As we navigate through the chaotic world of politics, media, and society, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the never-ending stream of absurdities. But thankfully, there are those who use humor and wit to take on these absurdities and provide a much-needed satirical commentary. In recent years, podcasts have become a popular platform for this type of comedy, with many talented hosts using their voices and platforms to shed light on the ridiculousness of our world.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 satirical podcasts that do just that. From political satire to pop culture mockery, these podcasts offer a refreshing and entertaining take on the world’s biggest absurdities. So sit back, relax, and get ready to laugh as we dive into the world of satirical podcasts.
Definition of Satire
Before we delve into the world of satirical podcasts, it’s important to first understand what satire actually means. According to Merriam-Webster, satire is defined as “the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices.” In other words, it’s a way to use comedy to point out the flaws and ridiculousness in society.
Satire has been around for centuries, with roots dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. However, it has evolved over time and is now commonly used in various forms of media, including television, film, literature, and of course, podcasts.
Importance of Satire in Podcasting
Podcasts have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with millions of listeners tuning in to a wide range of topics and genres. And within the podcasting world, satire has found its own niche audience. Why is this form of comedy so important in the podcasting medium?
Firstly, podcasts offer a unique opportunity for hosts to have a long-form conversation with their audience. This allows for more in-depth discussions and analysis of the absurdities within our society, making it the perfect platform for satirical comedy.
Additionally, podcasts are easily accessible and can reach a wide range of listeners. With the rise of smartphones and other devices, people can listen to podcasts while commuting, working out, or simply relaxing at home. This makes it easier for hosts to reach a diverse audience and spread their message of satire.
Now that we understand the importance of satire in podcasting, let’s dive into our list of 10 satirical podcasts that take on the world’s absurdities.
List of 10 Satirical Podcasts
1. “The Bugle”
Hosted by comedians Andy Zaltzman and Nish Kumar, “The Bugle” is a political satire podcast that takes on current events and absurdities from around the world. With clever wordplay and sharp wit, Zaltzman and Kumar provide hilarious commentary on everything from Brexit to the U.S. presidential election.
One of the standout features of this podcast is its international perspective. With Zaltzman based in London and Kumar in New York, they bring a unique and global view to the absurdities of politics. They also frequently have guest comedians join them, adding even more humor and insight to the show.
2. “Fake The Nation”
Hosted by comedian Negin Farsad, “Fake The Nation” offers a satirical take on current events and popular culture. Farsad is joined each week by a panel of comedians, journalists, and experts to discuss the news and poke fun at the absurdities within it.
The show is known for its witty banter and intelligent commentary, making it a must-listen for those looking for a smart and humorous take on the world’s happenings. And with guests ranging from politicians to actors, “Fake The Nation” offers a diverse and lively discussion on the absurdities of our society.
3. “The Dollop”
“The Dollop” is a unique podcast that takes a comedic look at history and the absurdities that have occurred throughout time. Hosted by comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds, each episode focuses on a different event or person from history and delves into the ridiculousness of it all.
With topics ranging from strange medical practices to bizarre historical figures, “The Dollop” offers a hilarious and educational take on the past. And with over 400 episodes, there’s no shortage of absurdities for Anthony and Reynolds to cover.
4. “The Bugle Presents… The Last Post”
Another satirical gem from Andy Zaltzman, “The Last Post” is a daily podcast that provides a humorous take on current events and absurdities in the news. Zaltzman is joined by a rotating cast of guest hosts, including comedians and journalists, who add their own unique perspective to the show.
This podcast is perfect for those looking for a quick laugh while staying up-to-date on the latest absurdities happening in the world. And with episodes released every weekday, there’s always something new and funny to listen to.
5. “The Onion Audio News”
Founded in 1988, “The Onion” has become a beloved source of satirical news and entertainment. And now, they offer their trademark humor in podcast form with “The Onion Audio News.” This podcast features short news segments, satirizing current events and societal absurdities.
Each segment is delivered with perfect deadpan delivery, making it sometimes hard to distinguish between what’s real and what’s fake. But that’s the beauty of “The Onion” – they take on absurdities with such skill and wit that it’s impossible not to laugh.
6. “Lovett or Leave It”
Hosted by former speechwriter for President Obama, Jon Lovett, “Lovett or Leave It” is a political satire podcast that offers a mix of comedy and commentary. Each episode features a panel of comedians, journalists, and activists who discuss the week’s biggest absurdities in politics and pop culture.
What sets this podcast apart is its interactive format, with live audiences and a game show-style segment where guests compete on their knowledge of current events. This makes for a fun and engaging listen while still tackling serious issues with satire and humor.
7. “The Hilarious World of Depression”
While not necessarily a satirical podcast, “The Hilarious World of Depression” uses humor to shed light on mental health and the absurdities within it. Hosted by comedian John Moe, each episode features a different guest – usually a comedian – who shares their experiences with depression and how they’ve found ways to cope and find humor in their struggles.
This podcast is not only entertaining but also provides a much-needed perspective on mental health and the absurdities surrounding it. With candid and often hilarious conversations, “The Hilarious World of Depression” offers a refreshing take on an important issue.
8. “My Favorite Murder”
A true crime podcast with a twist, “My Favorite Murder” combines elements of comedy and satire with storytelling. Hosted by comedians Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, each episode focuses on a different murder case and the absurdities and dark humor that come along with it.
The hosts’ banter and comedic timing make this podcast a hit with listeners, as they manage to balance the seriousness of the subject matter with lightheartedness and satire. And with the popularity of true crime podcasts, “My Favorite Murder” offers a refreshing and unique take on the genre.
9. “How Did This Get Made?”
Hosted by comedians Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, “How Did This Get Made?” takes on the absurdities of Hollywood with a mix of comedy and criticism. Each episode focuses on a different film, often a poorly made or bizarre one, and the hosts hilariously dissect and discuss its flaws.
The chemistry between the hosts and their sharp wit make this podcast a fan favorite, as they offer a humorous and entertaining look at the world of cinema. And with over 200 episodes, there’s no shortage of absurd movies for them to take on.
10. “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: Ears Edition”
Based on the popular television show, “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: Ears Edition” is a satirical news podcast that offers a fresh take on current events. Hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, the podcast features highlights from the show as well as exclusive interviews with guests.
With Noah’s quick wit and insightful commentary, this podcast offers a much-needed comedic break from the seriousness of the news. It’s a great way to stay informed while also enjoying some clever satire.
Analysis of How Each Podcast Tackles Absurdities
While each of these podcasts has its own unique style and approach to satire, they all have one thing in common: they use humor and wit to take on the world’s absurdities. Whether it’s through political commentary or poking fun at pop culture, these podcasts offer a refreshing and entertaining perspective on the ridiculousness of our world.
Through clever wordplay, intelligent discussions, and deadpan delivery, these podcasts manage to make us laugh while also making us think about the absurdities surrounding us. They provide a much-needed escape from the chaos and stress of everyday life and offer a reminder that sometimes the best way to tackle serious issues is through humor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, satire has found a new home in the world of podcasting, with talented hosts using their voices and platforms to take on the world’s absurdities. From political satire to true crime comedy, these podcasts offer a diverse range of perspectives and topics, all with the goal of making us laugh while also shedding light on important issues.
So the next time you feel overwhelmed by the absurdities of our society, turn on one of these satirical podcasts and have a good laugh. Not only will it provide a much-needed break from the chaos, but it will also remind us that sometimes the best way to deal with absurdities is to make fun of them.
