the kallys: podcasts – best of 2023
Following on from my recent post about my favourite TV & Streaming content in 2023, I wanted to share a similar (albeit much shorter) list of my favourite podcasts this year. Like the previous post, rather than creating a standard end of year list, I thought it might be amusing to dress up my “best of list” in the form of my own completely subjective awards: the kallys®. You can jot down the names of the shows below, or download this nifty PDF cheat sheet if you prefer. The focus here is firmly on human stories and the art of authentic storytelling, so if that’s your jam, then this list is for you. So, without further ado, here are the kally awards® for outstanding achievement in podcasting.
The Blocks – Neal Brennan
Neal Brennan is a bit of a comedy hero of mine. Not only is he the co-creator of Chappelle’s show, he’s also the writer/performer of two fantastic comedy specials entitled Three Mics and The Blocks. In the latter he dives into the “emotional blocks” that make him feel like “something’s wrong with him”. Jimmy Carr apparently suggested that he turn it into a podcast and interview friends about their blocks. And the result is gold. His guestlist reads like a who’s who of the comedy & entertainment world and each episode is packed with fascinating insights into what makes some of the most celebrated creatives in the world tick. It has become essential listening for me.
Working It Out – Mike Birbiglia
Mike Birbiglia is one of the most likeable and gifted storytelling comedians around. I was lucky enough to see him decades ago in New York and have followed him avidly ever since. This past year myself and my son even took a trip to London to see his latest special, The Old Man and the Pool (now available on Netflix) and it was nothing short of magical. His podcast, Working It Out, sees Birbiglia chat to a different comedian/creator and together they work out untested material (as well as talk about life). It has all the typical amiable charm of his live show, as well as allowing you to glimpse the creative process in real time. A must-listen if you are interested in creativity.
Who Robs A Banksy?
There aren’t many people who can say that they’ve had a Banksy statue in their back garden, but Andy Link is one of them. In 2004, he kidnapped one of Banksy’s pieces of art in broad daylight from the middle of central London, and held it to ransom. This podcast is the funny and fascinating story of that wacky heist and Link’s longstanding vendetta against Banksy. While the podcast is not as polished as others I have heard, the subject matter and Andy Link himself make it utterly compelling. It’s a fascinating story that swerves into the sub-cultures of art terrorism, football hooliganism, illegal raves, and even fetish parties. Sounds odd? It is!
Search Engine
PJ Vogt co-hosted my favourite podcast, Reply All, which I’ve written about before. On his new podcast, Search Engine, he answers “the kinds of questions you might ask the internet when you can’t sleep”. They range from really broad (Why are we still buying diamonds?) to really specific (Why are drug dealers putting Fentanyl in everything?) It’s a terrifically engaging podcast and behind PJ Vogt’s amiable, chatty hosting style lies a skilled journalist & storyteller. He has a knack for making complex concepts more understandable, and brings in top drawer experts on niche topics. This is my kind of podcast and the tagline probably sums up why: “If you find the world bewildering, but also sometimes enjoy being bewildered by it, we’re here for you”
Recommended episodes: Why’d I take speed for twenty years? | The Bull of Wall St
Heavyweight
I’ve been listening to Heavyweight for years now and alas, with the recent (horrible corporate-speak alert) downsizing of Spotify, it appears that the show may be done. But surely a show as good as this can’t be gone forever? Each episode is a cleverly crafted journey that begins with a person who has an unresolved moment in their past (a heavy weight) and Jonathan Goldstein, takes them (and the listener) on a journey to reckon with that moment. It’s a simple premise that could fall apart in the hands of a lesser storyteller, but it’s handled with such humour and care, that you are drawn in to the remarkable stories that unfold. This season has told some brilliant new stories and it remains one of the best podcasts out there
