2018 best podcasts

In my line of work, I often need a bit of audio distraction while I’m doing quite repetitive tasks: editing photos, taxiing kids around the place, or driving to shoots. I love to multitask and I even feel a deep need to do so (Allo? Docteur? as we say in French). Podcasts have added an entertaining and education dimension to my daily routines.

Now when I meet with people I ask them: “what podcast do you listen to” before anything. And I collect them in my podcast app on my phone. I try them out and keep or reject them meticulously. So I thought I’d make you a little list of my favourite ones, many of which were advised by dear friends of mine.

 

IN ENGLISH

PHOTOGRAPHY

A small Voice – Conversations with photographers – by Ben Smith – 63 episodes* – 1 hour +
London based Magnum photographer Ben Smith is an excellent interviewer. He asks brilliant photographers the real questions you’re dreaming of asking including the embarrassing ones about their beginning and finances.
It’s the ideal podcast for the pro photographer and aspiring one alike.
Web – itune

 

FOOD, COMMUNITY & LIFESTYLE

My Open Kitchen (Australia) – by Sophie Hansen and Skye Manson –  23 episodes* –  minutes
When you listen to Sophie and Skye’s podcast it’s like having a lunch out with the girls. Listen to interviews of people you’re stalking on Instagram, sometimes an editorial article read by your favourite journalist and to end a very enjoyable moment the two hosts’ “Top 5”: really cool ideas, new #s, projects you can be part of, other podcasts and blog to follow. Not to be missed. They also do Instagram lives before or during the podcast, much better than a TV show :)
Web – itune

The Food Podcast (Canada) – by Lindsay Cameron Wilson – 23 episodes* –  30+ minutes
By best-selling cookbook author and food stylist Lindsay Cameron Wilson as she shares personal stories through the lens of food. Exclusive interviews, comprehensive research, and inventive story-telling round out this podcast-adventure into the world of food.
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The Pass (Australia) – by Magdalena Roze – 12 episodes – 20+ minutes
Presented by vivacious and bubbly Mags, The Pass, will let you in the kitchen or the life of famous chefs starting with her husband “Three Blue Ducks” chef Darren Robertson, followed by Kylie Kwong, Palisa Anderson (she’s the best), Matt Moran, Rene Redzepi. These top-notch foodies reveal their favourite food and restaurants.
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SELF-DOUBT FIGHTING

Magic Lessons (USA) – by Elizabeth Gilbert –  22 episodes* recorded in 2016 –  1+ hour
The mega-best-seller author Liz Gilbert made a few episodes of a podcast around her life changing book “Big Magic”. She interviews a well installed writer or artist and helps a listener to get her project out there.
It’s not as good as the book of course or as motivating as Liz’s Ted talks but it gives you the kick you need.
Web – itune

Courage and Spice (United Kingdom) – For humans with self-doubt – by Sas Petherick –  14 episodes* –  30+ minutes
Life and business coach Sas Petherick is a Kiwi who now lives in the UK. She interviews various people who have fought self-doubt successfully for themselves or for others, as a coach and will inspire you.
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BUSINESS – SOCIAL MEDIA

Hashtag Authentic (United Kingdom) – A podcast for creatives – by Sara Tasker –  38 episodes* –  1+ hour
Instagram guru Sara Tasker from Me & Orla has created this very successful weekly podcast exploring the secrets to online success for dreamers, makers and creatives. Very complete interviews and casual discussions with interesting creatives full to the brim with practical tips and inspiring examples.
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Stop, collaborate, listen (Australia)  – by Jessica Ruhfus from Collabosaurus –  4 episodes* –  20 minutes
This is one of my favourite podcasts. I take notes, I feel pumped, it makes me want to jump out of the house do crazy things :) It was recently created by ultra-dynamic Jess, brain behind Collabosaurus, the matchmaker for brand, a huge collaboration hub where all of us can find something to do with another business: events, partnerships, digital advertising, PR & social media collabs. It’s simply brilliant. In the podcast she gives you pure gold advice to up your game, but also ideas of apps or really cool services to improve your relationship with your clients.
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The Blogtacular Podcast (United Kingdom) – Creativity, internet and everything – by Kat Molesworth –  33 episodes* –  1 hour
I discovered this podcast because my friend Xanthe Berkeley was a guest and I think that was one of the most influential podcast ever for me, project wise. I loved it and highly recommend that you listen to it.
The one with Marte Marie Forsberg and Sara Tasker are brilliant too. I have so many more to listen to!
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Head Ovary Heels (Australia) – Interviews with ambitious women – by Felicity Loughrey – 14 episodes* – 30 minutes +
Felicity has a particular voice you might need to get used to and a strange habit to punctuate dramatic or profound statements from her guests by a lapidary: “cool”!
But she has a knack to choose fascinating characters and asks them very interesting questions. Her interviews will bring you inspiration and the kick you need to get those project starting!
Web – itune

 

TRUE CRIME

Generation Why (USA) – hosted by Aaron & Justin – 185 episodes* – 1+ hour
This is my favourite crime podcast. I like the fact that it’s presented by two guys who narrate true and horrible stories so well in a sort of dialogue. Their text is very well written, retaining suspense, making the whole story very interesting. The level of research is very impressive: they dig everything out. If you’re sensitive, do not listen to this, especially the “Jeffrey Dahmer” episode which potentially will make you faint or gag.
The only downfalls are the very long ads (a necessary evil I know, these guys work so hard) and the intro “hello how are you, I’m well how are you, I’m well” which could so be skipped ;)
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S-Town (USA) –  7 episodes in total –  by Brian Reed – 1-+ hour
This is a real radio show the old way, with a journalist going in the field with a microphone, interviewing people, recording atmospheres and noises. It is the story of John who hats his Alabama town and decides to do something about it. He asks a reporter to investigate the son of a wealthy family who’s allegedly been bragging that he got away with murder. But then someone else ends up dead, sparking a nasty feud, a hunt for hidden treasure, and an unearthing of the mysteries of one man’s life.
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Lore (USA) –  83 episodes* – by Aaron Mahnke – 30+ minutes
Lore is an award-winning, podcast about true life scary stories. It exposes the darker side of history, exploring the creatures, people, and places of our wildest nightmares. Aaron is the ideal campfire mate. He has become a star in the US and Lore is now a TV show.
Web – itune

 

ADVICE FROM FRIENDS I HAVEN’T (FULLY) CHECKED YET

 

FOOD, COMMUNITY & LIFESTYLE

Gastropod (USA) – by Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley –  75 episodes* –  50+ minutes
Food with a side of science and history. Every other week, co-hosts Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley serve up a brand new episode exploring the hidden history and surprising science behind a different food- or farming-related topic, from aquaculture to ancient feasts, from cutlery to chile peppers, and from microbes to Malbec. We interview experts, visit labs, fields, and archaeological digs, and generally have lots of fun while discovering new ways to think about and understand the world through food.
Web – itune

The Slow Home (Australia) – by Brooke McAlary –  233 episodes* –  1 hours
We live life in the fast lane but Brooke McAlary has decided to slow down, simplify, say no and focus on the things that are truly important. She chats to others who have adopted a similar approach to life.
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War on Waste (Australia) – ABC – by Craig Reucassel and Wendy Harmer –  14 episodes* –  20+ minutes
How much food does the average household throw out each year? Do plastic bags really get recycled? How much food is being wasted before it gets to the supermarket shelves? A war on waste has begun to find the truth behind the way our nation manages waste, and what we can do about it. Join Craig Reucassel (The Chaser) and Wendy Harmer (ABC Sydney Mornings), as they explore the big issues in waste management, talk to those behind change, and learn how every little bit can make a difference.
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BUSINESS – SOCIAL MEDIA

The Personal Brand (Australia) – by Chad Barnier –  4 episodes* –  40+ minutes
Helping impact-driven female entrepreneurs build powerful person brands.
Web – itune

The Accidental Creative (USA) – by Todd Henry –  45 episodes* –  20+ minutes
Way too much boring advertising for me. I have to give it another go.
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IN FRENCH

HISTOIRE

La Marche de l’Histoire – France Inter – by Jean Lebrun –  64 episodes* –  30 minutes
Ne soyez pas effrayés par la personnalité patriarcale et imposante du grand Jean Lebrun. Laissez-le se moquer un peu de ses invités et admirez sa culture immense et sa capacité d’obtenir l’essentiel de la part des spécialistes qu’il interviewe. Cette émission, qui est mon podcast historique préféré, doit beaucoup aussi à la recherche documentaire audio et à l’excellent montage.
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Autant en emporte l’histoire – France Inter – by Stéphanie Duncan –  12 episodes* –  53 minutes
Une fiction historique qui met en scène un personnage, connu ou pas, réel ou fictif, pris dans la tourmente d’un épisode de l’Histoire (de l’Antiquité à 1945). Un podcast dans l’esprit des feuilletons radiophoniques d’autrefois. J’adore !
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La Fabrique de l’histoire – France Culture – by Emmanuel Laurentin –  300 episodes* –  52 minutes
Mieux comprendre le lien qui nous unit au passé, telle est l’ambition de cette émission quotidienne déclinée en documentaire, archives commentées, débat. Excellents moments de radio. Cultivez-vous dans votre bain ou en faisant une quiche Lorraine.
Essayez “Histoire du ciel” dont l’archéologie aérienne : passionnant.
Web – itune

 

FEMINISME

La Poudre – podcast féministe – by Lauren Bastide –  33 episodes* –  1 hour
Mon podcast préféré et celui qui m’a encouragée en à écouter beaucoup plus. Lauren est une ancienne de ELLE et de la télé. Elle a décidé d’interviewer de manière ultra documentée des femmes sur leur vie de femme : leur mère, leur carrière, leur famille, leur relation avec la société et les hommes. Certains épisodes sont des moments d’anthologie inoubliables : Sophie Fontanel, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Garance Doré, Le travail de recherche que l’on ressent à l’écoute de chaque épisode est très impressionnant. C’est de la grande radio ! La poudre est le podcast le plus inspirant pour les femmes et les hommes qui veulent contribuer à changer le monde vers une vraie et juste place pour chacun des sexes. A rependre comme de la poudre…
Oh et j’allais oublier : chaque épisode vient avec une proposition de lecture. 3 livres par épisode par ici.
Web – itune

 

CUISINE – RESTAURATION

Bouffons – by Guilhem Mallisen –  9 episodes* –  40+ minutes
Nouveau podcast produit par Nouvelles Ecoutes la boîte de Lauren Bastide ma podcasteuse préférée. Guilhem est un gars rigolo, simple, pas snob pour deux sous et qui pose les bonnes questions. J’adore ces premiers épisodes et le concept de deux invités, un pro du thème et un consommateur. J’ai traversé la ville de Sydney pour aller goûter un Ramen Ippudo juste parce que j’avais écouté l’épisode Ramen ! A écouter d’urgence.
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On va déguster – France Inter – François-Régis Gaudry –  44 episodes* –  1+ hour
Un grand classique de France Inter qui a d’autant plus droit à mon respect depuis que ma Tante Didine m’a offert le gros livre de François-Régis Gaudry: une bible !
Un sujet par émission, traité avec passion et humour.
Web – itune

 

BUSINESS

Generation XX – by Siham Jibril –  32 episodes* –  minutes +
Une collection de conversations avec des femmes qui entreprennent, dans des milieux et à des âges différents. Elles ont en commun d’être passionnées, créatives, imparfaites, inspirées et inspirantes. Chaque épisode vous fera découvrir une nouvelle personnalité et son parcours. Pas de portrait de “wonder woman” ou de modèle à suivre, mais une dose d’inspiration et de motivation pour mener à bien vos propres projets et croire en vos idées.
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Nouvelle Ecole – Sortez des sentiers battus – by Antonin Archer –  58 episodes* –  1+ minutes
C’est comme si vous papotiez avec des gens super malins qui ont réussi des projets incroyables. Antonin a un ton simple et très amical ou personnel, il met à l’aise ses invités et les poussent à nous raconter leurs aventures. C’est une très bonne source d’inspiration.
Je vous conseille tous les épisodes, tout est bien. Commencez par Marion Séclin, un vrai coup de poing dans la figure qui vous aidera à lutter contre vos doutes destructeurs. Et mon héroïne Lauren Bastide. Excellent épisode.
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Vlan – Le podcast du marketing sans blabla – by Gregory Pouy –  episodes* –  minutes
Gregory invite des acteurs de la société pour parler du marketing à l’ère digitale et dit-il, sans bullshit. J’aime beaucoup ces discussions simples qui font réfléchir. Je vous conseille : Youmna ChamCham et son rôle pour le Liban et Mai Hua la vidéographe.
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#2050, le podcast – by Rebecca Armstrong – 54 episodes* – 30+ minutes
Rebecca ouvre chaque semaine une conversation autour d’une thématique pour interroger le présent et proposer un regard tourné vers 2050. Ses invités sont des femmes, des hommes, de tous horizons qui racontent leurs attentes pour demain.
Web – itune

 

CULTURE AND SCIENCE

Une vie, une oeuvre – France Culture – by  –  52 episodes* –  1 hour
Documentaire-portraits d’un artiste vraiment très bien réalisé. De la grande radio. Je vous conseille : Maria Yudina, la pianiste de Staline, Barbara, Leonard Cohen, transformer le noir en lumière.
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LSD : la série documentaire – France Culture – by Perrine Kervran –  211 episodes* –  55 minutes
Documenter toutes les expériences de la vie, des cultures et des savoirs. Chaque semaine, un grand thème en quatre épisodes, autonomes et complémentaires. Le vrai documentaire radio. Je vous recommande: “L’art se met au service du pouvoir”,
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La tête au carré – France Inter – by Mathieu Vidard –  313 episodes* –  mini 3 minutes and 1+ hour.
Une émission scientifique culte de France Inter. Vraiment passionnant et sur un ton tellement agréable car très empathique. A garder dans sa collection pour des moments relax et intéressants.
Web – itune

 

*number of episodes at the time of publication of this post.

 

Please send me your own list and what you think about each one of your favourite podcasts! I’ll add them here with great pleasure.

 

Note: on the photo above, it’s my daughter Nilou I asked to pose with her brother Alex’s “flight simulator” headphones. He was twisting his hands nervously wondering how long it would take for this shot… Phew… it took 20 seconds ;)