Picks of the week
We Need to Talk About the British Empire
Journalist and author Afua Hirsch hosts this thoughtful new pod for Audible about the untold stories of a power that, at its peak, covered 25% of the globe. Digging into its history and legacy, she interviews six figures, including Benjamin Zephaniah and broadcaster Anita Rani, who – in discovering more about the life of her grandfather, the soldier Sant Singh – began to understand the complicated realities of colonial India. Out from Thursday 13 February.
Hannah J Davies
Comedian Susan Calman has a beautiful way of talking to her guests about their mental health. As well as bringing out funny stories, she oozes empathy as the celebrities pour out identifiable moments. In this new series, standup Catherine Bohart is candid about her fear of toilets and her anxiety when she tries to perform in front of her parents. Calman is also at her most revealing and, as they discuss their sexuality, she launches into one of her brilliant rants. Sofie Hagen and Scottee are featured in future episodes.
Hannah Verdier
Producer pick: The Dream
Chosen by Max Sanderson (lead producer)
The Dream (which I have waxed lyrical about before) is back with its second season and, three episodes in, it remains true to form but with just the right level of variety. Season one saw former This American Life producer Jane Marie delve into the murky depths of multi-level marketing schemes (MLMs). This season, she turns her attention to the ever-present ‘wellness’ industry and thankfully takes a slightly different tack.
While criticism of MLMs – many of which are seen to prey on human vulnerability – is rife, the ‘wellness’ industry - crystals, essential oils, yoga, homeopathy - is harder to vilify, meaning that everything feels a little more grey. Which is why Marie has again teamed up with Dann Gallucci, who is a lot less skeptical than her of whether these things might hold any value at all.
It’s subtle, but the nuance it creates leads to a more empathic treatment of a subject that deserves scrutiny on a level that isn’t purely scientific (and that’s coming from a former scientist).
Talking points
James Acaster and Ed Gamble’s Off Menu is already one of the most successful pods around, so it stands to reason that Acaster’s upcoming solo show might not do too badly, either. Coming to BBC Sounds in April, Perfect Sounds will reprise the premise of his 2019 book, Perfect Sound Whatever, which argues that 2016 was the best ever year for music.
Why not try: The History of American Slavery | Americast | Rice To Meet You
