We've been doing some thinking, and we have put together a little list of podcasts that will be a treat to your ears. During this lockdown, we may find ourselves at a loose-end, with the constant thought circulating of 'what is there to do?' – take the time to slow down, and create a space that is safe to you and learn while you listen to an epic podcast. We have compiled a list that covers all the bases; from crime to sex, surfing to secrets and everything in-between. No doubt this will help you stumble upon something you love. Most of the below can be found on Spotify or Apple Music – with a couple available on Stuff.co.nz, RNZ, and The New Zealand Herald.

Dying for Sex

When host Nikki Boyer's best friend Molly is diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, she decides to do something bold. She leaves an unhappy marriage and embarks on a series of sexual adventures to feel alive. This podcast will open your eyes to different ways people process grief and also many different ways others enjoy sex.

50-year Secret

New Year's Eve 1969. Nearly three weeks later her body was found under a bridge outside the tiny township of Haast. Now a Herald investigation has uncovered new evidence that could identify her killer. A great investigative podcast for those of you who enjoy, a good crime investigation.

Black Hands

If you're looking for a solid crime podcast, then this one is for you. This is the story of a mass-murder that divided a nation – a story that began in a rickety old home on a cold June morning in 1994, where five members of a seemingly ordinary New Zealand family were gunned down. There were two suspects. One lay dead from a single bullet to the head. The other was the only survivor: David Bain.

Shameless podcast

Shameless is a celebrity and pop culture podcast hosted by Melbourne journalists Zara McDonald and Michelle Andrews. Created "for smart women who love dumb stuff", Shameless delves into the pop culture stories of the week in every Monday episode.

Views David Dobrick

David Dobrik, a 23-year-old, sexy millionaire YouTuber and Jason Nash, a 40-something single dad with a vlog of his own, take you behind-the-scenes of their vlogs and show you what living the "YouTube life" is really like. It's a light-hearted podcast, perfect if you're a fan of Dobrick's vlogs; if you're unfamiliar with him, it's a great starter – you’ll soon be captivated.

Bobo and Flex

Bobo and Flex are on a quest to decolonise our minds, intersect our feminism, but most importantly, give us all the tools necessary to stay away from problematic boys! We will definitely know someone who needs to stay away from problematic boys. So, if this one's not for you pass it onto a mate.

She's on the Money

A money podcast that doesn't make you want to hit snoozeville (pop the prosecco)! She's on the Money is here to brighten up the pale, stale world of finance and help you to get money savvy! It's a podcast for anyone that has a desire to save their pennies for a rainy day.

Adulting

Oenone Forbat is trying to figure out all the things that we never got taught at school. She covers a multitude of topics, and every episode features someone new. Conversing with lots of people, she collates advice on how to do life better.

KIC POD

KIC POD is your weekly D&M on the stuff that matters. Hosted by Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, founders of Keep It Cleaner, an online fitness programme motivating thousands all over the world to live a happier and healthier life.

Confessions of a Surf Lady

Welcome to Confessions of a Surf Lady! A podcast by iaera surf; its a place where you can confess and openly share your thoughts and experiences as a woman on the water. They take anonymous confessions about different topics and discuss them on their show.

Ain't That Swell

"Ain't That Swell" is an irreverent surf podcast hosted by Jed Smith and Vaughan Blakey. Talking mainly about WSL (World Surf League), it will suit those of you that fizz a good wave and will transport you back to the days when we could be out there! Not long to go now!

The Dollop

The Dollop is a podcast hosted since April 2014 by American comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds. Each episode centres around an event or person from history selected for its humorousness or peculiarity.

My Dad Wrote a Porno

Imagine if your dad wrote a dirty book – we know some of our dads would be good at this.... In any case, most people would try to ignore it – but not Jamie Morton. Instead, he decided to read it to the world in this groundbreaking comedy podcast. With the help of his best mates, James Cooper and Alice Levine, Jamie reads a chapter a week and discovers more about his father than he ever bargained for.

No Such Thing as a Fish

A Podcast from the QI offices in which writers of the hit BBC show huddle around a microphone and discuss the best things they've found out this week; hosted by Dan Schreiber, James Harkin, Andrew Hunter Murray, and Anna Ptaszynski. Discussing all sorts of topics, the four hosts pick their favourite fact they learnt in the last seven days and unpack it.

White Silence – RNZ

On November 28, 1979, an airliner took off from Auckland Airport on a sightseeing trip to Antarctica. There were 257 people on board. Hours later, everyone was dead. Somehow, the plane had flown directly into the Erebus volcano. How could a plane just fly into a mountain? In White Silence, Michael Wright and Katy Gosset explore why New Zealand's deadliest disaster was also its most controversial; why a nation was incapable of moving on; and why it was captured by one famous phrase: 'an orchestrated litany of lies'.

White Silence

The Guilty Feminist

The Guilty Feminist is an award-winning podcast and live show hosted by Deborah Frances-White. The supportive and inclusive forum discusses the big topics that all 21st-century feminists agree on, whilst confessing the "buts" – the insecurities, hypocrisies, and fears that undermine feminisms lofty principles.

Taringa

Taringa is a bilingual podcast brought to you by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. They discuss ideas that are engaging and fun for all different ages. Added onto this, you learn more about Te Re Maori, which could be a skill you pick up over the lockdown period!

Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend

The fiery red-haired TV host hits the airwaves. After 25 years at the Late Night desk, Conan realised that the only people at his holiday party are the men and women who work for him. Over the years and despite thousands of interviews, Conan has never made a real and lasting friendship with any of his celebrity guests. So, he started a podcast to do just that.

Hamish and Andy

Australians Hamish and Andy came to fame after being recruited by Rove McManus to have a regular segment on Rove Live. Since then, they have had success together and individually on the screen and radio. They're back again with a hilarious series of Podcasts. Guaranteed to make you laugh, these are perfect for a walk around the block.

Podcasts to prick your little ears up