The 13th Step Stand out podcast of the year so far is The 13th Step. It investigates sexual abuse and harassment in the substance misuse recovery system – the 12 step programmes. Although it’s very American, I found it absolutely engaging, incredibly well researched and presented in an accessible way. It wasn’t too sensationalist despite probably falling into the true crime category, and the presenter had clearly done her research. I felt it contained a good breadth of experiences and information and dealt with emotive topics very sensitively, while pulling no punches. Jen, Southwest England I’m Not a Monster: The Shamima Begum Story I haven’t been so gripped by a podcast, ever. I would wait for it to drop each week, download it at work and listen on my way home. Wednesdays became my favourite day! It was incredible journalism, and a story that became more jaw-droppingly appalling each week. This girl, her story defined by so many men, who was a 15-year-old child used as collateral damage by western governments, now left with nothing – shame on us. Anonymous, Leamington Spa Past Present Future It has to be the surprise return of David Runciman with Past Present Future. The end of Talking Politics had left a huge hole in my life and I’m glad I can listen to his challenging and thought-provoking interviews and lectures again, with even more freedom in terms of content and format, it seems. Thomas Godard, 40, Cambridge Pod Save the UK Pod Save the UK is a great weekly rundown of politics and news, with plenty of humour to break it all up. Hosted by Coco Khan and Nish Kumar, it recaps national events and focuses in on important social topics in Britain each week. I’ve always been interested in politics but often feel overwhelmed by the amount of information available. The podcast helpfully condenses the main headlines and it’s funny, making the politics easier to digest. I feel as if I know more of what’s going on and understand the nuances of issues better. Beth, 28, Leeds Wiser Than Me Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ podcast Wiser than me has been a joy. A selection of intelligent women speak about getting old(er), with plenty of wit and good advice. The series has given me an insight into the (very well lived) lives of older, intelligent and hugely successful women. It is inspiring and Julia is of course always charming and funny. Cristina Viannasao Paulo, 63, Brazil Shrink the Box Shrink the Box is a TV podcast adjacent to Kermode & Mayo’s (also excellent) Film Takes. It combines TV geek, actor and therapy receiver Ben Bailey-Smith with Sasca Bates, a psychologist, to unpack the motivations behind many of TV’s best characters. It’s a fascinating insight into what has led the likes of Tony Soprano, Walter White and Shiv Roy to where they are in the shows. The only downside is it makes you want to watch them all again. Louisa, Henley on Thames ‘The Folklore of Prohibition’ – The Blind Boy podcast I’m a huge fan of Blind Boy, who is inventively curious about music, Irish folklore, psychology, feral cats, art and literature, politics and podcasting. I’m intoxicated by his ability to make connections. This episode connects a school’s project initiated in the 1930s in Ireland, prohibition of drugs and alcohol, folklore and self induced paranoia under prohibition. It’s a masterclass in storytelling. Fizzy Oppé, 66, Cardiff Bad Dates In Bad Dates by Jameela Jamil, her guests tell hilarious stories of their worst dates ever. Be careful while listening on headphones in public spaces – the laughs are tricky to control! Ewa, 40, MilanTalkville (season two) I love Talkville, the companion podcast to the 00’s TV show Smallville. Michael Rosenbaum (who played Lex Luthor) and Tom Welling (Clarke Kent/Superman) host with co-presenter Ryan Tellez in this look back at the groundbreaking Superman origin story set in his boyhood town of Smallville. They hilariously review an episode a week and they rarely remember anything about filming it. Ryan is watching it all for the first time and gives a modern and refreshing perspective. They bring on fantastic guest stars from back in the day, be they the episode’s guest stars, writers or directors. They can also be surprisingly critical if the story doesn’t add up. If you were a fan when it was shown on T4 Sunday or on E4, then you’ll love Talkville. Denise Hawkes, 50, Perth, Scotland By Far The Greatest Team Football Podcast I’ve really enjoyed listening to these discussions about a range of football teams from history, their achievements and memorable moments, and how great they are perceived to be. It’s well researched, relaxed, with an engaging presenting style that’s often funny too. I’ve learned a lot already and like the breadth of teams selected across a wide time period. Matt Walters, 48, High Wycombe Ordinary Unhappiness I can’t miss an episode of Ordinary Unhappiness. Described as “a podcast about psychoanalysis, politics, pop culture and the ways we suffer now”, Abby Kluchin and Patrick Blanchfield’s astute commentary offers a marvellous antidote to the reductive political discourse usually on offer. Refreshing, wise and educational. Detta Morrison-Phillips, Halifax, Canada