The best podcasts to get you through pandemic time In

Host Sarah Marshall is a journalist obsessed with things of the past. Every week she reconsiders a person or event that's been miscast in the public eye and talks about it with the knowledge we have today. She revisits news from the past, like McDonald's hot coffee case OJ Simpson trial to recent hot topics like anti-vaccination. Rack up some fun and random facts to impress your friends at your next social gathering.

Start listening: You're Wrong About

As the title suggests, this podcast talks about all things a regular adult should know. It makes you realise how much you don't, but then fills you in on everything about the topic. Each week, hosts Josh and Chuck talk about serious stuff like gut health and chaos theory to the more everyday stuff like Champagne and hotdogs. The length of each episode varies, so you can select based on time or topic. 

Start listening: Stuff You Should Know  

Named after the audience the podcast is intended for, Crime Junkie takes a deep dive into some of the most mysterious and gripping cases. What started as a hobby for Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat now run a weekly podcast show to channel their (as well as your) inner detective self as the crimes are told. 

Start listening: Crime Junkie 

Unlike some of the other crime podcasts, True Crime Obsessed is lighthearted and even comedic. Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle make fun of actual true crime and recap popular documentaries like Abducted in Plain Sight, Tiger King, and Making a Murderer, True Crime Obsessed reviews the shows in a sassy and witty manner. 

Start listening: True Crime Obsessed

A talk show podcast, actor Justin Long takes a break from the big screen to focus his time on Life is Short with Justin Long. Being an actor, Justin has been playing lots of characters in his career, but with the show, he reveals what's inside the heads of real people and learn how they find the meaning of life. From finding out their favourite snacks (something to inspire your podcast munch) to their most-used emoji to their deepest, darkest thoughts. Friends like Stanley Tucci, Seth Green, and John Stamos have all made voice appearances on his podcast. 

Start listening: Life is Short with Justin Long 

His voice was first made famous as UFC commentator, but Joe Rogan jumped on to the podcast wagon with the Joe Rogan Experience in 2010. Running for 12 years now, the format of JR's podcast is long-form conversations (two to three-hour episodes are the norm) with guests of all sorts. He's invited fellow comedians, actors, musicians, MMA fighters, authors, artists like Elon Musk, Post Malone, Matthew McConaughey, Mike Tyson and Lance Armstrong. 

Start listening: Joe Rogan Experience 

Single her whole life, Nicole Byer talks to comedians, actors, dating professionals, and even ex-lovers covering topics like dating apps, first date horror stories, and sexcapdes… nothing is off the table. Whether single, dating or in a relationship, Nicole pokes fun at herself and tries to find out why landing a special someone is so hard. This comical show about love is easy-breezy listen to pass the time and for a good chuckle. 

Start listening: Why Won't You Date Me?

This one's for the foodies. Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster are all about their food. Each episode on Off Menu, they invite guests (think Ed Sheeran, Jamie Oliver, Simon Rogan) into their dream kitchen and are asked 'still or sparkling' and 'poppadoms or bread' before walking through their favourite starter, main, side, drink and dessert. To add to the comedy, hosts will name one ingredient that the guest hates, and if they mention it at anytime during the show, they are asked to leave the dream restaurant. So far, only one guest has been ejected from the show.

Start listening: Off Menu

Looking for something closer to home, This Hong Kong Life interviews the youth of the city and explores their thoughts about current events, growing up, and daily life. A portal to express themselves, each episode interviews a different student and discusses topics like Covid-19 and mental health. Each episode is less than 20 minutes long, making it an easy listen at home or on the go. This Hong Kong Life is conducted in both English and Chinese. 

Start listening: This Hong Kong Life 

If there's someone to thank for upgrading your beauty regime, it's friends Kate Spencer and Doree Shafrir who discuss self-care topics. Doing all the dirty work for you, they experiment with the industry's products from pharmacy face washes to luxurious night treatments, find out what works and what doesn't. Which night cream makes you look well-rested, is quitting coffee worth the headache? Can emptying your closet actually bring you joy? Each week they invite a special guest to explore what it means to get older, and hopefully wiser. Here's maximising the most out of your time at home to come out of restrictions bright and beautiful. 

Start listening: Forever 35

If there's ever the right time to be talking about health, it's probably now. Hosts Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon debunk and decode the myths about wellness and weight. If you've put on a couple of pounds since WFH, or if you're attempting to cook healthier, the Maintenance Phase will give you the hard facts about diets, sexual health, fads, and such. Have something you want to learn about? You can also request for specific topics to be discussed in their upcoming episodes.

Start listening: Maintenance Phase