Words by Amar Gera / Image via YouTube //
Safe to say podcasts are a bit of a staple in all of our lives, providing some top notch entertainment that can accompany you when you’re sweating it in the gym or spending countless hours studying for that psychology midsem you’re totally screwed for. But with life essentially on hold and social distancing on the rise, podcasts are more important than ever, to remind us that there’s a world out there, and that there’s more to life than this damn virus.
So, if by any chance you’re short on some pods to pass the time, we’ve got you covered. Check out our 10 podcasts to get you through self-isolation today.
The Joe Rogan Experience
Covering everything from politics, science, Hollywood and pretty much every known topic on planet Earth, the Joe Rogan Experience is easily one of the biggest and most influential podcasts in the world. Through Joe’s perfect but effortless interviewing style, as well as his willingness to interview absolutely anyone, he comes through with top quality content time and time again. Striking a balance between being incredible educational and hilariously ridiculous, Joe and his guests cover the full spectrum of thoughts and emotions, becoming an absolute staple in the podcast world and in the culture in general.
The Joe Budden Podcast
What do you know, another guy named Joe. Easily the biggest podcast in Hip Hop culture, Joe and his homies Rory and Mal are absolute killas in the pod space, using their unique and knowledgeable perspectives to deliver some hilarious (and sometimes straight up outrageous) hot takes on anything they deem worthy. From breaking down beefs, to analysing diss tracks and compiling top 20 lists (which somehow always end up in Joe yelling at Rory and Mal for some ridiculous reason), the podcast covers all facets of the human condition, which is why it’s so relatable. Our favourite clip is the trio breaking down Tyrese’s threatening tweets at The Rock, definitely check it out for ten minutes of uncontrollable laughter.
Twenty One With…
Ever wanted to sit down with your favourite muse’s for some rapid fire heaven? We’ve got you covered, with host Lewi Dunn interviewing some of Straya and the worlds most talented musos about absolutely anything and everything. Some proper homegrown content that gives you a deeper look into your favourite artists whilst keeping it fun and low-key, 21 With… is the podcast for you.
The Rewatchables
One of the most satisfying and informative podcasts on film, Bill Simmons and various guests go into excruciating detail about your favourite films, as well as moments from those films that have transcended the screen. If you fancy yourself a bit of a film lover, we have no doubt you’ll love this gem, as it gives that depth of analysis that you just can’t find anywhere else, whilst presenting it in an easy to understand format that makes you feel like you’re sitting in a filmmaking lecture at uni.
Dissect
If you’re a music lover, you probably already know this podcast and watch it religiously. But on the off chance you don’t, get ready for one of the richest music podcasts you’ll ever come across, as you dive head first into your favourite songs and albums in gorgeous detail. Along with mad detail from a technical standpoint, the hosts go real heavy on the lyrics side too, which is perfect for deciphering rap tracks and gaining a whole new appreciation for them. We can’t recommend this doozy enough, and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with it just as much as we have.
TigerBelly
A real comedians podcast, Bobby Lee and his girlfriend Khalyla have come through with some of the strangest and most hilarious moments in podcast history. Featuring Bobbys incredibly awkward demeanour and Khalyla’s cool af vibe, the pair manage to get the most hilarious anecdotes out of their guests as well as each other, all while tackling important issues in the comedic world and in the world in general.
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Louisiana native Theo Von is one of the most exciting comics on the scene right now, his unique brand of humour winning him legions of fans all across the world. A true odd ball of a human, watching him host a podcast is so incredibly interesting, as he riffs off with his guests whilst interjecting his own unique world view flavoured with some real confessional comments on his own inner psyche, all whilst being hilarious af. His episode with Bill Burr is a personal favourite, with Bill absolutely tearing him to shreds on almost every topic possible and Theo trying to take it in stride but obviously failing.
Under The Skin with Russell Brand
Russell Brand has definitely moved past his days of being a Hollywood superstar and gone more into a “seeker of knowledge” type of role, ingratiating himself in politics as well as taking pains to educate himself on the human condition. His unique grasp of the English language, large breadth of life experience and his simple desire to know more makes for a riveting podcast, as he makes the process of learning feel refreshing and cool, something not all hosts are capable of doing.
Making Sense with Sam Harris
Definitely the more serious entry on this list, neuroscientist and philosopher Sam Harris uses his superb intellect and skill as an orator to make sense of the world around us, discussing everything from religion to science to humanity. He’s definitely one to go to if you’re ever craving some discourse or looking to gain an alternate perspective on things. Not to mention he has the most relaxing voice possible, perfect for podcasting.
H3 Podcast
A podcast that manages to pull together the craziest guests, husband and wife Ethan and Hila use their undeniable chemistry to play off one another and navigate the interview format with undeniable ease. They create a real laid back vibe that makes you feel like you’re just going over to a mates house to shoot the shit and talk about culture. Interviewing almost everyone on the face of the Earth, our favourite episode is easily their interview with the host of Hot Ones Sean Evans, where Ethan chases their dog around the studio for a solid 10 seconds (skip to 3:25). Riveting programming.
Well, we hope those pods help you pass the time whilst you’re bunkered down. Even if a single episode from any of those brings you any sort of distraction from the craziness of the outside world, then this list has done its job. Stay breezy everybody.
