Bill Nighy Becomes the Agony Uncle You Didn't Realize You Needed
Pick of the Week
Bill Nighy's Ill-Advised
Bill Nighy serves as the agony uncle you didn't realize was missing as he answers readers’ questions in his new show. This understated pleasure to hear his louche suggestions on subjects including applying lipstick to organizing a vinyl library. Wisdom is being dispensed – despite his self-deprecating protestations.
Widely available, episodes weekly
Initial Judgment
Ruth Negga, hailing from Limerick, voices this podcast about a couple convicted of performing FGM on their small child. They were later cleared but there are ongoing proceedings associated with the matter. This delicate examination lays bare extensive, tragic failings by official bodies.
Widely available, episodes weekly
Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
It’s hard not to be wowed by the cast list of individuals honoring one of the greatest African musicians ever in this series about his impact. Names like Ayo Edebiri, Barack Obama, Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Flea … the wildly enthusiastic tributes accumulate. Until you’re wrongfooted by a gripping narrative about his pianist's parent being murdered for his beliefs – and how Kuti bravely championed his family. It’s a fascinating, passionate biography.
Available on many services, episodes release weekly
Familiar Evil
Cyndi Lauper, legwarmers and, er … Satan! This podcast hosted by Sarah Marshall skillfully balances between entertainment and oral history, as it looks at the satanic scare defined the 80s spirit. Marshall explores the individuals and items that fueled its growth 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 establish a wildlife sanctuary and their dream home. “Tragically, one will die and the other tried for murder – on three occasions,” says reporter Becky Milligan, introducing an astonishing series about the true events of what befell Jon and Ann Bender in 2010 after they’d set out to make a paradise.
Widely available, episodes weekly
