The podcast epidemic of 2024 has made its way into 2025. Shivers. It seems that
anyone with the budget for a microphone and a self-inflated sense of importance about their opinions has decided to take up the art of podcasting. Nevertheless,
amongst the density of low-effort podcasts, there is still a wealth of engaging
podcasts to suit the tastes of any listener whether that be informative, or simply for
entertainment.
The Rest is History, hosted by authors Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, offers an accessible yet detailed insight into some of the most important moments of
history. With topics varying from the Aztec Empire to ‘90s Britain, there is enough
variety to keep even a casual enjoyer of history entertained. Though the events
discussed are inherently interesting, it is not this which stands out in this podcast, but rather the fraternal dynamic between Holland and Sandbrook. Hearing about the intricacies of the French Revolution is made exponentially more exciting by the
dynamism between the pair, with their healthy competition and banter leading to fans joking about which host they prefer. Available on most podcasting platforms, the latest episode is about an expedition to the Amazon, and you can decide whether you are a Sandbrook Soldier or a Holland Hooligan.
Treading the line between an interview and casual conversation between friends, the Dish podcast, hosted by Nick Grimshaw and celebrity chef Angela Hartnett, has
celebrities indulge in home-cooked meals while chatting with their hosts about their
lives, careers, and interests. Perhaps the best part of this podcast is the convivial
manner the hosts adopt, enabling their guests to open up. Perhaps it is the familiarity of a kitchen table and warm, comforting food, which allows their guests to feel so comfortable. A great choice for anyone looking for some background noise.
With over one million subscribers on YouTube Mike’s Mic (Michael Messineo) is the
number one pop culture authority on the internet. While his videos generally cover
recaps of niche TV shows and films, his podcast, Jumping in an Elevator, offers a
much more intimate look into his life, all while maintaining his casually hilarious personality. Messineo characterises the podcast as one where he “full stop[s],” and
this perfectly encapsulates the essence of the topics discussed. In short, he simply
talks about the events of his life, often with a special guest, in a manner
that makes you feel as if you are on a phone call with your best friend. The perfect pick-me-up after a bad day.
Above was just a selection of podcasts to help you navigate the minefield of the
Spotify podcast tab in 2025. If you decide to take up these recommendations and
enjoy any of them, remember: you heard it here first!
Photo by Jonathan Farber on Unsplash