Feb 27

Feb 27 A really good listen - my three best podcasts for learning new things

It’s been a while since I wrote one of these. Not a blog post obviously, I do that every week (you didn’t know? Well then fill in the newsletter subscriber box you’ll find at the end of this and every post immediately. You’ll not only be the first to hear about each new blog, you’ll get an inspiring helping of exclusive content, like great tips to live in a more planet-friendly way, scrummy recipes and other informative, entertaining stuff. And you’ll be in with the chance to win one of the regular special subscriber-only giveaways. See what you’ve been missing?)

Now where was I? Oh yes, It being a while since I wrote a blog - about podcasts (never let it be said I get to the point with any urgency). So if you’re still with me - which I really hope you are - here it is. A blog about podcasts, that is (do keep up at the back).

And specifically a blog about the three podcasts I’m currently finding the most enjoyable and illuminating on subjects as wide-ranging as language, longevity and the places we live.

So without any further ado (there’s been quite enough of that) here they are, in absolutely no order of preference:

Number 1

is the often hilarious, frequently surprising, always enlightening

Something Rhymes With Purple presenters, Gyles and Susie

Presented by Susie Dent, from the dictionary corner of 8/10 Cats Does Countdown, and author, broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth, this is a podcast all about words and language.

Susie is a dyed-in-the-wool logophile (that’s someone who loves words, dontcha know), and her passion for language is matched only by her contagious inquisitiveness into the stories and history behind its use and provenance.

Gyles is typically ebullient in his curiosity and delight in discovering words and their etymology (yes, I’m trying to impress you with my razor-sharp language skills, Is it working?) And his periodic anecdotes add sometimes laugh-out-loud humour to an entertaining and illuminating podcast.

One thing I’ve learnt from Something Rhymes With Purple: the word pandiculating means stretching and yawning at the same time

Number 2

This is an interesting and thought-provoking podcast looking at human longevity from an accessibly scientific viewpoint.

Each week presenter Peter Bowes talks to an expert in human lifespan, be they a scientist, a biohacker, a futurist, a fitness professional, or someone who has figured out their own, always evidence based, way of mastering the process of ageing.

He discusses clinical trials, scientific findings, research projects and personal experiences with his interviewees in a way that’s both involving and enlightening, even for the hard-of-science-thinking (like, er, me).

I don’t always agree with what his interviewees have to say - some of the individuals who have devised their own longevity-focused way of living have pretty, let’s be polite and say intense, views - but Peter’s gentle, firmly probing interviewing style means every episode leaves me considering the challenge of ageing well in a slightly new and different way.

One thing I’ve learnt from Live Long and Master Ageing: that healthspan is more important and worth striving for than lifespan

Never let it be said that my learning tastes are anything other than eclectic, because at

Number three

is something completely different

How often, if ever, do you give any thought to the design and function of the surroundings you live in?

Have you ever, for example, considered why seats in underground stations have arm rests? Or when those dips in the pavements that allow wheelchairs and buggys to be easily used were first created and why? Or the effect the introduction of mannequins in store windows had way we shop?

No? Well, I’ll bet you find the answers as fascinating as I have from listening to this eclectically wide-ranging podcast all about the stuff around us that 99% of the time (see what I did there?) we never even notice.

I guarantee it’ll make you look at the world in a different way.

One thing I’ve learnt from 99% Invisible: A century and a half ago, blue was considered a feminine colour, whereas pink was seen as more masculine.

I’m always exploring new podcasts and on my ever-growing download are these ones that I’m looking forward to sampling:

How Did We Get Here presented by Claudia Winkleman who introduces and listens with us to therapy-style conversations between clinical psychologist (and Claudia’s good friend) Tanya Byron and someone struggling with family-based issues. During - in a break from taping - and after the sessions, Claudia questions Tanya about the approach she takes and the advice she offers.

Conversations of Inspiration Founder of Not On The High Street, Holly Tucker, interviews business founders and entrepreneurs to discover the story behind their business success and the lessons they’ve learned along the way

Do you have any podcasts that you love learning from? If so, I’d love to hear about them!