Aislinn’s Top 5 Comfort Podcasts
I often find myself in quiet moments where I want company for my cooking, running or travelling on the tube (if anything to block out the screeching of the central line). It’s a great way to expand your horizon with some news, discussion and debate, escapism or even just a plain old good laugh.
A lot of my friends are in the creative industry, fashion and art, making and moulding. I ask them about the constant absence of noise their workspace must have, what fills their minds while their hands are at work? So many say how they’ve run out of things to listen to, that choosing music can be more of a task than a help at times. And so I’ve found myself sharing my own list of podcasts to them. So I thought I might share it with you.
In this list I’ve chosen some of my favourites; some are easier listening than others. But overall they are supposed to be a comfy, easy and enjoyable way to pass some time. The genre I tend to lean on is comedy, trivia and a little bit of social activism (but not too much; I, like many others can find listening to the issues of the world takes too much emotional energy sometimes, it’s good to have a break from all that- so check in with yourself!
No Such Thing As a Fish
Website: https://www.nosuchthingasafish.com/
Can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube Music, Deezer, AudioBoom, iHeart, Tunein.
This one is my all time favourite, I’ve been listening to this for years! No Such Thing As a Fish is a lighthearted podcast from the QI elves. They are the researchers finding the facts for the hit tv show, QI. This show used to be hosted by Stephen Fry and is now taken on by Sandy Toksvig. Each week they all research a fact, share it with the other hosts, and then all research other interesting things around that fact to share on the show. They are long standing friends and that comes across in their playful jabs at one another. It’s filled with the most random bits of information you’d never think to ask of. Great if you want to get your trivia up for a pub quiz. I’ve definitely got a few bonus points from listening to the show over the years! These guys are one of the biggest podcasts in the UK- they even do live shows. I went a few years ago; as well as recording an actual podcast episode, they do another segment that is just for the live audience, which is really great and changes often, so you can always be assured you’re getting something special.
My Dad Wrote A Porno, 18+!
Can be found on Spotify, Acast, Apple podcasts, Audible, Podbean & more.
You might have heard of this one. Another major UK podcast, this one is a LOT more potty mouthed than any other you are likely to find. So be WARNED! As the title suggests, the content is pretty raunchy… and hilariously, incredibly un-sexy. James, Alice and Jamie are friends from Leeds University. You might recognise Alice Levine's dry sarcasm from Radio 1 as she used to be a radio host there. If you want a real distraction and a lot of laughs this is the one for you. While the content is adult, the hosts reactions are not, but all of it is light-heartedly directed at the author; Rocky Flintstone (pen name of the author) and his, err, interesting writing style. This show has become such a hit, they even have added an extra segment, where they’ve had the likes of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Michael Sheen on to talk about who they would want to play if the books ever got to screen. If you need convincing of the hilarity, one book is titled: Blinked 5: Belinda Blumenthal, worldwide Sales Director of Steeles Pots and Pans is in big trouble. Can the sexiest girl in sales continue to remove her brassiere whilst the evil grows…and yes, that’s just the title. Rocky's grammar may leave much to be desired, but if you’re in the mood for a pick me up, this is a very safe bet!
Desert Island Dicks
Listen to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast, Podchaser and their own website.
This one is more of a recent discovery for me. As I have managed to scour my way through until the latest episodes of the above mentioned podcasts, I needed a new fix. The premise of this podcast is that a guest comes on to speak to the host about what and who they think would be the most awful to be stuck on a desert island with. 3 ‘dicks’ who are people (or types of people,) an animal, food, drink and the worst song and film that somehow still plays from your crashed plane’s entertainment system. They get some big names on there, a lot of comedians which makes the whole thing even funnier- especially when it’s an anecdote from life experience. Equally, some of the reasons why people are chosen can be really out of left field, but to be fair, they can make their case quite well. I’ve also started to use the premise in gatherings with friends, it’s a good conversation starter…
Website: https://dickspod.com/
The Guilty Feminist
Can be found on Spotify & Apple podcasts.
I started listening to this one during lockdown when I first moved to London, it has since always been comforting to hear Deborah Francis-White’s witticisms, anecdotes and raw, emotional monologues. One thing I think you will love is that at the beginning of every epidose they start with “I’m a feminist, but” where listeners and guests alike submit their hypocritical feminist actions, in line with their tag line of “discussing our noble goals as 21st century feminists and the hypocrasies and innsecurities that undermine them. It’s a very funny show, with a changing co-host and guests. Most are female comedians, so there’s plenty of jokes and isn’t too heavy most of the time. That being said, make sure you're in the right headspace for it. It won’t be as fun listening if you don’t have the emotional capacity for it.
This one is a touch more on the social awareness side, it can be so uplifting and empowering as well as tickle your funny bone.
Website: https://guiltyfeminist.com/
Stephen Fry’s Seven Deadly Sins
Can be found on Acast, spotify, apple podcasts, google play and others.
This is sadly a very short series. More than 7 episodes, but not by much. It is a riveting exploration into the biblical ‘7 deadly sins’. It is wholly just Stephen Fry and his irreverent humour as he delves into the mysteries, histories and hypocrisies of the fabled seven circles of hell. It is quite fascinating to hear his argument about how much the modern standards of morality have changed since they first came into existence, and the show left me pondering for a while after about our relationship to morality and what it means to be human. As you can guess, each episode focuses on a different sin. I found it a very good entry point into some light philosophy, having only ever garnered my knowledge from school R & P lessons and anything I could take from film and non-philosophy books- this has been a nice introduction. As always Fry is jovial and facetious, so although the subject is eternal damnation it doesn’t ever really feel all that scary.
Website : https://www.stephenfry.com/7deadlysins/
I hope you found this helpful, and of course we would love to see any podcast recommendations you have for us to enjoy, I know I’m always on the lookout for more!
