Answer Me This!

Helen Zaltzman and Olly Mann have been answering the world's questions since 2007, making this one of the longest-running Q&A podcasts in existence. Listeners send in whatever is bugging them -- practical conundrums, bizarre hypotheticals, things they could Google but would rather hear two witty Brits discuss -- and Helen and Olly tackle each one with a mix of genuine research and dry humor. The format feels refreshingly old-school in the best way. Sound engineer Martin the Soundman occasionally chimes in from behind the mixing desk, and custom jingles punctuate the segments. Episodes arrive every two weeks, with "Answer Us Back" feedback installments in between where listeners correct, expand on, or gleefully argue with previous answers. It creates this ongoing conversation between the hosts and their audience that most podcasts only pretend to have. What makes the show stand out after nearly two decades is how seriously Helen and Olly take the questions while never taking themselves too seriously. They will spend real time researching the science behind why your eyes water when you yawn, then pivot to a deeply silly tangent about Martin's lunch choices. The show has picked up awards along the way and maintained a strong 4.8 rating, which seems about right for something this consistently entertaining and informative.