podcasts | Zikoko!

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When we think of ways to entertain ourselves, one of the first things that comes to mind is scrolling through social media. After all, we’ve never been as connected as we are today thanks to it!

But apart from letting us contact loved ones and entertain ourselves, it often also presents a constant barrage of information that may be unwanted. So, for those looking for a reprieve from real life… it might be time to explore something else to help you unwind!

Gaming

As per the latest data, there are currently over three billion gamers globally. That means it’s one of the most widespread hobbies. And one of the reasons why the number of gamers is rising is its incredible ability to aid people looking to escape their real-world troubles!

Browser Games

Not everyone is willing to invest in a gaming device to play games, especially if they’re not avid players. But browser games may change your mind without forcing you to fully commit to the hobby. These games allow you to play directly from your web browser and are typically far less demanding when it comes to both performance and storage.

With browser games, you don’t have to sacrifice anything, including variety, as you’ll have plenty of options to explore. As an example, we’ll be taking a look at online casinos, which offer a solid library of games.

For those who have never accessed such platforms before, these sites offer digitized casino games like blackjack. As long as you have an internet connection, you’ll be able to access the available options regardless of your location. This means that you can play games like online blackjack in Canada or Nigeria or any other corner of the world you may want to. This lack of geographical barriers allows more people to enjoy online blackjack, among other casino games, and it introduces the genre to more modern generations.

And the digitized variant of blackjack follows the same concept as its analog variant. Here, you play against the dealer, trying to get as close to 21 as possible without going bust.

Even under this one category of card games, you’ll find a wide range of options. For those who want to play something more traditional, they can go with Classic Blackjack, while those who want to try out something with more of a twist may find Zappit Blackjack to be more suitable. There’s also the option to go for a game of live dealer blackjack with a real human host for a hyper-realistic experience.

To add to the above, thanks to advancements made in mobile gaming, you also get the chance to play on your smartphone or tablet. This makes it a more accessible option compared to video games, although they do still have plenty of pros that outweigh this con.

Video Games

This category of games is better suited for those who own consoles or a gaming PC. The investment in such devices will be rewarded accordingly with some pretty stellar options.

If you’re using a PC, your best bet would be to install a video game distribution app like Steam, while console users will have access to a store available directly on their device, no installation or research required.

The games you’ll find will vary from indie gems to major AAA titles, ensuring there’s something for everyone. One great option from the former category would be Undertale; as for the latter, we’d highly recommend checking out Divinity Original Sin 2.

Streaming Services

Streaming services have been a game changer when it comes to how we consume media. And this is yet another fantastic way to stave off boredom and immerse yourself in something new.

TV Shows and Movies

One of the most popular platforms available to date is Netflix, and for good reason. Here you can find anything from Hollywood TV shows to international releases like movies produced by Nollywood.

And there is plenty of competition that has fueled the industry to produce some spectacular movies and shows. Namely, Disney+ and Amazon Prime have been giving Netflix the run for its money.

You also have the option to enjoy independent platforms like Dropout. This streaming service focuses on improv comedy along with live play, catering to a more niche group of people.

Podcasts

To round this off, we have to mention podcasts. They can usually be found on specific apps, along with music streaming platforms like YouTube Music and Spotify. And this option features just as much variety as the aforementioned ones.

For instance, if you’re a fan of sports like baseball, you can easily locate a podcast that will regale you with the latest and greatest about teams like the Toronto Blue Jays. These will usually discuss in depth how the team is doing along with predictions regarding future matches.

Many times, you’ll also find that these podcasters also post on YouTube, offering a more visual alternative. Of course, the choice is completely yours if you want to stick to a more aural experience or not.

Conclusion

There’s something comforting about acknowledging the fact that regardless of where you are, there’s a whole world of fun just a click away. So, if you need some time off from the hubbub of reality, make sure to check out one of our top suggestions.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the I Said What I Said (ISWIS) podcast, a curious newcomer or someone who’s never even heard of it (seriously, where have you been?), this list is for you.

Hosted by best friends, Feyikemi “FK” Abudu and Jola Ayeye, ISWIS delivers raw and hilarious conversations about friendship, love, money and everything in between. With their signature brand of humour and honesty, a typical ISWIS episode finds FK and Jola breaking down life’s highs and lows — usually joined by special guests with fresh perspectives. The show also features their beloved “Agony Aunt” segment, where they tackle listener-submitted dilemmas with wisdom and chaos.

After a long, long break, the podcast is finally back for season seven, and there’s no better time to dive in. So whether you’re a longtime listener or looking for the perfect starting point, here are the 10 best I Said What I Said episodes that capture the magic of the show.

10. The “I Love This Game” episode (with Patrice Evra)

Securing the final spot on my list was not easy — there were so many standout episodes to choose from. But in the end, this one edged out the competition. And if you know Patrice Evra, you’ll understand why.

Since his retirement from football, Patrice Evra has been about positivity, kindness, fun, and an enviable renewed passion for life. In this episode of the pod, he brought that fun energy with him, connected with the girls, talked about the game of football (of course), and answered questions sent in by fans of the show. You’ll love it.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

9. The “Just Keep Calling” episode (with Falz TheBahdGuy)

The fact that this episode lands at number 9 — even with Falz dropping gems — just shows how stacked this list is.

The first thing I loved about this episode? Obviously, Falz! The second? The conversation covered everything — from the economy to marriage, masturbation, parental expectations, and even holding lawmakers accountable. It was engaging, insightful and just very funny.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

8. The “Bad Bitch on Vibes” episode (with Ashley Okoli)

What I expected to love about this episode was the fact that it featured badass fashion girlie, Ashley Okoli, talking about her rise as a DIY fashionista.

What ended up winning me over was her raw, honest conversation about being the first daughter of a mother who was married off at 18 and her mother’s journey to liberation. Honestly, ranking it at number eight almost feels like a betrayal.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

7. The “All for Mama” episode (with Soji)

This episode sits proudly at my number seven spot because it was an instant favourite, and for good reason. Soji, a name FK and Jola drop in almost every episode, finally came on, and it was lovely to put a voice to all the fun stories.

I know my reason smells like nepotism, but Soji brought his A game — he turned out to be even more fun than the hosts had always described. During the show, he vibed and joked with the girls, talked about the uniqueness of his career as a wedding hypeman and chipped in on the dilemmas of the day. I definitely see why the hosts like him, and I’d vote for him as a returning guest.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

6. The “Papa Lolo” episode (with Chigul)

If there’s one thing this episode guarantees, it’s nonstop laughter and pure entertainment from start to finish. And honestly, that’s no surprise when the guest is none other than comedian and actress, Chigul.

They started off by recounting the events of a mutual friend’s wedding (Youtuber Dimma Umeh), which they all attended. Then Chigul hilariously chatted about evil Lagos landlords, terrible house agents, her dating life, and her desire for an older romantic partner (Papa Lolo). The dilemmas in this episode were also spicy, and Chigul’s takes were fire.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

5. The “Agony Aunt” episode (with Taymesan)

I can’t decide if my favourite thing about my number five pick was the listener who genuinely feared she might be a witch, or Taymesan’s iconic response: “Are we not all witches?”

This Agony Aunt episode featuring actor and fellow podcaster, Taymesan was pure gold. From the wild, hilarious dilemmas sent in by listeners to his sharp, witty responses delivered in delightful Warri-Pidgin, every moment was a treat. Honestly, ask me in a couple of weeks, and I might have moved this episode into my top 3.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

4. The “Gbegborun Mid-Year review” (part 2 with Harmony Adenipekun)

First of all, this episode only exists because the featured guest, Lawyer/luxury event planner Harmony Adenipekun and the hosts had so much fun talking that the original episode had to be split in two. And I’m so glad it was.

Part two of the Gbegborun mid-year review was just as fun as the first. They had a refreshingly honest conversation about their religious beliefs and their personal journeys with God.

They also talked about other aspects of their lives, and in the usual Jola and FK fashion, the conversation was effortlessly entertaining.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

3. The ‘Gbegborun mid-year review’ (part 1 with Harmony Adenipekun)

FK and Jola are typically in sync with their guests, but their chemistry with Harmony Adenipekun was literally harmonious (pun very much intended).

As a mid-year review of their lives, the conversation covered everything — from the serere around Lagos’ big weddings to the craziest dilemmas sent in by the listeners. And speaking of dilemmas, the most unhinged one? A dude who went through insane hurdles to secretly join his girlfriend’s all-female WhatsApp group chat.

The episode was so good, it had me digging through the archives for other episodes featuring Harmony. The chemistry was that great.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

2. The ‘Awaken the Tiger in You’ episode (with Tobi)

Whoever came up with the phrase “the truth is madder than fiction” must have had this guest in mind.

This episode marks the return of Tobi, a fan-favourite guest from a previous episode titled Fuji House of Commotion — which, trust me, is better than any Real Housewives franchise you’ve ever watched.

Tobi’s original story was so wild that listeners demanded FK and Jola bring him back. And in this sequel, he delivers again, narrating how his life took an even crazier turn after the death of his polygamous father. From moving in with his rich uncle to dealing with his wicked, stingy wife, Tobi’s life played out like a Nollywood drama.

This episode is so good that even the hosts consider it an all-time favourite.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

1. The ‘Fuji House of Commotion’ episode (with Tobi)

I honestly can’t think of a more deserving episode for my number one spot. It’s so good that I have replayed it multiple times.

The Fuji House of Commotion episode is about the drama surrounding the childhood and upbringing of the show’s guest, Tobi, who was born into polygamy.

I first listened to part two (because I was binging in reverse order), and it was so insane that I wondered if part one would live up to it. From the moment Tobi revealed that his father announced he was taking a second wife on the eve of his naming ceremony, I was hooked.

And that was just the beginning. The second wife? A salesgirl from a beer parlour his dad chills at. Oh, and she was pregnant at the same time Tobi was conceived. His dad even registered both women at the same maternity and had the owner swear never to tell them. And somehow, this isn’t even in the top seven wildest moments of the episode.

If you’re a newcomer to the pod, I recommend you start with this episode. Expect drama, chaos, and laughter — and then expect even more.

Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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Help us talk to inflation

Can you guys help us figure out why the price of a Toyota Corolla is now ₦4 million? If you can invite inflation for a podcast episode, we promise to dash you all the mics you want.

Becoming a millionaire’s side chic

So many people want to enter that line of business and need solid intel. Do it for the good of the community.

Speak to a male ashewo

What are the career prospects? How much do they earn? What is the work culture like? What are the barriers to entry? These are the important questions.

How to make money doing nothing

Nobody likes stress. It’ll be best if you help us figure out how to make money without doing anything, so we can live our best lives.

Sexual health

We all know people won’t stop committing sin. So, why not help us by talking about sexual health on your podcast, so we can make it to hell in good health?

How to get lucky

Some people don’t seem to have village people in this life. They stay winning, just cruising through life with ease and softness. Can’t you find them and tell them to share some secrets with the rest of the population?

How to spend ₦400k

Since podcasters love to settle every issue known to man, they should help us figure out the best way to spend ₦400k. It’s just a suggestion.

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Whether we like it or not, podcasts are the new it-girls of entertainment. Everyone you know is either hosting or listening to one. And while listening to someone talk about their life or experiences for over 10 minutes seems like a chore (and might give off main character syndrome on their part), podcasts seem to be working. But with everyone and their BFF dropping podcasts all over the interwebs, which ones are worth listening to?

I did a little digging (and listening), and these are the podcasts every Nigerian needs to get into ASAP. You’re welcome, by the way.

1. Mum’s Worst Day

Nicole Chikwe is hands down one of the funniest people on Beyonce’s internet. When she’s not dragging her husband and kids for shits and giggles, she’s making fun of herself while reminding us that she’s the most premium pie in Lagos. With all that energy and humour, I’m not surprised that Mum’s Worst Day slaps hard. In a time when women are finally getting the chance to talk about the difficulties of mothering, this podcast is an honest dive into what it means to be a millennial Nigerian mummy. I’m not even a mother (insert meme of Blanca from Pose), but I’m still obsessed with this podcast.

2. Tea with Tay

Taymesan found his way into our lives with his hilarious Instagram skits and that damn red mug, but guess what? He’s not done yet. Moving into the podcast space (with the red mug again), Taymesan uses his humour and sincerity to get big stars like Nancy Isime and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu to talk about their feelings. Tea with Tay is like listening in on someone’s therapy session, and I’m not going to lie, this podcast gives my inner amebo life!

3. Love Life

While we’re all complaining about fuel scarcity and the rising price of shawarma (yes, everyone with the one that is doing them), some people are out here finding love. Love, in this economy o! If you’re single and want to repeat “God, when?” until he answers you, then listen to Love Life. If you’re in a relationship and want to finally see that your own love is learning work, please listen to Love Life. This podcast reminds us that even in the midst of chaos, Nigerians will still find time to be doing romance up and down.

4. I Said What I Said

I Said What I Said shouldn’t even be on this list because you have to be living under Olumo rock not to have heard of it already. Hosted by the self-proclaimed dynamic duo of FK and Jola, I Said What I Said (ISWIS, if you’re nasty) has become an important part of Nigerian pop culture, reminding us that everyone in Nigeria is not alright, and that’s fine. From insightful conversations surrounding polygamy and queer rights to hilarious takes on Nigerian men and the government, ISWIS always gives what it’s supposed to give. ISWIS is the moment, and she is that girl.

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5. The Backstory

The Backstory is for history lovers, aka the guys who knew the car General Murtala Muhammed was driving when he was assassinated or the ones who know the name of all of Lord Lugard’s children. But seriously, history lover or not, The Backstory is an interesting podcast that will help you connect to the past in a fun way. Since they’ve refused to teach proper Nigerian history in schools, we might as well learn from podcasts.

6. Due Parenting

Nollywood actor Ibrahim Suleiman already told us how much he loves his son in this episode of Man Like. Still, since that declaration of love wasn’t enough, he started a podcast with his wife, Linda Ejiofor, and we’re here for it. Due Parenting offers a lot of backstory into what it means to be a parent these days. Everything here is as real as possible, from the cute “awww” stories to the “Do I really want a small human?” stories. So who wants to go half on a newborn?

7. How Far? With Mr. Eazi and Temi Otedola

Like my professor, Davido, once said, “Love is sweet o, but when money enter love is sweeter.” Honestly, that’s all I can say about How Far? With Mr. Eazi and Temi Otedola. Oh, to be rich and in love. Sweet stuff.

8. Menisms

When I heard two men were hosting a podcast, I immediately started having a headache in my stomach. Fortunately, Menism isn’t filled with the hot Nigerian man takes I was expecting. It finds its sweet spot by not taking itself too seriously, which works really well. Do you want to laugh about post-nut clarity or have an in depth conversation about consent? Anything you want, Menism will serve you with some gin and tonic. But quick question, as a Nigerian man, why are you listening to or hosting a podcast when your mates are out toiling the land and fighting wars?

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