If you’re finding it tough to embrace the festive season, these five podcast recommendations are sure to get you in the holiday mood.
- Charles Dickens Ghost Stories
Available on: All streaming platforms and Noiser
Genre: Literature
Dive into a new nine-part series on Noiser, where Sir David Suchet, famed for his role as Hercule Poirot, breathes life into some of Charles Dickens' spookiest tales. Highlights include The Signal-Man, The Trial for Murder, A Madman’s Manuscript, and The Ghost in the Bride’s Chamber. The series kicks off with a special double episode of A Christmas Carol—not the usual version but a condensed adaptation Dickens himself performed on stage. Rich original sound design and music instantly draw listeners into this classic yuletide story of redemption. Suchet’s warm and commanding narration makes this an ideal listen for Christmas.
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- Katherine Ryan’s Christmas Intervention
Available on: Audible
Genre: Christmas and Family
If the pressure of a “perfect” holiday overwhelms you, Katherine Ryan’s Christmas Intervention offers a humorous and honest look at the chaos of family Christmases. In this Audible Original, comedian Katherine Ryan shares real-life mishaps alongside her husband Bobby Kootstra and daughter Violet. The series humorously explores the ups and downs of family dynamics, featuring guests like comedian Sindhu Vee as “ghosts of Christmas past and present.” It’s a perfect blend of laughter and advice on managing holiday stress and expectations, providing comfort and tips for anyone dreading the family gathering.
- The Calm Christmas Podcast with Beth Kempton
Available on: All streaming platforms
Genre: Wellbeing and Christmas
Hosted by self-help author Beth Kempton, The Calm Christmas Podcast is designed to be a gentle guide through winter’s dark days. This episode invites you to create a cozy, festive atmosphere at home. Kempton discusses birth month herbs and their meanings—December’s sage symbolizes wisdom—and shares her family’s traditions, including a “preparing for the tree morning” where everyone has a holiday task. With ideas for advent candles, a winter flow garland craft, and festive recipe suggestions, this podcast delivers calm and reflection during the busy season.
- Good Food
Available on: All streaming platforms
Genre: Food
Every Tuesday, presenter Samuel Goldsmith chats with chefs and culinary enthusiasts about their passion for food. Regular segments include ‘My Favourite Dish’, where guests showcase personal meal favourites, ‘Cookery Confessions’, revealing amusing kitchen mishaps, and ‘Quick Fire Questions’ to uncover fun facts. In this Christmas special, chef Rick Stein shares cherished family traditions from his Cotswolds upbringing, insights into his latest book Rick Stein’s Christmas, and tips on crafting the perfect festive gravy—a must-listen for anyone planning Christmas meals.
- You’re Dead to Me: Dead Funny History
Available on: All streaming platforms and BBC Sounds
Genre: History and Comedy
This BBC Radio 4 show expertly combines humor with history for a fun, fast-paced journey into the past. This week, Greg Jenner, the mind behind Horrible Histories, takes listeners to ancient North Africa with comedian Darren Harriott and classics expert Professor Josephine Quinn. They explore Carthage and famed commander Hannibal Barca—who famously led 37 elephants over the Alps. Whether you choose the shorter radio-edits or the longer, relaxed episodes, this podcast is a delightful way to brush up on history before the next Trivial Pursuit game.