PODCASTS EMMA JONES

Birthday Girls’ House Party

Nominated for best comedy podcast last year, this acclaimed series is back for more fun and naughtiness. Sketch trio Beattie Edmondson, Camille Ucan and Rose Johnson basically combine their two loves into this series – house parties and mindless natter.

Episodes have a party theme, like beach party, or baby shower, and the girls invite comedians along – past guests include James Acaster, Ed Gamble, Felicity Ward and Rose Matafeo, and the new run will see names of equal esteem.

This podcast is ideal for a Friday night laugh with a glass of something strong in a party paper cup.

Timeghost

Comedy lovers unite as Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller launch the new series of their podcast.

They’re together once again to discuss the cultural “scene” and what indeed is the geist of the current zeit.

Often they pass comment without even having seen or heard the events and works they are commentating on, which, as you can imagine, they handle in their wonderfully dry style.

As well as politics, pop culture and everything we read in the headlines, they delve deep into Covid culture, touching upon Tiger King, the reopening of McDonald’s, and Zoom socialising. Perfect lighthearted relief for the current climate.

Film Music

Available on Primephonic, a classical music streaming service, this podcast looks into all things movies.

British composer Rupert Gregson-Williams lifts the lid on his career in Hollywood and working with the likes of Hans Zimmer, Mel Gibson and George Clooney.

He’s actually the talent behind the scores for many critically-acclaimed films and TV shows, including Hollywood blockbuster Wonder Woman and Netflix series The Crown.

He breaks down the composition process and offers secrets into just what makes that iconic music truly pop.

How Did We Get Here?

Claudia Winkleman and Tanya Byron reunite to identify struggles faced by people and their families.

Each episode is a real story told in a one-time, unscripted session. Claudia listens in as Tanya unlocks the story behind each issue.

Topics will include autism spectrum disorder, parental suicide, extra-marital affairs, parenting challenging children, the legacy of childhood abuse, and holding down a romantic relationship.

Ultimately it helps people understand why, as perfectly competent adults, they can’t put into practice what they know they should. It’s uplifting.