The best podcasts for Video Games, Pop Culture & Comedy

This podcast covered the UK games show GamesMaster from episode one all the way through to its last episode in series seven. Not only is this podcast well written and interesting, but the hosts carry out their research well, and the influence it had on me was exceptional. there conversations on retro pop culture are always top-notch, bringing some things to my attention that I knew nothing about. This show is also well edited, which also influenced me in many ways. It made me realize how to host a podcast properly through the way the hosts speak, and it made me realize some mistakes I was making in the way I edited my show. This show also inspired me to create our "Ghostwatch" episode through their "Independence Day" episode.

The host, John, is an extremely thorough and engaging host here. His opinions on video games are interesting and thoughtful. He carries out reviews on indie and sometimes AAA video games in a way that most other podcasts wouldn't. What John does here in his shows is integrate music from the games he is talking about into the show, and this in turn inspired me to try and do something similar for my own show. I feel it really themes the episode, and as John's show does, it makes me feel a part of the game through its music.

Script Apart is hosted by Al Horner, and he talks to screenwriters about their first drafts of major films. It ends up being a fascinating listen to how some of our favorite films, from past to present, change from that first draft to the finished script. Terminator 2, Jurassic Park, and Groundhog Day are just some of the highlights from this podcast. Al himself is an engaging host who has a way of talking that just puts you at ease, and you feel yourself relaxing as he speaks, really settling you in for the conversation that lies ahead.

Cheapshow is a comedy podcast featuring Paul Gannon and Eli Silverman. The main hook is that they go to local charity shops and try to find bargains, which they will feature on the show. Along the way, they have created a barrage of characters that appear from time to time. It's loud; it's very crude; but most importantly, it's funny. Paul and Eli have tremendous chemistry between them that really shines through each episode, especially when they pretend to fight, as it can sometimes come across as serious, but you know it's just them being silly, and at the end of each show I always have the biggest smile. Although mostly it's just juvenile, fun humor, sometimes they can go serious and be very informative. I have actually learned some interesting things from listening to the show, from local information when they go on walks to what the best instant noodle is, which I now eat every time!

Seth and Eric host this Nintendo-themed podcast. Nintendo turned into an important company growing up, and I have always had a passion for their games. All N is my go-to Nintendo podcast, where I go to hear the latest news but also hear interesting features and interviews about Nintendo and indie games. Seth and Eric are very knowledgeable, not only about Nintendo but also about video games in general. The creativity they share also shines through the podcast and makes it a pleasure to listen to each week. The episodes can go quite long but it's certainly worth the commitment