This week we are focussing on the topic of “institutions”. I think they are something that is often made fun of, and what I love about a media form like podcasting is that they can be made fun of freely and without hesitation.

Whilst it is great it to see Australian comedians and artists Taking a name for themselves through podcasting, it would be ridiculous to ignore the fact that the array of international podcasts that are available, particularly from the US, are other great examples of why podcasting can be a great source of entertainment.

Here are 3 of my favourite international podcasts, in no particular order.

1. The Dollop

Hosted by Gareth Reynolds and Dave Anthony, this show is recommended if you are fans of programs that focus on a single topic per episode, such as Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Reynolds and Anthony focus on “forgotten” topics of USA history and popular culture, and the fact that they make no effort to hide their cynicism at each story and the people in them makes it all the more hilarious. Whilst Anthony is easily aggravated, Reynolds is instead more subtly sarcastic, creating brilliant and engaging chemistry each episode.

2. The Bugle

I mentioned Last Week Tonight with John Oliver before, it is definitely, in my opinion, one of the most accurate, insightful and hilarious shows on TV right now and Oliver’s podcast with Andy Zaltzman follows a similar format Recommended for people (like me) who have an interest in global politics but don’t have the attention span to follow it through the traditional news form. Their annual “Which Country is the Biggest Dick” contest is notably hilarious.

Getting Doug With High

Doug Benson is all over the podcasting world, but his embracingly “stoner” podcast is arguably the best. Benson is at the level of podcasting notoriety where he can have guest such as Jack Black. Hearing their raw and honest thoughts and insights brought out by their smoking is, whilst controversial, undeniably interesting and often times very funny. A particular favourite of mine is an episode with Wil Anderson, but possibly only due to News.com.au attempting to turn it into a scandal back in Australia and gloriously failing.

 

 

(All Podcasts are available in iTunes)