10 UK Culture/Music Podcasts You Need In Your Life (2020 Edition)

The world of podcasting is becoming wildly overcrowded, and it doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, any hunt for new shows can often leave you overwhelmed.

the receipts podcast
Image via Publicist
the receipts podcast

The world of podcasting is becoming wildly overcrowded, and it doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, any hunt for new shows can often leave you overwhelmed.

Thankfully, there are people out there still doing innovative things with the format, often stretching the definition of what you thought a podcast could be. And with rarely anyone to answer to, this has created a breeding ground of exciting ideas: be it discussions about music, celebrity gossip or just sharing funny life stories, there’s a new wave of Brit-based podcasts showing that all you need is one good idea and a clever way to present it.

Here are 10 UK culture and music podcasts you need in your life today. 


 

Halfcast Podcast

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Since Halfcast Podcast’s first episode in 2014, Chuckie and Poet have never failed to bring insightful, informed arguments into complex issues and entertainment. With Poet’s colourful commentary levelled by Chuckie’s collected nature, the pair form a potent combination when breaking down the topics of the day—which can go from music to sex to knife crime and Love Island—with thought-provoking results. Essentials plays include their breakdown of the Wiley-Stormzy saga at the top of the year, the Jada Pinkett-August Alsina entanglement and anytime a member of the Receipts Podcast pays a visit. An all-encompassing topical mainstay in the scene, the Halfcast Podcast is vital. —Yemi Abiade

Chalk & Cheese Podcast

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Hosted by DJ Ceesix and comedians Kane Brown, Christopher Savage, White Yardie and Dizzle The Comedian, the Chalk & Cheese podcast is—as you might expect—full of ROFL-inducing moments. In a world that has become almost too PC, this five-man show flips the script with their brazenly honest opinions and pro comedic timing. From 6ix9ine’s snitching debacle to the gentrification of jerk chicken, monogamy vs polygamy to Kanye & Kim, this podcast covers a wide range of topics from a big brother/uncle perspective that you really just have to respect. —Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson

Pass The Meerkat

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Consisting of nine friends—Vish, Tim, Manny, GBengz, Pedro, Dej, Fabbz, Eman and Sheikh—Pass The Meerkat is a unique proposition. Unlike most podcasts which are usually 30 minutes, an hour or even more, Pass The Meerkat episodes are a snip at just 15 minutes long. That’s because each one is meticulously animated, but this is definitely a case of less is more. Fortunately, having just wrapped up their second season, there are now 12 episodes on their YouTube page. Every episode kicks off with a simple premise where a topic emerges from their group chat and three members of the team step forward with an anecdote that’s then brought to life by the animators. Eschewing machismo and ego, the stories are almost always embarrassing, but super funny. So far, they’ve revealed horrifying tales about losing their virginity, getting robbed on a London bus, speech impediments, parent-teacher nights, barbershop adventures and not once do the boys escape with their dignities intact. Still, their losses are our gains and we thank them for their many sacrifices. —James Keith

The Chop Shop Podcast

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Based in Birmingham, The Chop Shop Podcast is dedicated to shining a light on the rap scene outside of London. Fronted by music lover Choppa (who is never without the zoobie), this laid-back platform is where artists come through and chop it up about the challenges they’ve faced trying to navigate through the industry, along with some personal stories too. Choppa has had everyone from 0121’s Stardom and Jaykae to Leicester’s Trillary Banks in the hot seat, and his casual interviewing style makes for an intriguing watch. —Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson

Rhymes Like Dimes

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Hosted “from the comfort of Peter’s bedroom” by London natives Yemi, Moe and Peter, Rhymes Like Dimes is a very loose discussion of hip-hop (and occasionally grime) through the ages. They may muck about a lot and their conversations almost always take the scenic route, but they are fiercesomely well-informed hosts. Now 35 episodes deep into their run, each one focuses on one specific subject, whether it’s an artist, an album or a long-standing debate. Even if your tastes are limited to just the ‘90s, the UK, the US or the past five years, there should be at least a handful of episodes to suit you. However, it’s worth stepping outside your comfort zone because chances are they’ll open you up to something you never thought you could get into. “You Sniffed Jorja Smith’s Neck?!” and “I Made Love To A DMX Song Once” are ideal starting points.—James Keith

The Receipts Podcast

the receipts podcast

The Receipts Podcast has become something of a household name since its launch in 2016. In just four years, hosts Audrey, Tolani and Milena have stomped their way up the podcast charts, signed an exclusive deal with Spotify, had their faces plastered on billboards all across London, and most recently appeared in Michaela Coel’s TV series, I May Destroy You. The ladies have rapidly grown into trusted cultural voices and important contributors to the representation of what it means to be a millennial woman — like our very own pocket-size hairdresser-chit-chat on the go. Covering everything from relationships to race, nothing (and I mean nothing) is off limits, even when the likes of Tinie Tempah, Julie Adenuga and Amplify Dot pass through. —Minou Itseli

Who We Be TALKS_

who we be talks

Despite a very recent rebrand, Spotify’s Who We Be TALKS_, inspired by the playlist of the same name, has remained a beacon for all things current and fresh in the sphere of Black British music. With presenters Henrie Kwushue and Harry Pinero taking over hosting duties from DJ Semtex for season three, the pair have added a dynamic exuberance and energy to the new format, the type that transports you to the room, breaking bread with your favourite artists. With guests such as Big Zuu, Julie Adenuga, Unknown T and Dutchavelli so far this season, Kwushue and Pinero have proven to have chemistry with all who step through Spotify’s doors, making it must-hear weekly content. As season three rolls on, expect both Kwushue and Pinero’s calibre as interviewers and personalities to grow. —Yemi Abiade

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