Podcasts are my absolute favourite thing to listen to while I'm painting. My Boyfriend Ollie is rather smug about this as he kept on at me to listen to them for AGES but I ignored him like the stubborn wally I am. Now I am completely hooked and nothing fills me with a greater joy than discovering a new gem. So, I thought I would give you a round up of a few of my favourites - my gift to you!
For True Crime Nerds...
True Crime will always be my first love. I could of mentioned many more but I whittled them down to these 5.
Last Podcast on the Left : If you enjoy very, very dark humor and horrors of the world explained in graphic and gory detail, this is the podcast for you. Last Podcast on the Left laughs at the dark side of humanity, with topics such as Serial Killers, Cults and 911 calls discussed each week by researcher Marcus Parks, presenter Ben Kissel and comedian and actor Henry Zebrowski. I particularly recommend the Albert Fish episodes but warning - they are not for the faint-hearted!
Dirty John : A true crime thriller about a woman who falls in love with a guy who seems to good to be true. Gripping with a brilliantly unexpected ending. I don't want to say too much about this one as I don't want to give the story away - just listen to it!
Heavens Gate : This podcast is an in depth investigation into the American UFO religous group 'Heavens Gate' who famously committed mass suicide in 1997. This podcast explores the history and belief system surrounding the group and what ultimately lead to the groups tragic fate. I found it a particularly interesting take on the subject as the host Glynn Washington actually grew up in a cult with his family so the series is peppered with his insight on cult behaviors.
My Favorite Murder : My Favorite Murder (it takes all of my English being not to spell it with a 'u'!) is a podcast hosted by American Comedians Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff who were brought together through their shared morbid fascination with murder and true crime. Each select a murder, true crime or survivor story to recount and discuss at length in each episode. Episodes I would particularly recommend are :18 - Investigateighteen Discovery, 51 - A Bit of Oblivion, 108 - King of Police, 109 - Project Artichoke.
I am such a big fan, that I even painted Elvis the Siamese cat, who features at the end of every episode.
Atlanta Monster : This is my latest true crime go to series. The Atlanta Child Murders are one of the cities darkest secrets with lots of questions still surrounding the case, some 40 years after the crimes took place. The podcast reexamines the disappearance and murders of over 25 African American children and young men between 1979-81 in an effort to find the truth and bring some closure.
For some Fan Girl Inspiration...
How to Curate your Life - Work Life Balance for the Creative Entrepreneur : Lifestyle store SMUG founder Lizzie Evans shares her insights on curating the perfect work/life balance as well as interviewing inspiring people she's met over the last 10 years of working as a creative entrepreneur. Personal favourites include Textile Designer Donna Wilson, Brighton based blogger Anna Newton and The Kennedys (who might be the trendiest couple I have ever come across.)
Art for your Ear by The Jealous Curator : I recommended this over on my Insta-Stories a little while ago. Each week host Danielle Krysa (aka The Jealous Curator) interviews an array of amazingly talented (but down to earth) contemporary artists. She delves into the artists history, artistic approach, likes, dislikes, creative advice and sometimes even what their favourite Halloween costume was! Episodes I would particularly recommend are : Episode 68 - Tina Berning step-by-step, everyday and Episode 77 - Lisa Congdon. Imposters, ego, inner critics.
The One Girl Band Podcast : I've recommended this before and I probably will again! Brighton based coach Lola Hoad shares her insights into being a One Girl Band. A must listen to for female small business owners but it has lots of tips and advice on mindset and self care which you can apply to your general daily life too no matter what your career might be. After each episode I feel so motivated to create and promote my work and be the best possible version of myself.
Podcasts you'll want more of...
S-Town : An obvious suggestion but one I had to include, just in case you haven't heard of it or gotten around to listening to it yet. By far one of the best podcasts I've come across. It's a 7 Part series by the creators of This American Life and Serial. Eccentric Horologist John B Mclemore contacted the producers of this podcast by email asking them to investigate an alleged murder that he claims took place in his small home-town in Alabama - a place he despises. The podcast takes an unexpected turn however, and instead unravels the mysteries of one mans life.
The Butterfly Effect : This is by the same author of the bestselling book 'The Psychopath Test' and follows the ripple effect brought about by a teen in Brussels - who has the idea to make porn free and easy to stream online. With a similar feel to Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends, this has the twists and turns of a great mystery thriller and despite the bleak subject matter is actually quite heartwarming in places.
The Dollop : Hosted by comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds, this bi-weekly podcast delves into some of the weirdest tales and strangest characters American History has to offer. To give you a taste of what this podcast has in store - Otto in the Attic is by far one of the strangest sex scandals you will ever hear about! Unbeknownst to her husband, Dolly Oesterreich, a wealthy housewife, kept her lover living a bat-like existence - hidden for years in her attic . Others you just HAVE to listen to are : The Spiderman of Denver, Thomas Kinkade, The Rube and The Dolphin.
Dolly Oesterreich the subject of 'Otto in the Attic'
If you love all things spooky...
First off, I would like to point out that none of these podcasts are scary and you don't need to believe in ghosts to enjoy them!
The Parapod : Supernatural enthusiast and serial ghost hunter Barry Dodds discusses famous paranormal cases, mysteries and conspiracys with skeptic and voice of reason Ian Boldsworth, in an effort to separate fact from fiction. Think Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington meets Most Haunted. Expect a lot of piss taking.
This Paranormal Life : I look forward to this Podcast every Tuesday! Hosts Rory Powers and Kit Grier discuss a range of paranormal cases such as Bigfoot, Real Life Vampires, Black Eyed Children and the Loch Ness Monster to try to decipher the truth from the mystery. Episodes I recommend are : 009 - Corney the Dickest Ghost and 029 - 030 Man Receives Email from the 1500's Part 1 & 2. Each episode is as interesting as it is daft. Sometimes I suspect Rory and Kit are not the professional paranormal investigators they claim to be.
Haunted : This Podcast is a more serious take on the subject of Hauntings than my two previous suggestions. Written and presented by Danny Robins, this questions if ghosts exists and if they don't, why we still see them? It interviews people who claim to of seen a ghost or have experienced a haunting and then explores their story in forensic detail with the help of skeptics and experts in an effort to explain it. Danny visits a famous racetrack, apparently haunted by drivers who were killed there, a house haunted by a racist ex-tenant and speaks to a nurse convinced she experienced the wrath of an angry patient from beyond the grave.
Podcasts that will have you in stitches...
The Adam Buxton Podcast : A host of celebrity guests join British Comedian Adam Buxton for a rambling chat on all sorts of subjects, broken up with Adam's signature silly songs. Even the sponsored adverts are entertaining. Ollie and I have been massive fans of Adams for years now, which I think first began after we used to listen to the Adam and Joe show on 6 music. He has also started a new Radio 4 Podcast called 'You're Doing it Wrong' which looks at some of the confusing modern attitudes we have towards work and success. I found the first episode very entertaining and relatable so check it out if you're a fan of Buckles.
Athletico Mince : This is one of Ollie's suggestions and maybe one more for the lads (although I'm not discriminating!) Another one of our comedy crushes Bob Mortimer (from Vic & Bob) hosts an unsurprisingly bizarre football podcast that includes no actual football.
My Dad Wrote A Porno : I'm SURE you're already aware of this hilarious podcast but I had to include this absolute corker! Nothing can make me cry laughing on public transport like this can. Jamie Morton reads aloud to his two friends Alice Levine and James Cooper, chapters from his Father's (aka Rocky Flintstone) self published erotic novel. Not in the least bit sexy but it is hilarious, weird, poorly written and at times quite disgusting!
All podcasts are linked - just click on the title. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!