Are you a cat person or a dog person? According to the producers of Paul McCartney’s upcoming 12-part podcast, its biggest revelation is that the ex-Beatle favours canines, while John Lennon was more into felines.
“I don’t think there’s anything else that best describes the difference between these two people and the way they relate to each other in life and in art,” says executive producer Justin Richmond in an interview about how he turned the recordings behind McCartney’s recent book, A Life In Lyrics, into an audio series.
I’m very excited for the 20 September release of what is supposedly a relaxed and in-depth chat about creating some of the most iconic songs ever. Although, frankly, I’m really hoping that over the course of 12 entire episodes, there might be some slightly more exciting info than pet preference.
Talking of cultural icons, we’ve also got a look at a new podcast series about Barbie, including plenty of never-before-heard interviews with the doll’s creator, Ruth Handler. There’s also an excellent look at undertold pieces of Black history; a new series on oil companies’ marketing tactics from Drilled’s Amy Westervelt; and a list of the best podcasts to listen to during the Women’s World Cup. Given how many matches kick off on weekday mornings when many of us are at work, they should prove invaluable.
Alexi Duggins
Deputy TV editor
Picks of the week
LA Made: The Barbie Tapes
Widely available, episodes weekly
“Even as a child I found her disturbing yet fascinating,” says Antonia Cereijido of the Los Angeles news and culture site LAist, who, along with Barbie expert and author MG Lord, co-hosts this timely deep dive into the world-dominating “hunk of plastic”. She shares never-before-heard tape interviews with creator Ruth Handler, starting with how Barbie was conceived. Resisting Barbie fever is futile, for, as the movie tagline says, “She’s everything.” Hollie Richardson
Ibiza: What’s the Big Deal?
BBC Sounds, all episodes out now
In a series that feels so immersive you’ll get Fomo (to the point of booking a flight), DJ Sarah Story hosts this eight-parter about the world’s most famous party island. Speaking to those who helped create its legacy – Pete Tong, Eats Everything, Judge Jules – and searching for the best night out, it’s the liveliest travel guide going. HR
Drapetomaniax: Unshackled History
Widely available, episodes weekly
This lively take on Black history takes its title from “drapetomania”, a supposed mental health condition a white doctor invented in 1851 to explain why slaves fled captivity. In the first episode they profile Forest Joe, a 19th-century South Carolina bandit who led a band of runaways. Alexi Duggins
Academy
Widely available, episodes weekly
Black tie brunches, Adderall addictions and big ambitions collide in this sparky drama set in America’s most prestigious boarding school. Industry’s Myha’la Herrold (pictured above) is the scholarship student desperate to fit in and raise the cash she needs for her extracurricular activities. Cue secret societies and Euphoria-style action (ie podcast sex scenes). Hannah Verdier
Herb: A Miniseries
Widely available, all episodes out now
This climate crisis three-parter from Amy Westervelt (Drilled) opens with a little girl in an Amelia Earhart outfit enthusing about her dreams. It’s one of many “inspirational” ads paid for by oil firms, made fashionable by an ex-oil VP who seemingly invented greenwashing. The series shows how companies fought to get their “corporate free speech” turned into a legally protected entity. AD
There’s a podcast for that
With the Women’s World Cup kicking off in Australia and New Zealand, Ella Braidwood chooses five of the best podcasts to see you through the competition, from near-instant analysis by experts and ex-pros to the the Guardian’s own weekly roundup
The Offside Rule
In 2015, The Offside Rule became the first daily podcast to cover a major women’s football tournament, earning it a revered status among fans. After a five-month hiatus, its back and has teamed up with Sky Sports to offer daily episodes throughout this summer’s tournament. Hosted by broadcasters Lynsey Hooper and Kait Borsay, episodes will be released a few hours after the last game of each match day, with guests including former Lionesses, stars from the global stage, and Sky’s reporters. A World Cup preview episode is already available, including insight from ex-Lioness Natasha Dowie and interviews with international journalists on the top teams to look out for.
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The Far Post
Launched in 2020, The Far Post is ESPN’s women’s football podcast in Australia, providing year-round coverage of the country’s A-League, and hosted by women’s football writers Marissa Lordanic, Anna Harrington, Angela Christian-Wilkes and Sam Lewis. The podcast has released episodes every few days in the lead-up to the Women’s World Cup, including group-by-group previews and an in-depth dissection of Australia’s 23-strong squad. Each episode features a guest, usually from ESPN, offering expert analysis, including a look at England’s chances in Group D. The podcast will also run throughout the tournament, recapping on previous matches and with a strong focus on Oz’s games.
The Guardian’s Women’s Football Weekly
Hosted by sports broadcaster Faye Carruthers and Guardian writer Suzanne Wrack, this podcast will run three times a week throughout the tournament, with match analysis, guest interviews and expert commentary. Among the confirmed panellists are Bristol City head coach Anita Asante, former Chelsea defender Claire Rafferty, BBC commentator Robyn Cowen, and the Guardian’s Jonathan Liew. The podcast is also worth checking out during the Women’s Super League season, with week-by-week analysis and guests who have included England legend Kelly Smith.
After the Whistle
Its first series followed the men’s tournament last year, and now Apple News’s podcast is back to cover the women’s game. Hosted by Ted Lasso co-creator and star Brendan Hunt and NBC presenter Rebecca Lowe, episodes will be available “multiple times per week in the hours following momentous games”, with a preview episode already available. Listeners can expect to be guided through the tournament’s talking point – including the big wins and upsets – plus the best off-field moments. There will be a rotating guestlist, with star appearances likely – previous guests in season one included retired USA soccer star Abby Wambach, Ted Lasso himself, Jason Sudeikis, and author Glennon Doyle.
The Athletic Women’s Football Podcast: World Cup edition
Hosted by sports commentator Michelle Owen, New York Times-owned sports website The Athletic will run a daily podcast throughout the tournament, with regular appearances from its journalists Michael Cox, Meg Linehan and Charlotte Harpur. The publication has more than 10 staff at the tournament, with the show’s creators hoping the episodes will capture the atmosphere on the ground. While the main focus will be on England, the podcast will also feature guests from overseas to ensure an international scope. A preview episode was released last week, including a run through of the group stages.
Why not try …
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Britain’s Natural History Museum asks how to solve some of our biggest crises – including our reliance on plastic, and rising tides – in Our Broken Planet.
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Kerry Godliman returns for more trips down Memory Lane in the company of comics including Jason Manford, Isy Suttie and Rosie Jones.
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From his cultural impact to his controversies, The Athletic considers the career of one LeBron James in A King’s Reign.
