Weekly Offline Moment: Best Podcasts of 2018

Welcome to your weekly offline moment, where we explore different ways to quieten your mind by taking you offline and back to real life. Our hectic modern lives are increasingly dominated by screens, and as a digital company we know first hand how tough it can be to take a break from that addictive bluish glow.

Best Podcasts of 2018

For a Laugh

Joan & Jericha – we admit this won’t be to everyone’s tastes but Joan & Jericha’s overnight notoriety certainly deserves a mention here. This ingenious send up of an Agony Aunt radio show, written by comedians Julia Davis and Vikki Pepperdine, will have you crying for relief. Expect odd sexual innuendo and swearing.

My Dad Wrote a Porno – begun in 2015 by three friends, MDAWP has become the stuff of Podcast legends. Again expect sexual innuendo and swearing. But stay for the hilarious and sometimes painful banter between the three hosts. One of which discovered that his Dad had written a porno. And boy is it a bad one.

For Life

Happy Place – TV presenter Fearne Cotton is very likeable in ‘Happy Place’, the follow up to her book ‘Happy’. With guests like Gok Wan and Game of Throne’s Lena Headey speaking about mental health and overcoming life’s pitfalls. It’s a very sweet and honest listen, perfect for those tough days when you crave a little positivity.

Table Manners – singer Jesse Ware and her mother Lennie host a different celebrity at their house every week for dinner. Expect to laugh out loud when the dinner gets burnt, or the guests get a little too drunk. We love hearing about the mouth watering recipes Lennie knocks up. While Jessie grills guests such as Stacey Dooley and Yotam Ottolenghi.

For Snooping

The Leisure Society – if you enjoy nosing into the lives of the famous, then The Leisure Society is right up your street. The BBC’s podcast, hosted by Gemma Cairney, is an in depth look into the hobbies of the likes of Tracy Emin and Grace Jones. Did you know Michael Stipe of REM was a keen photographer? Neither did we.

Desert Island Discs – possibly the most famous and long running BBC radio series, now a podcast, we are hopelessly addicted to Desert Island Discs. From Kirsty Young’s soothing tones, (her sabbatical replacement Lauren Laverne isn’t bad either) to the eclectic and moving musical choices of her guests, it’s an emotional rollercoaster in 40 minutes.

For Feminist Inspiration

The Guilty Feminist – ‘I’m a Feminist, but…’ has become a notable catch phrase for those of us trying to be ‘good Feminists.’ Comedian Deborah Frances-White presents a live recorded episode each week from a different location. Featuring hilarious and inspiring guests, talking about the issues with identifying as a Feminist today. You’ll roar with laughter and come away feeling energised to make a difference.

Guys We Fu*@%ed – Another wickedly funny listen. Comedians and friends Krystyna Hutchinson and Corinne Fischer discuss feminist pop culture issues and feature an eclectic mix of guests. You can expect to learn a lot about sex, a lot about mental health and little bit about Corinne’s dog. 

For Wellness

The Goop Podcast – from the lady who bought you Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow (GP as she’s known to her colleagues) brings us an intriguing deep dive into all things wellness. Interviews with nutritionists, physiatrists and more give a different view on traditional themes of wellness. The first episode with Oprah Winfrey is a must listen!

Deliciously Ella – expanding on her Deliciously Ella empire, Ella Mills and her husband Matthew have recently launched their first podcast. If you are a fan of her recipes and lifestyle advice, you will love these in depth conversations on nutrition and wellness.

The Special Mention For Sustainable Fashion

Wardrobe Crisis – this incredible podcast has long been a favourite here at TV HQ. Getting our weekly fix of the wonderful Clare Press is always a joy. Recently appointed Vogue Australia’s Sustainability Editor at Large, Clare’s knowledge and passion for sustainability is infectious. When things feel a little overwhelming, this reignites our excitement for saving the earth.