Whether it’s on the daily commute, during the morning run or while making the dinner, news brands podcasts are trusted by listeners every day to provide expert insight and analysis — both on what’s topping the news agenda and the smaller stories lurking behind the front page.
But if you want to know your favourite celebrity’s favourite snack, the latest gossip on your favourite team or the next book to put on your ‘to be read’ list, there’s a news brand podcast for you. Here are just some recommendations to subscribe to, whatever you’re in the mood for.
Today in Focus, The Guardian
Now in its fifth year, the Guardian’s flagship news podcast asks one probing question every weekday morning to best understand the day’s political agenda.
Stories of our times, The Times
One remarkable story, told in-depth, every day — that’s what host Manveen Rana and The Times’ team of journalists promise every weekday morning.
The Two-Minute Briefing, The Telegraph
Stuck for time? The Telegraph’s twice-daily news podcast gives listeners the main headlines making the news, with recommendations for further reading to get the fuller picture.
The Leader, Evening Standard
Like its print counterpart, the Evening Standard’s daily explainer is the only podcast to come out in time for the evening commute. Not restricting itself to the main political talking points of the day, the show explores the latest in technology, culture and London life.
The i podcast
While other podcasts are daily staples, the i’s flagship podcast is a weekly affair, choosing to look at the broader picture of one key theme each week.
Chopper’s Politics, The Telegraph
With a new episode every Friday, The Telegraph’s main politics podcast sees associate political editor Christopher Hope and his Westminster team speak to top commentators and political heavyweights to put the week’s headlines into perspective.
Red Box, The Times
Along with its companion newsletter, The Times’ daily ‘Red Box’ podcast is a must listen for those wanting to understand what sets the political agenda both in Westminster and among those elusive ‘real voters’.
Politics Weekly UK, The Guardian
Political columnist John Harris will be well known to Guardian viewers on YouTube with his ‘Anywhere but Westminster’ series, but he also fronts the Guardian’s weekly politics series, speaking to voices from across the political spectrum to understand how the week’s news affects the landscape in SW1 and beyond.
Call Bethel, The Telegraph
Off the back of its award-winning ‘Bed of Lies’ series unmasking an undercover policing scandal, The Telegraph’s latest investigation looks into the covering up of child abuse allegations within the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Can I tell you a secret, The Guardian
A prolific cyberstalker wreaked havoc with people’s lives for a decade with just six innocuous words: “Can I tell you a secret?”. Host Sirin Kale explores the story of Matthew Hardy, a case that challenges our preconceived ideas of what harassment means in the 21st century.
My Platform, Metro
In the news brand’s newest series, Metro opinion editor Jess Austin speaks to the voices behind some of the most popular contributions to ‘My Platform’, a column that gives unheard people the opportunity to tell the stories they want people to hear.
Past Imperfect, The Times
How does our upbringing contribute to our future success? Times columnists Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson speak to famous guests about the impacts of their childhoods on the adults they grew up to become.
Evening Standard Theatre Podcast
The unmissable guide for those keeping up with the West End, the ‘Evening Standard Theatre Podcast’ reviews the latest shows and speaks to those treading the boards in London’s hottest new productions.
Pod Save the King, Mirror
Keep up with the Windsors with this award-winning weekly podcast covering everything royal. Expect behind-the-scenes bits, fashion watches, travel roundups and interviews, as well as the many causes members of the royal family support in the UK and around the world.
Books to live by, The Times
Celebrity guests speak to The Times’ Mariella Frostrup about the books that have carried them through their lives, from childhood favourites to breakup bibles and beyond.
Pop culture, The Guardian
With the podcast now in its second series, join Chanté Joseph and guests as she examines the trends (good and bad) shaping popular culture — from dating to boxsets, fashion to party holidays.
Bryony Gordon’s Mad World
It’s becoming easier to talk about how our mental health is affecting us and podcasts like The Telegraph’s ‘Mad World’ do their bit to bust taboos. Each episode sees Bryony Gordon speak to celebrities and those within the mental health profession to share stories of struggle and to help to understand our minds a little better.
Grace Dent’s Comfort Eating, The Guardian
You can tell a lot about someone from the grub they tuck into when they need a bit of comfort — so says this tummy-rumbling series from the Guardian’s food columnist Grace Dent. Now in its fourth series, celebrities of all stripes divulge their culinary pleasures when the world isn’t watching. Maybe don’t listen on any empty stomach…
Smut Drop, Metro
No holds barred, Miranda Kane’s weekly podcast is a sex positive conversation with experts and celebrities about sex, relationships and navigating 2023’s tricky dating landscape.
Football Digest, Reach
Drawing on the very best of its football correspondents across its three national news brands, Reach’s ‘Football Digest’ is its definitive digest for England’s beautiful game.
The Guardian’s Women’s Football Weekly
Hosts Faye Carruthers and Guardian football writer Suzanne Wrack invite guests from across women’s football to discuss all the action from the Women’s Super League, the Champions League and the Lionesses’ hopeful journey to World Cup glory.
Lawrence Dallaglio’s Rugby Podcast, Evening Standard
Join England rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio and some very special guests – from current players and legends to celeb fans, top pundits and sports writers — to chat about all the the latest news and views.
The beginner’s guide to running, Guardian
Delving into the podcast archives, those still on the couch rather than the 5K need look no further than the Guardian’s definitive guide to getting you on track.
Planet Hope, The Times
In partnership with Rolex, this weekly podcast series fronted by environment editor Adam Vaughan looks for hope and optimism among the pessimistic headlines in the fight against the climate crisis.
Let’s Talk about Grief, Mirror
Coleen Nolan’s five-part series in partnership with Co-op funeralcare speaks to her sister Linda, Debbie McGee, Jack Quickenden and more guests about how they’ve lived their lives after loss.
