Best Strictly Debatable Podcasts (2024)

1
Strictly Scandals & Reading Beyond The Headlines 41:46

2h ago41:46

41:46

It’s a summer of sport... but behind the big numbers for the Euros and predicted for the Olympics... is linear still loved? Media news and analysis with Jane Ostler (Kantar) & media writer Kate Bulkley. Also on the programme: what’s going on at Strictly, as two dancers face the music... and Kate fills in the details on that Skydance-Paramount deal.…

1
Telegraph sale saga continues, Ofcom takes on BBC, election washup 43:27

1d ago43:27

43:27

The Telegraph loses another prospective buyer, as Lord Rothermere pulls the Daily Mail Group out of the auction... One year in, are we any closer to a future for the news group? Media news and analysis, with guests Jim Waterson (the Guardian) and Karin Robinson (Endelman). Also on the programme: Ofcom strikes back at the BBC over radio expansion pl…

1
Backstage on Election Night 38:47

8d ago38:47

38:47

Today Matt Deegan is out of our own studio… and into other podcasts as we decamp to the BBC and The Times to see how they covered election night. We speak to Newscast’s editor Sam Bonham and presenter Adam Fleming - as well as the corporations’ misinformation correspondent Mariana Spring on what we missed on social media. Also Matt takes a trip to …

1
S2 Ep. 20 - Paranormal Pals, Pina Coladas and Only Fans 38:22

12d ago38:22

38:22

In this episode of Friends Without Benefits, we're getting eerie. Join us as we explore the mysteries of the afterlife with personal ghost stories and debates on the existence of spirits among us. Ever wondered about the authenticity of psychics? We share our skepticism and fascination with the world of tarot readings and psychic mediums, including…

1
Are YouTubers about to steal your supper? 42:37

17d ago42:37

42:37

We discover why some TV execs are troubled by the rise of copycat formats online. Media news and analysis with entertainment exec Rina Dayalji & Broadcast’s Insights Editor Rebecca Cooney. Also on the programme: podcast growth continues, but which formats could make it onto TV? And what genres are missing for this growing mainstream audience? Plus,…

1
S2 Ep. 19 - Camaraderie, Inside Jokes and Bikini Contests 35:54

19d ago35:54

35:54

In this episode, you'll hear from Rachel and Dale, as they reminisce about the wild moments, the inside jokes, and the unbeatable camaraderie that makes their friendship truly special. We'll also take you on a virtual tour of our recording haven, courtesy of Fidelity Real Estate, where the ambiance is as inviting as the conversation. Whether you're…

1
Deepfakes, Fessholes and The Telegraph's lost millions 54:08

25d ago54:08

54:08

Where are the deepfakes we expected this election? We look at which media platforms are instead shifting the political discourse, against expectations. Also on the programme: how to build a million-strong social media brand: the creator of Fesshole, Rob Manuel reveals all. Plus, there’s a hole in the Telegraph’s finances - we look at why. How can w…

1
S2 Ep. 18 - The Ashley Madison Debate 33:42

26d ago33:42

33:42

Rachel and Dale tackle the provocative topic of Ashley Madison, the infamous platform for extramarital affairs, delving into the ethical and emotional fallout of infidelity in the digital age. They debate whether such sites are merely symptoms of deeper relationship issues or active facilitators of deceit. With humor and candor, they explore the ab…

1
Manifestos & The (Lack Of) Vision For UK Media 45:56

1M ago45:56

45:56

What can we expect for our industry from the next government? We look through the manifestos launched this week, as well as rounding up the best election coverage so far. Media news and analysis, this week with the i paper’s arts and media correspondent Adam Sherwin and Deadline’s investigations editor Jake Kanter. Also on the programme: Paramount …

1
S2 Ep. 17 - Summer Vibes and Random Thoughts 38:32

1M ago38:32

38:32

Get ready to dive into all things summer, laughter, and a touch of controversy. Whether it's tales of dumb criminals, Bridgerton music, or the latest social media trends, we guarantee a fun and engaging ride. So, grab your favorite drink, tune in, and let us bring some summer sass to your day! Contact Rachel Sobel: Email: rachel@whineandcheezits.co…

1
Hat Trick Ends Ents, WaPo Hires Another Brit, ITV Debate Review 44:54

1M ago44:54

44:54

Hat Trick Productions closes its comedy entertainment division. What does it mean for the future of TV comedy when one of the biggest British successes has to shutter its operations? Media news and analysis with Press Gazette reporter Charlotte Tobitt and Head Of Podcasts at Carver PR Becca Newson. Also on the programme: the Washington Post nab ano…

1
S2 Ep. 16 - Interracial Dating, Megan Knees, Sleep Divorce and Ozempic 36:24

1M ago36:24

36:24

Today we have Nicole with us to talk about interracial dating and what her personal experience has been like. We're also chatting about random topics like, Megan Thee Stallion’s "Megan knees", sleep divorce, the confusion about Hailey Bieber’s dad, body image and the Ozempic phenomenon. Tune in to "Friends Without Benefits" for a perfect blend of h…

1
Election '24: Debates, Lineups & Scheduling Woes 34:47

2M ago34:47

34:47

It’s the election that’s caught the media on the hop - Matt Deegan takes a look at the challenges ahead for broadcasters and publishers with guests TV Critic Rhianna Dhillon and former Director of Programmes for BBC News, now at Coulson Partners, Katy Searle. Also on the programme: The Evening Standard is to go weekly. Why? And can it follow the In…

1
S2 Ep. 15 - Dale's Dating Adventures Part 129378 46:04

2M ago46:04

46:04

There is never a dull moment in Dale's dating life and Rachel loves to dissect it. The drama is always excellent - chef's kiss. Enjoy this lighthearted episode about everyday life with a dash of introspection. Contact Rachel Sobel: Email: rachel@whineandcheezits.com Website: www.whineandcheezits.com Facebook: Whine and Cheez - its by Rachel Sobel I…

1
Kyle & Jackie O: Make Up Your Own Mind... 40:56

2M ago40:56

40:56

Why is Australian radio so risqué? Matt Deegan welcomes Craig Bruce, who launched Kyle and Jackie O's First Breakfast Show before becoming head of content for SCA and a radio consultant. We also talk to James Corden's podcast producer, Geoff Jein, who started out at BBC Radio 2 before moving to Perth to work on breakfast radio. Standby for lessons …

1
S2 Ep. 14 - Dale is Getting Vulnerable Today 35:24

2M ago35:24

35:24

This is a little bit of a different episode for Rachel and Dale. Since many of us have aging parents, Dale is getting vulnerable about his own experience right now with his own mother. So, today, they are peeling back the curtain on a topic close to their hearts: the nuanced dance of family dynamics as parents age. This episode is a tapestry of per…

1
It’s A (Commercial) Radio Golden Age 39:32

2M ago39:32

39:32

We decamp to Bauer’s shiny new studios in Euston to unpick the latest RAJAR listening figures and glean why commercial radio is on the up. Media news and analysis, with guests radio exec Paul Sylvester (Absolute Radio) and broadcast consultant Paul Robinson. Also on the programme: publishers take aim at the BBC’s podcast ad plans, why working class…

1
S2 Ep. 13 - Tom Brady Roast, Taylor Swift's Explicit Era, And Being Charitable 37:05

2M ago37:05

37:05

Welcome back to Friends Without Benefits! In this episode, Rachel and Dale reunite in a stunning Fort Lauderdale mansion (628 Coral Way to be exact), sponsored by Courtney Ortiz from Fidelity Real Estate. Join them as they dive into the hilariously cringe-worthy Tom Brady roast on Netflix, exploring the best and worst moments. They discuss the surp…

1
Where Now For Disney+? Plus awards fever from BAFTAs & ARIAs 42:31

2M ago42:31

42:31

After a BBC-dominated ARIAs and with the BAFTA TV awards just around the corner, Matt Deegan is joined by host of Countdown to The BAFTAs, Alex Zane and media writer Caroline Frost to take us through it all. Also on the programme: Sky Sports cross the rubicon and broadcast 3pm matches. Disney+ looks to do fewer things better - so where are they put…

1
Forget PR... Does The Media Need Better HR? 37:16

3M ago37:16

37:16

After difficult weeks for the BBC and Global, we look at why looking after your talent may help your reputation. Media news and analysis with Matt Deegan and guests media writer Maggie Brown and Deadline’s International Investigations Editor Jake Kanter. Also on the programme: as US newspapers take OpenAI to court, we look at what the Financial Tim…

1
S2 Ep. 12: The "Babygirl" Vibe, Savannah Bananas and TikTok Trends 30:16

2M ago30:16

30:16

Our latest episode covers a lot of ground! From the evolving landscape of masculinity, exploring the "baby girl vibe" trend to our love for the Harlem Globetrotters of Baseball - The Savannah Bananas, we have a lot to say as usual. Sit back, relax, and join Rachel and Dale for another weekly download sesh on lifestyle topics, TikTok trends, human b…

1
The BAFTAs are coming... 55:11

3M ago55:11

55:11

The BAFTA TV Awards are coming... and we thought we'd share this fascinating new podcast from BAFTA that explores the nominees. It's calles Countdown To The BAFTAs, and it's made by the producers of The Media Podcast (and has a few familar voices in it too). Alex Zane is your host - in this episode he reveals the documentaries in contention - what …

1
Get ready for the podcast election 45:36

3M ago45:36

45:36

As broadcasters begin to announce their lineups, what will Ofcom do about Nigel Farage? Media news and analysis, this week with media writer and chair of Broadcasting Press Guild Manori Ravindran and The Media Leader’s Ella Sagar. Also on the programme: we’re in Bristol for the Creative Cities Convention and hear reasons to be cheerful from broadca…

1
S2 Ep. 11: Online antics, Canceled Celebrities and TikTok Scandals 41:16

3M ago41:16

41:16

Join us for our latest episode, where we dive into the absurdities of everything that happens online. Laugh along as we share tales of podcast stardom in Dubai all while questioning why we're not cool enough for those glamorous press trips. From dating blunders to the marriage prospects of conjoined twins, we serve up a buffet of bizarre topics wit…

1
A Factual Funding Crisis & Joe Lycett's Churnalism 41:10

3M ago41:10

41:10

The BBC has been criticised this week by MPs for their plans to move production across the UK in a project, the broadcaster calls 'Across the UK'. The corporation are also planning on introducing performance related pay for some of it's top talent. Media news and analysis, with host Matt Deegan, Gold Walla's MD Faraz Osman and Kimberly Godbolt co-f…

1
S2 Ep. 10: Reality TV Tea and We Play a Few Rounds of FMK 36:34

3M ago36:34

36:34

Today on Friends Without Benefits we dive into our monthly reality TV's recap with all the juiciest tea and behind-the-scenes drama. Then, get ready for some armchair psychoanalysis as we unravel the love triangles and redemption arcs of our favorite reality stars. Brace yourself for a hilarious game of "Eff, Marry, Kill" with TV's biggest names. W…

1
Special: How To Prepare For A General Election 30:04

3M ago30:04

30:04

Execs from several newsrooms come together to debate how to cover the next general election in this brave new world of AI, deep fakes and partial broadcasting. Media news and analysis with Matt Deegan. We speak to Sam Woodhouse, the BBC’s Election Night Editor about the updates coming to the broadcaster’s coverage - and why some new technologies ar…

1
S2 Ep. 9: Platonic Bonds, Snowbird Exodus and The Drake Concert Incident 34:07

3M ago34:07

34:07

Ever found yourself in the friend zone and wondered if that was the best place to be? Join Rachel and me, Dale, as we laugh our way through the nuances of platonic friendships and the benefits they bring to our lives in "Friends Without Benefits." We'll take you behind the scenes of our unbreakable bond, share the highs of hosting for the Miami Hea…

1
C4 Scopes In-House Production, BBC In Flux, MIPTV London 41:50

4M ago41:50

41:50

How does Channel 4 plan to run its own production arm? And how long does the BBC have in its current form? Matt Deegan is joined by Dr Jon Wardle (NFTS) and broadcast consultant Ann Charles to digest the week’s media news. Also on the programme: when the local radio market fails, can community radio fill the gap? Trevor Dann reports from Whitehall.…

1
S2 Ep. 8: Opulent Estates, Age Gap Relationships and Biscoff Cookie Obsessions 38:34

4M ago38:34

38:34

Have you ever been mistaken for a celebrity? Well, we spark a hilarious debate about who we apparently mirror in the world of fame and fortune. We also dig into age-gap relationships, inspired by the scrutiny surrounding Kristin Cavallari's love life. We're ripping apart double standards and pondering emotional maturity, all while Rachel cannot rel…

1
Live in LA! Podcast Movement: Evolutions 2024 28:05

4M ago28:05

28:05

Matt Deegan is in LA this week for this annual podcast industry event, talking to the great and good of the US podcast scene. Tom Webster discusses the need to persuade media buyers that podcasting is the safest bet in marketing; James Cridland returns for some updates to Spotify... and podcaster Sangeeta Pilai discusses how her focus on US audienc…

1
S2 Ep. 7: From Hair Woes to Fashion Shows and the Tastiest Charcuterie Challenges 29:27

4M ago29:27

29:27

Join us for a hilarious hair-raising adventure as we delve into Dale's people-pleasing habits related to his barbers. This comedic chapter promises laughs as we attempt to untangle the chaos of his styling escapades. We also delve into the high-stakes world of celebrity publicists and what they must have to endure. From DJ Khaled's sneaker branding…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Strictly Debatable Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide