This Week’s Highlights
The Rise & Fall of Indie Sleaze
Time to dust off that American Apparel dress, liquid eyeliner, and Wayfarer sunglasses—the messy, glamorous indie sleaze era of the late 2000s is back in the spotlight. Original scene icon Kate Nash hosts this nostalgic series, chatting with key figures like The Cribs’ Ryan and Gary Jarman, Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos, and Razorlight’s Johnny Borrell. It might just inspire you to revisit that questionable chunky fringe. Available on BBC Sounds from Monday, July 28.
On the Marie Curie Couch
This heartfelt podcast tackles grief with honesty and warmth. Host Jason Davidson, a social worker, guides conversations about losing loved ones. In the latest episode, Michael Palin opens up about processing his wife’s death and why shifting from “we” to “I” feels so difficult. A moving reflection on loss. New episodes monthly, widely available.
Why the Fork
A fun, conversational dive into the hidden histories of everyday objects. The first episode explores the surprisingly late invention of the tin opener—arriving a century after canned food—and ponders its future as a potential luxury item. A clever mix of history and design. New episodes weekly, widely available.
Leading Labour
With Keir Starmer now in power, this podcast looks back at Labour’s past leaders. Host Izzy Conn starts with Clement Attlee’s post-war government and the birth of the welfare state. A thorough exploration of Labour’s political legacy. New episodes weekly, widely available.
The Lab Detective
A gripping new investigative series from Tortoise, examining cases like that of Kathleen Folbigg—mothers accused of harming their children, and whether forensic evidence always holds up. It raises crucial questions about the role of science in justice. New episodes weekly, widely available.
