PODCASTS FOR LIFE | THE GOOD STUFF | THE BASE

How do you podcast? Me, I listen to an episode a day whilst I stride out with my dog, virtuous in learning something new, keeping up with the news or being entertained (as well as both of us getting some exercise!).

With the bazillion* (*may not be accurate) podcasts that you could peruse, it can be overwhelming to know what to listen to next. In search of #TheGoodStuff, I’ve noted here a few podcasts that could tempt you. If one of my faves tickles your fancy, click on the name to be taken to its relevant website or type the name in the search field your preferred podcast source and enjoy!

This is part of our series, #TheGoodStuff, where we are sharing our favourite stuff with you to keep you entertained, supported and inspired!

Get Sleepy
Confession… I’ve never made it through a full episode of “Get Sleepy”; it’s that good. Described as the ultimate bedtime story podcast, Thomas and his dulcet-toned friends take you through some mindfulness techniques before you listen (if you’re still awake) to a fairytale, accompanied by soothing soundscapes. Actually dreamy.

Others to try:
Family Secrets with Dani Shapiro: Kinda feels like you’re eavesdropping on something juicy happening at the table beside you in a café. True, first person stories, exploring family secrets and what they can teach us.
The Slowdown: It’s poetry. Soothing, melodious poetry. Hosted by the US Poet Laureate, Tracy K Smith, it’s like listening to velvet.
Terrible, Thanks for Asking: The conversations that happen when you’re honest when asked, “How are you?”. Personal interviews that are funny, sad, both, but always genuine.
Committed: Love stories… messy, hilarious, heart-breaking and inspiring. Cheaper than marriage counselling.

Images: Get Sleepy – podtail.com, Family Secrets – iheart.com, The Slowdown – stitcher.com, Terrible, Thanks for Asking – ttfa.org, Committed – iheart.com

Fierce Girls
Inspiring stories from Australia of girls who dare to do things differently. The tales are short (under 20 minutes), told by other inspiring Australian women and will give anyone (parents and kids alike!) the motivation to go for it, in whatever they aspire to do. Do we have a Kiwi equivalent? Let me know!

Others to try:
Happy Mum, Happy Baby: This is the podcast that interviewed the Duchess of Cambridge. But more than that, it’s hosted by children and parenting author, Giovanna Fletcher, filled with interviews and (honest) discussions about parenthood.
Julie’s Library: Julie as in Julie Andrews! I’m a bit premature (it launches on 29 April) but how amazing to listen to stories from their library read by Julie and her daughter, children’s author and educator, Emma Walton Hamilton?!
Wow in the World: Perfect podcast for curious minds. There’s fun “quiz show style” episodes, “Two Whats!? And a Wow” along with longer eps that explore cool stories in science and technology.
Who Would Win: Pitching favourite characters from sci-fi, fantasy and comic books against each other in epic “who would win” battles. Glorious geeky, perfect for teens who are mad fans of comics (or even the movies based on the comics).

Images: Fierce Girls – rnz.co.nz, Happy Mum, Happy Mum, Happy Baby – play.acast.com, Wow in the World – npr.org, Julie’s Library – julieslibraryshow.org, Who Would Win – whowouldwin.zencast.website

Dressed: The History of Fashion
When I think of the history of fashion, I think Miranda Priestly, resplendent in The Devil Wears Prada, telling Andy about the origins of her “cerulean” “lumpy blue sweater”. Dressed: The History of Fashion explores the who, what, when and why of what we wear. Loved the episode on the symbolism in the Game of Thrones costumes and currently listening to the origin of cat-eye glasses.

Others to try:
My Heels Are Killing Me: An NZ offering. There hasn’t been a new episode since May 2019, but those new to discovering this podcast will find a back catalogue full of interesting, insightful interviews with those working inside the fashion industry.
The Business of Fashion: Perfect stopping point for in-depth interviews with designers and players within the fashion industry. Scroll past the musings on the current climate to find fascinating interviews with the likes of Christian Louboutin (red soled high heels) and Carine Roitfeld (of French Vogue fame).
Offline, The Podcast: An Australian offering, hosted by Alison Rice, where honest conversations are had with some of the humans behind super popular Instagram accounts.
Fashion Unzipped: Dissecting the costumes from some of our favourite shows, discussing model body shaming and what the 2010 decade looked like for fashion. Hosted by The Telegraph’s senior fashion editors.

Images: Dressed: The History of Fashion – iheart.com, My Heels Are Killing Me – rnz.co.nz, The Business of Fashion – stitcher.com, Fashion Unzipped – podbean.com, Offline, The Podcast – stitcher.com

Stephen Fry’s 7 Deadly Sins
A sure-fire guest to entertain and enlighten at your fantasy dinner party, Stephen Fry here hosts two seasons of meandering thoughts and musings along with fascinating facts that leaves you feeling just that little bit smarter. I started with season one, Stephen Fry’s Great Leap Years, following the great discoveries and inventions that have supercharged history and changed the world. Two thumbs up.

Others to try:
13 Minutes to the Moon: An in-depth retelling of the story of the people who made the Apollo 11 happen. As gripping and inspiring as landing on the moon can be. There’s a second season out now that focuses on the Apollo 13 mission. Just as good.
Beatles City: Journey to Liverpool and hear the stories of those that were there at the birth (and pre-birth) of the iconic band, The Beatles. Wonderful interviews with school friends, the band secretary and first drummer, Pete Best.
Stuff you should Know: Basically there’s an episode for anything you’ve ever wanted to know about. Snappy “short stuff” episodes and some longer explorations to get your teeth into.
The Documentary: Fascinating documentaries that cover a wealth of topics. Read through and pick out what interests, or start from the top and work your way down. You’ll be entertained, challenged and inspired.

Images: Stephen Fry’s 7 Deadly Sins – acast.com, Beatles City – podbean.com, Stuff You Should Know – iheart.com, 13 Minutes to the Moon – bbc.co.uk, The Documentary – bbc.co.uk

Pretty Big Deal with Ashley Graham 
Celeb podcasts are pretty meta; it’s typically celebs chatting with their friends, who are also celebs, about their lives (and how they got there). Which honestly, I’m okay with! Here, queen of body positivity, Ashley Graham sits down with others who, in their respective industries, are also a “pretty big deal”. Each episode is relaxed, fun and enlightening.

Others to try:
Anna Faris is Unqualified: Anna Faris is a national treasure. Each episode is a cutie interview with a (fellow) celeb, then it’s time for both to provide “amazing” relationship advice from listener questions.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Super smart long-form interviews with people (some celebs) doing pretty incredible things. Co-hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman, the banter is strong.
Life is Short with Justin Long: Funny, witty and uplifting. There’s lots of great chats with fellow actors and musicians. Make sure to listen to the episode with Grandma Jody. Pure gold.
RuPaul What’s The Tee? with Michelle Visage: A must listen for fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Lots of celebrity guests that talk about all the things as well as behind the scenes scoops from the TV show.

Images: Pretty Big Deal with Ashley Graham – stitcher.com, RuPaul: What’s The Tee? – rupaulpodcast.com, Life is Short with Justin Long – stitcher.com, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard – open.spotify.com, Anna Faris is Unqualified – iheart.com