Listen up! Here’s some ideas for really sound podcasts

PODCASTS, as we know them, were first created in 2004, and originally known as audio blogs.

Since then, they’ve grown in scope and popularity.

Podcasting has really taken off as a medium for communication and broadcasting in the past five years, and has grown exponentially as a way to consume information, and to engage audiences.

Now, every second person seems to have started their own podcast! There are literally thousands of offerings available across multiple platforms.

Because of this, however, it can be difficult to cut through the noise and find the really good quality ones.

A good podcast can provide information, make us laugh, or prompt us to reflect. Some of the very best manage a combination of these.

Below are just a few suggestions that might fill a void for you in these upcoming weeks; keep you company on your daily walk, keep the brain ticking over while preparing the lunches, or keep you entertained on the commute to work.

Basically… with Stefanie Preissner

Cork woman Stefanie is an author, journalist, and was relatively recently diagnosed with autism.

This podcast series offers a refreshing mix of topics, from health to science, parenting to current affairs.

Stephanie deals with topics in a very practical, accessible way. Most titles revolve around ‘What’s the story with?’ She asks the burning questions of her guests, all of whom are experts in their respective fields.

It’s a great listen, and you’ll always finish an episode with some helpful nuggets to take away and implement.

The Laura Dowling Experience

Just like Laura Dowling, aka The Fabulous Pharmacist’s, herbal wellbeing products, this podcast is a wonderful blend!

It’s like Mary Poppins’s bag, you don’t know what is going to come out next, but you can be guaranteed it will be interesting and insightful.

Each guest choice is as varied as the topics of conversation that are covered within one sitting. Laura isn’t afraid to ask the difficult questions, and really nurtures the humanity and vulnerability of each guest. Sometimes it’s an expert, sometimes it’s just somebody with a human story to tell.

If you’re looking for some solid, evidence-based information, a belly laugh or a cry, look no further.

Laura is a fierce advocate for women’s health, as well as health and humanity in general, and this shines through in each of her conversations.

The Laughs of Your Life with Doireann Garrihy

Doireann has become a household name since taking the reins of the 2FM breakfast show, and more recently becoming the co-host of Dancing With the Stars.

Her podcast has a very unique format. The standard set questions put to each guest, such as “Tell me about your first memory of laughter”, or “Tell me about a time you felt laughed at”, or “When if you didn’t laugh would you have cried?” are cleverly designed to get beyond the façade that many put up, and drill into what makes people tick.

She’s had some really high profile guests, and it’s always nice to see beyond the name and persona.

Stretch Marks

Host Sinead O’Moore has years of podcasting experience, and has previously hosted EveryMum the Podcast, steering that ship through the pandemic.

Her gifted interviewing style makes it feel like you’re a fly on the wall of a conversation over tea between friends.

This podcast highlights the challenges of life, the things that stretch us outside of our comfort zones physically, mentally and emotionally, and encourages listeners to take the actions needed to make sure that, in that stretch, we don’t snap.

A really nurturing, supportive offering to make you feel that even in the thick of things, you’re not in it alone.

If these podcast suggestions aren’t speaking to you, don’t worry - the list is limitless.

A good crime podcast or current affairs offering might be more suited to your taste, for example.

The weekly rankings on the podcast platforms are a great way to stumble upon new or popular offerings, and find what’s going to fill your cup.

Happy podcasting!

Lara Dowling, aka The Fabulous Pharmacist, is a fierce advocate for women’s health, as well as health and humanity in general.