Hit That Perfect Beat: The London Records Story
From Blancmange to Bananarama, London Records "stuffed the UK charts with hits" in the 80s, says music writer Siân Pattenden. She hosts this five-part series about the evolution of the label, featuring interviews with artists and A&Rs. It's a fascinating oral history that takes in the queer representation offered by Bronski Beat; All Saints' edgy take on Girl Power; and the goth-pop prowess of Shakespears Sister. Episodes are weekly and widely available.
Are We Doomed
From nuclear war to climate change, many things could cause humanity's demise. In a series more hopeful than it sounds, US journalist Ben Bradford considers threat levels, beginning with an episode on nukes and whether mutually assured destruction is truly MAD. Episodes are weekly and widely available.
Gangster Presents: The Story of Ronnie Biggs
Daniel Mays, who played the Great Train Robber in the 2012 TV series Mrs Biggs, narrates this lively podcast, drawing heavily on archive interviews with the man himself. While six episodes may feel a lot for a story frequently told, never-before-heard audio and discussion of the era's shifting class politics bring new angles. Episodes are weekly and widely available.
Attitude Presents: Out With Suzi Ruffell
Comedian Ruffell has relaunched her podcast, and while there is a surfeit of interview shows, this one is rather lovely. She kicks off by interviewing Attitude's editor-in-chief, Cliff Joannou, before a conversation with Drag Race's Tia Kofi that touches on trans rights and the inherent politics of her chosen artform. Episodes are weekly and widely available.
Stateside With Kai and Carter
The Guardian's New York team launch their podcast this week, hosted by journalists Kai Wright and Carter Sherman, with new episodes released three times a week. Arguably, there's scarcely been a better moment for a straight-talking, US-flavoured current affairs show. Says Sherman: "There's war, there's authoritarianism, our planet is burning – I could go on." Episodes are three times a week and widely available.
