This week showcases an international drug ring, a trivia quiz, and an IRA double agent. At least two of them are truly exciting listens (keep reading to discover which ones will get your heart racing).

Late-night podcast listeners have nothing to worry about this week. This newsletter won’t get your heart racing enough to disrupt your relaxation time. We’ll also provide you with an overview of the top five shows to unwind with at the end of a busy day. You’re welcome. Sweet dreams!

Alexi Duggins
TV Deputy Editor-in-Chief

This week’s picks

Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi
Wide range of weekly episodes available
Yara Shahidi, an award-winning actor for comedies “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish,” believes she can inject more optimism into her life. To achieve this, she created a podcast to guide people on the journey to positivity. Shahidi engages in an inspiring conversation with singer, actor, and “professional self-esteem writer” Janelle Monae and Yale happiness expert Dr. Laurie Santos, who share in her optimism project. We invite you to join in. Holly Richardson

stake knife
BBC Sounds, weekly episodes
How did Freddy Scappatic (codename: Stakeknife) manage to lead a double life for so long? Mark Hogan delves into the intricate case of a man who operated as a double agent while hunting down an IRA informant. It all starts with his outrage over a published article revealing his identity and the subsequent period of incubation. Hannah Verdier

Operation Seal Bay
BBC Sounds, weekly episodes
“This is the tale of how a small Welsh community and local police unite to take on an international drug cartel.” The opening summary of this new series is undeniably captivating. Depicting, in an exhilarating and immersive manner, the efforts of a Danish tycoon to siphon cannabis from a fishing village in Pembrokeshire. Alexi Duggins

SmartLess introduces ClueLess
Episodes are widely available bi-weekly
The popular show SmartLess now presents a quiz-based spin-off where host Sean Hayes tackles trivia questions with his celebrity friends. It’s a unique way to listen, almost like eavesdropping on a pub quiz team, and a tad too early for potential participation. However, the banter with SmartLess co-hosts Will Arnett and Jason Bateman in the inaugural episode is entertaining. advertisement

kings of death
Wide range of weekly episodes available
This true crime podcast promises a fresh perspective on the 1990s murder of Ohio sex worker Cindy Cozad. Yet, even those prepared for intense depictions can rest assured. Host Thrasher Banks unfolds a personal and poignant narrative about his mother’s encounters with the deadly Lords of Death gang. HV

There’s a podcast for that

This week, Ammar Kalia selects the 5 best podcasts for switching off, from comedians’ soothing shows to Jesse and Lenny Ware’s mellow podcasts.