PODCASTS/AUDIOBOOKS
Frontlines of Journalism
The BBC’s international editor Jeremy Bowen has had a long career covering some of the most challenging stories on the world stage over several decades. In this fascinating new series, he puts forward a strong argument for why we need good journalism in an age where it is constantly being undermined and undervalued. Having reported on some of the most contentious and complex conflicts of the past 30 years or so, Bowen reflects on difficult stories he has covered and explores, with fellow journalists from all over the world, the obstacles that can get in the way of the truth. Knotty topics discussed include impartiality, detachment, journalism as activism, the importance of empathy, sources, spin and the line between opinion and analysis.
Pod Save the UK Various platforms, review by Yvette Huddleston
Inspired by the popular US satirical series
Pod Save America, this new weekly podcast hosted by comedian Nish Kumar and Guardian journalist Coco Khan takes a look at the big news stories, politics and ideas in the UK. Each week they are joined by politicians, experts and celebrity friends to unpick current affairs and endeavour to find solutions to the many problems facing the UK at the moment. In the opening episode Kumar and Khan discuss with Pod
Save America’s Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor the special relationship between the US and UK and what we can learn from each other’s political systems. Given the recent Coronation of Charles III, a future episode looks at whether there is an alternative to the monarchy.
Past, Present Future Various platforms, review by Yvette Huddleston
Hosted by David Runciman, this new weekly podcast explores the history of ideas from politics to philosophy, culture and technology. His guests include novelists, historians, scientists and other expert commentators and he invites them to discuss with him the history of ideas and how the past affects the present and helps shape the future. In the opening episode author Ian McEwan talks about 20th century Italian writer Italo Calvino’s novel The Watcher which he considers to be one of the greatest works of political fiction – and which investigates the notion of identity politics. Runciman and McEwan also discuss why climate change is so difficult to write about and whether children should have the vote. Future guests include Zadie Smith, pictured, John Lanchester and Lea Ypi.
Proper Class Various platforms, review by Yvette Huddleston
Actor Laura Checkley and theatre director Hannah Chissick return for another series of this excellent podcast that discusses and celebrates all things working class. Each week Checkley and Chissick, who both grew up in working class homes, invite a guest from a similar background to come and talk to them about their experience and their journey to where they are now. Comedians, actors, sports stars, poets and others all share their memories of childhood, their aspirations, hopes and dreams and what they feel they have gained from being working class. In the opening episode comedian Susan Wokoma discusses the importance of teachers who believe in you and gets nostalgic about Elephant and Castle shopping centre. Future guests include the actor Vicky McClure, pictured.