Where do you get your news from? Well, according to Pew Research Center’s 2021 survey, around a quarter of Americans would answer “a podcast”. And Edison reports that 193 million Americans listen to podcasts – that’s a whopping 68% of the entire US population.

There’s no denying that podcasts have wrestled their way back into the mainstream, and in recent weeks, controversy surrounding Joe Rogan has put podcasts directly under the spotlight once more. In 2020 Rogan signed a ‘multiyear’ contract with the music platform which was reportedly sealed with a $100 million cheque. Subsequently, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell have withdrawn their music from the platform in protest to the airing of Rogan’s (allegedly misinformed) podcasts. "Spotify has hung in with me, inexplicably" Rogan says.

And whether you’re a fan of Rogan’s or not, recent happenings have certainly highlighted the enormous saleability of the podcast format. Who would have believed a few years back that podcasts would be the hot topic of 2022?

You might listen to them while you’re exercising, in the shower, or on your way to work. But one thing is clear, whatever your preferred listening set-up, the humble podcast has snuck its way into public consciousness and there’s something for everyone. Comedy is the most popular genre, followed by education and news. This week we spoke with our colleagues to find out who’s chatting in their ears.

Steve, Currency Specialist.

Favourite podcast? Dead Eyes

What’s it about? Connor Ratliff embarks upon a quest to solve a very stupid mystery that has haunted him for two decades: why Tom Hanks fired him from a small role in the 2001 HBO mini-series, Band of Brothers.

Why do you like it? He interviews a lot of famous people and explores aspects of life that affect us all. In reality, I think we're just waiting for Tom Hanks to come on. Where and when do you listen to the podcast? At home.

Lijo, System Administrator.

Favourite podcast? SPI by Pat Flynn.

What’s it about? An interesting podcast about online business and internet marketing.

Why do you like it? I find this podcast inspiring and uplifting as he interviews successful people in the internet marketing niche.

Where and when do you listen to the podcast? On my commute to work.

Gabrielle, Marketing Assistant.

Favourite podcast? Criminal.

What’s it about? Described as “a show about people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle”.

Why do you like the podcast? They are real stories that explore unexpected, innovative, avenues of conversation - sometimes only tangentially linked to crime. You play the podcast without a clue what the story will entail, but it’s always something creative and exciting.

Where do you listen to it? On dog walks and while doing the laundry!

Georgina, Marketing Assistant.

What's your favourite podcast? Most definitely Gurls Talk which is hosted by Adwoa Aboah. I also listen to loads of true crime podcasts, but they can get a bit morbid and scary on an evening.

What’s it about? Adwoa has so many different women on her podcast whether that be a reality star from Love Island to Olympic athletes.

Why do you like the podcast? She interviews her guests well and in turn her guests give an insight into their lives and their thoughts towards a range of topics. My favourite episode is Episode 13 which features actresses Aimee Lou Wood and Emma Mackey.

Where and when do you listen to the podcast? Normally I download the episodes onto my phone from Spotify and listen to them as soon as they come out. The podcast isn’t that regular (maybe every 3 to 4 weeks), hence the listening to true crime podcasts!

As Spotify stands firmly in Rogan’s corner, it’s clear that podcasts aren’t going anywhere. So, the good news for us is that looking forwards, we can expect plenty more to join the 2 million podcasts that already exist on the web (no more boring train rides)!