Picks of the week
Jools and Jim’s Joyride
Jim Moir and Jools Holland are the latest celebrities bringing escapist joy with their transport-themed podcast. It’s a laid-back affair, with the pair reluctant to hog the show – unless it’s to talk about their love of cooling towers. Jane Horrocks reveals her “slow and angry” driving style, while Bob Mortimer is a familiar interviewee, reflecting on afternoon naps in a car park. This week sees Sally Phillips talking about her jet-setting childhood and her time teaching in Rome. Upcoming guests include Nitin Sawhney, Jessie Ware and Damon Hill. Hannah Verdier
Sideways
Author Matthew Syed explores “stories of seeing the world differently” in this engrossing new series, also airing on Radio 4. From the origins of Stockholm Syndrome – and how its meaning has altered over time – to the story of a pioneering fighter pilot, Syed offers analysis that draws on maths, history, psychology, theology and more. Immersive sound design from Benbrick, who masterminded the audio of George The Poet’s hit show, Have You Heard George’s Podcast, brings it all together. Hannah J Davies
Producer pick: You Look Like Me
Chosen by Danielle Stephens
Full disclosure: I know the person who created and presents this podcast. I went to college with Louise McLoughlin, and have followed her journey since she first told the world that she was a donor conceived baby.
When she mentioned she was making a podcast about her experience and those of many others like her around the world, I wasn’t sure that I was going to listen. What could I learn that she hadn’t told me already? As it turns out, quite a bit. The main thing I’ve realised is that everyone’s story is different and difficult to navigate, because – as Louise says – “it’s not just your story, it’s a lot of people’s story”.
Talking to characters of all ages about the pitfalls of opening the ultimate can of worms and asking “who am I?”, there is an inherent connection between guest and host. But there is also jeopardy throughout, as Louise carries on looking for the man who she assumes looks like her: her dad.
An intriguing podcast about a subject that – although not directly relatable for many listeners, myself included – will surely only help us understand and empathise more.
Talking points
The coronavirus pandemic has only increased conversation around racial inequalities in our healthcare systems. The Bias Diagnosis, an absorbing new show from Audible, follows student doctor Ivan Beckley, as he explores the “fatal flaw” of medicine, via five real-life patients. First up: how melanoma affects black skin, and why warning signs are often missed.
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