This week’s picks
Where everyone knows your name
Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson (
sometimes)
Widely available, with weekly episodes
The two Cheers stars reunite and rekindle their friendship while chatting with their interviewees, and as you’d expect, there’s plenty of laughs. Starting with Will Arnett, the host is questioned about his comedic prowess just as much as his guests, including a great anecdote about Harrelson and Arnett playfully upsetting Bono at a celebrity dinner party. Alexi Duggins
Smokescreen: My Friend Who’s a Serial Killer
Widely available, with weekly episodes
Steve Fishman was an intern at a local Connecticut newspaper in the ’70s when he was hitchhiking with a man named Robert Carr III. While writing his story, he discovered that the man was the murderer of three people. Fishman uses confession tapes and interviews with detectives to recount what happened. Holly Richardson
animal
Widely available, all episodes available now
A warm and personal look at the beauty of the animal kingdom, the show is full of magic, from helping a baby puffin escape a cliff and back into the sea to the charming tale of a dog rescuing a lost hamster. Come see the adorable animals and hear their amazing stories. advertisement
Pink House
Widely available, with weekly episodes
Sam Smith’s new podcast is named after their childhood bedroom, the haven they retreated to after so many hard days. Now they’re sharing those feelings with celebrity guests. The first guest is Elliot Page, who gives a moving talk about coming out, the joy (and anger) of being trans, and not feeling shame. Hannah Verdier
Jon Stewart’s Weekly Show
Episodes released every Thursday for wide viewing
American satirist Jon Stewart is releasing a news-heavy podcast to coincide with the turmoil of the US election. The first episode is about corruption, which naturally brings up Donald Trump, and Stewart hosts thoughtful monologues with knowledgeable guests about the dysfunction of democracy, economic reform and challenging conventional wisdom. HV
There is a podcast
this week, Hannah Verdier 5 best podcasts election From open-minded analysis of the US elections unfolding on both sides of the Atlantic to Nish Kumar and Koko Khan asking the all-important questions in the UK
Election dysfunction
Just in time for an election-packed year, Beth Rigby guides Conservative MP Ruth Davidson and Labour’s Jess Phillips (with special guests on the campaign trail). With their feet firmly in the thick of British politics, the trio can offer real insight into the US and UK election campaigns. With an informed, gossipy approach, they share perks like theories on why Rishi Sunak chose the 4th of July, how leaders are preparing for TV debates, and a chat with Angela Rayner.
Run Up
On all things related to the US election, host Astead W. Herndon takes a measured approach and covers a wide range of opinions in this New York Times show. Some of the opinions may surprise you. Is Donald Trump “over-prosecuted”? Yes, that’s the accusation that Conway made when Herndon asked Kellyanne Conway and Serinda Lake what women voters really want. What do the youngest voters think of the oldest president? Can celebrities help swing the election? And what’s next? If you want to catch up on all the dramatic developments in the election campaign in a 30-minute episode, this podcast is for you.
Oh God, what’s next?
Every Tuesday and Friday, the political podcast modestly promises to “make the unbearable bearable with the highest quality guests, analysis and bad jokes” (“Gloomy people on the dance floor,” “What’s the story? Conservatives in mourning,” and “Things are only getting wetter, anyone?). There will also be bonus episodes in which the team will respond quickly to the latest election campaign gaffes and surprises, starting with Rishi Sunak’s pesky national service scheme for lazy young people. Additional panel shows are scheduled during election week, ensuring lively debate.
After newsletter promotion
Pods will save the UK
Crooked Media’s Save America features four former Barack Obama aides offering insider insight, while Nish Kumar and Koko Khan (above) provide laughs in the UK version. If you’re into the left, the hosts are relentless, with Khan especially delivering some scathing criticism in his heavyweight interviews. Important questions are asked, like “Would you kiss a Conservative?” With the countdown to the election on, a thoughtful episode addresses the human side of policy, asking what trans and non-binary people need now.
Politics Weekly UK
Could Sunak lose his seat in the election? That’s just one of the questions posed by John Harris on The Guardian’s politics podcast as the election looms. Harris cleverly describes the election as “the political equivalent of a 12-hour wait at the emergency room” and asks why Sunak’s campaign is so chaotic and bleak. The conversation is candid and features quality guests from across the political spectrum, so the show doesn’t have to rely on comedy to make the election fun. Guests include reporters in the middle of the election, such as The Guardian’s Pippa Crerar and The Spectator’s Katie Bowles. The Guardian also has short election episodes every weekday on its Today in Focus feed.
Please try…
-
New series from former Invisibilia presenter Yowei Show ProxyIt’s about honest, human conversations with strangers.
-
Comedian Chloe Petts delves into the big history of small rooms in a Radio 4 series. Toilet Humor.
Source: www.theguardian.com
