Podcasts have exploded into popularity in recent years. In fact, there’s over 800,000 podcasts out there, and about 62 million listeners in the U.S. every week.
Whether you’re a long-time listener or looking for a place to start, we’ve got a great list of podcast episodes for you. As a bonus, each one of the episodes listed below covers an important issue, so you can learn something new while you listen.
Cry Power
The Cry Power podcast — hosted by artist Hozier in partnership with Global Citizen — inspires listeners to #PowerTheMovement to end extreme poverty. Each episode, Hozier talks with artists and activists who are working to change the world, and how listeners at home can take action.
We recommend: Episode 2, Bono
In the second episode of his podcast, his guest is none other than our founder Bono. The two talk about the U2 singer’s start in activism, the fight against HIV/AIDS, and why we need equality for everyone, everywhere.
Sincerely, Hueman
Sincerely, Hueman tells stories about everyday people who are changing communities. Each episode features leaders that spark social good through local and global movements. They share a diverse array of stories, showing that everyone has the ability to create positive change for people worldwide.
We recommend: Acts of humanity in unprecedented times
As the world copes with the COVID-19 pandemic, this podcast reflects on moments of hope during another crisis: the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, when 250,000 lives were lost in a matter of seconds.
If you’re looking for other podcasts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we recommend the BBC’s Science in Action and NPR’s the Coronavirus Crisis.
Sooo Many White Guys
At ONE, we love Phoebe Robinson. The best-selling author, podcast queen, and ONE and (RED) ambassador uses her influence to talk about important issues while mixing in a few laughs. Phoebe began her podcast Sooo Many White Guys as a way to push back against the predominance of white men in comedy. Her guests are often women and people of colour who discuss race, feminism, and social issues.
We recommend: Phoebe, Javier Muñoz, and Gayle Smith Fight the Good Fight!
This episode features our own CEO Gayle Smith and (RED) ambassador Javier Muñoz. They discuss how Gayle and Javier got to where they are today, and give some important insights into the HIV/AIDS crisis.
African Tech RoundUp
African Tech RoundUp covers everything digital, technological, and innovative coming out of Africa. This organisation, based in Johannesburg, produces podcasts, op-eds, media projects, and more. Their podcasts dive deep into the growing tech scene with guests who are working in the industry.
We recommend: Wajenzi’s Alain Nkurukiye on Galvanising Diasporans to Back Economic Growth in Africa
This episode features guest Alain Nkurukiye, the founder of tech startup Wajenzi. When he worked in the Netherlands, he wanted to give back to his home in Burundi. Now, his mission is to give the African diaspora a way to invest in entrepreneurs in their home nations.
The Guilty Feminist
The Guilty Feminist is a comedy podcast that balances hilarious wit with smart discussion. Hosts Deborah Frances-White and Sofie Hagen invite guests to go in-depth on all things feminism.
We recommend: Period Poverty with Gemma Cairney, Amika George, Grace Campbell
This episode is about period poverty, which is unequal access to education and resources for menstruation. Their guests are activists who tackle period taboos and work to make sanitary products accessible. The discussion highlights the global issue of period poverty and how we can stop it, with some tongue-in-cheek comedy about menstruation in the mix.
Pod Save the World
There are lots of political podcasts out there, but few break down big issues like Pod Save the World does. This foreign policy podcast makes global issues relatable and easy to understand. They also focus on how people can get involved.
We recommend: The Worst Humanitarian Crisis since WWII
This episode dives deep into the current refugee crisis, how it happened, and how it affects us all. The guest, David Miliband, highlights how the circumstances for displacement are often man-made. But, there is a silver lining — everyone, particularly young people, can help solve this crisis.
