Pick of the Week
Bill Nighy's Ill-Advised
Bill Nighy steps into the shoes of the agony uncle you never knew you needed as he answers queries from the audience in his latest program. It’s a laconic delight to hear his relaxed advice on subjects including applying lipstick to decluttering a record collection. Insights are shared – despite his self-deprecating protestations.
Accessible on many platforms, new episodes each week
First Conviction
Limerick native Ruth Negga narrates this podcast about a pair found guilty of performing FGM on their small child. Subsequently, they were acquitted but there are ongoing proceedings associated with the matter. This delicate examination reveals widespread, heartbreaking shortcomings by official bodies.
Easily accessible, weekly installments
Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
You can't help but be impressed by the cast list of individuals honoring a legendary African artist ever in this series about his impact. Ayo Edebiri, Barack Obama, Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Flea … the wildly enthusiastic tributes mount up. Then, you're taken aback by a compelling story about his rhythm pianist’s father being murdered for his beliefs – and how Kuti bravely championed 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 audio show hosted by Sarah Marshall skillfully balances between entertainment and oral history, as it examines how satanic panic shaped the 80s zeitgeist. Marshall explores the individuals and items that fueled its growth in that decade and beyond, among them a disputed autobiography.
Broadly available, weekly episodes
Paradise Turned Nightmare
A young, rich American couple relocate to Costa Rica to build a nature reserve and their dream home. “Tragically, one will die and the other faced murder charges – on three occasions,” says reporter Becky Milligan, opening a gobsmacking series about the true events of what happened to Jon and Ann Bender in 2010 after they’d set out to make a paradise.
Available widely, with weekly updates
