What I’m Listening To: Podcasts

I am a very easily influenced person. This means that I am constantly being inspired by other people on books, films and things to listen to (as well as make-up, fashion, anything).

About a year or so ago I feel in love with Serial and it started me on my podcast journey, which has been nothing short of joyful tbh. Most of what I listen to has a true crime vibe because that’s what I dig and there’s nowt more queer than folk, etc but I also love film based content (such as the mighty Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review which I’ve definitely mentioned before).

Once I’d rinsed Serial, I was left adrift until I started to listen to the wise words of Twitter (my favourite space on the internet, yo). So many recommendations come from there and now I have a cornucopia of choice.

This is what I’ve been listening to recently:

TW: I highly recommend all these podcasts, however some contain triggering events and language that should be approached with caution.

Criminal

There are 42 episodes in this podcast so far and each one is a real gem. Even the ones which have slightly less dramatic subject matter are compelling. Each story is about a crime and these range from the absolutely fantastical to plain bizarre.

I’m working backwards (after finding it easier to listen on Soundcloud) and am currently on episode 23. My favourite stories so far have been Angie, The Stay and P.D.I.D (which made me furious). Special mention to the bonkers Animal Instincts and Dropping Like Flies – honestly, you’ll learn things you’re never even imagined here.

Criminal was co-created by Lauren Spohrer, Phoebe Judge and Eric Mennel, and launched in January 2014 – and I have to say I really like Phoebe’s approach to the weird and wonderful people she speaks to.

I recommend this series if you’re new to crime podcasts because the shorter episodes are very easy to digest but I warn you: they’re crazy addictive.

Sword and Scale

Sword and Scale is similar to Criminal in the sense that it covers true crime stories but the episodes are longer and seem much heavier for that. Maybe it’s just me.

I’m new to this one but have so far enjoyed (if that’s the word) some astonishing tales, including Episodes 63 & 64, which tell the horrifying story of Doctor Macneill, a handsome and charming man with a dark heart and Episodes 5 & 6 which outline a conspiracy so heinous your head might explode (I’m still thinking about it).

Special thanks to Bethany for talking about this podcast (also Criminal) and then mentioning the latter episodes. I Twitter-dropped and followed your recommendation.

Serial (Season 2)

Serial Season 1 told us the story of Adnan Syed, a high school senior accused of (and imprisoned for) killing his ex-girlfriend, Hae Min Lee. It was fascinating and addictive and my first regular foray into this medium.

When I found out there was a second season I was stoked but it’s a separate and very different story this time around. This time we study Sargent Bowe Bergdahl, a US Army soldier who was captured and then held prisoner by the Taliban.

Now, as with the first season it has to be said that the story isn’t clear-cut and things as they say may not be what they seem. I’m only a few episodes in but am thoroughly enjoying it so far.

Who knows what my final opinion on Bergdahl will be, or whether we’ll ever know the truth about what really happened the day he was captured? It doesn’t really matter though, this is his story and it’s addictive.

How Did This Get Made?

Bar our friendship, I think HDTGM is the greatest gift Meghan of That’s Lightletainment has ever given me. It’s brilliant and right up my street.

Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael and Jason Mantzoukas (all actors themselves) love bad movies and talk about them passionately with special guests on the regs. I absolutely love June (from Burning Love mostly) but the trio together make horrible films, such as Glitter, The Wicker Man (remake) and Crank 2: High Voltage three times more hilarious and enjoyable.

My favourites so far have been: Rhinestone (a film starring Dolly and Sly Stallone, what more do you need?), Barb Wire and Catwoman. Very special mention to one of my all-time favourite bad movies, I Know Who Killed Me (honestly, ask me how much I love it). Oh god, and check out the episode on Deep Blue Sea which is epic.

The best thing about this podcast is that there are so many episodes I still have to watch. Honestly, there’s not enough time in the day for podcast listening.

Read more about Meghan’s podcast recommendations here.

So that’s what gets me through my working day. I’ve not been organised enough to get these on my iPod/phone yet but I know when I do I will look at walking/working out in a whole new light.

Are you a podcast listener? What do you recommend? Go! ❤