5 new podcasts to listen to this week

If you are stuck on what podcasts to listen to next, this week’s picks offer some help.

1. Making Space

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Culture and arts

In the debut episode of Making Space, a new six-part podcast series from London-based youth charity and multi-arts venue Roundhouse, CEO and artistic director Marcus Davey is joined by Oscar-winning actor, writer, producer, and director Daniel Kaluuya to explore creativity as a vital social force.

Kaluuya – also the associate artistic director at Roundhouse – opens up about his bold vision on fostering young talent through a new youth theatre company, Centre 59.

He also talks about his definition of success, why he wanted to pursue a career in acting, and how his mum helped shape his work ethic.

Throughout the conversation, Kaluuya’s introspection shines through, especially when he talks with Davey about how he learned to drown out external opinions and tune into his inner voice.

Camden – where Kaluuya grew up – serves as a backdrop to this episode and helps provide context to some of the most valuable creative lessons he shares – especially for young people.

Making Space is a podcast where down-to-earth conversations are had about the power and responsibility that come with creativity.

(By Yolanthe Fawehinmi)

2. Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube

Genre: Comedy

What are the items, places, and people that make life worth living? Each week, on Five Brilliant Things, comedian Russell Howard sits down with guests to chat about the items, places and people that they love and make life worth living.

Previous guests include actor Greg Davies, who recounted the Shropshire riots, presenter Jameela Jamil, who revealed her past as a meat smuggler, and actor and comedian Stephen Merchant, who revealed he’s an online chess troll.

But in this week’s episode of the podcast series, Howard is joined by stand-up comedian and writer Sean McLoughlin, who talks about post-lockdown gigs and being censored.

McLoughlin shares his first brilliant thing – his favourite television show, Star Trek: The Next Generation – which got Howard talking about his funny and bizarre encounter with actor Patrick Stewart.

McLoughlin also talks about finding camaraderie and chaos in mosh pits, why he loves hearing people’s full names, and the simple pleasure of ordering a burger.

Five Brilliant Things is an unapologetic podcast series that takes listeners through the little things in life that bring us all joy.

(By Yolanthe Fawehinmi)

3. Mel & Sue Should Know by Now

Streaming platform: Audible

Genre: Comedy

You really should know by now whether you’ll enjoy the Mel & Sue Should Know By Now podcast.

The long-time double act is back with another offering of chaotically charismatic chatter that sweeps the listener down into the bowels (quite literally) of their enduring friendship.

For women in their mid-50s, they have the scatological minds of teenagers – when they laugh about trump, they’re referring to your digestive system rather than global diplomacy, and with considerably more enthusiasm.

The former Great British Bake Off co-hosts joke it’s the first time they’ve been trusted with a second series of their own, and they stick to the tried-and-tested podcast format of questions and answers – however, what looks like a mundane query on paper turns into anything but.

Conversations about bedsheets, oven buttons, cheese and tyres all unravel into something gloriously daft as Mel and Sue mine a rich seam of ridiculousness in ways that will delight many, but others will find, frankly, baffling.

Is this podcast worth your Audible credits? Only you know the answer to that.

(By Amy Crowther)

4. Vintage Politics

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube

Genre: Politics

Vintage Politics trades on the simple but effective premise of pairing political discussion with the ritual of sharing a drink.

In this episode, former Downing Street communications director Guto Harri joins host Abbie Bennington at The Savoy, where conversation flows as easily as the wine.

Harri revisits his time working alongside his “old friend and boss” Boris Johnson, reflecting on his attempts to steer Johnson away from Brexit, describing a sense that he thought the country was being pushed towards a decision whose consequences would far outlast the moment. That effort, he suggests, ultimately failed – and the weight of that hangs over the conversation.

But if it’s the wine that got you to tune in as opposed to the politics – you’re still in luck. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge or are simply interested in what types of wine what types of people drink, it’s a compelling listen.

Harri’s anecdotes – from family stories tied to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to late-night discussions over Californian Chardonnay – give the episode a texture that is able to soften its political edges.

While the shadow of Partygate hangs over the latter half of the conversation, as Harri describes the tension of defending a government while privately grappling with doubt, the occasionally uneasy listen is a study in contrasts, flittering between a memoir and political post-mortem.

(By Lara Owen)

5. The Week Junior Show 

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube

Genre: Education

The Week Junior Show proves that staying on top of current affairs isn’t just for adults, as this podcast delivers news in a fun, fast-paced and digestible way that appeals to young listeners.

This entertaining podcast is bursting full of fun segments such as “Real or Rubbish?” that simultaneously engages and informs its eight to 14-year-old target demographic about all the top news, science and sport stories of the week through simple language and fun, interactive concepts.

Host Bex Lindsay, a presenter from Fun Kids Radio, is full of energy and fun, and this week is joined by members of The Week Junior magazine’s editorial team to chat about Artemis II’s incredible trip around the moon, Eurovision Song Contest Asia and all things board games.

The show’s format provides listeners with different people, places and points of view to broaden children’s perspectives.

The Week Junior show is a must-listen for all young families as it sparks curiosity and conversations, and helps Generation Alpha understand the complex and often confusing world around them.

(By Camilla Foster)