This Week's Highlight
Bill Nighy's Ill-Advised
Bill Nighy serves as the agony uncle you never knew you needed as he answers queries from the audience in his latest program. It’s a laconic delight to hear his relaxed advice on subjects including lipstick application to organizing a vinyl library. Wisdom is being dispensed – despite his self-deprecating protestations.
Widely available, episodes weekly
First Conviction
Limerick native Ruth Negga narrates this audio series about a pair found guilty of performing FGM on their young daughter. Subsequently, they were acquitted but there are ongoing proceedings associated with the matter. This sensitive investigation reveals widespread, heartbreaking shortcomings by official bodies.
Easily accessible, weekly installments
Fela Kuti: Unafraid of Anyone
You can't help but be impressed by the cast list of people paying homage one of the greatest African musicians ever in this program detailing his influence. Ayo Edebiri, Barack Obama, Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Flea … the wildly enthusiastic tributes mount up. Then, you're taken aback by a compelling story about his rhythm pianist’s father being murdered for his beliefs – and how Kuti bravely championed his family. This is an engrossing, heartfelt life story.
Widely available, episodes weekly
Familiar Evil
Cyndi Lauper, legwarmers and, er … Satan! This podcast presented by Sarah Marshall skillfully balances between fun and historical account, as it looks at the satanic scare defined the 80s spirit. Marshall explores the individuals and items that fueled its growth in that decade and beyond, among them a disputed autobiography.
Broadly available, weekly episodes
Paradise Turned Nightmare
An affluent, youthful American pair move to Costa Rica to build a nature reserve and their dream home. “Tragically, one will die and the other tried for murder – three times,” says journalist Becky Milligan, opening a gobsmacking series about the true events of what befell Jon and Ann Bender in 2010 after they’d set out to make a paradise.
Available widely, with weekly updates
