My favourite podcasts and why I like them – Lizzie Robinson

Even as I’m writing now, I have a podcast on in the background… Hopefully that gives you an insight into how much I love a good bit of quality audio. 

This kind of addictive audio has made its way into my daily routine in the same way as a daily scroll on TikTok. Let’s face it, if it’s in my daily routine, your audiences and customer base might do the same so having a podcast as a way to promote your product or services could be the way forward.  

Ideally, you want a listener to form a habit of listening to your podcast so that they repeatedly return. Doing so builds trust and, if you’re a business podcast with a call to action that you want to include (or even if you want them to do something that isn’t related to your business) the listener is more likely to take that action if they trust you. So, making a podcast is a win-win, you can learn more about how we can help you with this here.  

Ultimately, when content fits effortlessly into daily routines, it stops feeling like marketing and that’s often the most successful kind of advertising and promotion. 

For example, while I love an aimless wander without any distractions, when I need to motivate myself to go for a morning walk, an episode of my favourite podcast is enough for me to get ready and go. If I’m feeling anxious, sometimes the soothing voice of one of my favourite podcast hosts is enough to take the edge off and distract me from the things that are on my mind – can anyone else relate? 

From my morning coffee to trying to drift off to sleep, a variety of podcasts are by my side. 

Keep on reading to learn about five of the podcasts I regularly listen to. 

But first, a quick stat to kick us off. Did you know that, according to the latest available data, there are 464.7 million worldwide podcast listeners. That equates to 22% of all internet users. 

The Missing by Pandora Sykes 

So, this one isn’t for the faint-hearted. This is a podcast that talks about the long-term missing and speaks to their loved ones to share their story with the hopes of keeping the case alive and introducing new leads. 

I came across this podcast as a true crime newbie, but I’m a huge fan of podcast host and writer Pandora Sykes, so when I saw this advertised on Instagram, I jumped straight on to Castbox to subscribe. 

What keeps me coming back to this podcast and looking forward to the next season is the delicate handling of emotional subjects. These stories are heartbreaking, tragic and so fascinating, but Pandora does a brilliant job at sensitively navigating through these stories and keeping the memory of the missing alive and present. 

This is a small detail, but the audio experience with this podcast is amazing, the eerie music, emotive but not falsely, it all adds to it being a well-polished podcast and the quality is unmatched. 

This weekly podcast is something I regularly share with my other true crime fans. It’s interesting but with a serious message, that any one person could hold the detail or memory that could solve a case that few believe could ever truly be solved. 

If you’re anything like me, you’ll love this so subscribe today. 

Quick stat break: Did you know that podcast fans on average consume 9 episodes per week? 

The Guilty Feminist by Deborah Frances-White 

This was the first podcast I subscribed to! To this day, probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. As someone who believes that our diet is more than what we eat, it’s about what we consume in the world around us, like media, books and other people’s emotions. This was the soothing balm I needed at a time when I was internally screaming for change. 

The general premise of this podcast is award-winning comedian Deborah interviewing other feminists about key issues, their thoughts on feminism around the world and the small (but always hilarious) ways that they’re feminists but sometimes find it difficult to live up to the meaning. 

For example, “I’m a feminist, but… one time when I was on a women’s rights march and popped into a department store to use the loo, I got distracted trying on face creams and when I came out, the march was gone.” 

For me, it’s how active and reactive this podcast is that has me coming back for more. Emergency episodes are often launched in response to changes in law or hard-hitting headlines, for example when Roe vs Wade was all over the news. 

The series also feature an incredible range of guests from all kinds of backgrounds – which makes me feel like I’m not in my own echo chamber. It helps me discover new activists and comedians to follow, and gives me the opportunity to hear about the world from so many different perspectives. 

Whether you’re new to the world of feminism or are looking for a safe place to learn about modern day issues, this is the podcast for you. 

Time for a quick stat break. Did you know that there are over 4 million podcasts registered worldwide? 

Where Should We Begin by Esther Perel 

Have you ever wanted to listen in to a real couples counselling session? Well, this is your chance.  

Where Should We Begin sees psychotherapist Esther Perel work her magic in real-life couple counselling sessions, with couples sharing the most intimate and vulnerable details of their lives. For privacy reasons, their names and some identifiable characteristics have changed, but their voices and their experiences are real. 

Authenticity and vulnerability are the reasons I love this podcast. I’ve not seen (or heard) anything like this before. Covering everything from the aftermath of affairs and addiction to the challenges of balancing identities as a parent with those of a partner, this podcast is raw and the guests are totally honest about the challenges they face, meaning I’m learning about issues that genuinely hadn’t crossed my mind. 

As a side note, Esther has the most relaxing voice of any podcast host I’ve ever come across, which makes this the perfect listen for anxious days. 

If like me, you love learning about relationships and the human condition, you’ll love this. 

Sleepy with Otis Gray 

I can’t be the only one who finds podcasts so relaxing that they help me fall asleep. It wasn’t until I was 25 and had a pretty bad time with insomnia that I came across an article discussing bedtime stories for adults, and then I was hooked. 

The premise for Sleepy is super-simple. Otis gently reads the first chapter or so of classic novels to you to help you drift off into a peaceful slumber. Think Peter Pan, Moby Dick, The Jungle Book, Little Women and so many more. 

This podcast regularly reminds me just how important the polished product is, especially when creating a digital product geared at relaxation. The editing for this is spot-on, with the tones and background music being super-gentle and soothing, so you won’t find any shabby audio here.  

I listen to this almost every night and it’s formed a vital part of my routine, and really helps after an anxious day. So, whether you’re looking to optimise your sleep (let’s face it, who isn’t these days) or could do with some help catching those vital 7-9 hours, this podcast will at least help you to relax. In my case, it has me asleep in 15 minutes. 

As a podcast fanatic, I have my fair share of thoughts on what makes a grade A podcast, so here are just a few of my observations. 

My thoughts on what makes a top-notch podcast 

• The right voice – soothing or energetic, but pick the right one 
• Sensitivity when required – no time for loud booming know-it-alls here 
• Ideally 30-45 minutes long – enough for a walk but not long enough to get bored of the topic 

• The devil is in the detail, so the right music and side effects make all the difference  

If reading this has left you feeling inspired, that’s great news! In fact, if you’ve always dreamed of starting a podcast, LikeMind Media can help you with that. 

We have our very own podcast studio, Grandma’s Studio, because it honestly looks like it could fit nicely in your nan’s house. Cosy, warm, inviting and the perfect place to record. 

Our team is also on hand to help with the recording, editing and launching your podcast baby. 

If you’d like to learn more or maybe have a few questions, get in touch with us today.