Best Podcast of 2022

Screaming Meals: Redefining How We Consume Content

Design+and+graphics+by+Emily+Zhang+23+

Design and graphics by Emily Zhang ’23

I’m sure everyone has done it at some point: spent so long trying to pick out the perfect show, that once you’ve chosen it, there’s barely time for the actual content you’ve selected. And how could you not? There’s so much to choose from–mouth-watering mukbangs, infuriating Formula 1 races, captivating celebrity interviews, just to name a few of my favorites. 

If only there were something that combined all these elements so people would never have to endlessly scroll again. Oh wait–there is, and it’s the “Screaming Meals” podcast. 

Featuring Formula 2 racing driver and host Marcus Armstrong, along with co-hosts James Blair and Clément Novalak (another F2 driver), the “Screaming Meals” crew sit on ridiculously cozy-looking couches and invite a variety of guests from the motorsport world to discuss anything they want. These conversations are comedic gold: snarky, yet unexpectedly lighthearted for professional athletes.

The first thing that makes “Screaming Meals” so palatable is how consumable the content is, available for streaming on Spotify or viewing on YouTube; it can be listened to on the go or viewed like a TV show. 

The visual podcast, with picturesque lighting and overly formal outfits, rotates clips of the participants to make the audience feel like they’re sitting in the middle of a discussion between friends, or watching the ball bounce back and forth in a tennis match. 

However, the traditional audio hardly falls short; each host has an easily distinguishable accent (two Kiwis and a French-Swiss) that makes listening genuine fun. While it may seem like the crew is trying to tackle more than they can handle–really, sports, wine, food, and a talk show set up?–they never seem out of their depth, and that confidence makes the show all the more interesting. 

In “Clém’s Wine Corner,” a special segment for reviewing wine, Novalak expertly describes the best way to drink and serve the beverage, and paints simple yet descriptive pictures: “You can clearly distinguish some plum in there, some blackcurrant.” 

The passion he expresses is infectious; even I, who have no desire nor knowledge of wine, am always anxious to hear more. Every other segment feels similarly charming. 

All of this coupled with the fact that Marcus Armstrong is serious eye candy (proved by a 96% female viewership) should be convincing points for everyone to at least try out “Screaming Meals.” Or, as I will aptly be describing them, “Screaming Buffet”–there’s something for everyone to enjoy.