Podcast roundup: The best this week, from Handsome Rambler to Blindboy and The Infinite Monkey Cage

Podcasts have seen a rapid upsurge in popularity in recent years. From true crime to design, popular culture and modern relationships, fiction to in-depth reportage, podcasts have proliferated to the point where no matter how esoteric the subject, there’s bound to be a show that deals with it. Amid this cornucopia of audio delights, however, how do you pick the podcast that’s most worth your while? This is where our weekly curated playlist steps in; it’s a lowdown on the best episodes from a selection of podcasts that deserve a listen. Ready to tune in? *** —  Hannibal Buress: Handsome Rambler 60. Give me my drink even though I am sleep About the podcast: Hosted by  Hannibal Buress along with DJ  Tony Trimm, Handsome Rambler is “unfiltered observations on sports, sex, wrestling, relationships, philosophy, books, watches, other podcasts, bottled water reviews…” Recorded on the road, Buress is often joined by friends. About the episode: After a four-month-long absence, the podcast makes a comeback this new year. As absurd, free-flowing, impromptu and hilarious as ever, the duo discusses their new year goals, drinking habits, foreign languages and more. And, of course, Buress records the entire episode wearing a sleep mask while trying to make Siri work. Runtime: 58 minutes Listen to the episode here.

—  Beautiful Stories From Anonymous People American Ex-Pat & Berlin Go-Between About the podcast: One phone call. One hour. No names. No holds barred. That’s the premise behind Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, hosted by comedian Chris Gethard. Every week, Gethard opens the phone line to one anonymous caller, and he can’t hang up first, no matter what. From shocking confessions and family secrets to philosophical discussions and shameless self-promotion, anything goes. About the episode: A caller in Berlin connects Gethard with someone in Finland, who happens to be from Oklahoma. Should Geth move to Finland? An American ex-pat helps him decide. Runtime: 71 minutes Listen to the episode  here.

—  The Blindboy Podcast Julias Gulag About the podcast: Hosted by Blindboy, of the Rubberbandits. An eclectic podcast containing short fiction, history, interviews, comedy, music and the hypertonic voice of the host. About the episode: Sitting in an apartment in Soho overlooking the Westminster, Blindboy contemplates the current state of the British government and other happenings of the day, before diving into the main topic for the episode — how a Japanese watchmaker in the 40s influenced Detroit Techno. Runtime: 83 minutes Listen to the episode  here.

—  The Infinite Monkey Cage The Future of Humanity About the podcast: A witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes. With Brian Cox and Robin Ince. About the episode: Cox and Ince take on the entire future of our civilisation, as they are joined by Astronomer Royal and former head of the Royal Society, Lord Rees, Baroness Cathy Ashton and comedian, actor and director Chris Addison. They discuss the biggest challenges facing humanity at the moment, and whether science offers the solution to some of these great problems, from climate change to the rise of AI. Runtime: 35 minutes Listen to the episode  here.

—  Reply All #134 The Year of the Wallop About the podcast: Hosted by PJ Vogt and Alex Goldman. The show features stories about how people shape the internet, and how the internet shapes people. About the episode: Goldman’s discusses his plan to get punched in the face, while guest Jason Mantzoukas returns for an “interesting” segment that involves Harry Potter, JK Rowling, a far-right activist and poop. Runtime: 41 minutes Listen to the episode  here.