Scintillating tales to take away

I’m heading overseas this weekend and there’s no better travel companion than a podcast. A tiny bit of preparation beforehand is required: download the pods before you leave so they’re saved to your device.

For the plane, I’ve downloaded the latest podcast from The Boston Globe’s Spotlight investigative team.

Gladiator: The Aaron Hernandez Story pieces together the puzzling life of NFL player Aaron Hernandez, who was found guilty of murder in 2015.

While on trial, Hernandez was charged and later acquitted of another, double, murder. Days after his acquittal, Hernandez took his own life and scans showed he had a severe brain injury.

The pod also explores the looming crisis around brain injuries in professional sport.

I’ll be doing a lot of city walks while I’m away and, for pounding the pavement, I’m going for something dense and historical.

The Ratline has been on my wishlist for a while but I haven’t had the time to give it the attention it deserves.

The BBC pod looks at disappearance of senior Nazi Otto von Wachter, who evaded capture after World War II, and died in suspicious circumstances in 1949.

Presented by law professor Philippe Sands, this 10-part series is gripping and hauntingly personal, particularly when Sands interviews Wachter’s son.

For the return leg of my trip, I’m going for some wise reflection and will chomp my way through the four-part Ask Mimi special from the Sporkful podcast.

Mimi Sheraton is a legendary New York food writer and the Sporkful team ask for her advice on food, life, relationships and eating alone. My favourite is part three when she talks about eloping, and lifts the lid on life as a chef. It will be a great way to end a weekend away.