I’m not the kind of person who can just pop one on Spotify while I’m on the train or a plane and zone out. I like to watch podcasts and actually take them in properly.
I would still 100% classify that as entertainment. It’s just a different kind of experience when you’re watching the full conversation unfold, seeing the reactions and body language too. It feels more immersive, like you’re in the room with them.
I know this might be a little outside the usual TV/Film territory, but I wanted to share a few watchable podcasts that have become part of my entertainment rotation lately.
So, here are my top 5 favourite podcasts that I love to watch:
JAY SHETTY PODCAST
He might have my favourite interview style ever. His conversations with athletes, actors, singers, just famous people in general are so intellectual and fascinating. Jay Shetty is a fellow Brit who went from being a monk to hosting one of the biggest health and wellness podcasts around. But honestly, it’s not just about health or wellness. He dives into their journeys, how they were brought up, the challenges they’ve faced it’s all so inspiring. His questions are always thoughtful, and I come away from every episode feeling like I’ve learned something or gained perspective.
WE NEED TO TALK – Hosted by Paul C. Brunson
This one is a newer discovery for me, but I’m already hooked. Some of the standout episodes for me have been with Talia Mar, Karen Hauer, and Nadiya Hussain. Paul asks really good questions that pull genuine answers from his guests. You get to learn more about who they are not just the public version, but the real person. It’s insightful and a nice balance between serious and lighthearted.
THE FELLAS PODCAST
This is my go-to when I need something funny and easy to watch. Callum Airey (Freezy) and Josh (Chip) just have great banter, and it’s a very relaxed vibe. My favourite episode is when they spoke to Mike Okay about his wild trip to North Korea that one really stood out as something different and fascinating. I’ll be honest, I do prefer the episodes when they have outside guests rather than just chatting with their friends. At the same time, Freezy and Chip as a pair are just naturally entertaining.
VARIETY – ACTORS ON ACTORS
This one isn’t technically a podcast, but it feels like it should be! Two actors sit down and interview each other about their latest films or shows, and as a film geek, I love it. If you’re into movies and actors, you’d enjoy it too. What I like is that the conversation often goes deeper, since they understand each other’s craft and can ask better questions than a typical interviewer. Some episodes are really unexpected pairings, which makes it even more interesting.
10 TO LIFE – Annie Elise
I had to include a true crime one. Annie Elise hosts 10 to Life, and I genuinely think she’s one of the best in that space. She covers real cases but breaks them down in a way that’s clear, thoughtful, and not sensationalised. She also shares her own thoughts and theories, which I find really engaging. I can’t just have this on in the background. I need to sit and fully watch. Her storytelling is brilliant, and she manages to talk about heavy topics in a respectful but captivating way.
So those are my top five. I like that each one brings something different whether it’s motivation, deep chats, laughs, or crime stories that keep me on the edge of my seat. For me, podcasts aren’t just background noise. They’re something I want to experience properly. Watching them makes it feel more real, more personal.
If you’re someone who loves podcasts but also likes to feel a bit more involved in the conversation, I definitely recommend giving these a try on YouTube or wherever you can find them. You might find yourself just as hooked as I am.