters being sometimes coruscatingly honest about their experiences. I loved every episode, and I’m looking forward to another season.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Muppetsational!

Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Camilla the Chicken and Animal from the Muppets (1976).
Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Camilla the Chicken and Animal from the Muppets (1976). Photograph: Allstar Picture Library/Alamy

Carine, 30s, London

It’s a joyous romp through the Muppets that’s currently streaming on Disney+. The three hosts relive their youth and provide plenty of facts about the guests and the show. It’s a dose of joy in what’s otherwise been a pretty bleak year.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Matter of Pride

Suraj Harrington-Odedra, 37, London

The comedian Aaron Twitchen picked the perfect time to launch a LGBTQ+ history podcast. You can really see that he’s done his research as each episode is centred on a particular topic. Being a comedian helps – he’s proper funny, which this topic needs sometimes.

Lauren Cameron, 33, Glasgow, Scotland

Funny, researched and informative monologues about queer history/issues.

Available on Apple Podcasts

West Cork

Deirdre King, Dublin

I like true crime and this is a fascinating look at a remarkable story and how the Irish police totally and utterly messed up the investigation of the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

Available on Apple Podcasts

Locked Down Knocked Up

Rachel, Milton Keynes

It has had me in hysterics this year! The podcast follows Gemma and Rob as they embark on parenthood together. Although the series focuses on the challenging, triumphant, glorious snd hilarious moments of raising a baby in lockdown, even I (who have no children) found the show so entertaining. You are thrown into their topsy turvy world and there is never a dull moment! This podcast has been a lockdown favourite.

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

By the Power

Dan Bradley, 43, the Netherlands

It’s a hilarious look at 80s and 90s children’s cartoons. It veers off in unexpected directions, but also delivers the right amount of nostalgia for popular and not so well-known cartoons.

Available here

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