Pick of the Week
Bill Nighy's Ill-Advised
Bill Nighy serves as the agony uncle you didn't realize was missing as he responds to readers’ questions in his new show. This understated pleasure to hear his relaxed advice on subjects including lipstick application to decluttering a record collection. Wisdom is being dispensed – despite his self-deprecating protestations.
Widely available, episodes weekly
First Conviction
Ruth Negga, hailing from Limerick, voices this audio series about a pair found guilty of performing FGM on their small child. They were later cleared but there are ongoing proceedings linked to the case. This sensitive investigation lays bare widespread, heartbreaking shortcomings by official bodies.
Widely available, episodes weekly
Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
You can't help but be impressed by the line-up of individuals honoring a legendary African artist ever in this series about his impact. Names like Ayo Edebiri, Barack Obama, Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Flea … the highly passionate accolades accumulate. Until you’re wrongfooted by a gripping narrative about his pianist's parent being killed due to his convictions – and how Kuti courageously supported his family. It’s a fascinating, passionate biography.
Available on many services, episodes release weekly
The Devil You Know
Cyndi Lauper, legwarmers and, er … Satan! This podcast hosted by Sarah Marshall skillfully balances between fun and historical account, as it examines how satanic panic defined the 80s spirit. Marshall delves into the individuals and items that helped it to snowball in that decade and beyond, among them a disputed autobiography.
Widely available, episodes weekly
Paradise Turned Nightmare
An affluent, youthful American pair move to Costa Rica to establish a wildlife sanctuary and their ideal house. “One of them will end up dead and the other faced murder charges – three times,” says journalist Becky Milligan, introducing an astonishing series about the real story of what befell Jon and Ann Bender in 2010 after they’d embarked on creating a utopia.
Widely available, episodes weekly
