What’s new to listen to
George Fenwick rounds up what we’re tuning into in the world of podcasts.
In Wellington, not far from the busy hub of Thorndon and just north of the Botanic Gardens, is a cute little dog-leg called Ascot St. At No 22 is a 1951 villa built by refugee architect Frederich Schwarzkopf for diplomat Richard Collins and his family. The house and its lush garden later became the abode of Aotearoa’s ‘‘father of classical music composition’’ Douglas Lilburn, pictured. RNZ’s gorgeous podcast The Magpie House looks at what a house and its occupants can tell us about history, focusing on Lilburn’s life, the music he made and enjoyed, the historical background of war and persecution, and the meaning of identity in our little nation. It’s a wonderful example of the possibilities of audio journalism, with host Kirsten Johnstone folding in beautiful details of Lilburn’s world to paint a full picture of his life and the times in which he lived, as well as the significant characters who moved in and out of his life. Beautifully made and powerfully told, the four episodes are equal parts moving, hypnotic and enlightening.
Shamima Begum: The Blame Game
Shamima Begum was just 15 years old when she left the London suburb of Bethnal Green to join Isis in Syria with two school friends in 2015. The United Kingdom was rattled by the story, with many left speechless as to how such a thing could happen. Begum, pictured, was not heard from for five years, until she appeared in a Syrian refugee camp, showing an apparent lack of remorse that turned her into a loathed figure in the UK media. ITV News journalist Rohit Kachroo has followed Begum’s story from day one, and, in this brilliant four-episode podcast, he unpacks the story from the beginning, articulating how Begum’s case is about more than just one girl’s actions. With multiple countries, institutions and agencies involved, Kachroo looks at the idea of blame in Begum’s story, asking who is at fault and what that actually means for the young woman at the centre of the story. It’s incredible journalism, and a powerful window into the world of extremism and how it plays out in the modern world.
Dua Lipa: At Your Service
As ever, I am cautious of celebrities deciding to become podcasters, but I also can’t resist engaging particularly when I’m already a fan. With Dua Lipa already expanding her brand into journalism and lifestyle content with her newsletter Service95, she’s now entering podcasting with At Your Service , an interview series in which she invites notable guests on to talk about . . . well, anything. Her concept is stated as being, rather broadly, ‘‘inspiring stories and tools, tips, and recommendations learned and shared by some of the world’s most exciting minds’’, which doesn’t really set it apart from other interview podcasts beyond the fact that they’re being interviewed by a pop star. I have to say, though, that Dua Lipa, pictured, is pretty good at it. The first two episodes featured Balmain creative director Olivier Rousteing and author Lisa Taddeo, and both conversations are illuminating. Future guests will include Sir Elton John and
K-pop star CL.