Picks of the week
Terribly Famous: Adele
Widely available, episodes weekly
Your hosts for this celebrity-centered podcast are Emily Lloyd-Saini and Anna Leong Brophy. They take us inside the world of Adele, starting with her Las Vegas residency. As they tell her story, they highlight her modesty and down-to-earth nature. With humor and a refreshing lack of cynicism, they give fans a new perspective on Adele’s journey.
Queen of the Con: The Unreal Housewife
Widely available, episodes weekly
This scandalous podcast delves into the life of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s Jen Shah. From her arrest to her sudden departure from the show, her fall from grace is examined in detail. The testimony from her designer about her abusive behavior adds another layer of satisfaction. This podcast reveals the true nature of a manipulative individual.
Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story
Widely available, episodes weekly
Coco Berthmann became internet-famous for sharing her story of surviving sex trafficking, but it was later revealed that she fabricated a cancer diagnosis. In this captivating 10-part series, host Sara Ganin investigates her story and uncovers surprising truths along the way.
I’m Not Here to Hurt You
Widely available, all episodes out now
This true-crime podcast focuses on John O’Hegarty, known as Ireland’s “most polite bank robber.” O’Hegarty, who earned two degrees before turning to a life of crime, is interviewed by journalist Kevin Doyle. Through their conversations, a story of twists, confessions, and a bearded disguise emerges.
Smokescreen: Betrayal on the Bayou
Widely available, episodes weekly
This juicy podcast explores the downfall of DEA special agent Chad Scott in New Orleans. Nicknamed “the big dog” and “the white devil,” Scott’s own team betrays him, leading to a federal investigation and his incarceration.
There’s a podcast for that
Other People’s Lives
Not all podcasts need famous hosts or guests to be entertaining. Other People’s Lives features hosts Joe Santagato and Greg Dybec calling strangers they find on the internet to discuss their peculiar behaviors. The guests may not be well-known, but their stories are far from ordinary. From people defending their choice to eat human feces to someone claiming that herpes was the best thing that happened to them, this podcast is oddly fascinating in its repulsiveness.
Have You Met?
Former Cambridge students Sulaiman and Saadadeen interview friends about their childhoods, education journeys, and aspirations. This podcast started while the hosts were studying and continues to engage listeners with intimate conversations. From a law student with hearing loss growing up in a deaf household to anecdotes from their secondary school teachers, each episode prompts listeners to reflect on their own experiences.
Three Pounds in My Pocket
In this BBC Radio 4 series, host Kavita Puri interviews British south Asian migrants who came to postwar Britain with as little as £3 in their pockets. Each episode showcases different stories, ranging from the struggles of Sikhs pressured to remove their turbans to uplifting tales of a DJ who created a daytime club scene for British Asians in Bradford. The podcast presents a refreshing change from one-on-one guest interviews and feels like a genuine conversation.
Conversations With People Who Hate Me
Hosted by Dylan Marron, this podcast brings together ordinary people to discuss their recent disagreements or quarrels. Rather than featuring celebrities, the podcast focuses on encounters between non-famous individuals. These conversations, while uncomfortable at times, strive to find common ground. Some episodes do include celebrities, but most explore archetypes such as colleagues-turned-enemies, online trolls, and high-school bullies.
Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People
In this podcast, host Chris Gethard speaks to one anonymous caller for an hour. The stories shared are not always conventionally “beautiful” but often delve into unsettling territories. The beauty lies in the willingness of strangers to share their stories, while Gethard provides non-judgmental responses. This podcast guarantees a unique listening experience and offers a space for exploring taboo subjects.
Why not try… The new season of True Spies, which delves into the twisty tale of leftwing extremist turned CIA informant Bruno Bréguet. The Katie Price Show, hosted by the ex-model herself, promises to pique your interest whether you love her or hate her. Subscribe to receive the full version of the newsletter and discover more podcast recommendations every Thursday.