10 Long-Form Podcasts To Dive Into
Acquired
Acquired is the most popular business series across multiple platforms. Its three to four-hour episodes feature insights from some of the world’s biggest brands – think Hermès, Visa, Nike, LVMH and Amazon. Those at the top go into detail on how the business was founded, the lessons learnt, and mistakes made. Don’t miss the fascinating episode on Costco – the membership-only supermarket that has the cheapest prices of any major retailer in America, and also the wealthiest customer base. It tells the story of how a few baggers and checkout assistants went on to create a business with a net worth of $300bn.
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You're Wrong About
Hosts Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall are journalists obsessed with the past. Every week they reconsider a person or event that's been miscast in the public imagination – from the Exxon Valdez oil spill to medieval torture. In light of OJ Simpson’s recent death, we recommend revisiting the miniseries on his infamous trial for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The trial was conducted before DNA was a crucial source of evidence and became one of the first cases to be televised in the US – resulting in the media trial of the century watched by over 150m.
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The Gangster Chronicles
Former gangster/convict James McDonald, gangster rapper MC Eiht and music insider Norm Steele present this weekly podcast offering listeners a glimpse into the world of those that live their lives outside of society's normal parameters, where the risks are high, but the rewards can be big. Interviewing gangsters, police and bank robbers, rappers, politicians and former drug dealers, the trio examine the circumstances that may have influenced their decisions, without glamourising or sensationalising the lifestyles. Don’t skip the episode on music mogul Dr Dre, which explores his success alongside his history of violence and numerous controversies.
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The Cult Vault
Thousands of cults around the world continue to be exposed for systemic abuse, control, and even murder. This series hears from survivors and experts on what it’s like to be in a cult, how people become indoctrinated, and how cult leaders manage to control with fear and oppression for years – sometime decades. There are miniseries on Scientology and the Unification Church, as well as longer episodes on how leaders use coercive control, and what it’s like marrying into a cult.
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Video Archives
Before they co-wrote Pulp Fiction in the early 90s, Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary worked together at the famous Video Archives rental store in Manhattan Beach, California. Tarantino subsequently rescued the store’s VHS library and recreated it in his house. In this series, the pair dive into the archive to talk about old classics and discover new favourites, from controversial Bond films to surprising exploitation flicks. They will reveal movies you didn't know you needed to see, hand out awards to their favourites and, of course, rate the quality of each video transfer.
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WTF With Marc Maron
American comedian Marc Maron invites celebrities from all walks of life into his home for candid conversations. New listeners will be impressed by Marc’s interviewing style that gets each guest to open up and share personal stories and funny anecdotes. Previous names have included Lily Gladstone, Cillian Murphy, Mark Ruffalo, John Oliver and Jimmy Carr. Don’t miss the episode with Arnold Schwarzenegger who talks about bodybuilding, his political awakening, the merits of veganism and his rivalry/friendship with Sylvester Stallone. Episodes are around 90 minutes long and there are over 1,000 to catch up on.
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Teacher’s Pet
Teacher’s Pet tells the story of Lyn and Chris Dawson, a couple from Sydney who appeared to have the perfect marriage. He was a star footballer and popular high-school teacher; she was a devoted wife and mother. They shared a beautiful home above Sydney's northern beaches. But when Lyn went missing in 1982, dark secrets were buried. This is a sordid story of twin brothers, teenage lovers, and probable murder. Journalist Hedley Thomas digs into a cold case which was unsolved for 36 years, uncovering startling new evidence.
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Astonishing Legends
Conspiracy theories, urban legends, mythical sightings – this podcast covers everything we’re told not to believe. Friends Scott Philbrook and Forrest Burgess investigate the mysteries of the universe and speak to those who happen to be in the business of the unknown. Expect episodes on supernatural beings, poltergeists, mysterious circumstances in serial killer cases, and the true story behind cult horror classic The Exorcist. You might not believe every story, but the hosts make a compelling case with their dry sense of humour.
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All The Right Movies
Co-hosts and film buffs John Barker and Luke Cardy discuss the stories behind cinema’s biggest hits. Star Wars, Good Will Hunting, Reservoir Dogs and Fight Club are all here. As well as dissecting the plot, cast and filming logistics, they do some digging to bring you behind-the-scenes secrets you probably don’t know – like how Daniel Craig lost his two front teeth while filming Casino Royale, why Marlon Brando originally wanted Al Martino replaced in The Godfather, and how a team painstakingly created Jurassic Park’s animatronics.
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Those Conspiracy Guys
Part comedy, part history and part true crime, this series explores everything from out-there conspiracy theories like time travel to the more grounded, historical and probable, like political and financial corruption, scientific chicanery and secret government agency shenanigans. From topics like interdimensional lizard men, complicated assassination plots and simulated universes to the much more tangible subjects like serial killers, mysterious disappearances and religious leaders, episodes can be up to five hours long, with plenty of detail.
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