Best Literary Humour Podcasts (2025)

1
Why We Can't Avoid Making JUDGMENTS—And Why That's a Great Thing! 14:14

1d ago14:14

14:14

So as we all know, there’s the popular or cliched idea that we should be “nonjudgmental”. But by and large, I don’t think that’s right!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Adorno on Animals - "The degradation of a creature to the status of a mere thing" 15:15

3d ago15:15

15:15

The philosopher Theodor Adorno lays a powerful groundwork for thinking ethically about animals! Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Humour as Social Critique - Let's keep LAUGHING at POWER! 15:48

5d ago15:48

15:48

Humour can have real revolutionary force! Ask the philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin. Let's keep laughing at the powerful. It will work!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Heidegger - The death of the LOVE LETTER in the time of the digital message! 14:08

10d ago14:08

14:08

The love letter has become an extinct species! This is a symptom of a much larger problem - at least according to Heidegger!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Miles Davis - Why LESS IS MORE! 14:21

10d ago14:21

14:21

In our world of more and faster and louder, we might do well to remember that less is often more! Just ask Miles!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Tolstoy vs. Dostoevsky - Some major DIFFERENCES! 17:51

10d ago17:51

17:51

These giants of literature, they're often viewed as similar from afar. But they're not. Especially when it comes to how they see the human soul and the road to salvation!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Buddhism and NON-ATTACHMENT - Some Objections! 16:20

19d ago16:20

16:20

Is human well-being and flourishing really all about detachment? I would argue, no!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Dirty Stupid Wisdom podcast with Ben Keaton Trailer 1:14

21d ago1:14

1:14

Send us a text I'm delighted to announce that my podcast Dirty Stupid Wisdom will be out shortly. This is a collection of essays I've been writing for a few years now. Each one is funny and broken. I'm trying to make sense of the world but the more I look at life, the less sense it makes. You can subscribe now and be in the front seat for the launc…

1
Byung-Chul Han and Plato on the POWER of BEAUTY! 11:20

24d ago11:20

11:20

Modern beauty has become tepid and smooth. It lacks the depth and friction and power of genuine beauty! Or so say Han and Plato!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
What does it mean to be a GOOD FATHER? 14:15

24d ago14:15

14:15

Inspired by Gabriel Marcel and Martin Buber, I argue that being a good father requires the invisible labor of presence.By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Foucault and Kierkegaard - Where the heck has YOUTHFUL REBELLION gone? 19:22

30d ago19:22

19:22

When I was growing up teenage rebellion seemed to be everywhere! Where is it now? At the heart of this decline: social media and technology!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Simone De Beauvoir and Hannah Arendt - A Happiness of ENGAGEMENT! 13:15

1M ago13:15

13:15

De Beauvoir and Arendt both argue against passive forms of happiness! Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Socrates - Power and Stupidity: A Destructive Combination! 13:50

1M ago13:50

13:50

Socrates argues that ignorance is the worst of all evils! Especially in the service of power! Ring any bells today?By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Pascal and Kierkegaard on the SUPERFICIAL LIFE - Owning up to one's SELF! 14:42

1M ago14:42

14:42

One could argue that we live more superficially than ever before. Pascal and Kierkegaard are particularly relevant here!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
BONUS EPISODE: Your dating questions answered… 41:49

1M ago41:49

41:49

For this bonus episode, Elizabeth and Mel open up the post bag to answer the burning questions YOU have when it comes to dating… And, let’s just say, we cover A LOT of ground. After you’ve listened, you can get all the resources and worksheets discussed at www.thepodclass.co.uk Mel and Elizabeth are on a mission to revolutionise the world of dating…

1
Why Plato wrote dialogues - Let's bring back the power of real conversation! 13:35

1M ago13:35

13:35

Plato chose not to write essays. He wrote dialogues instead. Why? And how is this relevant for us today? Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
The Myth of Icarus and Daedalus - Melting the wings of our children! 19:26

2M ago19:26

19:26

I think this ancient myth is more relevant today than ever before! Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
The most important relationship you’ll ever have 59:48

2M ago59:48

59:48

For the final episode of How To Date (sob!) Mel and Elizabeth look at the most important relationships any of us can have in our lives: the one with ourselves. We unpack what this means in practical terms. How do we nurture a healthy sense of self-respect - and why can this sometimes feel so challenging? How can we ensure interdependence rather tha…

1
Nietzsche - DECADENT Culture! 12:23

2M ago12:23

12:23

According to Nietzsche, cultures can be healthy or decadent. How do we see the culture today?By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
How to cope with heartbreak and rejection 46:43

2M ago46:43

46:43

Elizabeth and Mel face one of the most challenging parts of dating: heartbreak and rejection. We are joined by life coach and author Michelle Elman who went through a devastating, public break-up after being notified via an Instagram DM that her fiance of 24-hours had been cheating on her. Michelle, Mel and Elizabeth explore the impact an experienc…

1
Erich Fromm - Submission to Authoritarianism! 19:20

2M ago19:20

19:20

The psychologist Erich Fromm argues that we tend to willingly submit to authoritarianism! Relevant today?By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Taking it to the next level 51:15

2M ago51:15

51:15

Things are going well… So Elizabeth and Mel are taking it to the next level where they are getting just that little bit more serious. In this episode, Mel and Elizabeth look at exclusivity and commitment and what it takes to build a strong foundation for a lasting relationship. Plus: how a partner’s past plays into your future together. After you’v…

1
Carl Jung - UFOs and their PSYCHIC SIGNIFICANCE! 13:32

2M ago13:32

13:32

Carl Jung believed that UFOs have their basis in a vital psychic need! Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Camus's The Rebel - Helping us to find MEASURE in a time of EXTREMES! 14:47

2M ago14:47

14:47

What Camus has to say in The Rebel is very relevant to our current trend towards absolutist and binary thinking!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Red and Green Flags 59:04

2M ago59:04

59:04

Mel and Elizabeth look at the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that can help us understand whether a potential partner is right for us. That’s right, we’re exploring the red flags that should have us running for the hills, the green flags that signpost a healthy relationship and the amber or pink ones that lie somewhere in-between. We are joined by…

1
The Cult of Personality and CEO worship! 15:08

2M ago15:08

15:08

Scary times...By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
#66 - The fascinating history of the National symbols of France 25:03

3M ago25:03

25:03

Dive into the rich tapestry of France’s national symbols. From the revolutionary Tricolore to the stirring La Marseillaise, the iconic Marianne, and even the Gallic rooster (which has a curious tale!), this episode is a fun and informative journey through the emblems that define French identity. Perfect for Francophiles and history buffs alike! Fol…

1
Communication - dating dos and don’ts 55:25

3M ago55:25

55:25

The first date has gone well for Elizabeth and Mel (the chemistry was sizzling, quite frankly) so now we turn our attention to the murky waters of early-stage communication in dating. Psychotherapist, author and podcaster Emma Reed-Turrell joins Elizabeth and Mel this week to break down how to communicate with clarity and kindness, without ever los…

1
Kierkegaard - We've forgotten how to exist! Passion in the age of apathy! 13:09

3M ago13:09

13:09

Kierkegaard spends a lot of time talking about the connection between existence and passion! We'd do well to listen to him!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
The first date 54:22

3M ago54:22

54:22

Mel and Elizabeth continue their dating journey and today, we’ve reached one of the most nerve-wracking, yet potentially thrilling, milestones: the first date. Our guest is the fabulous Ryan Lanji, cultural producer, winner of Netflix’s Big Flower Fight and all-round icon. Ryan joins us to break down everything from the lead-up to the date, how to …

1
Dostoevsky - Kiss the earth! Why the soil matters! 15:09

3M ago15:09

15:09

The archetype of the earth is crucial for understanding Dostoevsky's view! Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
#65 - A to Z of the Icons of France 30:04

3M ago30:04

30:04

A crash course in French culture—with a side of charm, a dash of humour, and a ton of fascinating facts. Join a delightful, alphabet-inspired tour of everything that makes France iconic. From apéritifs to the Eiffel Tower, baguettes to haute couture, this episode is packed with fun facts, cultural insights and fascinating titbits about French icons…

1
How to meet someone 53:56

3M ago53:56

53:56

Elizabeth and Mel get into the exciting, terrifying and sometimes overwhelming world of how on earth to meet someone. We discuss online dating and IRL encounters and how to navigate it all without losing our self-esteem. Our guest this week is the brilliant Sharmaine Lovegrove, whom many of you might already know as one of the hosts of our previous…

1
Byung-Chul Han and Aristotle - Why real friends shouldn't be afraid of conflict! 15:12

3M ago15:12

15:12

As friends we gratify and pamper too much, or so these philosophers say! Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
The Beat Writers - If it ain't got that swing, it don't mean a thing! 20:52

3M ago20:52

20:52

The Beats were a group of poets and writers who emerged after WWII. What was their philosophy all about? Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
What time is it? - Chronos vs. Kairos! 14:29

3M ago14:29

14:29

The Ancient Greeks had two words for time - chronos and kairos. What is this distinction and how might it be important for us today? Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Am I ready to date? 52:01

3M ago52:01

52:01

Elizabeth and Mel look at one of the most important yet daunting questions: “Am I ready to date?” Whether you’re returning to the dating world after divorce, heartbreak, loss or simply wondering if it’s the right time to put yourself out there, this episode explores what it really means to be ‘date ready’. After you’ve listened, you can get all the…

1
#64 - A literary tour of Paris 26:14

3M ago26:14

26:14

In which we delve into the lives of some seriously famous authors who thought "You know what would make me a better writer? Moving to France and especially Paris!" Paris has been the playground of some of the true literary greats, from Ernest Hemingway to Oscar Wilde. Today, we’ll explore why France had such a magnetic pull for these writers, what …

1
Introducing...How to Date 2:20

3M ago2:20

2:20

From Elizabeth Day, the creator and host of How To Fail, comes the next podclass (podcast masterclass) How To Date. Hosted by Elizabeth Day and Married At First Sight relationship expert Mel Schilling the duo are here to help you navigate your way through modern dating. With fascinating guests and candid discussion, we explore building confidence a…

1
Why the death of Socrates matters! 21:49

4M ago21:49

21:49

Apart from the death of Jesus, no death has been discussed more than that of Socrates. And for very good reasons! Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
#63 - Celebration Days of France! 29:19

4M ago29:19

29:19

Celebrate the charm and cheer of French holidays and festivals. From the grandeur of Bastille Day fireworks to the sweet romance of Valentine's Day, we're going to dive into what makes France truly unique. We’ll talk about the main national holidays, and some of the celebrations that are not so well known outside of France and some celebrations and…

1
Selflessness as the antidote to death! 15:36

4M ago15:36

15:36

How do we take the sting off of death? How about a little less ego, a little more selflessness! Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Kant's "What is Enlightenment?" - Emancipate your thinking! 13:13

4M ago13:13

13:13

Dare to know and think! This was Kant's calling in his famous 1784 essay "What is Enlightenment?" Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
The Delphic Injunction - KNOW THYSELF! 16:34

4M ago16:34

16:34

The words “know thyself” were carved into stone at the entrance to the revered temple of Apollo at Delphi in Greece. What does it mean? Well, the Greek playwright Sophocles and the philosopher Socrates interpret it in their own way!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Bertrand Russell - Why I am not a Christian 22:27

5M ago22:27

22:27

In 1927 the philosopher Bertrand Russell gave a lecture called Why I am not a Christian. Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
#62 - Crêpes, Kings & Carnivals: France’s fabulous Winter Festivities 20:04

5M ago20:04

20:04

Join Janine and Oli for a deliciously fun dive into France’s winter celebrations! From the regal galette des rois of Epiphany to the crêpe-flipping madness of La Chandeleur, and the glittering parades of Carnival, they unpack the traditions, food, and humour of France’s January-March festivities. Expect plenty of laughs, cultural nuggets, and some …

1
Dostoevsky and Heidegger - How to escape the algorithm! 17:39

5M ago17:39

17:39

Both Dostoevsky and Heidegger, in their own way, look for ways to salvage some deeper meaning and experience in the midst of our increasingly technological and rational-scientific world! Find out more!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
Cormac McCarthy's The Road - Each the other's world entire! 33:48

5M ago33:48

33:48

One of the most emotionally powerful novels ever written! A father and son try to make their way across a post-apocalyptic America trying to get to a better place.By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

1
#61 - The most fabulous Christmas markets and festivals of France 26:08

5M ago26:08

26:08

Let us whisk you away with us to France to find out about the most wonderful Christmas markets from the oldest and the biggest to the most magical. Plus discover the most fabulous festive events from the quirkiest, turkey-est Festival held in northern France to Lyon’s Festival of Lights and Nancy’s unique take on a Christmas story. Fun facts, fasci…

1
Byung-Chul Han and Gabriel Marcel on Hope! 18:15

6M ago18:15

18:15

Is there anything more important than hope, especially today? These two profound philosophers have lots to say about this!By Kristian Urstad and Stephen Webb

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