Why would you want to know more about the worst people in history?
Because they’re really weird, that’s why! In our minds, we compare dictators to villains like Darth Vader, when in truth, they probably have more in common with a character from The Office. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a podcast that sympathises with the baddest people who walked the earth, it lifts the curtain to reveal an old scared man, working a bunch of cogs and dials in fear of people discovering his secrets.
Uncovering the Bizarre Side of History’s Villains
Journalist Robert Evans hosts the show, using his years of experience to probe the backstories of people who shaped history in the worst way, inviting comedians with knowledge of the subject to offer their insights and one-liners. Despite the dour subject matter, Evans doesn’t dwell on the facts we already know, instead revealing their bizarre behaviour and conditions. Such as – Hitler was a chronic farter who could clear a room, Osama Bin Laden was obsessed with American action movies, and Saddam Hussain wrote romance novels.
If you enjoy insightful history and laugh at bad people’s expense, then you’ve come to the right place.
Behind the B@stards is available wherever you find your podcasts.
It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton
Free audiobooks!!!
Nope, it’s not illegal, It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton.
Although he is an accomplished actor, his name may not ring too many bells for younger readers, but his body of work should – having starred in the 80s classic movie Stand By Me, a regular on Star Trek: The Next Generation and nerding out on The Big Bang Theory. He’s also added his dulcet tones to various audiobooks, which is where we start our story.
The Tale of It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton
Two years ago, Wil decided to record his mate’s recently published short story. Then he was struck with a Eureka moment – this would make a great podcast – deciding to elevate the voices of writers who haven’t yet found their way into the mainstream.
Despite his name being in the title, it’s not about him. His intentions are to elevate great stories and the indie magazines that publish them. Generously, he’s financing the venture, while letting the authors retain all their legal rights.
An author himself, he understands what makes a good story and curates the most interesting tales for your delectation. Running at less than an hour, it makes perfect listening for a long commute. The stories cover a wide variety of genres, so you never know what you’ll get.
Catch It’s Storytime with Wil Wheaton wherever you download your podcasts.
Making a Scene Podcast Review
Ok, so you’re making a movie of your life.
What stories would you include or omit, and most importantly, which actor would be cast in the leading role of you?
Little Britain comedians David Walliams and Matt Lucas ask their celebrity mates to share anecdotes from the pram to the present day, casting and selecting a soundtrack for the stories of their lives. You’d think it would sound egotistical to listen to celebrities talk about themselves, but it’s a unique way for people to share moments that were important in shaping who they are today. This isn’t a drudging walk down memory lane, as the guests are usually comedians keen to share their more embarrassing moments, with Lucas and Walliams injecting their dry British wit along the way.
Behind the Laughter: Bonus Episodes and Relatable Lives
In bonus episodes, the hosts answer more risqué and probing questions from their guests and listeners that would even make Little Britain’s Vicky Pollard blush. The video of the podcast is worth watching for the reactions on the guests’ faces alone; Richard E Grant’s earliest memory is an absolute cracker.
You may think that celebs’ lives are vastly different from our own, but they’re filled with as much joy, love and embarrassment as the rest of us.
Podcast Review: Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum
A celeb podcast with a twist
Celebrities are often thought of as vapid egomaniacs detached from the real world (apart from Matt Damon, everyone loves Matt Damon). When in fact, they are often as human and as vulnerable as the rest of us – as a family friend used to say, “Even the Queen poops”.
Inside of You: Tapping The Human Side of Celebrities
The Inside of You podcast exposes and explores the soft warm underbelly of celebs through thoughtful and probing questions from its host – actor and writer, Michael Rosenbaum. Known for his iconic role as Lex Luthor on the television series Smallville, Rosenbaum taps into the human side of his guests. He achieves this through sharing his own struggles, opening up about his issues with his parents, anxiety and depression. The podcast frequently delves into the emotional experiences that many people face but don’t often discuss publicly.
Not just for pop culture enthusiasts, it’s for anyone interested in the real, unfiltered lives of the people who entertain us, letting listeners in and sharing fascinating stories and their journey through life.
What I really love about this podcast is when the guests share their mental health techniques and skills that work for them, because they may just work for you too.
Find Inside of You wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Podcast Review: If Books Could Kill
If the pen is mightier than the sword, then a bad book must be like a nuclear weapon.
Although that may sound hacky, it’s true that some books can easily spread misinformation, especially when their contents are presented as fact.
If Books Could Kill not only has a great title, it sets its sights on ‘airport books’ – bestsellers like Freakonomics, Atomic Habits and Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, which have sold millions of copies. That’s millions of people around the world who have been influenced by these perhaps not-so-helpful, self-help books and millions of people who may have taken their word as the Bible.
A Podcast for Critical Thinkers
Journalist Michael Hobbes and lawyer Peter Shamshiri use their backgrounds and savage wit to pick apart these books on their journey to discover how ill-conceived ideas are spread. They balance their critiques with humour and add small nuggets of their own advice.
With the constant barrage of information we are subjected to daily, this podcast reminds you to stop every once in a while and question content and its source.
It’s the perfect podcast if you love books, but you’re too time-poor to read a bad one.
Check out other podcast reviews:
Read more stories from our Redcliffe Guide print magazine here:
- Reddy Roundup: Updates from the Community
- Stay Cyber Safe: Protect Yourself in a Digital World
- Keitha Drake: a woman at work in a man’s world
- Redcliffe Botanic Gardens: An Oasis in the Heart of Redcliffe
- Every Scoop Brings A Smile at Miss Sprinkles Gelato
- Margate Street Library
- Explore the Rich History of Pierre’s Mill
- Celebrating 100 Years of Scarborough State School
- Redcliffe’s Disappearing History
- Mousetrap Theatre Makes Moves
- Spit Movie Review and Interview
- Money for Nothin’ Dire Straits Tribute Band to Rock Redcliffe
- Council Launches Program to Strengthen Hospitality Sector
- Local Faces: Diahann Maude
- Craft for All at Craftival
- Humpybong Creek Clean Up
- Harmony Week: Making Time at Redcliffe Art Gallery
- Young Artists Celebrate Frida Kahlo
- A Golden Ticket to Musical Magic
- Shining a Light on Local Women
- What’s Hot Around Town
- Brad’s Business Tips
- Podcast Review
- What is strength?
- The Secret to Balance: A Small Change with a Big Impact
- SpikyPuffer
- Organic Gardening in March
