a list of podcasts to listen to when you need a laugh

Are your Spotify playlists starting to sound a bit monotonous? Is your 56th re-listen of Beyoncé’s Renaissance starting to wear a little thin? Are the countless rambling rants found on TikTok during a two-hour binge becoming your main source of information and you’re keen on listening to something new? Well, we reckon that you’re probably in dire need of a good chuckle, and we reckon that the perfect place to start is to check out some hilarious podcasts. We’ve searched high and low for some truly belly-busting shows to listen to on your morning commutes, or something light and easy to help wind down after a long day.

INGREDIPEDIA Starting strong with an ace podcast featuring a familiar frankie face, Ingredipedia features foodies Ben Birchall and Emily Naismith – the latter being a frequent (and fan-favourite) contributor to frankie. This podcast follows the duo as they explore the history and science of some of the world’s most beloved food like making chicken stock from Twisties chips, how the innocent eggplant became a sex icon, how the summer staple of ice lollies came to be as well as delving into their hot-takes on yummy (or not not-so yummy) snacks. You can learn more about the podcast by visiting their website or Instagram page, and you can take a listen for yourself over here.

EMERGENCY INTERCOM If you’re a young'un or chronically online, you’re bound to enjoy the chaotic and hilarious conversations between L.A. duo Enya Umanzor and Drew Phillips. Described as a comedy podcast with the two hosts having “an intense need for attention,” it’s a Seinfeld-esque show for the new generation: it’s about absolutely nothing and everything at the same time. It has a unique and unconventional sense of humour that was cultivated by the manic nature of internet culture and growing up alongside the web, as well as the general confusion of life as a young adult. It’s goofy and filled to the brim with the same kind of jokes that would make your 13-year-old self chuckle, and isn’t that the best kind of comedy anyway? Take a visit to their Instagram this-a-way or take a gander at their YouTube channel over here, where you can catch every single episode.

AUNTY DONNA On the topic of silliness, we would be greatly amiss if we didn’t mention the Melbourne-based comedy trio consisting of Mark Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane who, in their own words, “specialise in being silly billy’s.” The surrealist group are known for their hilarious and bonkers YouTube skits and equally as wild live shows, but it’s their hit podcast – aptly titled The Aunty Donna Podcast – that takes all of their zany antics into bite-sized episodes that you can enjoy every Thursday. You can listen to The Aunty Donna Podcast by popping over here, or you can enjoy all of their previous skits by visiting their YouTube channel if you fancy.

BINCHTOPIA If deep diving into social, political or pop culture issues is your jam but you want something a bit lighter and enjoyable to listen to, Binchtopia should be the next podcast you treat your ears to. Hosted by Eliza McLamb and Julia Hava, this podcast explores meaty topics such as reproductive rights, the ethical minefield of family vloggers and eating disorders, without straying too far away from humour. From unpacking the sociopathic tendencies of influencers to opening up about their struggles, Eliza and Julia approach every topic with an open mind and countless memes to reference back to so that you can learn more about our ever-expanding world without it feeling too much like a documentary you were forced to watch in school. Peep all their episodes by visiting their Spotify page right here.  

IT'S A LOT Hosted by Aussie TV icon Abbie Chatfield (you might recognise her from The Bachelor and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!) this no-holds-barred show delves into Abbie’s personal life and struggles such as abandonment issues and mental health that listeners can relate to, as well as interviewing sex experts, comedians and even her mum, to name a few examples. Nothing is off limits in this podcast, as she explores taboo topics that are easy to listen to and understand as well as her answers to questions listeners send in regarding sex, life and more. Read more about Abbi and her podcast by visiting her website, and have a listen to episodes over here.