10 Podcasts To Listen To This Month
Coiled
Easily one of the best podcasts we’ve listened to in recent months, Coiled analyses everything about Black hair. Hosted by BBC podcast producer Leanne Alie, each episode explores a different theme relating to Afro-Caribbean hair, with guests who shed light on each subject. Taking listeners back to the beginning, the podcast outlines the history of Afro hair, before exploring topics like the truth about hair relaxers, the science of textured hair, and where human hair actually comes from. Leanne also shares her own journey as she transitions from chemically straightened hair back to her natural texture.
Episode Highlight: The Natural Hair Movement, Texturism and The Big Chop!
In episode five, Leanne speaks to journalist and writer Valley Fontaine about the natural hair movement which started in 1960s America. During the height of the civil rights movement, many Black women decided to favour natural hair over wigs and chemically straightened styles. At the end of the episode, Leanne takes the plunge and starts her own natural hair journey – saving goodbye to relaxers for the foreseeable.
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Sweet Bobby
Sweet Bobby is an investigation into one of the world’s most complicated and sophisticated catfishing operations. Told by journalist Alexi Mostrous, the six-part series investigates a relationship that went on for ten years – with a huge lie at the centre. Kirat is a successful radio presenter. On Facebook she meets Bobby, a handsome cardiologist. He’s a catch. Soon, they get tangled up in a love affair full of lies and manipulation, until Kat discovers that Bobby has been lying to almost an unimaginable degree.
Episode Highlight: Witness Protection
When Kirat met Bobby, she never imagined she would be dragged into a manipulative online relationship. After drastically removing Bobby from her life, he finds his way back to Kirat and their relationship grows closer – with devastating consequences. Meanwhile, Alexi investigates the sophistication of the catfishing scam.
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Sick Of Being Sick
Sick of Being Sick explores the highs and lows of living with cancer. Rocio Galan is currently battling a serious form of brain cancer. In this podcast, she talks to other young adults battling the disease to share their personal stories and reflect on what it’s like to be given a life-changing diagnosis. From feeling confident in your body during treatment to dealing with feelings of grief, Rocio discusses each part of her journey so far. A sobering but powerful listen.
Episode Highlight: Fighting Breast Cancer In A Pandemic: Sexiness, Strength And Survial
Rocio is joined by 31-year-old Elle who was diagnosed with 1A breast cancer during the peak of the pandemic in New York City. At the time, she was working in events planning, had a ‘normal’ life and enjoyed going out with her friends. Here, she talks about surviving breast cancer and what she’s learned during her incredible journey.
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The Way We Are
Activist, writer and advocate for marginalised communities Munroe Bergdorf has a new podcast. Each week, she asks guests to talk about their journeys of growth, exploring how the big and small events of their lives have shaped their perspective today – and how it impacts their hopes for the future. Focusing on turning trauma into triumph and adversity into opportunity, the podcast is a celebration of what makes us unique as a result of the many experiences we go through.
Episode Highlight: Olly Alexander
Years & Years singer Olly Alexander shares the moments that have shaped his life and career. Olly talks about the highs such as his iconic Brit Awards performance with Elton John and starring in hit series It’s A Sin, as well as some of the darker moments including his experience of bullying, poor mental health, eating disorders and self-harm. Munroe and Olly's mutual respect and love for one another shines through in this refreshingly candid – and important – conversation.
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The Log Books
This podcast highlights stories from the LGBTQ+ community over the past 40 years. Since 1974, volunteers at LGBT+ helpline Switchboard have written notes in the charity's log books. Hosts Tash Walker and Adam Smith reopen the book to explore untold stories from Britain’s queer history. Told sensitively, each account is a fascinating snapshot on what life was like for LGBTQ+ people in the UK over the decades.
Episode Highlight: Damaged Caused
Tash and Adam readSwitchboard’s logbooks from the 80s, during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis. One volunteer handles an incredibly difficult call, while an anonymous caller asks for help, terrified they might have caught HIV from someone they know.
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Built To Thrive
Available exclusively on Amazon Music, Dr Rangan Chatterjee hosts this new bite-sized podcast designed to help you start your day off right. In five minutes, he shares a number of health and wellbeing tips to help motivate you during the week, whether you’re taking on a new fitness challenge or simply want to make some healthy switches. There’s a different theme each week, spanning topics like gratitude, feeling nourished, breathing better, and stress.
Episode Highlight: Simple Strength – Day One
Week two is all about simple strength. In the first instalment, Dr Rangan talks about the power of muscles. We lose 3-5% of our muscle mass every decade, so staying active is key to maintaining enough mass to keep injuries at bay and perform day-to-day tasks. At the end, Dr Rangan gives listeners a simple five-minute exercise to try – ideal if you need a bit of extra encouragement.
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Who We Be Talks_
If you haven’t listened to Spotify podcast Who We Be Talks_ add it to your playlist this month. BFFs YouTuber Harry Pinero and presenter and DJ Henrie talk to the biggest artists in hip-hop, Afrobeats, dancehall and R&B. Discussing what it means to be a Black artist in the UK right now, and rating the biggest tunes hitting the airwaves each week, expect hilarious interviews and great music recommendations.
Episode Highlight: Idris Elba Idris
Elba visits the Who We Be studio to talk about his prolific career as one of the UK’s most in-demand actors. He talks about his east London upbringing, starting from the bottom, taking risks, and his career-defining roles, including Nelson Mandela and Luther.
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People In The 90s
Ready for some nostalgia? People Magazine journeys back to the 90s in this pop culture podcast. Hosted by People’s deputy West Coast editor Jason Sheeler and style and beauty director Andrea Lavinthal, each week covers a different celebrity who made it big in the 90s, including Julia Stiles, Jamie Lee Curtis and Paula Abdul. Exclusive celebrity interviews and soundbites take listeners right back to the golden era of pop culture.
Episode Highlight: Elizabeth Hurley & The '90s Most Iconic Celeb Couples
When Hugh Grant went to the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994 with Elizabeth Hurley wearing that Versace dress, the media went crazy. This episode discusses the 90s’ most iconic couples, including Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere, Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz, and Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow.
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Whistle Through The Shamrocks
Actress Nicola Coughlan (Derry Girls, Bridgerton) and playwright Camilla Whitehill have written a play and turned it into a podcast. Whistle Through The Shamrocks is an ode to Ireland. It’s just a normal day of chip making and town cranking for the humble and impoverished O’Flanerhyn family in the sleepy Irish village of Ballysnavougherenn. Things take an unexpected turn, however, with the arrival of their evil English landlord, his wife, and their very pretty and very English daughter… Can a family survive on love and potatoes alone? Or will the O’Flanerhyns crumble under the weight of British oppression? With an impressive cast, expect to hear from Ed Gamble, Susie Wokoma, David Ames and – wait for it – Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness.
Episode Highlight: Episode 2
The O’Flanerhyn family are in shock after two announcements regarding the future of both their home, and of their eldest son Paddy Johnny Tommy Paddy. Meanwhile, Daddy O’Flanerhyn receives a visit from another unexpected guest, and Tiny Nelly continues to have consumption.
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Postcards From Midlife
Anyone familiar with Lorraine Candy’s writing will know she’s not afraid to explore all the issues which crop up at a certain age. Here she teams up with fellow magazine editor Trish Halpin to discuss everything from raising teenagers to battling the menopause. Far from pretending to have all the answers, Lorraine and Trish go straight to the experts for the best advice.
Episode Highlight: Kathy Lette On Sex & Love After Divorce
Lorraine and Trish are joined by novelist Kathy Lette to talk about divorce and sex with a younger man. Kathy also discusses the life lessons that have helped her achieve a second round of happiness, and why she has no regrets.
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