Taylor Swift appeared on the New Heights podcast, discussing her new album and her relationship with Travis Kelce. Photo / New Heights
While sage advice from granny and gramps or a well-told yarn from Uncle Allan is always fun during the holidays, here are a few picks for this year’s greatest podcasts in case you’ve become accustomed to one too many unsolicited stories.
I’m neither an American football fan nor a Taylor Swift stan, and yet I listened to all two hours and four minutes of this episode and have no regrets. New Heights is hosted by Jason Kelce, a former professional American football star, and his brother Travis, a player and Swift’s fiance. In this much-hyped episode, Swift first announced her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, and sent fans absolutely wild. The entertaining chat goes some way to help non-fans understand Swift’s global dominance – she comes across as fun, funny, smart, driven and a shrewd businesswoman. Released in advance of their public engagement announcement, the interactions between Swift and Travis are adorable – he’s the human embodiment of the heart eyes emoji whenever he talks about their relationship. – Stephanie Holmes
Whip-smart, funny and down to earth, it’s no wonder Steve Holloway and Seamus Marten’s smash-hit podcast has racked up numerous awards and consistently tops the New Zealand charts. More than 180,000 monthly listeners hear the pair chat to some of our most famous sportspeople, radio personalities, and success stories in a relaxed tone that everyone can enjoy. – Mitchell Hageman
It’s nice hearing a politician talk about non-political things. Not that Ask Me Anything is devoid of political speak, but it does give a more human side to the former deputy leader of the Opposition, and we get much more of a sense of who she is as a person. Expect laughs, some emotional moments, and seeing the unseen side of some of our most in-the-know people. – MH
Celebrities talking about food ... on a podcast: revolutionary. Two comedians screaming at celebrities about their preference for poppadoms or bread ... genius. Hosted by UK funny men James Acaster and Ed Gamble, each week a famous human takes a seat in their dream restaurant and walks the audience through their favourite starter, main course, side dish, dessert and drink (not in that order). It’s not surprising that many food podcasts exist because this format shows how conversations around the dinner table open people up in ways you wouldn’t expect. It’s funny, sometimes heartfelt and, more often than not, a little bonkers. – Bridget Jones
Celebrities interviewing other celebrities on their podcasts are ubiquitous these days, from Smartless (hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes) to Joe Rogan, to Marc Maron. Aside from the boys’ club, comedian and actor Amy Poehler is a master in this genre, getting the biggest of guests (Ariana Grande, Kristen Wiig, Aubrey Plaza, Olivia Colman, Selena Gomez, Idris Elba) to give unguarded insights into their A-list lives. - SH
I don’t have kids, but apparently, I do have a preferred style of podcast: two English comedians talking rubbish about life (please also see Off Menu). In this favourite, Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe sometimes talk to famous parents, and sometimes ramble on about their lives as comedians, husbands and dads. Even though I have absolutely nothing in common with either of them (no kids, no international comedy or TV career), every episode is a bit like catching up with two old friends to hear how shambolic their lives have been that week. – BJ
If you’ve lost someone you love this year, Christmas is probably not holding the same sparkle for you as it has previously. The first Christmas without that person can feel raw, lonely and full of reminders of the gaping hole they’ve left behind. What CNN host Anderson Cooper wants you to know: you’re not alone. “Grief can feel so lonely, but talking about it and listening to others share their experiences helps,” reads the show notes for this beautiful podcast, in which Cooper talks to celebrities about their experiences of personal loss. Previous guests have included Stephen Colbert, Molly Shannon, Joe Biden, Ashley Judd, Andrew Garfield, Whoopi Goldberg and more. Cooper also reveals his experiences of grief, including the death of his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, and the suicide of his brother, Carter, as well as playing voice notes from listeners. It’s not the cheeriest listen, but if you’re struggling this Christmas, it might help to shine the smallest of lights through the darkness. – SH
Stephen J. Dubner likes to find the story behind the story ... or at least behind the random subject that might come up while you’re nattering away with friends over a BBQ or as a way to avoid those painful, awkward Christmas conversations with the cousin no one really wants to be stuck talking to. Recent episodes have covered things like: is the world ready for a universal basic income? What it’s like to be an air traffic controller? Why do people still hunt whales? And asking why candles still exist. The answers are always fascinating. – BJ
Is it a surprise someone who writes about entertainment for a living would enjoy listening to other people talk about entertainment? No, it is not. But even those with a passing interest in the worlds of film, TV, music and pop culture will get something out of this, one of the Goalhanger stable of podcasts. Hosted by acclaimed author and long-time TV producer Richard Osman and columnist, journalist, and TV writer Marina Hyde, each episode is full of clever insider insight, surprising facts and, occasionally, catty banter. Their recent Q+A episode with Simon Cowell was particularly juicy. – BJ
These podcasts can be found on iheartradio or your favourite podcast provider.