5 podcasts to for travellers (who are tired of hearing about other people's travel stories)
I love podcasts, particularly ones about different countries, but I’m pretty tired of those about someone else’s travel or a series of interviews with people who work in the travel industry. I’m looking for podcasts which teach me more about the place I’m going to - which is part of our mission at Deliberate Travel anyway.
I couldn’t find one, so I compiled my own. So these podcasts are about history, culture and stories from different cultures. You never know, one of them might inspire you enough to go there (personally I’m rooting for Jamaica!)
(There is no rhyme or reason or geographic restrictions to these choices, just ones I live or am planning on listening to very soon).
History of Aotearoa New Zealand podcast
While there are several podcasts about the history of New Zealand, even ones from a Maori perspective, this one is my favourite. It’s set up like a story, starting with New Zealand before anyone lived there and moving through its history, stopping off at interesting places like Whakapapa, Tuatara and how Flax impacted New Zealand. Maori terminology and words are seamlessly woven into the storyline so you never feel the need to stop and go somewhere else for more research.
Favourite episode: A Map, A Whare and a Marae
How Jamaica Conquered the World podcast
This podcast starts from the premise that, although Jamaica may not have much impact on the world in material things or explicit political influence, its culture has impacted the world many times over. From reggaeton to Marley and even the film Cool Runnings, this podcast considers them all. While this podcast has a heavy focus on the Jamaican diaspora, there’s still plenty to learn about the country itself.
Favourite episode: Cool Runnings
Offshore podcast
I listened to the first season of this podcast in one sitting. Each season focuses on a different contentious topic liked to Hawaii, the side of Hawaii that most tourists don’t see. The first season addresses the deaths of 2 native Hawaiians, 80 years apart and the role that racism, police brutality and a contentious relationship with the mainland played. The third season gets even better!
Favourite episode: Just start with season 1, episode 1.
History of Japan podcast
The best thing about this podcast that there’s just so much of it. With 325 episodes so far, get ready to settle in and listen. From Christianity in Japan, to the rise and fall of the samurai to women warriors and female activists, this podcast covers everything I can think of. Best of all, episodes run to around 25 minutes, shorter than many historical podcasts.
Favourite episode: The Doctor is in
80 Days: An exploration podcast
This is my new favourite podcast. Be warned, episodes are LONG - sometimes 2 hours. But the three (rather charming) presenters dig into less-known destinations like Lesotho, Runnymeade (personal favourite as I’m a big Magna Carta buff), The Gambia and Newfoundland. The podcast operates as a sort of informational conversation, making the episodes eminently easy to listen to, while being packed full with facts and weird stories.
Favourite episode: Pitcairn Island
What are you waiting for? Get listening!
If you have any recommendations for other podcasts please, please let me know!
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