Mah favourite Podcasts

Today I felt like I wanted to talk about some of my favourite podcasts. I am avoiding the BBC ones that are just the best bits from their shows, as I'll end up talking about the shows in general later on. So, I'll focus on podcasts that are made for the internet.

The first one I want to mention is Answer Me This! (exclamation mark necessary). Helen Zaltzman and Olly Mann are the presenters, alongside Martin the Sound Man (Martin Austwick), and the show pretty much does what it says on the tin. Listeners are asked to send in questions they want answered by phone or email and they answer as many as they can. They are terribly funny and answer questions you never thought of asking but will be pleased that you have the answer. They balance being informative with being entertaining and is a must listen in my opinion. They also have very catchy themes tunes that you will end up humming and singing on the bus! Helen and Olly have managed to do lots of things because of this podcasts, becoming regular commentators on Sky News and BBC, and have the privilege of being the first podcasters to get their own radio show Web 2009 with Helen and Olly and the first non-music performers to play at the iTunes festival.
Their website is http://www.answermethispodcast.com and you can subscribe via iTunes.

The next podcast I regularly listen to is The Bugle. This is hosted by John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman (and no it is not a coincidence, Andy is Helen's brother) and they discuss what's been happening in the news from either side of the Atlantic as Andy is based in London, UK, and John is in New York, USA.. They both have very strong opinions but they are well researched and generally rational, if sometimes they are very ranty. They are very funny about what they discuss and can be a little random. If you like your politics with a bit of fun you can't go wrong with this.
You can find the podcast on http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/tools_and_services/podcasts/ and again they are available on iTunes.

The final podcast I want to mention is Collings and Herrin. This involves Andrew Collins and Richard Herring and is meant to be a topical podcast about the news, based on when Andrew had a 6Music show and Richard discussed the Sunday papers. However, it is usually Richard ranting about something that happened to him and Andrew attempting to bring it to the news. This makes it very funny and is a totally must listen to. It has revitalised both their careers, as they have been in for Adam and Joe for the past few weeks. They have also done sold out live podcasts, which I have attended as well and are planning more at the Edinburgh Five Pound Fringe.
Their podcast can be found at http://www.comedy.co.uk/podcasts/collingsherrin/ and at iTunes.


Tomorrow I'll keep it simple as I'm seeing the awesome Barry and Stuart in the evening.