I’ve really grown to love podcasts over the past couple of years.
Immersing myself in stories and interviews is a great way to liven up a school run or car journey.
This year I’ve found a few new favourite podcast series where I like the tone and interview style and the guests are often interesting and inspiring.
So here I am, sharing a few of my favourite podcast episodes I have listened to during 2019. These are interviews or stories that have kept me thinking long after I’ve disconnected my headphones.
Musician Jessie Ware teams up with her mum to serve up a selection of open and honest interviews with guests such as Cheryl (Cole/Tweedy), Stacey Dooley & Alan Carr . My recent favourite is a funny and truthful chat over breakfast with Antoni from Queer Eye who relays anecdotes from the show, growing up and what his perfect foodie day would look like.
I hands down love Dr Chatterjee’s books and his views on how to improve your health and well-being. His interview with Professor Matthew Walker on the importance of sleep is absolutely fascinating and I have changed the amount of caffeine in my diet after listening to this. A recent interview with Dhru Purohit gives wonderful insight into how crucial close friendships are in our lives.
I loved Elizabeth’s book of the same name which came about as a result of this podcast series. My absolute favourite interviews are with her good friend Phoebe Waller Bridge. You can tell they are friends as there’s warmth and humour in their conversations together. This is a must listen if you are a fan of Fleabag and Phoebe’s excellent writing.
These two episodes from the Reply All podcast series stopped me in my tracks and had me gripped from the moment I pressed play. This is the story of what happens when the tables are turned on a tech support telephone scammer. I won’t give too much away but these two episodes are definitely worth your time.
Craig (AKA ‘Dot’ Cottan in Line of Duty) interviews a host of actors and actresses at length in this excellent podcast series. I adored his interview with Line of Duty colleague Adrian Dunbar (Ted Hastings) which feels very much like you have joined the two for a pint and a reminisce down the pub. For This Country fans, Craig’s interview with Charlie Cooper will have you in stitches. The Jodie Comer interview is one of my recent favourites.
Actor Matthew, who stars in shows such as Goliath, Scandal, The West Wing and The Sopranos started this podcast in 2017. It’s jam-packed full of fascinating conversations with people from all walks of life discussing rejection or struggles they have faced and how they got to where they are today. As my work is in photography, I often enjoy listening to interviews with other photographers. Matthew’s interview with Hollywood photographer Jeff Lipsky is completely inspiring and motivating.
Much like S-Town had me gripped, I binge listened to The Dropout which tells the story of the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her company Theranos. A three-year investigation by ABC News brings together exclusive interviews with former employees and investors. These, along with Elizabeth’s court tapes really brings this unbelievable story to life over the six episodes.
I've read, listened to and watched some brilliant things over the past few weeks and I wanted to share them with you.
1. The podcast Don't Keep Your Day Job is a new discovery for me and its really inspiring, particularly this episode with the photographer Elisabeth Caren.
2. I'm a huge fan of Austin Kleon who talks a lot about creativity and productivity. This talk is called 'How to Keep Going' and is packed full of great advice.
3. I finished the book Endurance by Scott Kelly a week ago - it charts the astronaut's year in space and is completely fascinating. I'm now reading The Lido by Libby Page - it's hooked me from the start and a bonus is that it has short chapters (don't judge me). It's out in just over a week.
4. My standout film so far this year is Call Me By Your Name. It's a moving, sizzling, romantic drama with a beautiful soundtrack and superb acting. Not to be missed.
5. The impressive exhibition by the photographer Andreas Gurksy at the Southbank Centre is in its last few weeks. You can read more about it here.
6. For a website that will make your heart melt, check out Folded Wisdom. Artist and father Bob Guest would wake up early before his young children and write and draw them little notes that would be tucked in their lunchboxes. Many of them were kept and can be seen on this website.
7. The Oscar winning UK-made short film The Silent Child is currently on BBC iPlayer. It's an incredible 20 minute movie with an important message about the importance of sign language being taught in schools. Don't miss it.
8. If ever there was an excuse to unplug and get outside, this 3 minute movie is it. A perfect reminder to look up in the world (literally).
I'm always on the lookout for new podcasts, movies to watch and books to read. I'd love to hear any of your suggestions!
