Best Podcasts of 2023 | Audible.co.uk

The Best of 2023 Discover Audible's top audiobooks podcasts and Originals of 2023

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Mother, Neighbor, Russian Spy

5 out of 5 stars 381 ratings

'Riveting, jaw-dropping, absolutely extraordinary'

Could the woman sitting at the desk next to you be a Russian spy? What about the mum of your daughters' friends? In Mother, Neighbor, Russian Spy Rosamund Pike exposes the incredible double life of a spy who settled into family life in the USA. Talking to people who knew her as well as espionage experts, this is a fascinating insight into a real-life spy story. Audible listener Mitchell says 'I have absolutely been glued to this excellent story, Beautifully narrated by Rosamund Pike. Fascinating insight to the world of spy craft'.
Educating Daisy with Daisy May Cooper

4.5 out of 5 stars 133 ratings

Featuring six celebrity guests

She may not be the biggest fan of books but Daisy May Cooper is willing to give it a go... so long as one of her six celebrity friends can convince her to read one of their favourites. Can Tim Key get her into a 19th century comic classic? Perhaps Jamali Maddix will have more luck with the wild stories of a 90's graphic novel?'Daisy is her every funny, down to earth, self. Bringing the best out of the friends she's brings along for the ride', Adrian J, Audible listener.
Agatha Christie and the Dandelion Poisoner

4.5 out of 5 stars 123 ratings

A strange case of poisoned scones

For fans of Agatha Christie and true crime, journalist Joe Nocera investigates a strange case from the 1920s, that among other real life events, inspired the gripping stories of the acclaimed mystery writer. 'Highly enjoyable weaving together of a true crime murder mystery and an enlightening analysis of Agatha Christie’s work', Audible listener, Agnes B.
Lolly Adefope: Fanmail

4.5 out of 5 stars 42 ratings

‘We bask in your glory’

Guest-starring the likes of Steve Coogan and Mae Martin, Lolly opens up to her fans by digging into the bags of post she receives from her fans. But of course this is not all about her.... Lolly takes on the role of agony aunt as she attempts to solve her fans' problems. Audible listener Miguel Wilkens summed it up as 'I laughed and laughed and laughed and laughed. Then I stopped for a minute and carried on chuckling. Then I started laughing again and suddenly it was over.'.
Class of '88

5 out of 5 stars 10 ratings

The story of hip hop

Will Smith takes us back to 1988 when hip hop music had its most important year influencing music and pop culture for years to come. The story is deepened by interviews and stories from the likes of Rakim, Salt-N-Pepa, DMC and of course Jazzy Jeff. For many listeners this podcast is a dose of pure nostaligia, for others it's been a revelation. 'I’m inspired to start listening to hip hop and revisit songs I like and find new favorites.' says Audible listener Deanna Rauch.
Reinvent Your Life With Mel Robbins

5 out of 5 stars 73 ratings

From the best-selling author and podcaster

Mel Robbins has been motivating listeners with her no nonsense advice and simple but effective tips for years. In this podcast series she provides a step-by-step guide on how to make lasting change in your life. From conquering fears to creating space to make better choices. Audible listener Kathryn K says this podcast is 'jam packed with information and easy to follow exercises and advice.'.
The Squid Scam: Hunting the NFT Con Artists

4.5 out of 5 stars 134 ratings

A $16 million heist

Investigative technology journalist Janhoi McGregor leads us into the murky world of Crypto and NFTs in a gripping story of a fraud that deceived the world. As scam artists capitalised on the succes of Netflix hit Squid Game, thousands of investors lost money totalling $16 million. Audible listener Declan M gave it five stars, 'Following the breadcrumb trail carelessly left by the scammer, we get closer and closer with each episode.'.
Mo Gilligan's Spotlight

5 out of 5 stars 38 ratings

Showcasing new funny voices

Jam-packed with rising stars of the comedy world, triple-BAFTA-winning comedian Mo Gilligan selected all the talent in this podcast himself. Recorded at an iconic South London venue this series is determined to help you find your new favourite comedian. 'This is comedy at its finest. Different people, different perspectives. Bite sized comedy. Only downside, I wish there was more of it.', madMike, Audible listener.
Ashley vs WWE: The Story of Wrestler Ashley Massaro

By: Forest Sounds

Narrated by: Isobel Thompson

Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins

Release date: 07-09-23

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 74 ratings

A moving documentary

Journalist Isobel Thompson delves into the tragic story of Ashley Massaro who died by suicide in 2019. Following the events leading up to her death and examining the allegations of abuse while she was wrestling for WWE the podcast explores the world of wrestling in the early 2000s. Audible listeners say 'brilliantly researched and delivered' and 'a sad tale, thoughtfully told, and a fascinating insight into the world of wrestling'.
Countered Terrorism

5 out of 5 stars 89 ratings

'A riveting listen with great narration'

Homeland's David Harewood takes us behind the scenes as security services battle terrorists in a fascinating insight into how counter-terrorism units around the world prevent terrifying plots. In six action-packed episodes you follow along with investigators as they uncover vital clues, make breakthroughs and make tough decisions. 'Incredibly well made series based on solid research and with interviews of key people from the stories.', Mrs Julia Bonell, Audible listener.
Dara Ó Briain's Timewasters

4.5 out of 5 stars 62 ratings

'A laugh out loud podcast'

From pointless DIY projects to weird hobbies, Dara Ó Briain asks two comedians to battle it out with their best stories of time wasted. Featuring our favourite personalities from Mark Watson to Athena Kugblenu, Laura Lexx to Ed Byrne expect to laugh along a lot! One Audible listener describes it as a 'hilarious! Great concept, perfect host with relatable guest stories' while Yorkshire Rose says 'Dara as always manages to make it conversational (which it should be) which means you feel like you're sat at the table yourself.'.
Invisible: Life and Death on the Reservation

5 out of 5 stars 12 ratings

A 'powerful' documentary

Invisible highlights the case of a young Native American woman who went missing in Wyoming in 2020. This podcast unveils many of the underlying causes of the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, explores possible solutions, and calls for change. Audible listener natalie says 'A necessary piece of work shedding light on such an important area. Powerfully and sensitively done.'.
Buying Time

4.5 out of 5 stars 14 ratings

Can we cure aging?

Journalist Frank Swain investigates the true story of Liz Parrish who wants to cure aging. In 2015, her company flew a patient to Colombia for the first treatment of its kind in humans: gene therapy to reverse biological ageing. And they claimed it worked. Buying Time is a fascinating documentary that seeks to get to uncover what really happened. 'The series asked some big ethical questions, explored them well and left the listener to come to their own conclusions. intelligent, thought provoking programming.', CBaill, Audible listener.
Future Shocks Radio

5 out of 5 stars 19 ratings

Super sci-fi

A star cast brings to life this brilliant collection of tales straight from the legendary Nerve Centre of the Galaxy's Greatest Comic, 2000 AD. Featuring Konnie Huq, Al Murray and Desiree Burch among the narrators, expect time travel, robots and baby dictators in science fiction stories filled with twists and turns. 'Such a great cast! I felt like I'd teleported to the world's I grew up with, this is such a perfect medium for The Galaxy's Greatest Comic.' says Audible listener Sambini.
Fiasco: Vigilante

5 out of 5 stars 14 ratings

Transported back to gritty 80's NYC

Acclaimed journalist Leon Neyfakh takes us backto 1984 when a white man Bernhard Goetz shot dead four unarmed Black teenagers he thought were going to rob him. While his vigilantism was applauded, his victims were marginalised and attacked by the press. Immersing listeners in the gritty world of 1980's New York this series provides a view of how this era-definign story unfolded. 'A well produced and intriguing series that goes that little bit deeper than a simple true crime podcast.', Steve, Audible listener.
White Smoke: America's Chemsex Killer

5 out of 5 stars 69 ratings

A tragic Hollywood scandal

The death of a Black man at the home of Ed Buck - a white, millionaire donor to the Democratic party - was initially called an accidental overdose. But when a second Black man dies at the same address just 18 months later questions start being asked. Investigative journalist Patrick Strudwick uncovers a secret world of power, racism, sexual exploitation and drug abuse. Audible listener Alexandra Geraets says 'A harrowing story of power, domination, drugs, sex, and loss. Patrick Strudwick is an empathetic host, encouraging his interviewees to speak for themselves. Through interviews, the dead are humanized, the living are heard and empowered, and a predatory villain is ultimately revealed.'.
The Space Within

4.5 out of 5 stars 29 ratings

A mind-bending thriller

When seven-year-old Sophie Lewin is found after six terrifying hours, her parents enlist the help of psychiatrist Dr. Maddie Wyle to unlock her memories. A gripping mystery, The Space Within is told by a star-studded cast including Bobby Cannavale, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Shannon. Described by Audible listeners as 'breathtaking', 'excellent' and 'absolutely brilliant' this is a podcast that will keep you hooked.
Are You Afraid of the Dark? The Official Podcast

5 out of 5 stars 8 ratings

Nostalgic listening

Are you brave enough to listen to this series of spine-tingling, bone-chilling tales of horror? From avenging monsters to haunted houses and science experiments gone horribly wrong, this collection of tales will have you shivering through one creepy noise after another... Audible listener Joseph Todaro says 'This podcast was an amazing throwback to the old AYAotD series from the 90s. none of these stories are too deep or involved and instead focus on tone and pacing. it's a great ride for anyone who grew up with the old series or looking to pass it on to their kids.'.
Bitter Blood: Murdoch v. Murdoch

3.5 out of 5 stars 13 ratings

For fans of Succession

Narrated by Succession’s Alan Ruck, Bitter Blood: Murdoch v. Murdoch is a look at the inner workings of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his family. Four times married, Rupert has fathered six children and has exhibited a penchant for pitting his three middle children, Lachlan, James, and Elizabeth against each other. Delve into a fascinating real life dynasty.Audible listener London Eagle notes 'an outstanding script, audio contributions and judicious use of archive clips.'.
The Salvation

5 out of 5 stars 30 ratings

Blur the boundaries of time

'Enjoyed every single second!' says one Audible listener while another says 'superbly written'. This science fiction thriller will transport you through pivotal moments in tiem from the Great War to the Cold War told through the story of time agent David Miller, a war-scarred veteran.

Trending podcast series of 2023

Sleep Sound

Let the soothing tones of Maya Jama, Luke Evans and more lull you to sleep with bedtime stories that will transport you around the world.

Titting About

It's fair to say we just can't get enough of our friends Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. Be prepared to snort with laughter on your commute.

Jack Whitehall's Safe Space

The popular comedian welcomes you into his safe space where guests and listeners share their most embarrassing stories.

Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled - The Extended Podcast

In this companion podcast to his popular TV show Alan Davies invites his celebrity guests to name his show based on the stories they've told.

The Bias Diagnosis

Following Ivan Buckley's award-winning series uncovering bias in how people fo colour are treated in healthcare, series two sees Dr Ronx investigate gender bias in modern medicine.

Derren Brown's Boot Camp

In these top-rated podcasts Derren Brown and expert guests delve into how the brain works providing tips and tricks to get the best out of you.

The Kurupt FM Podkast

The legends of Brentford's UK garage pirate radio scene returned in 2023 for a third series of their hit podcast. Continue laughing along with MC Grindah, DJ Beats, DJ Steves, and manager Chabuddy G.