Pick of the week
Sweet Little Human
For a sideways take on the climate emergency, look no further than this series featuring Iggy Pop as a potty-mouthed Mother Nature. Skip the opening episode and its slightly overwrought attempt at world-building and head straight to Fire Animals for an entertaining take on a vital – but often destructive – element. HJD
Widely available, episodes weekly
Tubby
This weight-themed podcast from Canadian outfit Left of Dial can be a difficult listen, with host Alan Zweig sometimes a self-flagellating guide. But it is candid and far-reaching; the Washington Post’s Shane O’Neill is strong on what it means to be a plus-size fashion writer, while Reply All’s Alex Goldman gives an honest account of trying to find love online. Hannah J Davies
Widely available, episodes weekly
Overshoot: Navigating a World Beyond 1.5°C
“If we listen to many mainstream climate stories, then time has run out. Right?” This thoughtful series hosted by Laurie Laybourn explores what happens now that we are on track for the world’s temperature to rise by more than 1.5C. Its first episode is tough but crucial listening, full of talk about how scientists have underestimated the risks, listing potential outcomes including the UK being unable to grow food. It’s time to draw up new plans to cope. Alexi Duggins
Widely available, episodes weekly
Homo Sapiens
After a year away, Chris Sweeney returns with his popular LGBTQ+ podcast and a new format: listeners are encouraged to email in to steer the conversation topics on Tuesdays, while a rotating panel of celebrity co-hosts on Thursdays will include Jessie Ware, Joe Lycett and Russell T Davies. Hollie Richardson
Widely available, episodes twice weekly
Origin Stories
Fans of the much-missed Longform podcast will love Matthew Shaer’s Campside Media series about the stories behind beloved magazine articles and other cultural artefacts. Among Shaer’s interviewees is podcaster Dan Taberski, who explains why the philosophical questions behind his hit audio series Hysterical mattered more to him than solving its mass-illness mystery. HJD
Widely available, episodes weekly
