Latest news with #You'reDeadtoMe
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
I hate podcasts with a passion - but I'll make an exception for these
It's not simply the sheer preening audacity of believing the planet awaits your wisdom which offends - though that does grate. It's mostly that podcasts are so bloody awful. We don't need another one. The internet is full. There's nothing left to say. There are 3.5million podcasts on Earth right now. That's like the entire population of Uruguay - including new born babies - producing their own podcast. Read More: Podcasts make me stabby because I love radio. I've worked in radio, I've hosted loads of hours of talk radio for the BBC. When radio is good, it's great. Podcasts take everything which makes radio good, put it in a headlock and run with it into a brick wall, repeatedly, until it's dead. The principle problem is the rank amateurishness. Search for podcasts on any given topic - sport, history, politics, culture - and nine times out of 10 it'll be some lonesome gimp in their egg-boxed attic droning into a mic. It'll sound more like a serial killer tape sent to the police than a functioning piece of radio. I'm into topics like mythology, ancient history and anthropology. So let's say I go hunting for something like the history of Babylon, or the lives of Neanderthals. Up will pop a podcast so unlistenable, so lacking in production values, with a script so shonky, that it offends against reason. What's worse is the podcasts which could be good but deliberately cock it up. There's a show called Myths and Legends. I should love it. Each week, it's meant to retell a great myth. But the producers feel compelled to mess with it. They try - God help us - to be funny. If I wanted stand-up routines, I'd go to a comedy club. I'm here for the gods and monsters. Or there's You're Dead to Me, a history podcast, which again thinks listeners can't appreciate facts unless some comedian mugs for the mic. It's actually a bit offensive. A spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down is not required. We've got brains. The use of music is often so dreadful it will render an entire podcast unbearable. We don't need mood music like we're at the silent movies in the 1920s. Give me a wee intro tune to brand your show and then get into the intelligent chat. When crap music, naff comedy, bad scripting and multiple ads for crypto-currency and haemorrhoid cream collide in podcasting, being a passenger onboard a crashing plane becomes more appealing. The infection has spread from the internet to the home of traditional radio. The BBC now airs multi-part podcasts that sprawl over weeks, when a tight half hour would suffice. A Radio Four podcast called The Grave Robbers - about criminals faking wills - runs for five 30 minute episodes. Don't get me wrong. The story is important. But two and a half hours? That's longer than the movie All the President's Men - about Watergate. The BBC now seems more interested in podcasts than TV or traditional radio combined - which may explain why most of its output is so dire. The podcasts which really make my eyes sweaty with wrath are ones like Newscast, where a bunch of hacks - in this case the insufferable Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell - talk about stuff they've just talked about on the proper news. It's the same with the Today podcast with the equally intolerable Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson. Why does it even exist? It's like some horrendous audio Groundhog Day. And don't even get me started on Americast with Justin Webb. For context: Robinson pockets £410k, Kuenssberg £395k and the horrific Webb £365k. To compound the absurdity, some of these podcasts are in video format too. Why? It makes no sense. Evidently, nothing out-stinks the conspiracy podcast, however - the type of dreck put out by someone like Joe Rogan, a comedian and fight commentator who somehow single-handedly took over the world's media and got Trump elected. He's the Idiocracy made flesh. He's also the reason why everyone wants their own podcast. If politics is showbiz for ugly people, then podcasting is influencing for folk who look like giblets. At least once a month, someone will ask me if I'd like to start a podcast with them. The notion is that as I'm a journalist I could balance out whatever they represent - food, academia, sport, movies, juggling, wig-wearing, yak-wrangling. And at least once a week, someone will ask if I'd like to come on their podcasts. The answer to both is no: primarily because there's bugger all money in it, unless you're Joe Rogan or Laura Kuenssberg. Why would I spend an hour in your basement broadcasting to an audience of zero when I could be sleeping or earning actual money? It's amateur hour for narcissists with too much access to technology. I'm also pretty disgruntled - certainly lacking in gruntles - over the rebranding of great radio as podcasts. Melvin Bragg's In Our Time is quite simply unparalleled. It's perfect radio. Now, though, the BBC calls it a podcast … even though it has been on Radio 4 since 1998, long before the word 'pod' was ever coupled with 'cast'. I'm not going to pretend there aren't some great podcasts. I'd endure an entire week of gurning idiots cracking Covid jokes over blaring elevator music and adult diaper adverts for one hour in the company of Paul Cooper and his Fall of Civilisation's podcast. It's everything great radio should be: subtle and unobtrusive music, atmospheric audio, brilliant scripting, pitch perfecting hosting. A masterpiece. The very best podcasts - like Cooper's - go on to have lives beyond internet sound files. That's how you know they're good. Cooper got a book out of his show - deservedly so. Another great comes - astonishingly - from the BBC: the Uncanny podcast with Danny Robins. It takes spooky events - ghost sightings and such - and subjects them to a thorough investigation. It's slightly gimmicky - with a resident sceptic and believer - but it's just too well made to find fault with. And the music is absolutely on point. Robins saw his podcast turned into a TV series. When podcasts first started, there was a glut of murder and true crime shows. That's what seemed to sell, so that's what the herd copied. Now, like TV, the choice is all but endless, and there's no functioning filtering system. It overwhelms. Podcasts have become a symbol for our cultural decay: there are no standards, just a roar of pointless noise. Amid the cacophony of dross, the real gems of genius are drowned. We cannot find what matters, because we're surrounded by mediocrity. The podcast is perfect proof of this hard truth: everyone does indeed have the right to a voice, but sadly most voices are just so bloody dull. Neil Mackay is the Herald's Writer-at-Large. He's a multi-award winning investigative journalist, author of both fiction and non-fiction, and a filmmaker and broadcaster. He specialises in intelligence, security, crime, social affairs, cultural commentary, and foreign and domestic politics
The Irish Sun
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
The must-listen podcasts that will keep kids & teens entertained for hours on long journeys this summer – & they're FREE
GETTING ready for a long road trip with the kids, but don't want to just stick a tablet in their hands? Podcasts are a great way to keep the whole family entertained. There's no end of podcasts out there for screen-free entertainment, so it's hard to know where to start, but we've picked out some of the best free podcasts for young kids and teens, with options that you'll love too. 9 Look for this app on the iPhone to find podcasts – or just use Spotify Credit: Apple 9 Bust or Trust is a great option for kids Credit: Bust or Trust / Apple / The Sun These titles are all available for free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, so you should be able to get access to them on any device. PODCASTS FOR YOUNG KIDS If your kids like a mystery (and who doesn't?), then a great option is Bust or Trust . It's a myth-busting podcast that investigates some of Earth 's most interesting mysteries, including haunted paintings, the truth behind Stonehenge, and whether aliens visited Earth thousands of years ago. Kids can even get updates on the latest Loch Ness monster sightings. Perfect for a road trip to Scotland! And it's family-friendly too – the podcast boasts that it's "fun for ages six to 106", so that's just about everyone. For very young kids, try Thomas & Friends Storytime . It's a Thomas the Tank Engine-themed podcast with stories about the origins of the engines, fairy tales, and includes plenty of life lessons, too. This is very age-appropriate for youngsters and is rated for kids as young as three. But if you've got slightly older kids, they likely won't be as interested. There's usually a new episode each week, with more than 100 released in the series so far. One smash-hit option is the Story Pirates podcast, which is very highly rated and downloaded. I test iPhone's genius trick to beat car sickness on road trip It's like a sketch comedy show (packed with music too) based on stories that have been written by kids. The episodes feature content from comedians and songwriters, plus celeb guests. Recent episodes include interviewing a zombie expert that might be turning into a zombie himself, a hotdog that climbs Mount Frankfurter as part of a tradition to find his own sauce, and a "dungeons and dragons" special. It's an award-winning series with weekly episodes and a massive back catalogue of seasons to enjoy. 9 Story Pirates turns tales written by children into comical sketches Credit: Story Pirates / Apple / The Sun 9 You're Dead to Me is a hilarious way to get your kids interested in history Credit: You're Dead to Me / Apple / The Sun And another great option for youngsters is the history podcast You're Dead to Me . It invites a comedian and expert historian on to have funny chats about history, which should keep the whole family engaged. You've got recent episodes on arctic exploration, the legends of King Arthur , and even cave art. Just make sure to be selective with the topic. Very young children might struggle to get to grips with some topics – but it's a great way to get your youngster interested in history. 9 If you're struggling to get the little one to sleep, try Sleep Tight Stories Credit: Sleep Tight Stories / Apple / The Sun It's proper history delivered in simple (and very funny) terms. Episodes typically come out once a week, and the series is rated as "clean" on Apple Podcasts. If you're looking to send the little one off to sleep, you could try a bedtime stories podcast. Sleep Tight Stories is very well-reviewed, and has a load of peaceful child-friendly tales for bedtime. Just don't listen to it in the car – it might put you to sleep too, which wouldn't be good. It's fine for all ages, so this is a great option if you want to send a toddler off to sleep with a fun little story. Here's a quick list of our favourites: Bust or Trust Thomas & Friends Storytime Story Pirates You're Dead to Me Sleep Tight Stories TRY AUDIOBOOKS TOO! Don't just rely on podcasts – audiobooks are a great option... By opting for audiobooks, you might be able to get your kids interested in reading. And there's almost no end of child-friendly audiobooks out there. Probably the best-known way to access audiobooks is via Audible. There's a free tier that just involves signing in with your Amazon account. Then you can enjoy a rotating selection of free audiobooks to listen to, including timeless classics but also some new options. If you're an Amazon Prime member then you can also claim two free audiobooks of your choice. And if you want a proper Audible membership, you'll have to pay a membership (after a 30-day free trial). The Standard membership (for £5.99 a month) lets you choose one audiobook a month from the collection, which you can listen to for as long as you're a emmeber. And the Premium Plus option (for £8.99 a month), gets you the same monthly credit, but you can keep the book even if you cancel your membership. You'll also be able to listen to thousands of extra audiobooks from the Plus catalogue – and you'll get access to exclusive sales and discounts too. If you're not keen on Audible, you can also try audiobooks via Spotify. If you have a Spotify Premium membership then you're already owed 15 hours of audiobook listening time every single month. But you can pay for extra hours if you want. Picture Credit: Audible PODCASTS FOR TEENAGERS The good news is that a lot of the best podcasts for teens will also keep you entertained as an adult. One very educational option is the always-brilliant The Rest is History . It's hosted by two popular British historians (Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook) who chat through specific topics like the Titanic disaster, the Romans in Britain, and even the historical figures that would suit going on Love Island. Apple Podcasts rates it as "clean", but some episodes will cover more sensitive topics. So consider the episodes you choose depending on the age of your teen. 9 The Rest is History is educational, but very funny too Credit: The Rest is History / Apple / The Sun 9 This ultimate show for top trivia, Stuff You Should Know is willing to explore almost any topic – all delivered in very simple terms Credit: Stuff You Should Know / Apple / The Sun But the podcast explains history in simple terms even if you don't know much about a topic – and it's usually very funny too. A great way to get your kids loving and learning about history. Another cracking option along similar lines is Stuff You Should Know . This time you've got American hosts (Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant), explaining just about anything and everything. They'll tell you about the origins of ketchup, why Minecraft is such a massive hit, and what lurks in the Catacombs of Paris. 9 Film Sack is great for movie fans who use streaming services Credit: Film Sack / Apple / The Sun It's extremely engaging, very easy to chew for a general audience, and will turn your teen (and you!) into a total trivia whiz. If you've got a teen that loves movies, a great option is Film Sack . It's four hosts who watch an old movie that's available on streaming services, and review it in a playful way over the course of 90 minutes or so. The show is largely clean, but it'll depend a little bit on the movie that's being "sacked". Recent episodes include 2004's Starsky & hutch, George Clooney's Ocean's Twelve, 1985's The Goonies, and a round table special on Coming of Age Movies. ...AND THE BEST PODCASTS FOR PARENTS Don't let your kids have all the fun – there are loads of great parenting podcasts out there too... Possibly the most well-loved option is Parenting Hell . It's hosted by star British comedians Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe. They talk about their own parenting trials and tribulations, as well as chatting to celebs about how they're getting on with their kids. It's very funny and has a large back catalogue of episodes to enjoy. Another excellent choice is The Sun's own podcast No Parental Guidance . It's a new series from our Fabulous team hosted by the brilliant and hilarious Louise Boyce and Hannah East. The podcast is described as "a safe space for real mums to talk openly and hilariously about the chaos, guilt, and of course joys of parenthood". Episodes feature special guests, with celebs featured so far including Angela Scanlon and Konnie Huq. Picture Credit: The Sun If you and your teen want a laugh, the Off-Menu podcast is brilliant. It's hosted by British comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster, who interview celeb guests about food – asking them to pick favourite starters, sides, mains, and desserts in a "dream" restaurant. This one is probably for older teens, but you'll almost certainly be able to get them listening if it's a celeb that they like. Recent episodes have included illusionist Derren Brown, Marvel star Sebastian Stan, acting titan Ridley , and the inimitable Danny Dyer. 9 Off-Menu is a fun way to hear stories from celebs, hosted by two British comedians Credit: Off-Menu / Apple / The Sun It's a nice mix of pop culture and food, and it's packed with laugh-out-loud moments. So to recap, try these out: The Rest is History Stuff You Should Know Film Sack Off-Menu This will serve up thousands of hours of entertainment, so you'll be sorted all summer long. And if you are going on a long road trip, The Sun recently tested a trick to beat car sickness with an iPhone.
The Herald Scotland
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Some might say I have already had enough of Oasis
Still, what with Pulp and Oasis back on the live circuit, it's shaping up to be something of a Britpop summer. That's what Absolute Radio is calling it anyway. And Absolute is, as you might expect, mad for it. Not necessarily a bad thing, actually. On Sunday night Louise Wener, best known as the front woman of Britpop band Sleeper, started her own show on the station in a two-hour late night slot that was very much Britpop-flavoured. Read more Or, at least, that was the sales pitch. But Wener - who was always smarter than some of her male contemporaries in Britpop - was happy to deviate from the brief. She ended up playing American bands from the same era rather than stick to Blighty. The Pixies, the Lemonheads, Grandaddy ('maybe the weird alt-cousins of Britpop,' Wener suggested) and Belly all got a run-out. And I had totally forgotten about New York band Madder Rose. It was good to be reminded of them. Wener threw in a bit of Radiohead and Wet Leg too, and she even suggested, at one point, that her band Sleeper never really saw themselves as Britpop at the time. 'Ask most nineties bands if they were Britpop and they will likely say no … Sleeper included,' she pointed out. It certainly often felt like a boys' club at the time for all that Wener and Elastica's Justine Frischmann and Echobelly's Sonya Madan were part of it. 'I get asked even now how did the Britpop women get on with each other? What was the solidarity like? And in truth there was definitely an element of forced competition between the women of that era," Wener admitted at one point. 'I remember being told by one music editor that Sleeper weren't going to get any coverage because they were already covering Elastica and Echobelly, so we should just give up; the idea being that there was only room for so many women to get through. 'We were aware, all of us I think, that we were battling for a limited amount of space.' Louise Wener has started a new show (Image: free) You could say that is still the case. Wener's run on Absolute on Sunday nights is just going to be for the month of July, which is a pity because she is fun and smart company and it's good to be reminded that the 1990s music scene amounted to rather more than just Oasis and Blur. That said, she plays both. Slide Away got an airing here too, albeit the recorded version. 'Slide Away might be my favourite Oasis song, I think,' Wener suggested, 'showing their tender side beneath all the swagger.' I wonder if that's how Noel sees it? How many comedians does it take to fill the Radio 4 schedule? Quite a lot, it appears. As well as the regular comedy slots, this week has seen Patton Oswalt turn up on history show You're Dead to Me, and Mel Giedroyc join physicist Brian Cox and Robin Ince (another one) on the return of science series The Infinite Monkey Cage on Thursday. Meanwhile, comedian and author Tony Hawks has been discussing the idea of inheritance in Tony Hawks Is Giving Nothing Away all week at 1.45pm on the station. Hawks, it seems, is considering not leaving his 11-year-old son any money. The reason? Because he wants a more meritocratic society and doesn't want to stunt his son's drive and ambition. Personally, I can see an argument for foregoing drive and ambition in favour of comfort myself. Maybe that's because I'm coming from a family that has traditionally never had much to pass on. But what if you do? On Monday Hawks talked to billionaire John Caudwell who is of a similar mind to Hawks. Caudwell has signed up to the Giving Pledge, an international philanthropy commitment where billionaires agree to pass on the majority of their money to charitable causes. 'We estimate that there might be five or 6,000 billionaires on the planet,' Caudwell told Hawks. 'There's only 250 of us that are part of that giving pledge.' Given that it would take anyone the best part of 3,000 years to spend a billion quid (at the rate of a grand a day) you do wonder why everyone else is so reluctant to join him. But then I guess if you're planning to live forever you probably feel the need to keep all that money to yourself. Vaughan Williams (Image: free) Listen Out For: First Night of the Proms, Radio 3, July 18, 6.45pm Georgie Mann and Petroc Trelawny are on hand to open proceedings on this year's Proms season as the BBC Symphony Orchestra kicks things off with a programme that includes Sibelius and Vaughan Williams, as well as Mendelssohn's The Hebrides overture and music from Master of the King's Music (and, I believe, Scottish resident) Errollyn Wallen.
