Pick of the week
Ill-Advised By Bill Nighy
Bill Nighy is the agony uncle you never knew you needed as he answers the public’s questions in his new show. It’s a laconic delight, listening to his louche suggestions on topics from lipstick application to decluttering a record collection. Wisdom is being dispensed – despite his self-deprecating protestations. Alexi Duggins
Widely available, episodes weekly
First Conviction
Limerick native Ruth Negga narrates this RTÉ podcast about a couple convicted of carrying out female genital mutilation (FGM) on their young daughter. They were later cleared but there are ongoing proceedings linked to the case. This sensitive investigation lays bare extensive, tragic failings by the authorities. Hannah J Davies
Widely available, episodes weekly
Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
It’s hard not to be wowed by the cast list of people paying homage to one of the greatest African musicians ever in this series about his impact. Ayo Edebiri, Barack Obama, Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Flea … the wildly enthusiastic tributes mount up. Until you’re wrongfooted by a gripping narrative about his rhythm pianist’s father being murdered for his beliefs – and how Kuti bravely championed his family. It’s a fascinating, passionate biography. AD
Widely available, episodes weekly
The Devil You Know
Cyndi Lauper, legwarmers and, er … Satan! This CBC pod hosted by Sarah Marshall (You’re Wrong About) carefully toes the line between entertainment and oral history, as it examines how satanic panic shaped the 80s zeitgeist. Marshall delves into the people and artefacts that helped it to snowball in that decade and beyond, among them a controversial memoir. HJD
Widely available, episodes weekly
Hell in Heaven
A young, rich American couple move to Costa Rica to build a nature reserve and their dream home. “One of them will end up dead and the other tried for murder – three times,” says journalist Becky Milligan, opening a gobsmacking series about the real story of what happened to Jon and Ann Bender in 2010 after they’d set out to make a paradise. Hollie Richardson
Widely available, episodes weekly
