10 non-fiction storytelling podcasts that still teach you useful stuff
Not keen on interview-format podcasts? Better at listening to stories? Here’s my top 10 factual storytelling listens…
In no particular order, these are my favourite podcasts that I learn interesting stuff from and enable me to show off my mad knowledge to my friends.
Tomorrow’s World
Currently on hiatus, but a brilliant listen if you’re a sound design nerd like me. The two hosts explore interesting theories about how technology might shape our lives in the future. Sometimes it crosses into Black Mirror territory, which makes it all the more exciting and terrifying.
Recommended episode for first-time listeners: ‘Is This The Real Life?’
Invisibilia
Binge-worthy audio at it’s best. Described as a podcast that dissects the ‘Unseeable forces [that] control human behavior and shape our ideas, beliefs, and assumptions’. Alix and Hanna’s warm, fuzzy approach to telling stories about everyday people who have accomplished levels of superhuman ability through sheer will, determination and power of the mind or body is the ultimate listening experience. Prepare to be utterly astonished at the stories you’re about to listen to.
Recommended episode for first-time listeners: ‘The Pattern Problem’
Love + Radio
Beautifully weird people telling their own stories, uninterrupted (other than a little bit of background music). This is my go-to for something less about learning, more about voyeurism into the lives of people who aren’t living a life even close to yours.
Recommended episode for first-time listeners: I will never stop recommending ‘Snakes!!!!!!!!’ to people. It’s the best thing I’ve ever heard.
Revisionist History
Malcolm Gladwell (need I say more?) uncovering some of the lies we’ve been taught in history class. His articulation is a joy to listen to and the exposure of the untold is just brilliant.
Recommended episode for first-time listeners: ‘Blame Game’
Reply All
Where do I start. This is so big in America, but much lesser-known in the UK. Reply All is one of the first Gimlet Media productions and you can tell the team have been working together for years. My summary: 2–4 nerds, trapped in a studio, trying to work out mysteries from the internet (sometimes brought to them by listeners). Sounds geeky, and it kind of is, but I’m no techy and even I can enjoy it — the rappor between the hosts, PJ and Alex, is just like listening in on some mates. But don’t underestimate the level of investigation they go to. See recommended episode to understand…
Recommended episode for first-time listeners: ‘#102 Long Distance’
This American Life
An absolute staple. Even if you haven’t heard of TAL already, you may well be aware of the cult spin-off Serial. TAL is the grandmother of podcasts and the king of investigative audio-journalism. Each episode has an overarching theme and is comprised of three acts, each interpreting the theme differently.
Recommended episode for first-time listeners: There are only the latest 10 on Apple Podcasts, and there’s a new episode every week so listen to any of the ones that are available!
Criminal
Worth listening to for Phoebe’s wonderfully calming voice alone. Fortunately the content is brilliant too. People tell the stories about how they were involved in a crime. Some are devastating, others are delightfully amusing, a few are violently graphic… there’s a crime in there for everyone. The best thing about it is the variety of offences and the range of characters who have challenged the law.
Recommended episode for first-time listeners: ‘Triassic Park’
The Tip Off
Ever wondered how breaking headline news stories are found? Well, it’s unbelievable for people like me who have no idea how a newsroom works, but sometimes there REALLY IS a ‘tip-off’ moment. This podcast is all about journalists recounting how they discovered, uncovered and published the biggest news stories of their careers.
Recommended episode for first-time listeners: ‘All The President’s Club Men’
Ear Hustle
Stories from inside an American jail. The hosts have a unique relationship; one convict (now ex-convict - there was a milestone moment recently in which he was freed!) and a creative who teaches a class at the prison. The podcast started as a creative project and it’s now really quite big in the US. A fascinatingly unique idea that gives a genuine insight into what prison life is like through the eyes of those behind bars.
Recommended episode for first-time listeners: ‘Thick Glass’
What The World Thinks
OF COURSE I’m going to include my own podcast in this. Do you really think I’m too modest to pass on this plugging opportunity? The podcast I launched over lockdown is simply a collection of voicenotes that strangers have sent me, all cut together to music, giving their opinions or thoughts around a certain theme. It’s short, snappy and thought-provoking — ideal for people that want to broaden their horizons or learn about new perspectives.
Recommended episode for first-time listeners: All of them (obvi).
