Sometimes, when you’re away for a while, or you’re about to embark on a 27-hour bus journey, a book (or a selection of books) won’t quite cut it. The main problem is that reading can induce motion sickness or give you a headache.
Hallelujah for the podcast, in that case – a beautiful 21st-century invention, perfect for the long-distance traveller (or insomniac). Here are my favourites thus far. Drop a comment below to let me know yours!
In no particular order…
- The New Yorker Poetry Podcast.
- How I Built This by NPR. In each 35-minute episode, Guy Raz interviews a successful entrepreneur or innovator and asks them how they got where to they are today. Perfect for getting the creative brain cells working.
- Desert Island Discs by the BBC. With an archive of more than 3,000 episodes, this classic programme by the BBC will keep you occupied for months. Each episode sees a celebrity or notable figure cast away on a desert island with only eight of their favourite tracks to listen to. For me, the music is not the most interesting part of the programme – it’s the insights into the subject’s past and psyche that is the most fascinating, especially when they’re interviewed by the brilliant Kirsty Young.
- The Guilty Feminist. By Deborah Frances-White.
- Where Are You Going by the BBC. Presented by Catherine Carr.
- Shortcuts by the BBC. Presented by Josie Long.
- TED Radio by NPR. Presented by Guy Raz.
- Making Sense. Presented by neuroscientist and author,
Sam Harris.