Pick of the week
Signal Hill
This indie “audio magazine” combines diverse documentaries unified by a spirit of experimentation. Among its features, food writer and music enthusiast Ruby Tandoh presents a quietly beautiful and tender portrait of the lute, a musical instrument facing the threat of extinction. Additionally, Jess Shane revisits a pioneering experiment that empowered children to transform their experiences into poignant poetry.
Hannah J Davies
Widely available, episodes released weekly
Five Miles from Home
In 2011, Nevada high-school student Micaela “Mickie” Costanzo was last seen alive while heading to track practice. Her body was subsequently discovered in a shallow grave in the surrounding desert. Keith Morrison of Dateline NBC compellingly recounts the complex investigation that followed, culminating in the arrests of her boyfriend and best friend.
Hollie Richardson
Widely available, all episodes released
Outsiding
“You caught me just at the right time, actually,”says Bob Mortimer, shortly before pretending to urinate on Caitlin Moran’s compost heap. This engaging podcast, co-hosted by writer Caitlin Moran and Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost, offers a joyous celebration of the outdoors through weekly celebrity interviews conducted in Moran’s backyard.
AD
Widely available, episodes released weekly
Dan Taberski’s Manifesto
Prominent podcaster Dan Taberski adopts a theoretical approach in this series. Exploring topics such as the Occupy movement, Luigi Mangione, and connections to mass shooters, Taberski aims to reclaim the concept of the manifesto as an artistic rallying cry. Although the show does not center on a single mystery, it remains highly engaging.
HJD
Available on Audible, all episodes released
Adam & Alex’s Indie Supergroup
Comedians Adam Flood and Alexandra Haddow delve into the history of 2000s UK guitar music. Their goal is to “bring back indie” by creating a supergroup, which practically involves conducting a pseudo job interview each week with members of bands such as Hard-Fi or the Paddingtons. The podcast is a very silly yet highly enjoyable exploration filled with anecdotes.
Alexi Duggins
Widely available, episodes released weekly
