Talking points
A new BBC Sounds podcast is exploring what it’s like to be non-binary. NB sees Australian producer Caitlin Benedict, who is preparing to come out as non-binary, discuss issues around the subject, from clothing to to explaining gender identity issues to family members. The first episode is available to listen to now, with new episodes available every Thursday.
Podcasting is full of niches and subgenres you’ve probably never realised existed. A case in point: wedding podcasting. Shows like Put a Ring on It and Bridechilla have built a loyal following among brides and husbands to be, by offering advice on planning for the big day, from choosing chair covers to how to have a feminist wedding. If you want to learn more, this Guardian article has the full skinny.
Picks of the week
US audio network Wondery has form when it comes to true-crime epics, among them Dr Death, a grisly medical malpractice saga, and Charles Manson pod Young Charlie. This latest offering probably has more in common with another of their hits – Dirty John, now a Netflix drama – as it recounts the story of a blossoming relationship that soon goes south. Centred on a high-powered lawyer couple who relocate to sleepy Tallahassee in Florida, this gripping whydunnit could well get the TV treatment, too. Hannah J Davies
In a post-Dirty John world, tales of serial conmen make addictive and, at times, inconceivable listening. Step forward Hamish Watson, who fleeced his victims out of millions of dollars and is the subject of The Australian’s latest podcast. His deception stretched far and wide, from posing as an online dater who claimed he survived a plane crash as a child to gaining the trust of fashion designer Lisa Ho. It’s incredible to hear how much trust people put in him, but easy to see how they fell for the ruse. Hannah Verdier
Guardian pick: Chips with Everything
Birthdays should be a time of happiness and pride. But for Facebook, its quinceañera (that’s 15 years old) hasn’t been welcomed with the most joyous of celebrations – at least not by this week’s Chips with Everything podcast.
With the help of the Guardian’s UK technology editor, Alex Hern, presenter Jordan Erica Webber delves into Facebook’s meteoric – and often turbulent - coming-of-age narrative, all with the insight of one of the Mark Zuckerberg’s early mentors, Roger McNamee. Importantly, we also hear from two researchers who look at the effects of online platforms like Facebook and ask; is it all that bad?
Producer pick: Throughline from NPR
Chosen by Katherine Godfrey, Head of Audio
Throughline’s tagline is “a history podcast for present-day minds”. So, for me, it immediately appealed. As the past is re-written daily to suit political and cultural narratives, understanding the path to the present feels essential.
But as Throughline shows, that path can be pretty meandering. Its infectiously curious hosts Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei avoid the temptation to draw easy parallels. Instead, they delight in picking over historical details and revel in trying to understand the past for its own sake. As you’d expect from NPR’s first history podcast, Throughline is slick with an emphasis on personal stories, luscious sound design and smart scripting. Each episode draws you into an historical moment in a way that feels as important as breaking news. If you loved Uncivil or Slow Burn, then you’ll probably love this.
