Pick of the week
Icons
This series from football site Goal dedicates an episode to each one of the last 10 World Cups and pulls out an idiosyncratic moment. Take the story behind the bizarre 2002 haircut of Brazilian striker Ronaldo, or a profile of the shirts Argentina played in during the 1986 tournament, which were bootleg versions of their own shirts. It’s all narrated by commentator Martin Tyler, who has covered the last 12 tournaments. Alexi Duggins
Widely available, episodes fortnightly
Delayland
From a national fondness for punctuality to their commanding car slogans (Vorsprung durch Technik!), it’s easy to lean into stereotypes of German efficiency and order. This podcast from the state broadcaster DW dares to defy the cliches, as it boldly considers what tardy trains, a crisis-hit auto industry and other flaws say about the country. Hannah J Davies
Widely available, episodes weekly
Runaway Country
As per the title, this series from Crooked Media (makers of Pod Save America and its transatlantic cousin, Pod Save the UK) sees journalist Alex Wagner sit down with Americans “trapped in a car with no brakes”. The conversations are smart and frank – not least in episodes such as the Maga-critical “Making America White Again”. HJD
Widely available, episodes weekly
The Luxury Dispatch
This new show from the editor-in-chief of luxury magazine the Rake, Tom Chamberlin, covers everything high-end. It’s far less grating than that might suggest: the opening episode features Bridesmaids director Paul Feig. From a childhood visit to a cocktail-filled Las Vegas casino during a Muhammad Ali fight to how he ended up making a martini for King Charles, it’s lots of fun. AD
Widely available, episodes weekly
Cellmate to CEO
Tony Supreme is the CEO of Soul Surge Wellness. He also has lived experience of prison. In this strand of Life After Prison special episodes, Supreme is candid and thoughtful as he speaks with other former prisoners who have become leaders. Look out for more episodes in the future. Hollie Richardson
Widely available, all eps out now
