This week's podcast picks offer a diverse range of topics, from history and comedy to life and wellbeing, and even crime fiction. Here are five new shows to add to your playlist.
1. It's Not Just You
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Life and wellbeing
Rach and Soph, the presenters of It's Not Just You, are not famous – at least not yet. They are two normal friends who met six years ago at university, and that authenticity makes this weekly podcast work. Their natural friendship makes listeners feel like they are sitting across a coffee table, chatting about life and everything that comes with it.
Previously discussed topics include relationships, hen dos, and rejection. This week's episode focuses on friendship groups. Rach and Soph explore the changing dynamics of friendships as they navigate their 20s, balancing careers, relationships, and different social circles. They offer a fascinating insight into the bonds we form, with personal and humorous anecdotes and plenty of giggles. All you need is a cup of coffee.
By Rachel Howard
2. Oh What A Time…
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Comedy and history
Oh What A Time… is a comedy history podcast hosted by comedians Elis James and Tom Craine, along with podcaster Chris Scull. This week, the trio delve into the sporting prowess of historical revolutionaries, including baseball-loving Fidel Castro, Chinese Communist Chairman Mao Zedong's love of ping pong, and Vladimir Lenin's passion for cycling.
Before that, Craine shares a story about being stuck on a rollercoaster at Alton Towers for 50 minutes with his seven-year-old. James and Scull then discuss their own mishaps, including nearly choking on a boiled sweet. If you want a light-hearted journey through history's weirdest aspects, this podcast is for you.
By Yolanthe Fawehinmi
3. The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms
Genre: Culture and society
In this week's episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Yurich is joined by Heather Holleman, professor and author of The Six Conversations. They discuss how to hold meaningful conversations beyond pleasantries, exploring core mindsets, deep listening, and asking thoughtful follow-up questions.
Holleman shares tips on building confidence, letting others speak, and connecting through shared interests and values. The pair also discuss slowing down in daily life by stepping outside, reclaiming childhood, and improving mental health. If you want to embrace hands-on living in a tech-saturated world, this podcast is a great resource.
By Yolanthe Fawehinmi
4. Red Talks
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Comedy
Red Talks is a weekly self-help comedy podcast hosted by comedian Red Richardson, who aims to inspire people to get out of bed or “draw a Bugatti on their vision board.” This week, comedian Eshaan Akbar joins to discuss cancel culture and why he told Hello! magazine he can't be cancelled.
Akbar opens up about his career goals, including selling out a venue without asking people to buy tickets, and recalls supporting comedian Micky Flanagan and telling the audience to “F— off.” They also discuss why they would want a “nepo kid” like Brooklyn Beckham, Akbar being cut from Netflix's Sex Education, and fitness advice after his high blood pressure diagnosis. For an easy, funny listen with no agenda, try Red Talks.
By Yolanthe Fawehinmi
Spotlight on… 5. Books on the Beach
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms
Genre: Books and arts
Many enjoy a good paperback on holiday, and broadcaster Phil Williams brings those sunlounger reads to life in his new podcast, Books on the Beach. In each episode, the former Radio 5 Live host sits down with an author to discuss their latest release, uncovering the inspiration behind characters and the research that shaped the story.
In the debut episode, Williams catches up with crime fiction queen Lynda La Plante, discussing her new novel Sacrifice, the sixth and final thriller in the Detective Jack Warr series. Williams's thoughtful questions allow La Plante to reveal her writing process, including detailed research and conversations with police officers. The show also highlights the personalities behind the authors, with the 83-year-old writer sharing anecdotes about figures like the Kray twins and serial killer Charles Bronson. For book lovers seeking engaging conversations with favourite writers, this podcast is worth a listen.
By Camilla Foster
