June 12, 2025
Discover the podcasts we have enjoyed listening to so far in 2025.
Here’s a round up of the podcasts we have enjoyed listening to so far in 2025
British Scandal Julian Assange Wondery & elsewhere
★★★★☆
If you’re after a serious deep dive into WikiLeaks and Julian Assange, this probably isn’t the podcast for you. But if you enjoy irreverent true crime with a comedic twist, Alice Levine and Matt Forde deliver exactly that. Packed with sharp wit, playful banter, and the occasional questionable Aussie accent, this take on Assange’s story leans more toward entertainment than education.
The duo’s chemistry and knack for finding absurdity in the darkest corners of real-life intrigue keep the episodes engaging. This No 51 in the series and it’s one we’ve lauded before because they’re well researched and although you may think you know everything there is to know behind the headline, they provide a fresh perspective.
British Scandal is one of our favourite podcasts and there are now nearly 60 series to chose from.
Eras Bob Marley BBC Sounds
★★★★☆
The Eras: Bob Marley podcast offers a compelling deep dive into the life and legacy of one of music’s most influential figures who would have been 80 recently. Blending archival interviews, expert analysis, and rich storytelling, it traces Marley’s evolution from a young musician in Jamaica to a global icon of reggae and resistance.
While the podcast succeeds in capturing the spirit of Marley’s journey, it leans more towards accessible storytelling than exhaustive detail. For hardcore fans, some aspects may feel a bit surface-level, but for those looking for an engaging and well-produced introduction to his life and work, it hits all the right notes.
With insightful commentary, a strong narrative flow, and a soundtrack that immerses listeners in Marley’s world, Eras: Bob Marley is a fitting tribute.
Scam Inc Economist
★★★★★
“Scam Inc” is an investigative podcast series by The Economist, hosted by Sue-Lin Wong. The series delves into the intricate and expansive world of modern online scams, revealing a sophisticated, multi-billion-dollar underground economy that rivals the illicit drug trade. The FBI estimated that in 2023, US citizens lost $53 billion to scams.
Whilst we’ve heard numerous stories about various scams, what is particularly revealing is who the scammers are and how they operate. Through meticulous reporting, Wong uncovers how these scams are intricately linked to human trafficking, corruption, and money laundering. With scam farms operating in the Far East. Scams are becoming ever more personalised, and recently I was nearly scammed by phishing and what the scammers knew was that an Amazon delivery had not been delivered, that they could replicate texts I had received from my bank and what stopped them was when I said I would ring them back.
Scam Inc begins with the downfall of a rural Kansas bank and how a much-respected CEO was scammed for $41m. This is a great in-depth investigation about the scale and impact of online fraud.
Kill List Wondery
★★★★☆
If you like your true crime with a side of intrigue but don’t want to be totally weighed down by darkness, Kill List is a fascinating and surprisingly accessible listen. Hosted by journalist Carl Miller, the podcast unpacks the bizarre and unsettling world of a fake hitman-for-hire website, where real people actually believed they could order a murder online.
Miller’s investigation is gripping, taking listeners on a journey through the murky corners of the dark web, all while keeping the tone engaging and digestible. There are moments of tension, sure, but also a sense of curiosity and absurdity—because, really, how do people fall for this stuff?
At times, Miller’s narration leans a little too much into his own experience and it would benefit from tighter editing.
Invisible Hands BBC Sounds
★★★★★
Like any impactful media, some content makes you think long after you’ve finished. “Invisible Hands” from The History podcast is one such example. Narrated by David Dimbleby, and for this there is no one better, it explores the hidden forces behind Britain’s free market revolution and how, in just one example, the Falklands War saved Margaret Thatcher’s career, sparking significant political and economic changes. This well-documented piece weaves through history from the Battle of Britain to present-day Trump time.
Titanic Various
★★★★☆
The story of the “unsinkable” cruise liner, famously depicted in James Cameron’s film, is widely recognized. However, what is less well known is how close disaster came to being averted and how additional lives should have been saved. Produced by Noisier, this 11-episode podcast is narrated by Paul McCann, whose accomplished voice-over adds significant value. Contributors provide insights into the events and background stories of many passengers and crew members. This podcast is highly recommended for those interested in a deeper understanding of the tragedy.
Final Thoughts: Jerry Springer Audible
★★★★☆
Before becoming a chat show star, Jerry Springer was a politician who served as mayor of Cincinnati and aimed for higher office in Ohio. Slow Burn’s Leon Neyfakh explores Springer’s early career and 70s sex scandal in a nine-part series, combining great journalism with remarkable sources.
Deep Cover: The Truth About Sara Various
★★★★☆
A new investigative podcast series explores people leading double lives. In 2022, Sarah Cavanaugh falsely claimed to be a decorated US marine veteran dying of cancer to obtain financial help. Jake Halpern and Jess McHugh delve into her deception.
If you’re looking for something to watch or read, you should find something in our Monthly Cultural Highlights.
If you have a podcast to recommend, we’d love to hear from you.
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