AWARD-WINNING PODCASTS TO FEED YOUR MIND

Since the dawn of man, storytellers were revered custodians of knowledge and local traditions in their communities. Today, the continued rise in podcast listening confirms that verbal narration still play a crucial role in building and passing on knowledge. 

Here are eight imaginative and critically acclaimed podcasts for you to enjoy. 

1. 13 Minutes to the Moon 

This BBC World Service podcast talks us through the last 13 minutes before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon. The intriguing sequence of events is guaranteed to transport you to a different time and place.

2. Deviate with Rolf Potts 

Author of Vagabonding and Marco Polo Didn’t Go There, Rolf Potts is an American author and essayist best known for his thrilling travel diaries. Whether it’s steering a small fishing boat 900 miles down the Mekong river or driving a Land Rover across South America, his podcast Deviate: Because the best things in life are off-topic is sure to get your heart racing.

3. Wild Ideas Worth Living 

Shelby Stanger, a prize-winning journalist, storyteller and avid surfer, guides us through a series of conversations “with people who took the path less traveled.” Stanger hosts myriad guests, from accomplished CEOs to NASA scientists who discuss important life topics such as mindfulness and plastic pollution. You’ll be captured by real-life adventures of individuals who took matters into their own hands and transformed wild ideas into reality.

4. Cautionary Tales 

This podcast is akin to an adult fairy tale, with one key difference – all the stories are true. Tim Harford, author of Messy and The Undercover Economist, looks back into history and recounts true stories of human errors, heists, inventions, catastrophes and wars to captivate and educate audiences of all ages. Narrators includeAlan Cumming, Toby Stephens, and  Malcolm Gladwell.

5. Reply All

With over 5 million downloads per month, Reply All guides you through the “exploration of modern life and how to survive it.” PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman, both internet nerds, unearth the fun, wild and dark side of the internet through real stories, facts and conspiracy theories. The duo recently started a show called The Scaredy Cats Horror Show, a podcast about horror films for those who are too scared to watch them.

6. The Sporkful with Dan Pashman

Awarded the “Best Food Podcast,” by the James Beard Food Awards the Sporkful offers an interesting spin on everything there is to know about food – its origins, inspirations, methodology, and most importantly, its eaters. Topics range from data-driven restaurants, a day in a life of a forager, what exactly is vegan cheese, and ham wars. Dan Pashman offers an exciting unseen insight into the culinary world. 

7. 99% Invisible

Garnering over 400 million downloads since its inception ten years ago, 99% Invisible focuses on elements of design and architecture that surround us but aren’t visible. Each week Roman Mars explores everything from the beginnings of the fortune cookie to the latest in nanotechnology. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the unbelievable origins of the most commonplace things that permeate our lives.

8. Ted Radio Hour

Hosted by Manoush Zomorodi, Ted Radio Hour attempts to answer the most challenging questions of our time. Each hour-long episode focusses on a common theme, such as human innovation or digital transformation, and includes speakers from diverse backgrounds to bring the show to life.

Now it’s your turn!

Our UniCredit Russia colleagues suggested 99% Invisible and Ted Radio Hour to us. So share your favourite podcast by sending a short review to onebank@unicredit.eu and we will publish another not-to-be-missed audio collection!