Perth has always had a “big small town” energy, but in 2026, our digital footprint is anything but small. The local podcasting scene has exploded, moving beyond bedroom setups to professional, high-stakes productions that are capturing ears across the country.
Whether you’re commuting down the Kwinana or grabbing a flat white in West Leederville, these five rising stars are the local voices defining the Perth zeitgeist this year.
1. The Perth Property Show
Category: Business & Real Estate
The Vibe: Essential listening for anyone trying to navigate WA’s wild housing market.
Hosted by Trent Fleskens, this isn’t just a list of median house prices. In 2026, as Perth continues to lead the national property growth charts, Fleskens delivers a masterclass in local strategy. From identifying “bridesmaid suburbs” to deep dives into construction timelines, it’s the ultimate playbook for West Australians looking to build wealth in their own backyard.
2. The West Live
Category: News & Current Affairs
The Vibe: Your daily 20-minute pulse check on everything WA.
In an era of information overload, The West Live has perfected the “punchy” update. Ben O’Shea and Matt Tinney bring a sharp, conversational edge to the day’s headlines. It’s local journalism reimagined for the podcast era—covering everything from Federal politics to the latest viral story coming out of Northbridge.
3. The Powerhouse Podcast
Category: Industry & Innovation
The Vibe: The engine room of WA’s economy, unmasked.
If you want to know how Perth is actually being built, this is the one. This show focuses on the Western Trade Coast and the massive industrial shifts happening in WA—think green steel, hydrogen energy, and AUKUS. It’s surprisingly accessible and a must-listen for anyone interested in how our state is positioning itself as a global player in the “green transition.”
4. Cold Case Western Australia
Category: True Crime
The Vibe: Chilling, respectful, and deeply local.
Produced officially by the WA Police Force and hosted by veteran crime reporter Neil Poh, this series is the gold standard for local true crime. It doesn’t just tell a story; it serves a purpose, reopening unsolved cases from our city’s past through detailed interviews with detectives and families. It’s a sobering look at the history hidden beneath our sunny streets.
5. Planet Perth
Category: Society & Culture
The Vibe: The weird, wonderful, and “only in Perth” stories.
Ever heard about the guy who stole a tank and drove it through the city in the 90s? Planet Perth is a love letter to our city’s eccentricities. It’s perfect for the listener who loves niche local history and the “nonsense and banter” that makes West Australians so unique. It’s the digital equivalent of a long Sunday session at the pub.
Ready to join the ranks?
Perth is no longer just listening to podcasts—we’re making them. At Podwave Studios, we’ve seen firsthand the shift from DIY hobbies to professional-grade video podcasts that command attention.
Would you like me to help you brainstorm a unique concept for your own Perth-based podcast?
