Collaboration of Andrew Garfield, Cynthia Erivo, and Others in Orwellian Drama | Podcast

WWhat happens when you ask a few British TV stars to critique TV on a podcast? A moment of painful awkwardness – Joanna Page’s critique of an up-and-coming comedian’s new show as ‘Unbearable.’ was the harsh criticism.

If you missed the headlines from last week, Page and her off the telly Co-host Natalie Cassidy discussed Lucia Keskin’s BBC Three comedy series Things I Should Have Done.

“You know what I should have done? I’m not going to watch it,” the Gavin and Stacey star surprisingly commended the “talented” Keskin for managing to produce the show in the current industry climate. “It’s rare for something not to be seen,” she added. “I thought, ‘Oh my God, this is unbearable.’ I’m so bored. I’m just really bored. I’m bored.”

Perhaps this serves as a lesson on the risks of the increasingly blurred line between celebrity and critic on podcasts.

Speaking of celebrities, Charlotte Church’s inaugural series, “Kick Back with the Cardiffians,” is this week’s highlight and pays homage to her hometown. Find out more about this article and other favorites, and explore our top 5 controversial podcasts.

Holly Richardson
television editor assistant

This week’s picks

Kickback with Cardiffians
BBC Sounds, weekly episodes
“I was born in Cardiff, I grew up in Cardiff, and when I die I will die in Cardiff.” And so begins Charlotte Church’s new show, offering listeners an inside look into her hometown. However, it also delves into her family, love, and working-class life through interviews with her relatives, friends, and local pub owners. Expect a lively and heartwarming listening experience of “We’re pretty shrewd – that’s who we are” with all our heart. Alexi Duggins

finally!show
Wide range of weekly episodes available
This podcast promises to be “a show about women that isn’t a thinly veiled wishful nightmare,” and it presents itself like a reality show to the listeners. Each 30-minute episode provides insight into a different life, with highlights including a crematorium worker, an 83-year-old nude model, and a singer by profession. Hannah Verdier

she has a name
Wide range of weekly episodes available
“When the police don’t listen, journalists are the next best thing,” says Tonya Mosley, but she’s more than just a cold-case podcaster. Instead, she shares a brave and personal story, recounting the disappearance of her young Detroit mother in the ’80s, and coincidentally, the sister she never knew. HV

your home history
Wide range of weekly episodes available
Ever wondered about the history of wallpaper? From the origins of laundry to refrigerators, this podcast offers a fun, narrative-driven exploration of everyday objects. Did you know that wallpaper was inspired by bees? Or that Oliver Cromwell banned wallpaper? You’ll think so if you tune in to this show. advertisement

George Orwell’s 1984
Audible, all episodes now available
While you may think there’s no need to retell a perpetually relevant surveillance thriller, this classic storytelling with a star-studded cast and direction is worth the listen. Andrew Garfield portrays Ministry of Truth employee Winston, Cynthia Erivo plays Julia, Tom Hardy is Big Brother, and Andrew Scott is O’Brien. Plus, Matt Bellamy from Muse is composing the score. Holly Richardson

There’s a podcast for that

this week, Hannah Verdier choose the best five controversial podcastfrom Michael Jackson’s masterpieces to a sit-down with Shamima Begum

please reconsider
How can Michael Jackson fans reconcile their love for the singer with the controversies surrounding him? Slow Burn’s Leon Neyfakh, alongside knowledgeable co-host Jay Smooth, delves into modern history storytelling, using archival audio, interviews, and detailed reporting to engage listeners in thought-provoking discussions. While some believe Jackson’s complex legacy should remain untouched, Neyfakh skillfully presents a nuanced explanation of our fallen heroes without imposing a specific viewpoint on the audience. This podcast aims to open conversations rather than change minds.

missing richard simmons
Retro fun, quirky characters, and mysterious disappearances. Dan Taberski’s work on the search for flamboyant fitness guru Richard Simmons became an instant hit upon its release. While initially captivating, the podcast sparked controversy over Taberski’s public pursuit of Simmons. The New York Times labeled the podcast “morally bankrupt,” leading Taberski to take a step back and reassess his approach after producing six episodes.

i am not Monster: The Story of Shamima Begum
Joshua Baker’s podcast takes listeners on a journey from East London to Syria to meet Shamima Begum, shedding light on her controversial story. Her accounts of life in Syria and responses to her experiences sparked debates and controversies among listeners.

CEO diary
“Happy Sexy Billionaire” Stephen Bartlett delves into the lives of successful individuals, causing a stir with his candid discussions. Love Island alumna Molly-Mae Hague’s comments on time management and privilege led to backlash and debates on the treatment of successful women in the media.

walker’s switch
Lauren Peters and Augustine Cerf explore the debate over Walkers potato chip flavors in this podcast, prompting discussions on food culture and memories of classic snacks.

Why not try it…

• Sam Campbell and Lucy Beaumont, known for their appearances on Taskmaster, team up for the podcast Sam and Lucy’s perfect brains.

• Voices from the Dales offers a glimpse into the lives of Yorkshire shepherds in six 15-minute episodes capturing a disappearing culture.

• Jeff Shreeves combines football and music in his aptly named podcast football, music and me, featuring interviews with former pros like Gary Neville and Vinnie Jones.