The Naked Scientists aim to strip down science

One Life Left

You don’t have to be a videogame nerd to enjoy this gaming-themed podcast, which was originally conceived as a six-part series on arty London radio ­station Resonance FM and has recently celebrated its 100th episode. Fast-­quipping hosts Ste, Simon and Ann mix games-related interviews, news and reviews. Listen now

The Football Ramble

This podcast from 20-something pals Luke, Pete, Marcus and James started out in a kitchen, and has gone on to beat output from the BBC and the Guardian. They ­attribute their success to their honesty, coverage of less ­popular teams and the pranks they pull. “Once, after I’d got my hair cut,” James says, “we posted it to Chelsea CEO Peter Kenyon, saying it was a donation as we’d started a charity for the bald. He didn’t reply.” Listen now

Answer Me This!

The first homemade ­podcast to be nominated for a Sony – radio’s version of the Oscars – AMT! is the brainchild of Olly Mann, 27, and Helen Zaltzman, 28, who invite listeners to email ­questions on any subject, which they do their best to answer with the help of ­comedians such as Josie Long and Pappy’s Fan Club. Listen now

The Naked Scientists

Hosted by Cambridge ­University lecturer Chris Smith, this talk show ­promises to “strip down” ­science, and answer questions such as: “Why does toothpaste make food taste funny?” It’s been nominated for the World Podcast Awards three years running and guests have ­included Canadian hip-hop artist Baba Brinkman who performed the brilliant The Rap Guide to Evolution. Listen Now

Test Match Sofa

“We’re demo-cratising ­commentary,” says Tom Clark, one of the seven-strong team of cricket nuts who host an internet show best ­described as Test Match ­Special meets Fantasy Football. Subscribe for £1 a day or £10 a year to hear live irreverent ­commentary on the Ashes – the third Test of which starts Thursday – or download free podcasts. Listen now

Savage Love

Ex-The Onion columnist Dan Savage answers listeners’ ­outlandish sex and relationship problems in a dry, down-to-earth style that takes his callers seriously, but still has him saying things like: “I don’t ­understand, once he sticks his penis in you he turns into Dick Cheney or your grandmother?” Listen now

tothebone Radio

Cutting-edge house, disco and techno meets shambolic presenting and “bad jokes” in this monthly ­podcast with a loyal following. Listen now

Dotpod

This London-centric podcast takes in music, politics and interviews in a so-boho style. An ­interview with young cult writer Gwendoline Riley starts: “So, right, f*** it, we’re going straight into something about Hemingway.” Listen now

Resident Advisor

The original and still the best dance music ’cast. Listen now

Book Slam

The 18th episode of the Sony award-winning Book Slam podcast is a bumper ­one, featuring the creator of The Wire, David Simon, ­and live music from hip-hop ingenue Speech Debelle. Hosted by Patrick and Elliott. Listen now