Strange Topics for Podcasts
Podcasts are great, aren’t they? Whether you’re partial to baking, or fanatical about fishing you are bound to find a relevant podcast to while away the hours (there’s probably a podcast on arcane uses of the English language like “while away” as well).
But what about those of you with more unusual tastes? The ease and accessibility of podcasting has given a voice to those with more…niche interests. Here Backtracks explores the long-tail of the weird and wonderful world of podcasts.
1. Weird Sisters Harry Potter Re-read Podcast
Just when you think the Harry Potter Franchise had reached its peak, along come Danielle and Alison. The young wizard is such an obsession (in a good way), they are re-reading the whole series of books…again…for your delight, whilst also discussing why this journey through the wizarding world is so very — well — magical.
2. Project Moonbase — The Historic Sound of the Future
Hosted by the conservatively named DJ Bongoboy & MC Zirconium, these self-styled Futurologists, antiquarians and explorers of the outer realms of the multiverse can reach places Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran can’t. Their manifesto is to bring you music you’ve never heard before that will put a smile on your face, open your third eye and make you dance. Fancy a bit of moog music, or how about some sitar-driven psychedelia? Or maybe ska and uneasy listening is more your bag. This is music, Jim, but not as you know it.
3. Muse Stories — An Unusual History of Gnomes
You know when you’re in a bar or a coffee shop with friends, and the conversation turns towards Gnomes and you just have nothing to add? Awkward! OK, maybe not, but a deeper knowledge of our miniature garden pals could certainly prove to be an interesting ice-breaker. If this particular subject doesn’t get you straining for the “download” button, fear not. These musers explore the “unusual history” of something different with each episode, including Straws, Breadstamps and Cottage Ware.
4. The Box of Oddities
Some of the subjects covered by husband and wife team Kat and Jethro might not make for palatable dinner party conversation, but their true stories are sure to leave you open-mouthed. Episodes include “Reading by the Light of Your Open Wound”, “It’s a Japanese Panties Scam!” and even “So Jazzed Up About Hand Farts”. Dessert anyone?
5. Dr Tim’s Spineless Wonders
In this monthly delight, Tim Gibb attempts to stop bugs bugging people and encourage them to see beyond their incessant buzzing, painful stinging and terrifying scuttling by opening the door on the “fascinating life of insects”.
6. The Dental Hacks Podcast
If you have a phobia of the dentist, step away from the download button! Even though this is aimed specifically for those in the dentistry industry, this weekly podcast is also fascinating for the curious amateur*. Each episode takes an irreverent look at the dental world, and features some hilarious dentists discussing all the tooth-based hot topics of the day.
*Amateur dentistry is not advised!
