Meet the Podcaster: The News Diet

We’re catching up with the sharp, funny minds behind The News Diet, a weekly podcast that turns the biggest stories of the week into 40-minute listens that are smart, entertaining, and seriously digestible. We sat down with the hosts Annabel and Nicole to hear how they’re serving up politics, culture, and trending topics with wit and clarity, and why their show is striking a chord with Gen Zs and Millennials.

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Interview with The News Diet

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Acast: For anyone who hasn’t heard The News Diet yet, how would you describe it and why should people add it to their podcast platter?

TND: It’s making the news tasty! In an era of intense news fatigue, we really just want to get people back engaged with what’s going on beyond the headlines. Hosted by us -  two journalists in their late twenties - this weekly podcast breaks down the biggest stories in 40 digestible minutes. Think Rory and Alistair but with better hair.
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Acast: You both worked at one of the UK’s leading newspaper publishers The Times along with other news outlets, what inspired you to set up an independent news podcast?

TND: A colleague noticed we had very natural chemistry, particularly when discussing the news, and encouraged us to explore the world of podcasts. And here we are! In all seriousness, we have both felt for a long time that our generation hasn’t been understood when it comes to current affairs — and no one understands a generation better than two people that belong in it. We both realised that, although there are plenty of news podcasts out there, none of them are the kind we’d like to put on when making supper or for a post-work walk around the park. Even in a saturated market, we felt there was a News Diet-shaped gap — something genuinely digestible, informal and fun.
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Acast: You cover everything from UK politics and global affairs to culture and viral trends. How do you decide what makes the cut each week?

TND: We basically just go back through our voice notes. It's important to us that the podcast remains authentic and we really do just head into the studio and unpack everything that’s caught our attention that week. 
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Acast: How do you strike the balance between sharp analysis and keeping things entertaining — especially when the news gets heavy?

TND: It’s no secret that the news is often pretty bleak. There have been many times when we’ve chatted to each other about current affairs that have got us down but, as is the British way, we always turn to humour to help us cope. We always make an effort to balance the light and shade. But most of the time we just look at each topic and unpick who the heroes, scoundrels, rogues, and village idiots are… and take it from there. 
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Acast: Gen Z and Millennials are turning to TikTok and YouTube instead of TV and newspapers for news. What do you think podcasts offer that those platforms can’t?

TND: When we came up with the concept of this podcast we were both working at a famous broadsheet. It became clear to us that there is a huge disconnect both between what the younger generations actually want to consume and what traditional outlets think they want to consume. Social platforms and newspapers have their place in the media landscape, but most young people just want to be informed without being patronised and, as the pendulum has begun swinging away from ultra-fast consumption, they also want an experience they can really tuck into.
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Acast: What kind of feedback have you had from listeners so far?

TND: We already have such an incredible community of listeners who have been so generous with our feedback. The most consistent feedback has been an appreciation for our ability to make the high brow topics fun and engaging to listen to. Oh, and probably our favourite comment to date was from a self-proclaimed “fussy” listener who said she loves our podcast which is a high praise because she usually finds everyone “annoying”. We were practically bouncing off the walls.
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Acast: You record the podcast in Amazon Music Studio at Acast Studios London — how important was access to facilities like this when launching your show? And how have you used video so far?

TND: It has been incredible to have access to the Amazon Music Studio. We are both trained as radio journalists so it is a bit of a home away from home sitting in a studio again. When it comes to video, it has been brilliant being able to offer our social following a bit more insight into our conversations…even if we occasionally forget we’re on camera!
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Acast: What are you manifesting for The News Diet? Where would you like to take it and any ambitions for the pod?

TND: We are always daydreaming about doing live shows! It’s always been a goal of ours to take the podcast on the road and chat about the news over a glass of vino with anyone who’s interested. They say the news never stops — so we’ll never be short on content!

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Quick fire round

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Give your two truths and a lie

Annabel: Ed Sheeran improvised a rap about my nickname (true), my dad is a professional golfer (true) and I’m allergic to chillies (lie)

Nicole: One of the first stories I wrote was about a bald guinea pig, I'm addicted to pickles and my dad is a pilot.

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What style tips would you give to Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell?

Annabel: Lean into your colour palettes. Rory rocks blue and Alistair looks great in red. Hang on a second…

Nicole: More feathers and a little sparkle on the cheeks - but make it biodegradable. 

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One word to describe each other?

Annabel: Charli 

Nicole: Taylor

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Most-used emoji?

Annabel: 🤗(jazz hands or hug - you decide)

Nicole: 🥲(still not sure what it means but low key love it) 

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The one phrase in politics you never want to hear again?

Annabel: Brexit

Nicole: Fantasy economics

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Coffee order before a recording session?

Annabel: Oat cap

Nicole: Oat flat white 

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What’s your TikTok/Instagram algorithm constantly showing you right now?

Annabel: Kate Middleton style breakdowns and premature wedding content 

Nicole: Bethenny Frankel’s unhinged snack videos (iykyk) and cooking content

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Follow and listen to The News Diet wherever you listen to your podcasts.