Investigative website Bellingcat is getting into the podcast game with a series looking at Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, the plane that was shot down over eastern Ukraine in 2014, killing 294 people. The podcast will provide the inside story, tracking down the source of the weapon that downed the plane and the extent of Russian involvement in the attack.
Meanwhile, anyone wanting to learn more about Bellingcat should check out the episode of the Guardian’s Today in Focus podcast with founder Eliot Higgins from earlier this year.
Picks of the week
The Two Shot Podcast
Craig “Dot Cottan” Parkinson’s luvvie-free podcast about acting is back after a break, and the new season is off to a cracking start. Last week, he and Morven Christie shared genuine outrage as she talked about moments when she witnessed bullying and harassment on set, but there were plenty of laughs too. In the latest episode, Parkinson turns to music with Joan As Police Woman as his guest. The chats often go on for an hour-and-a-half but there’s not a minute wasted with warmth, humour and a whole lot of honesty. Hannah Verdier
After: Surviving Sexual Assault
Catriona Morton survived sexual abuse in childhood and assault in adulthood and is now helping other survivors tell their stories in this new podcast. It’s in two parts, so if hearing details of assault or court cases is triggering for listeners during “Then”, you can skip it and go straight to “Now”, where survivors give advice and reveal what helped them in their recovery. Morton is sensitive, thoughtful and brave: “I don’t believe that what happened to us defined us, but I do believe that the fact that we survived does.” HV
Guardian Pick: Today in Focus
When asked about “doing your bit” for the environment, many people will point to recycling. And despite it making us all feel a little better about our own footprint, Monday’s episode of Today in Focus uncovers what really happens to the waste in our recycling bins. Word of warning; it ain’t pretty. And it certainly won’t make you feel any better! Max Sanderson
Producer pick: Secret Dinosaur Cult
Chosen by Jessica Murray, Scott Trust Bursary student
Comedians Sofie Hagen and Jodie Mitchell talk about daddy issues, dating and everything in between through the medium of ... dinosaurs. In the most recent episode, the Albertosaurus became a metaphor for one night stands – obviously. And regular segments include the pair comparing how they’ve been a terrible person that week, and what they’ve done to fill their “daddy hole”.
Their super-charged, often silly chat strays from gender identity to the art of eating a kiwi within seconds. The atmosphere is intimate and no holds are barred – it feels like catching up with your best mate and sharing all your worst secrets. Recorded with a live audience, it’s an easy listen, super-relatable and full of feisty queer energy to lighten your commute.
