Podcasts are one of the simplest ways for us to quickly consume more information than ever. With more than 30% of Australians listening to a podcast monthly, this medium has seen an especially huge growth in regional and rural areas. Thanks to the availability of podcasting apps on many smartphones, it is even easier than ever to find, download and start listening to new shows at our fingertips.
But it shouldn't come as a surprise that podcasts are now one of the most popular forms of audio listening globally. They can be used for entertainment, insights or education and with a show for almost every interest, there is no limitation on a niche.
With the summer road trip season coming up, now would be a great time to get into a podcast or add some new listens to your current rotation. With a few hours to spare on the drive, you can listen to one episode or get through a few without noticing the time fly. The Southern Phone team has put together some of the best and most interesting podcasts you may want to consider adding to the playlist for the car journey.
1. Conversations
Produced by ABC Radio, Conversations is one of Australia’s longest-running radio programs and most popular interview podcasts. For one hour each day, Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski present most of the most extraordinary and personal stories from truly insightful people.
2. Australian True Crime
Australian True Crime is a gripping and fascinating listen that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The show is produced and hosted by media personality Meshel Laurie and author/journalist Emily Webb, who will take you on a journey beyond the headlines. Discover some of the darker parts of Australian history each episode as the hosts talk to witnesses, investigators and sometimes the perpetrators themselves.
3. How I Built This with Guy Raz
Since 2016, Guy Raz has ‘built” a cult following in the business and innovation circle. In each episode, Guy breaks down the exciting start-up stories of some of the world’s best-known brands – including Ben and Jerry’s, Wikipedia and Instagram.
4. Aunty Donna Podcast
If you’re after some laughs, this Melbourne-based sketch troupe will keep you entertained for hours with their unique take on the whole host of topics. Note, there is a bit of colourful language in this one so it's probably not one for the kids.
5. Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics calls itself a show that teaches you everything you thought you know (but didn’t) and things you never thought you wanted to know (but do). Stephen J. Dubner, co-author of the Freakonomics books is joined regularly by business mavericks, scientists and leading academics who each provide their expert views to the day's topic.
6. The Night Driver
Hedley Thomas is back again with another gripping investigation involving mystery and foul play. Following the success of The Teacher’s pet podcast, this new series explores the mysterious disappearance of Janine Vaughan in December 2001 and the connection to the driver of a small red car.
7. Forgotten Australia
Forgotten Australia looks at some of the most interesting individuals in Australian history. From our first female parachutist to an American cowboy who became a Sydney vigilante and more, these are people you won’t readily hear about in the books. History buffs will enjoy this one.
8. No Such Thing as a Fish
This multi-award-winning show is brought to you by the researchers behind BBC Two’s QI panel game show. Each week, the team, known as "The QI Elves”, present their favourite and most interesting facts learnt over the past week. If you’re wondering how they got their name, you might just have to give it a listen to find out!
9. Dr. Karl Podcast
Get the answers to some of the wildest science questions with one of Australia most loved science commentators, Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki. Along with co-host Lucy Smith, the Dr Karl Podcast is an extension of his long-running triple j show and the easy way to learn a few things you can drop into any conversation.
10. Hamish & Andy’s Remembering Project
If you’re a fan of this comedy duo’s radio shows and podcasts, you will especially love this memory trip through time. Each episode, the boys take on a day and relive some of the most hilarious moments in their careers -from crossing the USA in a caravan to running a marathon with no training, this podcast will keep you laughing right until the very end.
How do I listen podcasts on my phone?
Most modern smartphones feature a built-in podcasting app that you can navigate to from your home screen. For Apple iPhones, this will be the Podcasts app. If you have a Google or Android device, you can use the Google Podcasts. Other places you can listen to podcasts on include Spotify, Stitcher and Player FM which are also available on desktop.
Do you like to listen to any podcasts we may have missed? Let us know and contact the Southern Phone team today.