It's no secret that podcasts have altered the mundane daily grinds we push through to get to our final destination - whether it be a daily commute on a crowded tube bursting at the seams or a rather expeditious walk to the library to procrastinate further, podcasts will (inevitably) be a necessity in your daily routine.
I have to admit that I have a perpetual love-hate relationship with podcasts. I either wake up with a fervent desire to feel incredibly productive in the mornings by learning something "new" or "interesting" or I listen to a throwback 80s music playlist whilst munching hastily through my cereal - there really is no in between. On those days that I listen to podcasts, I rave about the minimal effort required to concentrate, only to be faced with the challenge of rewinding my podcast several minutes back after zoning out. Earlier in 2019, my podcast playlist solely consisted of lifestyle and wellness, until I (got bored) and realised I could transcend my addiction to Law & Order into true crime podcasts on my daily commute. Alas, here is a list of the best podcasts for 2020:
Redhanded
If you have watched every single Netflix documentary on crime cases, Redhanded sheds light on cases that are practically unheard of - although, in some instances, in particularly ghastly detail. The hosts' witty approach, along with their intellectual spin, result in an entertaining and enlightening fifty minute listen into dark crime cases.
Table Manners
This podcast is for those days where you just want to sit back, laugh and take a break from anything stress-inducing (with a cup of tea and slice of cake in tow). The light-hearted conversations between the hosts remind me of ones I have at home as they divulge deeper into their guest's favourite foods, love and lifestyle.
How I Built This
In a world where "entrepreneurship" and "Gen Z" are buzz words thrown around incessantly on the Internet, this podcast delves deeper into how prominent brands (including Ben and Jerry's and Five Guys) were born. If the idea of 'business' bores, this podcast will change your mind as it reveals the layers of the humble beginnings of each business, how their founders live their lives, what motivates them, their childhood and the high and low moments they've encountered.
Your Broccoli Weekly
If you switch between phases of wanting to assimilate every single page of the Financial Times or simply watching BBC News haphazardly, this podcast will enable you to absorb all of the news you need to know in a condensed yet engaging format.
Happy Place
Recently, mindfulness is a concept that has gained significant momentum in the Youtube / Instagram sphere, with an emphasis on 'self-care' (along with a charcoal face mask, pyjamas and scented peony candle burning slowly in the background at 9 pm). Whilst I *roll* my eyes at the idea of sitting down for five minutes in pure silence to "calm" myself down only to return to the vacant and unwritten essay gawking at me at 1 am, Fearne Cotton is an absolute gem when it comes to discussing happiness and mindfulness in its abundant forms. Cotton has spoken to a myriad of individuals including Mary Berry, Hillary Clinton and Tom Odell, who have openly discussed their failures, achievements and their perspectives on prevalent issues.
