Whether you’re traversing the country visiting family, jetting off abroad for some winter sun or simply wallowing in the bath to escape the madness, there’s a surprising amount of downtime over the Christmas period, and it’s ideal for finally bingeing on podcasts.
Thanks to the endless amount of must-read books, must-watch tv shows and must-see films, the pressure to consume all the #content can be overwhelming. Filler time over Christmas poses the perfect chance to catch up on those podcasts you’ve been meaning to listen to.
Luckily, 2018 has been a corker when it comes to podcast series. Whether it’s celebrity interviews, expert reporting or laugh out loud silliness, these are the podcasts we suggest you download immediately.
Best podcasts 2018
1 of 9Serial Series 3
Arguably the original and the best investigative journalism podcast, Serial has rightly garnered a loyal legion of fans. Series 3 takes a different turn as Serial's creator Sarah Koenig and This American Life staffer Emmanuel Dzotsi tell a different story each episode from a year spent behind-the-scenes at a Cleveland courthouse.
2 of 9Happy Place
Grab the tissues, in Fearne Cotton's emotional podcast she chats with a fascinating roster of guests about life, love, loss, and everything in-between. Our favourites from season 2 include Russell Brand, Poorna Bell and Gok Wan.
3 of 9Caliphate
An utterly compelling audio series from the New York Times's ISIS correspondent Rukmini Callimachi as she reports on the Islamic State and the fall of Mosul.
4 of 9How To Fail
In this podcast author and journalist Elizabeth Day celebrates the things that haven't gone right. Always an uplifting and inspiring listen, in season 2 Day spoke to the likes of Jessie Burton, Otegha Uwagba and Tara Westover.
5 of 9Table Manners
Like being a fly on the wall at a dinner you could only dream of being invited to, this podcast is moreish listening. In each episode Jessie Ware and her mum Lennie (a hilarious double act), invite a guest over for good food and even better chat. Highlights from season 4 include Cheryl, Mel B and Nigella Lawson.
6 of 9Dear Joan and Jericha
If you're looking for some light relief, Joan and Jericha have your back. These two unqualified agony aunts, played by Julia Davis and Vicki Pepperdine, will have you spitting out your mulled wine/gingerbread latte.
7 of 9Slow Burn
Journalist Leon Neyfakh's podcast is a deep dive into recent moments of political history, and season 2 is a fascinating look at the saga of Bill Clinton's impeachment.
8 of 9The Dream
Podcast series provide the perfect opportunity to learn about something entirely new and often niche. Case in point: this weirdly addictive look at the sketchy world of pyramid marketing schemes.
9 of 9Grazia Life Advice
We couldn't make this list without blowing our own trumpet and mentioning Grazia's podcast, Life Advice. In each episode a different woman shares the pivotal moments that made them who they are today via the best and worst advice they've ever been given.