When I started writing my podcast column for the New Statesman a few months ago, I had a bit of a dig at publications that only cover podcasts through lists. Yet here I am, at the end of the year, with a list the top ten shows I think you should catch up on over Christmas. I hope you enjoy them.
Helen Zaltzman uncovers the surprising stories behind our words, from “Winterval” to “Pride”. Always surprising, this is a podcast that has earned its place on my “must listen immediately” list via well-structured episodes and carefully crafted interviews.
Where to start: With this episode about getting losing your words in Antarctic and this one about transatlantic differences in the use of “please”.
A thrilling investigative documentary into the abduction and murder of 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling in Minnesota in 1989. There are some similarities to Serial, but this true crime podcast is better, not least because you find out who did it.
Where to start: With the first of the nine episodes, “The Crime”, before you binge through the rest in short order.
Four funny, honest British women discuss love, sex, infidelity and the pitfalls of interracial dating. It’s a relatively new show, so there are four episodes so far, but it’s worth getting on board early with this one. It’s going far.
Where to start: This episode about, among other things, women who cheat.
To really understand Donald Trump’s election victory, you need to hear from the people who bet against it. David Rees, Jon Kimball and Starlee Kine embarked on their profit-making adventure back in July, and, well, we all know how it ended.
Where to start: This episode about Clinton’s pneumonia scare. Or just immerse yourself in the podcast’s bonus mixtape, which features tunes remixed from the most memorable moments of the campaign.
A superb interview show from New York. Guests include Hillary Clinton and Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda, and there are plenty of regular rotating segments so it never feels stale.
Where to start: This interview with Rachel Wilkerson Miller about getting your life in order.
An Australian documentary that follows one woman’s decision to become a single mother. Sophie Harper has been recording since she decided to get pregnant, and hasn’t stopped. The result is a textured, intimate portrait of her life with her child.
Where to start: At the beginning, with her “Insemination Story”.
Move over, Radio 4. This ensemble scripted comedy about a pair of doomed undertakers is funnier than anything broadcast on the BBC. Siblings Rudyard and Antigone Funn battle to keep their undertaking business on the small island of Piffling going after a new competitor arrives in town.
Where to start: The opening episode of series two is a good introduction, if you don’t want to go all the way back to the start.
Two best friends maintain their relationship long distance via this heartwarming weekly podcast. Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow talk about politics, current affairs, celebrities, books and anything else they want to catch up on.
Where to start: The 2016 in review episode features lots of clips from across the year.
Megan Tan documents the struggles of Generation Y by recording every important moment in her own life. She’s incredibly honest and open on the podcast, so it’s no surprise this show has gathered a strong community around it.
Where to start: This episode about income inequality in relationships.
The Secret History of Hollywood
Adam Roche makes beautifully produced, compelling documentaries about the early days of Hollywood. They’re like audiobooks, but better because there’s music and sound effects as well as narration.
Where to start: With the “Bullets and Blood” series that traces the origin story of Warner Brothers.
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This article appears in the 13 Dec 2016 issue of the New Statesman, Christmas and New Year special 2016