This Week's Highlight
Bill Nighy's Ill-Advised
Bill Nighy steps into the shoes of the agony uncle you didn't realize was missing as he responds to readers’ questions in his new show. This understated pleasure to listen to his louche suggestions on subjects including applying lipstick to decluttering a record collection. Wisdom is being dispensed – despite his self-deprecating protestations.
Widely available, episodes weekly
First Conviction
Limerick native Ruth Negga narrates this podcast about a couple convicted of carrying out female genital mutilation on their young daughter. They were later cleared but there are continuing legal actions associated with the matter. This delicate examination reveals extensive, tragic failings by official bodies.
Easily accessible, weekly installments
Fela Kuti: Unafraid of Anyone
It’s hard not to be wowed by the line-up of people paying homage a legendary African artist ever in this program detailing his influence. 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 rhythm pianist’s father being killed due to his convictions – and how Kuti courageously supported his family. This is an engrossing, heartfelt life story.
Available on many services, episodes release weekly
The Devil You Know
Cyndi Lauper, legwarmers and, er … Satan! This audio show hosted by Sarah Marshall carefully toes the line between fun and historical account, as it looks at the satanic scare shaped the 80s zeitgeist. Marshall explores the people and artefacts that fueled its growth in that era and after, among them a disputed autobiography.
Broadly available, weekly episodes
Hell in Heaven
An affluent, youthful American pair move to Costa Rica to build a nature reserve and their dream home. “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 true events of what happened to Jon and Ann Bender in 2010 after they’d embarked on creating a utopia.
Available widely, with weekly updates
