Desert Island
My Top 10 Podcasts
by Nick Dunkerley
If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring ten podcasts with you, what would you choose?
For me, it’s a mix of shows that have shaped my thinking, made me laugh, and inspired me as a sound designer and storyteller.
If you have any interest in audio narratives or sound design, there are a few on this list that I’d highly recommend.
Some will keep you informed, while others might make you giggle—or even cringe.
It’s a desert island, after all—you might as well be entertained!
To give some context, I’ve spent most of my adult life in radio, starting in community radio and later working at Denmark’s national broadcaster, DR, as a sound engineer.
I’ve worked across nearly every genre, from news to drama to documentaries.
I appreciate others talent and hard work. This is a way for me to better understand what audio can do.
Where the boundaries for podcast production are. We are all standing on the shoulders of giants.
If you are new to long form audio or even would like to become an audio producer yourself, then you might find some of these shows inspirational.
1. Radiolab
Genre: Science and Philosophy
The first time I heard Radiolab, I was amazed.
This was a science program, but it was unlike anything I had ever heard before.
Robert Krulwich and Jad Abumrad combined the best of two worlds: storytelling and sound design.
Radiolab takes complex scientific and philosophical ideas and turns them into compelling stories that stay with you long after the episode ends.
Recommended episode: Stochasticity (2009)
STOCHASTICITY (2009)
2. Twenty Thousand Hertz
Genre: Sound and Culture
For anyone who loves sound and sound design, Twenty Thousand Hertz is a fascinating exploration into the auditory world around us.
Here, you’ll discover the stories behind the sounds on your Apple devices, the Netflix sound signature, or even an interview with the voice behind your GPS. Twenty Thousand Hertz will make you appreciate just how much sound shapes the world we live in.
Episode to try: Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control
3. Planet Money
Economics and Business
I love it when I’m spellbound by a story I had no idea I would be interested in.
Planet Money is about economics.
I’ll admit I had very little natural interest in the subject, but that was just me being ignorant.
It’s fascinating—I just needed someone to show me why.
And that’s exactly what Planet Money does.
This is really what every storyteller’s job is.
So, give it a listen and dive into stories about the chicken tax, EU regulations on döner kebabs, or even the fondue conspiracy.
Episode to try: The Chicken Tax
4. 99% Invisible
Design, Architecture, and Everyday Life
When I first heard of 99% Invisible, I wondered how a podcast could capture something as visual as architecture. But they’ve managed to turn everyday design decisions—from urban planning to product design—into compelling audio stories. It really changes the way you see (or hear) the world.
Episode to try: Purple Reign
5. S-Town
True Crime, Mystery, and Human Interest
S-Town starts as an investigative mystery but quickly evolves into a profound, emotional exploration of a man’s life in rural Alabama.
It’s beautifully crafted, raw, and deeply personal.
This show is a masterclass in blending narrative with real-life complexity.
And John, the tattooed clockmaker with a tortured mind, will stay with me for a long time.
Tip: Listen to the entire series—it’s a journey you won’t forget.
6. Wooden overcoats
Comedy, Fiction
Wooden Overcoats is a quirky British sitcom about two rival funeral directors.
It’s witty, charming, and full of lovable characters. This show proves that radio drama still has a place in today’s podcast world.
It’s lighthearted and heartwarming at the same time, perfect when you need a break from the heavy stuff. And it has some great sound design.
Tip: Start from the first episode—you’ll get hooked on the ongoing rivalry.
7. My DAD WROTE A PORNO
Comedy, Explicit
This podcast is pure, laugh-out-loud comedy.
The premise is simple: the host reads from his dad’s hilariously awful erotic novel, and the running commentary from his friends turns it into comedic gold. Sometimes you just need a good laugh, and this show delivers.
Tip: Don’t listen in public unless you want to explain why you’re laughing out loud.
8. SOUND SCHOOL PODCAST
Audio Storytelling and Production
For anyone serious about audio storytelling, Sound School Podcast (formerly HowSound) is a must-listen.
Rob Rosenthal breaks down the craft of making great audio stories, offering tips and insights that will help anyone - from beginners to seasoned producers - up their game.
Episode to try: Start anywhere and explore from there
THE SOUND SCHOOL
9. PODNEWS WEEKLY
Podcasting Industry News
If you’re involved in podcasting, it’s good to stay updated on the latest trends.
Podnews Weekly offers insights into what’s happening in the podcasting world, from new platforms to monetization strategies.
It’s especially useful for keeping a finger on the pulse of the industry.
Tip: Tune in weekly to keep up with the latest.
10. THE TELEPATHY TAPES
Documentary, Human Stories
Some podcasts do what audio storytelling does best.
introduce you to an unknown world and slowly open it up.
The Telepathy Tapes is exactly that.
At first glance, it’s about non-speaking autistic children.
Kids the world has largely discarded and ignored.
But as the story unfolds, it becomes something else entirely.
These children seem to have abilities that are... unbelievable.
This podcast takes you by the hand and leads you on an incredible journey.
One that challenges assumptions and makes you rethink what you know about communication, intelligence, and human connection.
Tip: Be prepared to have your mind changed.
About the author:
Nick Dunkerley // CEO at Hindenburg Systems, Keynote Speaker,
Nick Dunkerley is the founder and Director of Hindenburg Systems. He’s a keynote speaker, lecturer, and lifelong advocate for audio storytelling. With a background as a radio host, sound engineer, and producer at Danish National Radio (DR), he has spent his career exploring how audio can help us better understand the world we live in.
In an era of AI-driven misinformation, “fake news,” and the erosion of truth, he believes long-form radio is one of the most powerful ways to achieve authenticity.
Ironically, for someone who built an audio software company, he doesn’t actually like software. To him, it’s a necessity for professional audio production—but it should never get in the way of creativity. That’s why Hindenburg is designed to make storytelling as effortless as possible, a tool embraced by professionals around the world.
For Nick, it’s all about the story. Always has been. Always will be.
Hindenburg has always been a top-quality editor for spoken word content - fast, precise, and easy to use. It could be the best thing to happen to podcasting.
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