Once Upon A Time in the Valley
The porn industry’s biggest scandal, Once Upon A Time in the Valley is a real-life mystery and porno-noir podcast created by Vanity Fair’s Lili Anolik, featuring Ashley West. Described as ‘Boogie Nights – if Boogie Nights had a three-way with Gone Girl and A Star is Born’. The story of Traci Lords and her under-aged destruction of the porn industry is one of legend and this podcast ropes in all of the big players at the time to explore just exactly WTF happened!
The Guilty Feminist
I read Deborah’s book this year and I urge you all to do the same because it will probably be one of the most relatable books you read. The podcast features Deborah and special guests including the likes of Sandi Toksvig, Ruby Wax and Jameela Jamil, discussing topics all 21st-century feminists can agree on, mostly following the theme ‘I’m a feminist but…’.
The Hurricane Tapes
Our true crime podcast of the year, the story of Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter involves a triple murder, 40 hours of taped recordings, wrongful convictions, 20 years in prison, a Bob Dylan song, Hollywood and loads more. This riveting podcast tells the full story with as many parties as they could muster.
The Michelle Obama Podcast
There are about ten episodes so far, including the first episode kicking off with Barack Obama chatting all things current and newsy. She’s just mint really, so that’s why this is in here. Heard good things about her book too.
The Rough Guide to Everywhere
In a year where most of us have been unable to actually travel anywhere, this podcast from The Rough Guides has been brilliant, exploring the world with chats from experts, inspiring travel tales and some pretty mad stories. This is travel at it’s very purest and ultimate best.
Dear Joan and Jericha
I’ve recently found this podcast, as in, about a week ago and its hands down the best one I’ve listened to all year. If you like dark humour, like really dark this is right up your street. Set up in an agony aunt style podcast, featuring Joan Damry and Jericha Domain. Responding to problems we all face like should you get your 75 year old husband the only thing he’s asked for this Christmas, a dirty stripper? Or is there a problem when your husbands disappear for an hour on Christmas day with your daughter in law…
Field Recordings
As strange as it sounds, Field Recordings has been a little ray of sunshine into my life this year, as I’ve been stuck indoors just craving the sights, sounds and smells of the great outdoors. Of course, as a podcast there’s only the sounds but being able to listen to birds flocking overhead on a sunny day whilst in bed on a rainy Tuesday morning is pure heaven.
Grounded with Louis Theroux
This podcast features Louis chatting to famous friends like David Tennant, Russell Brand and Jonathan Van Ness. He covered everything and isn’t afraid to ask weird questions, exactly like he does on TV. Goes without saying if you like Louis Theroux – which most people do – this is for you.
My Dad Wrote a Porno
One of the first podcasts I’ve ever listened to this one follows the journey of Jamie Morton who’s dad wrote a naughty book. With the help of his friends James Cooper and Alice Levine, Jamie reads each chapter of the five part series of ‘Belinda Blinked. It will have you laughing out loud so probably avoid listening on the train.
Out to Lunch with Jay Rayner
An idea that we had in the Finest office around 3 years ago (but never had time to implement), Observer food critic Jay Rayner invited industry personalities and experts to sit with him, eat some food and talk shop – or, in the case of lockdown, sit remotely over a DIY ‘At Home’ box and talk shop. There are some truly excellent insights into the restaurant industry here and Rayner just oozes charisma.
The Immaculate Deception
A true-crime documentary that everyone is talking about. I’ve not listened to it because I’m scared of the wind but I’ve heard good things. It follows the story of what happened in Dr Karbaat’s clinic…
The Kurupt FM Podkast
Anyone who has seen the TV show ‘People Just Do Nothing’ will know exactly who Kurupt FM are – lead by the enigmatic MC Grindah. The podcast is proper funny, with the team (Chabuddy G, Beats and Steves) all getting involved in some truly random chats and stories on 6 subjects: Nature, Politics, TV & Film, The Future, History, and Travel.
Shagged Married Annoyed
This follows comedian Chris Ramsey and his wife Rosie where they can have one of their few interrupted conversations. It’s a little like a therapy session but a great one to put on in the background while you do your cleaning.
Dolly Parton’s America
Continuing our obsession with Dolly Parton this year, US radio DJ Jad Abumrad secured an interview with the stellar country music legend, leading to this 9-part podcast exploring the weird and wonderful world of Dolly and her influence and impact on music, feminism, wigs, boobs and everything else in between.
