HISTORY
Journey Through Time
History is to podcasting what cookery is to telly. There’s such a wealth of good stories that the only things they’re running out of are decent titles. This one, which sounds like a Neil Young compilation, gives no clue that the new series from Goalhanger, fronted by Sarah Churchwell and David Olusoga, deals in stories you haven’t heard before. It gets off to a strong start with a two-part account of how a massive explosion on Black Tom Island in New York Harbour in 1916 revealed the extent to which America was already in the First World War at that stage, left scars on the Statue of Liberty and then disappeared from history until the podcast fairy woke it with a kiss. DAVID HEPWORTH
COMEDY
Mel & Sue Should Know by Now
The unlikely premise is that, despite working together for more than 30 years, there are still things that are so embarrassing that Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins have never discussed them — until now. It’s just an excuse for comic banter. We’re warned about “adult content”, but most of the topics are actually a bit frilly. Packing knickers for a holiday? How to talk to your hairdresser? It’s not until episode four that Mel claims she doesn’t know what “kink” means. DAVID McGILLIVRAY
CONVERSATION
George Hall at 100
Take a centenarian who’s led a fascinating life and can still recall it, and you’re on to a winner. Such is the remarkable George Hall, longtime director of the acting course at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, his stories gently coaxed out of him by two alumni, Neil Pearson and Leonie Mellinger. Lindsay Duncan and Christopher Eccleston are among those paying tribute, and amid much anecdotage, the real value lies in seeing what an inspirational teacher can do. SIMON O’HAGAN
NATURE
Wild Tales
From sprawling grounds to a grand house, a day out at a National Trust property typically has something for nature lovers as well as history and heritage aficionados. So it makes sense that the charity’s long-running podcast should reflect different interests. Wild Tales will dive into the secret worlds of UK wildlife, beginning with an episode on the extraordinary life cycle of the seagull. Fans of the stately homes will continue to be served via another podcast offshoot, Back When. TOM GOULDING
CULTURE
Voices of British Ballet
Natalie Steed joins forces with oral historian and founder of the charity Voices of British Ballet, Patricia Linton, reformatting some of her rich history of more than 500 recordings with people instrumental in developing British ballet. The opening episode features extracts from an interview with Monica Ratcliffe, who worked with Ninette de Valois as the dancing great established the Royal Ballet. This is a cultural treat for all, not just those who love their arabesques and pliés. Totally en pointe. ANNA JONES
TRUE CRIME
Writing Wrongs
This fascinating podcast explores the origins of forensic linguistics, a relatively new science dating from the late 1960s. Hosted by experts Professor Tim Grant and Dr Nicci MacLeod, it delves into several controversial real-life cases — such as the convictions of Timothy Evans and Derek Bentley — where paying close attention to what the suspects actually said, and the manner in which they said it, might have stopped them from being executed. It’s a tough but rewarding listen. MATT GLASBY
HISTORY
Divine Intervention
Brendan Patrick Hughes is a comedian and a brilliant storyteller. In episode one, he takes us back to his hometown of Dorchester in southern Boston, an “explosive cauldron” where all the activists live and Paul Couming has been drafted to fight in Vietnam, a war he does not support. Luckily, he has a gang of “radical nuns in combat boots” and “wild-haired priests” on his side. Truth that’s better than fiction, but a word of warning about the intrusive iHeart Radio ads: they can make you lose the plot entirely. FIONA HUGHES
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Where Politics Meets History
Political commentator Iain Dale joins forces with historian Tessa Dunlop to add some historical flesh to today’s news stories via parallels from the past. The Ukraine War sparks a fascinating discussion about history’s strong men, from the wartime triumvirate of Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin to the current crop of Putin and Trump. Entertainingly garrulous, the presenters deliver plenty of informed insight, light-hearted joshing and the odd disagreement. JEREMY ASPINALL
MENTAL HEALTH
Icebergs
American comic Kemah Bob has already been marked out as one to watch on the stand-up circuit, notably after their hit debut solo show Miss Fortunate. Like that, Bob’s new podcast Icebergs is a frank, unfiltered exploration of mental health issues. Guests from the comedy world range from Sophie Duker to James Acaster and Nish Kumar, all up for discussing their own journeys, from crisis to confidence. Is it Gen Z navel-gazing? Maybe, but self-help junkies will find it refreshing. JAMES MOTTRAM
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