Beyond belief?

As a seasoned listener and lover of podcasts, I must say that these selections truly pique my interest! Each one seems to offer a unique perspective on various aspects of life, from personal experiences with dementia to deep dives into criminal justice systems and conspiracy theories.

FAITH

Misquoting Jesus

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/4zv2abx3aKBmRZmYVavnw4

In his book Dominion, Tom Holland argues even the most heathen of us has been more shaped by biblical teaching than we admit. This weekly dialogue with noted biblical scholar Bart Ehrman retrieves the actual content of those lessons from the game of Chinese Whispers that has carried them down the last 2,000 years. Thus each episode, in which the irrepressibly jovial Dr Ehrman answers questions from the slightly less bestselling but equally erudite Megan Lewis, deals with how the Bible is used and misused today. My favourite recent one was: “Would the people of the early Church recognise today’s Christians as Christians?” Bart reckoned not. And don’t worry if you’re not a believer. Neither is Bart. DAVID HEPWORTH

DOCUMENTARY

Famously… Winona

Maisie Williams, known for her role in “Game of Thrones,” deeply appreciates Winona Ryder, as evidenced by carefully selected video clips of Ryder discussing topics like growing up in a commune and facing bullying at school due to being mistaken for a boy. Instead of delving into the more challenging aspects of Ryder’s life (such as her shoplifting arrest and drug issues), Williams emphasizes how her idol made significant career choices on her own, which is certainly commendable. ANNA JONES

CONSUMER

The Wirecutter Show

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/1qlECViDsKRZYW7nuKyarf

This New York Times podcast offers valuable life hacks despite focusing on US brands that may confuse UK listeners. An interesting episode discusses laundry tips, including a method for removing red wine stains. Hosts Christine Cyr Clisset, Caira Blackwell, and producer Rosie Guerin are knowledgeable and share a charm similar to characters from Sex and the City.)

THRILLER

The Cut

Apart from starring as a brooding protagonist in TV shows such as ITV’s “Red Eye,” Richard Armitage also writes and records thrillers for Audible. After the success of his first book, “Geneva” (which was quickly picked up for television), he now delves into domestic themes with “The Cut.” In this novel, a long-buried tragedy resurfaces in a Midlands community, coinciding with the arrival of a horror movie crew. Armitage intentionally avoids literary complexity and instead offers fast-paced storytelling, which is exactly what readers will find. – FIONA HUGHES (Paraphrased)

HISTORY

Extraordinary Stories of Britain

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/1S91TuHUipc4GOdyNkzrYK

In this podcast, you’ll find fascinating stories about historical figures like Thomas More, Walter Raleigh, Charles I, and Oliver Cromwell – people you might already know. But what happened to their heads after they were severed from their bodies? This podcast uncovers lesser-known aspects of British history, exploring topics as diverse as gruesome medical practices, witchcraft, or even the origins of our modern plumbing systems. You’ll never look at toilet paper in the same way again! JEREMY ASPINALL

HEALTH

Hold the Moment

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/3kVQqbioTGzKWZu4J8lBbr

When someone is given a diagnosis like dementia, as was the case for Jim Rogers when he learned he had Alzheimer’s in his 50s, it can feel like time has come to a halt. In this podcast, Rogers and co-host Hamish Macdonald, whose father also suffers from dementia, discuss practical strategies for managing the condition, including maintaining physical fitness and addressing legal matters. The conversation is uplifting, featuring guests who share their experiences of continuing to pursue hobbies and even romance despite a daunting diagnosis. TOM GOULDING

DOCUMENTARY

Law & Order: Criminal Justice System

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/2Wp0ARMM9NPlmZDhvRQquY

Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi, a prosecutor who handled over fifty felony cases for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, is the host of this true crime spin-off from the popular TV show, “Law & Order,” with its 26th season approaching. The initial ten episodes of the new podcast delve into the decline of the notorious “Five Families,” deeply entwined in the New York Mafia. The power struggle commenced in 1979 following the assassination of Carmine Galante, a driven leader of the Bonanno family. DAVID McGILLIVRAY (paraphrased)

DOCUMENTARY

Conspiracy, She Wrote

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/2reCxZKZOnRdZ9a2s8zAzb

For those craving more, here’s an exploration of debunked conspiracy theories, this time by Cristen Conger, a “knowledgeable and insightful woman” who focuses on the misconceptions surrounding women, sometimes perpetuated by them. She has found that most of what we believe about the Illuminati, the alleged global power brokers, can be traced back to a group of wealthy, fascist women from over a century ago. (This part is somewhat accurate). Her weekly podcast started in August, and it appears it might have a celebrity focus. DAVID McGILLIVRAY

DOCUMENTARY

Head Number 7

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/3kw4yFxuPO3i6VHix7jBxg

An approach-with-caution podcast as DNA expert Professor Turi King explores the 2019 scandal at Harvard Medical School where the head of their mortuary was discovered to have a horrifying sideline in storing and selling off body parts from people who’d donated their corpses in the interests of science. King is not in the slightest exploitative and gives bereaved families a voice to express their disgust, but this isn’t one for squeamish, sensitive souls. You’ll also have to subscribe to listen beyond the first edition. ANNA JONES

2024-09-11 19:35

Misquoting Jesus

Famously… Winona

The Wirecutter Show

The Cut

Extraordinary Stories of Britain

Hold the Moment

Law & Order: Criminal Justice System

Conspiracy, She Wrote

Head Number 7

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