Best Fifty Percent Podcasts (2024)

1
'Happy Medium' by Sarah Adler 1:06:08

2h ago1:06:08

1:06:08

Katey and Abigail read "Happy Medium" by Fifty Percent fave Sarah Adler. Other topics include baby goats (obviously), morally gray main characters, ghosts who love TV, "divorced dad shampoo" and good (and bad) tattoos on male leads in romance novels. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fifty-percent-podcast/support…

1
'Funny Story' by Emily Henry 1:11:06

4h ago1:11:06

1:11:06

In this episode, Katey and Abigail tackle the newest book from their favorite romance girlie Emily Henry: "Funny Story". Other topics include the feminine urge to run away to Michigan, stock tank pools, the snacks to bribe Katey with and healthy adult friendships. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fifty-percent-podca…

1
Bordering on crossing the line 51:34

6d ago51:34

51:34

In the final, extended, episode of the series, Sam and James look at the latest news of the Rwanda policy and what’s behind it - from the effect on the ground to betting on polling. Migration expert Lou Calvey gives her view and author Jonn Elledge joins to tell us all about his latest book on borders. This is a public episode. If you would like to…

1
'The Tortured Poets Department' reaction 1:25:49

12d ago1:25:49

1:25:49

In this episode, Katey and Abigail step away from romance novels for a moment to talk about their OTHER obsession: Taylor Swift. Take a track-by-track journey through “The Tortured Poets Department,” featuring some early-20s relationship reflections and an argument for why every woman should date a himbo at least once in her life. --- Support this …

1
Fifty percent of people can't be wrong 42:24

1M ago42:24

42:24

In the middle of two scandals (not theirs) Sam and James look at what worries the parties in an election year and how they monitor success - through political polls. Expert input from Ben Walker, co-founder of Britain Elects, help us understand what’s up, what’s down and how we can tell. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this w…

1
'Just for the Summer' by Abby Jimenez 1:02:26

1M ago1:02:26

1:02:26

In this episode, Abigail and Katey read “Just for the Summer,” another banger from one of our fave girlies, Abby Jimenez. Other topics include the subreddits we lurk in, Culver’s, crowdfunding to get Nadia Cakes delivered to Texas, and the moment in the book that made our jaws literally drop. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com…

1
WHN Bonus Episode: New local news 31:44

1M ago31:44

31:44

Three pioneers of modern local journalism talk to WHN’s James O’Malley about their experiences in Birmingham, Edinburgh and Medway, comparing notes on their neighbourhoods, the work they do and why relevant, accessible and convenient local news matters. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access…

1
Can you tell where we're from? (Part 2) 29:28

2M ago29:28

29:28

In the second local-looking episode of the week, Sam and James take a stab at covering the entire north of England with the help of a few friends. Accent coach and actress Jessica Dennis sits down to give a quick tour of words and voices across the land. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acces…

1
Does it matter where you're from? (Part 1) 37:29

2M ago37:29

37:29

In the first of two full episodes on local issues, Sam and James get the latest from Birmingham, Edinburgh and Medway, as well as hearing from globetrotting comedian Stella Graham. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.news…

1
'Do You Take This Man' by Denise Williams 45:50

1M ago45:50

45:50

In honor of Abigail’s impending nuptials, Abigail and Katey read “Do You Take This Man?” by Denise Williams. Other topics include…mostly wedding-related things, like how much officiants get paid these days, but also discuss RJ the raccoon from “Over The Hedge” and Jeff Bezos. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fifty-p…

1
'The Idea of You' by Robinne Lee 1:04:59

2M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

Katey and Abigail read Robinne Lee’s “The Idea of You” ahead of the movie’s premiere at SXSW (and on Amazon Prime in May). Other topics include seasonal allergies, fake artists, paparazzi and Abigail’s impending nuptials. Buy 'The Idea of You' Shop our Bookshop Follow us on Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show…

1
Should we care who's President? 36:23

2M ago36:23

36:23

As the race for the Whitehouse hots up, Sam and James look at whether it matters to us in Britain. Former Obama regional director Karin Robinson joins WHN to help figure it out. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.news…

1
Trusst issues in Parliament 22:42

3M ago22:42

22:42

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.newsBy Sam Hampson and James O'Malley

1
'Divine Rivals' by Rebecca Ross 1:11:16

2M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

Abigail begins her romantasy journey in this "Divine Rivals" book club! We read it using Storygraph's buddy read feature, which we loved. Other topics include the value of newsroom coffee pots, hierarchy of settlements, Katey and Abigail’s potential Halloween costume, T-Rexes and whether Rebecca Ross has ever met a journalist. --- Support this podc…

1
The Age Old Questions 30:20

3M ago30:20

30:20

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.newsBy Sam Hampson and James O'Malley

1
It's crime time 33:15

3M ago33:15

33:15

Secrets are out as Sam and James relive their own criminal experiences, talk the latest use of AI in fighting crime and hear from both sides of the law. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.newsBy Sam Hampson and James O'Malley

1
Reading romantasy 50:22

3M ago50:22

50:22

Katey and Abigail discuss their respective “romantasy” journeys — a journey Katey began last year and Abigail is about to embark on. They define the meaning of romantasy, discuss BookTok’s influence on their reading habits and debate the merits of reading in the mornings before work before their brains are fried. Other topics include the Pirates of…

1
Should you ever fly again? 24:46

3M ago24:46

24:46

Sam and James are joined by Belle Emilie Gold and UCL's Professor of Materials & Society, Mark Miadownik, to find out... what's happening now with air travel. Should we feel guilty? Are we safe? And, crucially, can we drink bottled water ever again? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to …

1
'A Winter in New York' by Josie Silver 1:10:12

4M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

In the spirit of January's chilly weather, Abigail and Katey read Josie Silver's "A Winter in New York," which led to a lot of gelato cravings. Other topics include Cake Boss, noodles, people living in storage units and the questionable ethical decisions of this book's main character. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sho…

1
Our favorite books of 2023 1:04:17

4M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Katey and Abigail recap their favorite romance reads of 2023 (and a few other genres too!) and talk about what new releases they're looking forward to in 2024. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fifty-percent-podcast/support

1
Fifty / 50 S2 E2: We're Not Saying We're Back 38:29

4M ago38:29

38:29

I scared the actual sh*t out of Frank --- AI is out here scamming everybody --- Bill Belichick is gone --- Celsius is just legal crack --- Selena and Benny Blanco --- Chili in fingernails equals finger-sucking --- Weird work people and their weird work habits

1
'The Rewind' by Allison Winn Scotch 1:01:29

5M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

Happy New Year! Katey and Abigail ring in 2024 with “The Rewind” by Allison Winn Scotch, a romance that wasn’t exactly romantic. Other topics include Y2K panic, online dating, head injuries, self awareness, and looking at people as complicated beings. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fifty-percent-podcast/support…

1
'Three Holidays and a Wedding' by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley 1:00:08

5M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

For their final book club of the year, Katey and Abigail read "Three Holidays and a Wedding" by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley, a delightfully chaotic book. Other topics include Nokia brick phone games, private jet YouTube, the wondrous infrastructure of Snow Falls, "Hotel California" and Texas weather woes. Happy holidays! Buy the book --- Su…

1
WHN Bonus Episode: Zion Lights 38:50

5M ago38:50

38:50

Science communicator, and former Extinction Rebellion spokeswoman, Zion Lights talks to Sam and James about nuclear power, changing the world and her mixed experiences of environmental campaigning. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.news…

1
'Tis The Damn Season' by Kimi Freeman 57:40

6M ago57:40

57:40

In this book club episode, Katey and Abigail discuss “Tis the Damn Season” by Kimi Freeman, a debut 16-year-old (!!!!!!) author. Other topics include their Ren Faire outfits, the formative experience of having a Lorde “Pure Heroine” phase as a youth, their acting experiences growing up (mostly in Christmas nativity settings) and growing as writers …

1
What's Happening Now... with the climate conversation 31:51

6M ago31:51

31:51

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.newsBy Sam Hampson

1
'Well Met' by Jen DeLuca 1:12:25

6M ago1:12:25

1:12:25

In this book club episode, Abigail and Katey reread Jen DeLuca’s “Well Met” ahead of a trip to the Texas Renaissance Festival over Thanksgiving weekend. They discuss turkey legs, the merits of a pizza-place-slash-dive-bar, at what age you really feel like an “adult,” being properly wooed and what the “Well Met” universe and the Sims 4 universe have…

1
A roundup of 2023 holiday romances 55:53

7M ago55:53

55:53

In this episode, Katey and Abigail blind react to the descriptions of new releases for this upcoming holiday season — the sweet, the unhinged and everything in between. Other topics include an absurd trip that they’re going on together soon with their significant others and the apparent trend of celebrity romances in upcoming holiday releases. --- …

1
What's Happening Now... with AI 28:28

7M ago28:28

28:28

Sam and James talk artificial intelligence; including the week's big safety summit, a test of knowledge and James bringing along a surprise special guest. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.newsBy Sam Hampson and James O'Malley

1
What's Happening Now... with Britishness 26:43

7M ago26:43

26:43

James and Sam discuss politeness, declaring independence and where squishy Britishness is at in 2023. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.newsBy Sam Hampson and James O'Malley

1
'You, Again' by Kate Goldbeck 1:19:25

7M ago1:19:25

1:19:25

In this episode, Abigail and Katey discuss Kate Goldbeck’s “You Again.” Other topics include the $5 DVD bin at Walmart, who they’d want to be friends with in the “When Harry Met Sally” universe, taking photos of food, counting how many Taylor Swift references are in this book and Abigail’s childhood improv comedy experiences. --- Support this podca…

1
WHN Bonus Episode: Richard Sambrook 40:33

7M ago40:33

40:33

In this bonus episode, WHN's James O'Malley talks to the former director of BBC News and BBC World Service, Richard Sambrook, about push notifications, impartiality and the future of the BBC. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.news…

1
What's Happening Now... with the News 32:42

7M ago32:42

32:42

Emmy Fyles joins the boys to tell them about the horse following her across the internet and the very latest sandwich gossip. The team also dig into the news industry. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.news…

1
WHN Episode 4: What's Happening Now... with Labour Party Conference 30:41

7M ago30:41

30:41

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.newsBy Sam Hampson

1
Fifty / 50 Season 2 Episode 1 35:41

7M ago35:41

35:41

We are so back. Our football teams are terrible, but the TSwift-Kelce relationship is not. Hunter talks about being blocked on Twitter by a famous celebrity; and Drake gives us some serious dad knowledge.

1
'Payback's a Witch' by Lana Harper 1:12:41

7M ago1:12:41

1:12:41

Abigail and Katey are finally wearing sweaters and leaning into cozy fall vibes with “Payback’s A Witch” by Lana Harper. This book has everything they want out of fall, including an excellent bar and some witchy “John Tucker Must Die” shenanigans. They also discuss Katey’s adventure getting Halloween decorations, ghosts interrupting hook-ups and gr…

1
WHN Episode 3: What's Happening Now... with Conservative Party Conference 29:30

8M ago29:30

29:30

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.newsBy Sam Hampson

1
'The Neighbor Favor' by Kristina Forest 1:00:26

8M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

In this book club episode, Abigail and Katey discuss Kristina Forest's "The Neighbor Favor." Other topics include how fall is simply a state of mind in Texas even as the weather continues to hit 100 degrees, how IKEA is a perfect date spot, and how many books we added to our TBR after seeing all the book recommendations *within* this book. --- Supp…

1
Bonus Episode: The Stop Burning Stuff Campaign 16:54

8M ago16:54

16:54

A bonus episode where Sam recounts his trip to the launch of the Stop Burning Stuff campaign, focussing on electric cars and a more positive environmental (not Green!) conversation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.news…

1
WHN Episode 2: What's Happening Now... with World Car Free Day 37:29

8M ago37:29

37:29

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.newsBy Sam Hampson and James O'Malley

1
WHN Episode 1: What's Happening Now.... in Schools. 39:20

8M ago39:20

39:20

Sam and James are joined for the launch episode of the WHN podcast by comedian Dora Flowers to talk the news this week, the start of a new school year and the latest emerging literary talent. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.news…

1
A conversation with Sarah Adler, author of 'Mrs. Nash's Ashes' 1:04:45

8M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

In a Very Special Episode, Abigail and Katey interview Sarah Adler, author of “Mrs. Nash’s Ashes.” Conversation topics include Jose Napoleoni’s gritty backstory, taxidermy, how Sarah comes up with names for her characters, unique small-town festivals, Steely Dan, and Sarah’s upcoming novels (!!). --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify…

1
What's Happening Now... Coming soon 1:30

9M ago1:30

1:30

The What's Happening Now Trailer This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whatshappening.newsBy Sam Hampson and James O'Malley

1
'The Seven Year Slip' by Ashley Poston 1:05:47

9M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

In this episode, Katey and Abigail revisit their close personal friend Ashley Poston to read “The Seven Year Slip.” They also discuss the science and ethical dilemmas behind time traveling apartments, bad chef tattoos, what the Jeff Goldblum pillow probably looks like, pretentious restaurant menus, and suffering through the summer in Texas. --- Sup…

1
Reading Romance: Then vs. Now 1:01:46

9M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

In this episode, Katey and Abigail get more ~academic~ and analyze a book Katey found at her office. Published in the 1984, Janice Radkey’s “Reading the Romance” studies why the genre was so popular among women. In their analysis, Katey and Abigail wonder whether Radkey’s research holds up in the contemporary romance genre and discover more about t…

1
Fifty / 50 Ep. 18 48:36

10M ago48:36

48:36

Reliving random childhood memories --- Lizzo is a tough boss to have in Amsterdam --- "I'm not into dark liquor" --- NFL Quick Hits --- Utopia quick review

1
‘Mrs. Nash's Ashes’ by Sarah Adler 1:04:09

10M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

In this book club episode, Abigail and Katey discuss “Mrs. Nash’s Ashes” by Sarah Adler, a book they haven’t seen much about but might be the romance of the year. Outside of how excellent this book is, they discuss old PBS shows, the wonder that is Mexican Italian fusion, their personal experiences with taxidermy, and the beauty in the “right nows”…

1
Fifty / 50 Ep. 17: The Cat Burglar 53:13

10M ago53:13

53:13

Drake tells the greatest Fifty / 50 story yet --- Travis Scott is finally dropping Utopia --- Michael Rubin's White Party --- Love Island is BACK --- Hunter's golf story --- The Crowded Room --- NFL running backs are getting screwed --- Hunter flicked a booger

1
Non-Romance Book Club: 'Goodbye Earl' by Leesa Cross-Smith 58:15

10M ago58:15

58:15

Katey and Abigail take on a book outside of the romance genre simply because they couldn’t resist the title and premise of Leesa Cross-Smith’s “Goodbye Earl” (and yes, it’s inspired by the song). Other topics include friend group names, early 2000s nostalgia, the privilege of having a cattle guard, black eyed peas and our love-hate relationships wi…

1
Fifty / 50 Ep. 16 1:06:07

11M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

Peter Pan --- Britney Spears got God Smacked by Victor Wembanyama's Security --- Dry Cleaners --- Biggest Stadium We Could Fill --- Threads vs Twitter Preview --- Thief Robs Woman and then Asks Her Out --- Snapchat Tendencies --- Drafting Songs That Pump You Up

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Fifty Percent Podcasts

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