I am a MASSIVE FAN of podcasts. Seriously, I can’t get enough of them. I’m that weird person who doesn’t mind walking to the train station and commuting to uni because that’s my quality podcast time. Our lives are always so busy that it’s nice to just sit down for twenty minutes, listen to a great pod, and watch the world fly past.

I know some people are really into thriller podcasts, or history podcasts, but I just love all of them. A fictional sci-fi / horror podcast about a whacky town in the middle of nowhere? YES PLEASE. A true crime podcast about two women’s favourite murders? SIGN ME THE HECK UP. Seriously, I’m not fussy. I just love podcasts.

So today I’m going to be recommending EIGHT INCREDIBLE PODCASTS YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO. And they’re perfect for book lovers as well! Whether you’re looking for a podcast with a gripping story, or one that will help you hone your own craft, I gotcha, babe.

Welcome to Night Vale

THIS IS THE FIRST PODCAST I EVER LISTENED TO! Holy crap, it’s been a ride! I started listening to Welcome to Night Vale back when I was in 9th grade, and I can still remember my friend recommending it to me (I say still remember like it was 20 years ago instead of six). It’s a fictional sci-fi / horror podcast about this strange town called Night Vale, narrated by a radio host named Cecil. And seriously, it’s weird. There’s a sentient glowing cloud with the ability to control minds, a faceless old woman who secretly lives in your home, a forbidden dog park, and hooded figures that must not be approached under any circumstances. Oh, and there’s a gay romance subplot, which I always love! Welcome to Night Vale is such an iconic podcast in pop culture, and you should definitely check it out if you haven’t already.

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Wooden Overcoats

After I heard Alice Oseman raving about this particular podcast, I knew I had to give it a go. And WOW. It was absolutely spectacular! I binged the whole three seasons in two weeks because I just could not stop listening. It’s a full cast fiction podcast about two rival funeral parlours in a small English town — and yes, it’s just as brilliant as it sounds. It’s a comedy, it’s narrated by a mouse, and it’s honestly one of the best things I’ve ever listened to. ANTIGONE FUNN IS THE GOTH GIRLFRIEND I WISH I HAD. If you’re a fan of Fawlty Towers, dark humour, and death, this podcast is perfect for you!

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My Dad Wrote a Porno

Oh my GOODNESS! This is honestly the funniest podcast I’ve ever listened to — it has me literally laughing out loud on public transport. This is a podcast about a man who’s dad has written four (and counting) smut novels, and he reads out a chapter each week to his two friends for them to make fun of. If there’s any podcast that’s going to make you feel a whole lot better about your writing, it’s THIS ONE. Ahh, Rocky Flintstone… *shakes head*. It’s basically the story of this saleswoman named Belinda working for a company called Steels, Pots and Pans who’s the best at her job (and at taking off her blouse). The dialogue is terrible, the plot is non-existent, and the sex scenes are so badly written they’ll have you laughing uncontrollably! If you’re looking for a podcast that’s light and easy to listen to (with earphones though, mind you), then check out My Dad Wrote a Porno.

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Start with This

This is a podcast made by the creators of Welcome to Night Vale, and it’s about creating (whether that be writing novels, plays, podcasts) and how to just start. What Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor say is true: the hardest thing about creating something is starting it. So that’s what they’re here to help you do! Each episode revolves around a certain idea, like collaboration or feedback or ideas, and at the end of the episode they give you something to consume and something to create. It’s so comforting to know that other people struggle creatively sometimes as well, and Joseph and Jeffrey explain these ideas in such a way that’s both informative and inspiring. I always want to sit down and write after listening to an episode! The main takeaway from this podcast is: just start that thing you’ve been thinking about creating.

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So You Want to Be a Writer

This is my GO-TO RECOMMENDATION for writers and aspiring authors. Each episode, there’s a different guest speaker on the podcast who talks about things ranging from their writing process, to how to edit, to how to get published — and more! Seriously, if you have a question about writing, there’s a good chance this podcast has discussed it at some point. I haven’t listened to all of the episodes yet, but the ones I’ve had the chance to listen to are absolutely fabulous. They’re really insightful and helpful, and if you want to be a writer, I definitely recommend checking out some of their episodes.

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Dear Hank and John

Hey look, it’s our favourite Green brothers! That’s right, the famous writer of The Fault in Our Stars, John Green, and his sciency brother who recently released his debut novel, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, Hank Green, have a podcast! I’ve been watching Vlog Brothers since my early high school years, and man, I just love these two. I always look forward to their weekly episodes where they answer questions and give dubious advice. This is another one that will have you laughing out loud! Plus, you’ll also get all the insights into how their writing projects are coming along (yay for insider info).

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My Favourite Murder

I’m sensing a pattern here! My Favourite Murder is another dark comedy podcast about death and, you guessed it MURDER. It’s run by two women who, each week, share stories about their favourite and most gruesome murders. It’s pretty messed up at times, and it’s definitely a podcast you don’t want to be listening to when you walk home at 11pm at night (been there, done that, 10/10 do not recommend), but it’s also a podcast that will have you hooked. I’m fascinated by the macabre and I love scary stories that keep me up at night, so My Favourite Murder is an easy binge. Plus, these two women recently released a book! I need to get my hands on it immediately.

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Better Words

There’s a lot of bookish podcasts out there, but Better Words is definitely my favourite (and I’m not just saying that because I was lucky enough to be featured on an episode… shh…). Better Words is an Aussie podcast where the hosts, Caitlin and Michelle, interview different writers / industry professionals and just has a casual conversation with them about there work and  various issues in the book community. It’s really relaxed and it’s just like listening to your friends chat, and I definitely recommend it. Plus, you’ll get some great recommendations of things to add to your TBR!

What are some of your favourite podcasts? Have you listened to any of the ones I’ve mentioned? What other ones would you recommend for book lovers? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!