Here is a curated list of non-fiction podcasts across genres that will entertain, engage, and help you
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An excellent way to entertain yourself on the go and minimise screen time, podcasts have been gaining popularity these past few years. According to a 2020 report by PricewaterhouseCooper, India has emerged as the third-largest podcast listening market in the world with 57.6 million monthly listeners. The extent and variety of expertly curated global content that is available makes it the preferred choice for people who seek a conversational format. We have handpicked five of the most enthralling non-fiction podcasts that you should listen to.
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For the curious
Stuff You Should Know is a teen-friendly podcast for anyone who’s curious. You know how you’ve always wondered about random things that might seem far-fetched? Hosts of this podcast get to the bottom of intriguing topics such as the existence of zombies, Satanism, and the Stonewall Uprising, that can pique anyone’s interest. Additionally, educational episodes touch upon topics including acid rain, chaos theory, and much more. The hosts’ fun banter makes it much easier to grasp even technical jargon. With over 1500 episodes, ranging from 12 to 60 minutes, the podcast is ideal for binge listening.
Available on Spotify, Apple
Movie time
Among the most popular entertainment podcasts, Filmspotting is hosted by Josh Larsen and Adam Kempenaar. Based in Chicago, the weekly podcast features movie reviews, interviews, and several top five lists. Listeners can tune in every week for the insightful film analysis of the latest movies. The hosts delve deep into the world of movies discussing fan-favourites such as the Dark Knight Trilogy and curate lists that appeal to cinephiles. If you can never get enough of conversations around your beloved films, the 75 to 120 minute episodes will serve you well.
Available on Spotify, Apple
Royalty: behind the scenes
If you are fond of history and royalty has always fascinated you, Noble Blood hosted by renowned author Dana Schwartz will be of interest to you. The podcast explores the most captivating stories from the most notorious to fairly unknown monarchs, from French queen Marie Antoinette to Swedish queen Christina. Listeners will get to uncover tales laced with opulence, romance, tragedy, violence, and much more. This royal truth is bound to be stranger than fiction. The fortnightly episodes are roughly 30 minutes long.
Available on Spotify, Apple
Voyeuristic storytelling
We all have hidden aspirations, embarrassing nights, and childhood fantasies that we never reveal to our closest confidantes. Hosted by Kevin Allison, Risk is a one-of-a-kind podcast that treats listeners to the most jaw-dropping real stories told by people. If you enjoy uncensored storytelling about deep-seated emotions and wild experiences, this podcast is worth a listen. Most episodes range between 12 to 60 minutes.
Available on Spotify, Apple
The psychology of food
Food Psych Podcast with Christy Harrison is designed to help people adopt a body-positive attitude and let go of the guilt associated with food. The podcast challenges diet culture, including the restrictive behaviours that are often passed off as fitness and wellness. The host, a registered dietician and nutritionist, chats with guests about their relationships with food, eating disorders, body image, weight and size acceptance, exercise, self-compassion from a body-positive perspective. The goal of the podcast is to provide a safe space and non-triggering support for listeners and further conversation around weight stigma, body shame, and eating disorders. The in-depth weekly episodes are roughly 90 minutes long.
Available on Spotify, Apple