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11 best podcasts to listen to now
From foodie favourites to aficionados in art, here are the podcasts that the Good Housekeeping team are currently tuning into.
Whether you prefer a piece of escapism or would rather catch up on current affairs, the world of podcasts is brimming with choices for everyone. If you’re undecided on what to plug into next - or where to begin - take some inspiration from the Good Housekeeping team’s current favourite picks.
The best podcasts
Delve into our top suggestions below...
Newscast
Best podcast for current affairs
Editor in Chief Gaby Huddart recommends Newscast for dissecting current affairs.
She says: "The truth is I’m not a huge podcast listener as I tend to listen to huge amounts of crime fiction novels on Audible when I’m out and about. But I have recently discovered the Newscast podcast from the BBC – in particular the brand new Saturday and Sunday episodes, hosted by broadcasting stalwarts Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell, which only launched in September and which mean this is now a seven-day-a-week podcast.
"Paddy and Laura are both such seasoned pros that their reflections on the week’s big news are fascinating and insightful. They both record Newscast immediately after their respective Sunday morning shows on radio and TV (Paddy on Radio 4’s Broadcasting House and Laura on Sunday on BBC One), and bring the energy of the interviews on those live shows to the podcast.
"Particularly as we head towards next year’s General Election, this is going to make brilliant listening with the pair making sense of what’s going on in politics and the wider world. They’re a couple of news journalists who I totally trust to inform me of what I need to know and also make it entertaining."
Dish
Best podcast for foodies
In Dish from Waitrose, hosting duo DJ Nick Grimshaw and Michelin-star chef Angela Hartnett hold a riotous dinner party.
According to Food and Drink Writer Mel Giandzi, the pair ask “great questions relating to food, memories and experiences so you learn something new and inspiring about the guests. In the background, Angela is busy creating a dish so magical that it always leaves me feeling hungry!”
The Therapy Crouch
Best relationships podcast
Assistant Features Editor Bethan Rose Jenkins recommends The Therapy Crouch. This light-hearted podcast is fronted by real life celebrity couple Peter Crouch, one of the nation’s favourite footballers, and model Abbey Clancy. In each episode they discuss a different relatable topic around their 17 year marriage and family life, from their early days moving in together, to sending their four children off to school. Bethan says, “Abbey and Peter have such a great rapport and good-natured banter, they never fail to make me laugh.”
The Receipts
Best female-fronted podcast
The Receipts Podcast is a female-led venture by three hilarious friends. The trio offer frank, funny takes on everyday life, current affairs and relationships. Some episodes feature interviews with special guests, while others are full of advice for specific dilemmas sent in by listeners. Every instalment, however, is packed with joyously unfiltered ‘girl talk’.
Nothing Much Happens
Best podcast for unwinding
In a busy world it can be hard to shut out the noise from the day, which is where Nothing Much Happens comes in, helping ease listeners into a welcome slumber. Managing Director, Liz Moseley describes it as “bedtime stories for everyone,” adding that the podcast is “so good, and it really works.” There are 12 seasons (and counting) of charming tales to tune into, which are designed to help you relax and drift off peacefully.
The Rest is Politics
Best political podcast
Hear two differing perspectives from across the political divide on the issues of the day with The Rest is Politics. The hosts, former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet minister Rory Stewart, share their unique, often conflicting perspectives from behind the curtain. Liz Moseley also recommends Paper Cuts as another option for political listening, which dissects the headlines in punchy 20 minute episodes.
Diary of a CEO
Best podcast for in-depth interviews
When he’s not sitting amongst his fellow entrepreneurs on Dragon’s Den, author and businessman Steven Bartlett is interviewing celebrities and spokespeople about their lives stories behind closed doors, leaving no stone unturned – no matter how controversial or fraught with emotion. Previous guests on the Diary of a CEO podcast include the likes of Edward Enninful, Mary Portas and Rio Ferdinand.
The Rest is History
Best history podcast
Historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook have become global superstars, thanks to their chart-topping podcast, The Rest is History, in which the pair come together to dissect and untangle the past. The two podcast hosts balance each other out, giving great entertainment value, while injecting pockets of history with interesting anecdotes and quirky facts.
Best podcast on health & wellbeing
In an attempt to simplify health and wellbeing, each week, Dr Rangan Chatterjee interviews a different expert - from Julia Samuel to James Clear, Tim Spector, and Win Hof - for their take on living better. With nearly 400 episodes and counting, there’s a library full of episodes to sink your teeth into.
Feel Better, Live More is recommended by Deputy Features Editor, Bella Evennett-Watts. She says: “The world of health can feel a little daunting at times, but I was so drawn in – and reassured – by Dr Rangan’s positive approach. Packed with plenty of insightful takeaways, it’s become my go-to for quick and easy life-hacks when I want to feel inspired.”
Talk Art
Best podcast for art-lovers
Now in its 18th season, Talk Art is co-produced by actor Russell Tovey and gallerist Robert Diament. The pair – who are also friends outside of the show – welcome guests to chat about all things Art in a very candid, non-intimidating way. Podcast-alumni includes leading artists, curators and talented friends from other industries including acting, music and journalism. Previous guests have included the likes of artist Tracey Emin, actor Pedro Pascal, director of Tate, Maria Balshaw and best-selling author of The Story of Art Without Men, Katy Hessel.
Articles of Interest
Best for fashionistas
Articles of Interest is a fashion-orientated podcast all about what we wear. It delves into a broad range of topics from why womenswear doesn’t have pockets, to the history of the Hawaiian shirt (the clue is the patchwork pocket). This pick is recommended by Multiplatform Director Simon Swift, who describes it as a "fashion podcast for history fans." He adds, "I recommend the six-parter on how preppy fashion conquered the world and the strange, circuitous history behind it. It is beautifully researched, bringing in fashion experts and personal histories. If you care about clothes, then this is the podcast for you."
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