There are a lot of bad podcasts by annoying people. But here’s why I still love the format

‘Podcasts mean there is comfort and company if you need it. There is always a voice on the other end, ready to talk about whatever you choose.’ Photograph: Carol Yepes/Getty Images

After a horrible two-week battle with the influenza A (A stands for “annoying”) virus, I am in the home stretch to victory, and as such have entered the final stage – gratitude.

This is when, after many days of thinking that you are probably never going to feel good again and all your loved ones should just forget about you and block your number, you start to improve. Everything around you becomes bathed in a warm glow (which isn’t your fever for once).