Comedian and Celebrity Traitor winner Alan Carr is venturing into the world of viticulture with a new weekly podcast that promises more laughs than a sommelier's exam. He is joined by fellow comic Lee Peart for 'Bottoms Up', a light-hearted attempt to demystify wine for the everyday listener.
A Comedic Take on Wine Culture
From the very first episode, Carr sets the tone, quipping that the show is not a "lads, lads, lads" affair. Instead, the format blends wine tastings, listener dilemmas, and insights from expert Tom Gilbey. However, the undeniable highlight is the sparkling banter between the two hosts. A classic moment arises when Peart confesses he wants to get Carr "back on white" wine so he can enjoy his own favourite when they share a bottle, prompting Carr to retort: "You could have told me this off camera … I didn’t know this was Relate!"
This Week's Essential Podcast Picks
Beyond the vineyard, this week offers a rich selection of compelling audio narratives across various genres.
True Crime and Justice
'The Girlfriends: Untouchable' from Novel and iHeart continues its powerful exploration of systemic abuse. The latest season turns its focus to Kansas police detective Roger Golubski, accused of exploiting his authority to target and abuse Black women and their families.
Music and Conversation
Punk icon and riot grrrl pioneer Kathleen Hanna hosts the refreshingly music-centric interview show 'Music Makes Us'. Her debut guest is Paramore's Hayley Williams, who discusses influential artists from Parliament and Funkadelic to Fontaines DC.
Classic Storytelling
For those seeking atmospheric tales, David Suchet narrates 'Charles Dickens’ Ghost Stories'. The collection features seven chilling works, including The Signalman, inspired by a real train disaster that deeply affected Dickens, and The Trial for Murder. A double-bill of A Christmas Carol is, of course, included.
Personalised History
The documentary series 'The Bomb' on BBC Sounds provides a gripping, personal perspective on the nuclear age. Its examination of the Cuban Missile Crisis is presented through the descendants of the key figures: Nina Khrushcheva, great-granddaughter of Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, and Max Kennedy, nephew of President John F. Kennedy and son of Robert F. Kennedy.
All featured podcasts are widely available on major platforms, with new episodes released weekly.
