I have had a pretty intense love affair with podcasts over the past year. I had given them a go beforehand, but hadn’t really worked out what KIND of podcast listener I was, but once I figured that out – podcasts became my one and only for solo car journeys, when on public transport, at the gym or just simply, pottering about the house on my tod.

Himself has been a podcast fan for actual YEARS and been trying (in vain) to get me interested in them as he knew I’d love them – well perseverance paid off and I’m hook, line and sinker these days! Over the last 12 months I have discovered a wealth of awesome podcasts (there really is one for everyone if you care to search for it). In my social circle (work included), I have become the go-to person for podcast recommendations, so I thought it was high time I shared 7 of my current favourites with all of you too

My Dad Wrote A Porno

If comedy and a giggle are your jam, then you must have a listen – a definite one for headphones and fair warning if you’re on any kind of public transportation – you WILL get the odd strange look because you will be laughing so hard and trying to stay quiet and inconspicuous and you will be failing miserably at both, but you won’t care. Each week Jamie Morton reads a chapter from his Dad’s book to friends James Cooper and Alice Levine – hilarity ensues!

My Favourite: Goedenavond Peter

The New Yorker: The Writer’s Voice

Storytime for grown ups. When I’ve had a tough oul week and want something to zone out to, this podcast is a dream for dipping in and out of. Each short story is written by the author themselves and the words, topics, genres are seemingly endless. Drop in on whatever episode you want, because none are linked and all are fantastic

My favourite: Michael Cunningham’s “Little Man”

The Habitat

An incredible story and the fact that it is true makes it all the better. Lynn Levy finds out that 6 volunteers will go into seclusion in an imitation Mars habitat on a remote mountain in Hawaii and work as imitation astronauts. Lynn corresponds with them through email and audio diary entries learning answers to her questions on what their life is like. This is the true story of a fake planet and it is positively binge worthy.

My favourite: She Likes To Camp Alone In The Finnish Winter

The Adventure Zone

Himself is totally and completely to blame for this one and when you read this next part, please don’t write it off like I originally did: This is a “D&D” podcast, as in, Dungeons & Dragons. When Himself told me about it, I was like “eh…cool – but no” and then he had it on loud in the kitchen one day when he was washing the dishes and I was laughing a lot along with it and then he said “you realise this is The Adventure Zone”. I did not. Played by Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy with their Father Clint – who has never played before, it’s a laugh a minute to be honest and I’m still working my way through all the episodes positively delighted that there’s so many left for me to enjoy!

My favourite: Lunar Interlude IV: The Calm Before The Storm

The Armchair Expert With Dax Shephard

Dax talks to people – yes a lot of them may be celebrities – but he really does talk to people. He says himself how he loves the messiness of being human and that he finds those who are honest and vulnerable about their struggles the best (he calls them sexy a lot!). He is joined by his Producer Monica Padman and together they pick through how their guest became the vibrant person sat in front of them. I also love that they’ve started an “Experts on Expert” segment where they interview real experts about themselves and their field – this podcast has perfected the ninja-like move of letting you learn about yourself without even realising that you are.

My favourite: Kristen Bell

Dear Sugars

Repurposed from the Agony Aunt column in The New York Times, both original Sugars are now the hosts of this podcast and they bring truth, honesty and realness to their answers.

My favourite: Meet The Sugars

The BlindBoy Podcast

Blindboy of The Rubberbandits hosts this eclectic podcast with short stories, interviews, comedy and some cognitive therapy along the way. Blindboy calls the episodes a “podcast hug” and they really are! There’s chat, music and great conversation, he is a marvel at wrapping complex topic’s into small, easy to digest bite-sized pieces.

My favourite: An intro to cognitive psychology pt 1

I am ALWAYS on the look out for brilliant podcasts, so if there’s one you love that I haven’t listed here, please do pop it into the comments below and steer me in it’s direction!!