Bill Nighy Takes on the Role of Your Unexpected Advice Columnist You Didn't Realize You Needed
This Week's Highlight
Bill Nighy's Ill-Advised
Bill Nighy serves as the unexpected advisor you never knew you needed as he responds to readers’ questions in his latest program. It’s a laconic delight to listen to his relaxed advice on subjects including applying lipstick to decluttering a record collection. Insights are shared – despite his self-deprecating protestations.
Accessible on many platforms, new episodes each week
First Conviction
Limerick native Ruth Negga narrates this audio series about a pair found guilty of carrying out female genital mutilation on their young daughter. They were later cleared but there are continuing legal actions linked to the case. This delicate examination reveals extensive, tragic failings by the authorities.
Widely available, episodes weekly
Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
You can't help but be impressed by the line-up of individuals honoring a legendary African artist ever in this program detailing his influence. Names like Ayo Edebiri, Barack Obama, Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Flea … the highly passionate accolades mount up. Until you’re wrongfooted by a compelling story about his rhythm pianist’s father being killed due to his convictions – and how Kuti courageously supported his family. It’s a fascinating, passionate biography.
Widely available, episodes weekly
The Devil You Know
Think Cyndi Lauper, 80s fashion and, well … Satan! This podcast presented by Sarah Marshall carefully toes the line between entertainment and oral history, as it looks at the satanic scare defined the 80s spirit. Marshall explores the people and artefacts that helped it to snowball in that decade and beyond, among them a disputed autobiography.
Broadly available, weekly episodes
Hell in Heaven
An affluent, youthful American pair relocate to Costa Rica to build a nature reserve and their ideal house. “Tragically, one will die and the other faced murder charges – on three occasions,” says journalist Becky Milligan, introducing an astonishing series about the real story of what happened to Jon and Ann Bender in 2010 after they’d embarked on creating a utopia.
Available widely, with weekly updates
