Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
2022 has been an outstanding year for podcasts. From chart-topping true crime, to uplifting comedies, the Auddy team have been enjoying all sorts of content over the past 12 months.
Here are our top picks that we’d love to share with you…
True crime, investigative journalism, documentary
Recommended by: Sal Miller, Auddy’s Chief Marketing Officer
“Eye-opening story of how one person’s life can be forever altered through the actions of another online. The depth of the ‘catfishing’ world that was created to deceive Kirat is extraordinary – and it went on for 10 YEARS!” – Sal
Sweet Bobby has been a huge hit this year. Brought to you by Tortoise Media, this whirlwind of a story won Podcast of the Year at Press Gazette’s Future of Media Awards 2022. And we can see why – this is a truly gripping listen.
This investigative series tells the story of one of the world’s most sophisticated catfishers. If you haven’t listened already, firstly, where have you been? And second, be warned: once you start listening, you won’t be able to stop.
Comedy, chat show, life advice
The Hairy Bikers deciding to make an agony uncle podcast is the best decision they’ve made in a long time. Why? Because they’re funny, they’re wholesome, and they seem to have an answer for just about anything (whether it’s a helpful answer, well, that’s another question). This podcast has been a great way for Si and Dave to interact with their fans – and meet some new ones along the way.
Documentary, investigation, memoir
Recommended by: Juliet Sawyer, Auddy’s Content Editor
“This podcast really stuck with me for a long time. It’s very raw, and I think a podcast was the perfect format for this story to be told in. It feels very personal, almost confessional, and it’s such an important story to shed light on.” – Juliet
This podcast holds more emotion than a Spotify breakup playlist. In 4 episodes, our narrator Alex tells us about the death of his older brother, who got hit by a speeding police car one day after school. Alex was incredibly close with his brother, but there’s one problem: he’s forgotten everything about him. How can you lose all your memories of your favourite person? Throughout the podcast, Alex finds out all about his brother – as if meeting him for the first time – and tells us how one tragic event rocked an entire local community.
Chat show, music, culture
Recommended by: Misael Trujillo, Auddy’s Senior Marketing Manager
“You get to hear stories that have never been told before” – Misael
Any hip hop fans? This one’s for you. In this weekly show, legendary American rapper Talib Kweli (from the American music duo Black Star) sits down with guests from across the hip hop scene. Their chats go beyond the world of music, exploring topics like culture and politics too.
Misael adds: “There are also beautiful lyrics performed as spoken word. Some of my favourite episodes include Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Ty Dolla $ign and Wiz Khalifa.”
True crime, investigative journalism, documentary
Smoke Screen marks The Bureau of Investigate Journalism’s first crack at podcasting – and the Auddy team are immensely proud to work with them on this belter of a project. This podcast tells the true story of Belinda Walter, an attorney-turned-spy, who falls deep into the dirty underbelly of the tobacco industry. It’s a world of corruption, conspiracy, and double crossings.
The team at TBIJ worked incredibly hard on this story. Smoke Screen won Best Investigative Podcast at The Publisher Podcast Awards, and whistleblowers involved in this project have been honoured with the Blueprint for Free Speech Whistleblowing Award.
Chat show, comedy, culture
Recommended by: Sal Miller, Auddy’s Chief Marketing Officer
“The banter between Lennie and Jessie is brilliant and they build a fantastic rapport with their guests. Plus, it’s about food… what’s not to love?” – Sal
If you’re after a feel-good podcast to smile along to, Jessie and Lennie Ware have got you covered. The pair welcome guests to their dinner table to have a good ol’ natter, with plenty of giggles thrown in along the way. From celebrity chefs (Nadiya Hussain, Paul Hollywood) to singers (Shania Twain, Michael Bublé) to actors (Robert De Niro, Jamie Demetriou) and everything else in between, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Chat show, culture, life advice
Recommended by: Misael Trujillo, Auddy’s Senior Marketing Manager
“Makes you laugh and cry on a regular basis” – Misael
Hosted by Matt Stocks (Ex-Kerrang! Radio, Metal Hammer, Classic Rock & Scuzz TV), this podcast features candid interviews with musicians, actors, comedians and creatives. The conversations often get incredibly deep and cover a range of meaningful topics.
Misael recommends the Tommy Chong, Laura Jane Grace (Against Me!) and Lars Frederiksen (Rancid) episodes. He adds: “I also thoroughly enjoyed the book released based on some of the interviews.”
Comedy, life advice, maternity
We’ve got a fantastic collection of parenting/pregnancy podcasts on the Auddy network. But we’d like to shine a particular light on Two New Mums because this will forever be a special year for the hosts, Jennie Longdon and Amy Voce. It’s the year they gave birth to their babies.
The pair fell pregnant just two days apart from each other – with not a clue between them. Together, they’ve documented the bumpy road that is motherhood in this candid, amusing podcast. And despite the sleepless nights, messy homes and baby dramas, they’re still releasing weekly episodes.
Documentary, investigative journalism, conspiracy
Recommended by: Sophie Paluch, Auddy’s Acquisition and Partner Manager.
“Definitely my favourite this year. It’s totally nuts that this is a real story” – Sophie
We’ve already featured one podcast from Tortoise Media on this list, but there’s another you cannot afford to miss: Hoaxed.
Hosted by journalist Alexi Mostrous, this 6-part series takes us on a wild ride into one of the most serious British conspiracy theories of all time – and that’s no understatement. This story is shocking. It’s emotional. And it’s a powerful piece of investigative journalism. You won’t be able to put it down.
Interview, life advice, culture
Recommended by: Sal Miller, Auddy’s Chief Marketing Officer
“It continues to be one of my favourites. I’ve been listening for years.” – Sal
Everyone makes mistakes. We’ve all regretted not doing something – or cringed over something we did do. But your failures probably won’t feel so big and scary once you’ve listened to this podcast.
Each episode, host Elizabeth Day is joined by a celeb to break down a key moment in their life – and all they’ve learnt from it. From Olympic diver Tom Daley’s curse of perfectionism, to Greta Thunberg discussing failure on a personal vs. global level, each story is incredibly eye-opening.
Sal adds: “Elizabeth is a true journalist. Well prepared, empathetic and able to extract incredible stories from her guests.”
True crime, investigation, documentary
Bad Money has all the key ingredients to create a binge-worthy podcast – billionaires, gangsters, and unimaginable heists.
Narrated by actor Jason Wong, this first series tells the story of Hong Kong’s most infamous gangster known as ‘Big Spender’.
This podcast is a collaboration made between Vespucci and Kindling Media – and marks the latter’s first attempt at a true crime narrative podcast. We look forward to seeing what else they produce in the future because, if you ask us, they’re off to a good start.
Chat show, music, culture
Recommended by: Misael Trujillo, Auddy’s Senior Marketing Manager
“Diving into stories that stick with me for a long time” – Misael
This podcast will cheer anyone up. Each episode, Questlove (hip hop drummer from The Roots) and Team Supreme are joined by musical legends and cultural icons to hear their stories. Guests include Snoop Dogg, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Jett, Michelle Obama, and many more.
Misael explains: “The episodes sometimes run up to 3 hours and are generally split into two episodes.” 3 hours?! That’s a recipe for disaster, surely? Not quite.
“They are always fun and engaging,” Misael confirms. And he’s right – the length allows the conversations to become more authentic and entertaining. This is a chat show like no other. Brimming with spirit, fun and music. And we can’t get enough.
Let’s head over to the DACH region to hear what podcasts our friends at Audiomy (an Auddy company) have been enjoying.
Recommended by: Robert Mitmansgruber, Managing Director at Audiomy
“Both hosts, Daniel and Markus, are well-known in the Austrian startup scene. The show covers news from the startup world and trends from the tech industry. Once a week, they have a guest on the show for a deep dive episode. The hosts complement each other well and present their topics in an entertaining way.” – Robert
Recommended by: Max Riedel, Sales and New Business Manager at Audiomy
“As I am very into TV shows and movies, this show has always been my first go-to. The very in-depth and detailed analysis and breakdowns fascinated me from the start. I would recommend this podcast to all my fellow nerd friends. You will love it!” – Max
Recommended by: Lina Hruschka, Key Account & Campaign Manager at Audiomy
“Not only is this one of our biggest Austrian podcasts, it is also very popular with our clients. The host Michael Buchinger is an all-round talent. He has his own books, is a great YouTuber and has his own comedy show on the road with a typical Austrian sense of humour.” – Lina
That’s all for now! We can’t wait to see what new, exciting content 2023 brings to our ears…
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