5 Top Podcasts for Midlifers
If you haven’t listened to a podcast, you’re missing out!
Even if you are an avid reader, enjoy researching topics on Google, or unwind in the evening by watching YouTube or TV, you will still appreciate the experience of a podcast.
Podcasts are perfect if you need a distraction in life, want something to listen to while tackling tedious household chores, or have a long journey ahead of you and are looking for an alternative to music. Once you give them a try, you may quickly become hooked and find yourself with a list of favourites, eagerly anticipating the release of each new episode.
Best of all, they are free.
What Are Podcasts?
A podcast is an audio program that allows you to listen to content similar to your favourite radio or TV shows on your mobile device. You can enjoy virtually any topic you want, whenever you like.
Many podcasts are now also available in video format, so you can watch your favourite hosts as they discuss various subjects. However, this is not like a typical YouTube video; it simply shows the people engaged in conversation, usually in a studio setting.
Like an engaging book you can't put down, explore the world of podcasts that will transport you from reality for a while. Relax and be entertained effortlessly.
Where to Find Podcasts
You can find podcasts through various Podcast Apps such as Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, or BBC Sounds. You can also search on Google by typing in something like "Podcast about Midlife," which will give you a wide selection to choose from.
Keep in mind that not all platforms host the same podcasts, so you may need to search around to find your favourites or locate a specific one that someone recommended.
You can listen to podcasts directly from a website or app by pressing ‘play’, which streams the audio over WiFi or mobile data, much like listening to music or browsing the internet. Alternatively, you can download each podcast episode onto your device. This way, you won't use any data, and you can listen offline. You can delete the episodes after you've listened to them if you wish.
If you're unsure what to listen to, feel free to try any podcast on a subject that interests you. If it doesn’t engage you, move on to another one.
Most podcasts release new episodes weekly, so you'll soon develop a list of favourites and a routine for listening as they are released.
Types of Podcast
Podcasts can vary significantly in length, from short and concise episodes lasting about 30 minutes (like "You’re Not Getting Any Younger" by Jen Glantz) to longer shows with multiple episodes, such as "The Six Billion Dollar Gold Scam" or "Sports' Strangest Crimes."
My Top 5 podcasts are:
1 - Elis James and John Robins
Comedy - This podcast features intellectual humour that will make you laugh out loud. Two British comedians discuss everyday life and share their humorous observations. It's an award-winning podcast that has been running for several years.
2 – Extraordinary Lives
True Life - This podcast tells true stories from people with unique life experiences. From a North Korean escapee to an undercover cop, a Cold War spy to a shipwreck survivor, each episode captivates listeners and makes household chores seem to fly by. This fantastic podcast is produced by LADbible and is possibly my current favourite.
3 - Help I sexted my Boss
Over 18’s Comedy - this comedy podcast features two unlikely best friends, British celebrities William Hanson and Jordan North. William is a posh etiquette expert, while Jordan is an expert in all things common. Together, they tackle the challenges of modern life, answering your 21st-century questions and providing solutions to everyday dilemmas.
4 – We’re not getting any Younger
Light-hearted entertainment - This light-hearted podcast is hosted by Midlife model Lisa Snowdon and radio host Andy Goldstein. They celebrate the aging process, discussing how to embrace getting older while living a healthy and happy life. The show offers both male and female perspectives.
5 – Bad People
True crime stories - This true-crime podcast features criminal psychologist Dr. Julia Shaw and true crime documentary maker Amber Haque, who explore the darker aspects of human behaviour. Their discussions are both interesting and thought-provoking.
Final thoughts
What I like about podcasts is that they are effortless and require no concentration. You can listen to them while you're hiking, doing house chores, travelling, or simply enjoying a coffee with your feet up and your eyes closed. I only recently started listening to them, but I've already discovered a whole selection of favourites.