A seat at the table

As a seasoned podcast enthusiast and someone who has navigated the tumultuous waters of midlife, I find Davina McCall’s “Begin Again” to be a breath of fresh air. Her soothing voice and heartfelt approach make it easy to embrace change, even when it seems daunting. As someone who has embarked on my own journey of self-improvement in the later stages of life, I can relate to the message she conveys. It’s never too late to start over, and this podcast serves as a reminder that we are all works in progress.

CONVERSATION

Ruthie’s Table

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/7yulszIgulFj1ybMICkCuW

The main character, often simply referred to as Ruthie outside her extensive contacts list, is recognized more widely as Ruth Rogers, a partner in London’s famous River Café. Her podcast was launched during the lockdown in 2021, reflecting Ruth’s dynamic nature and desire to stay active. The esteemed individuals who appear on her show to chat about their favorite cuisine read like a star-studded directory of influential figures from various fields such as acting, art, politics, music, activism, and even cooking. This new series kicks off with the film director Guillermo del Toro, discussing Mexican mole (a sauce, not an animal), grilled goat, and, on a more somber note, his father’s abduction. He is succeeded by Tony Blair, who touches upon dining with world leaders, childhood nutrition and education, farming, and food production. ANNA JONES

SOCIETY

Truthless

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/1gb4IRnAzOvl13nXOZrNQP

In the new series “Truthless” from Spotify, real individuals share experiences where an innocent lie grew into something more, creating a misunderstanding that required further deceit to maintain. The first episode follows the story of a computer-challenged swindler who managed to pass as an IT expert for a Wall Street bank. After watching this, you might view your office tech support in a different light. By David Hepworth

HEALTH

My Life with Dementia

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/7t9wRcCt7utew1mgDD0kl1

In this podcast, renowned actor and advocate for Dementia UK, Jim Broadbent, delves into the experiences of individuals battling dementia, including Andy who was diagnosed in his 50s. Alongside his wife, Christine, Andy shares a poignant yet hopeful narrative about his journey. His optimistic outlook on life, aimed at keeping the disease at bay, is particularly inspiring. This podcast is essential listening for anyone whose life has been impacted by dementia, as it provides valuable, practical guidance from Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses. By James Mottram

CURRENT AFFAIRS

News Natter

In this weekly broadcast from BBC Sounds, a trio of pals and reporters gather to chat about a mix of major, strange, and everyday topics. Each installment offers a lively exchange between BBC West Midlands TV and radio hosts Trish Adudu, Nicola Beckford, and Nikki Tapper, covering everything from the latest England soccer manager to the resurgence of vinyl records. The friends additionally share their perspectives on regional news items, such as the shutdown of Banks’s Brewery in Wolverhampton. TOM GOULDING (paraphrased version)

MOTORING

The Spark Inside

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/23S51sFfr1GfRnSDalC2A8

If you’re familiar with the Enfield 8000, this podcast is for you! It caters specifically to car and motorcycle enthusiasts who love everything automotive – from attending car shows, racing, to working on your vehicle during Sundays. Each episode features individuals connected to the world of cars in some way. And rest assured, it’s not just for a male audience. By the way, did you know that the Enfield 8000 was the first electric car produced on a mass scale in Britain back in the 1970s? DAVID McGILLIVRAY

LIFE STORIES

Begin Again with Davina McCall

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/1rrKKYpzXeR9rjd8VeDeA1/video

Davina McCall reassures us in her comforting tone as she kicks off this podcast centered around midlife transformation, titled “Begin Again.” Filled with self-improvement insights, it features discussions with medical professionals and famous personalities who open up about their experiences. The aim is to motivate listeners to make positive changes in their lives at any stage. Although there are some rough editing parts and a few awkward moments, the overall message is encouraging, coming from a sincere place. EMMA SIMMONDS

WELLBEING

The Hidden 20%

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/5kBFFQLv9Wm3xDKcMa4ilm

Earlier this year, The Hidden 20%, a podcast initiated by Ben Branson, the creator of Seedlip non-alcoholic beverages, earned an award at the British Podcast Awards. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD later in life, Branson is now advocating to end the cycle of embarrassment, prejudice, and hardship experienced by the 20% of the global population who are neurodivergent. As a compassionate interviewer, Branson invites celebrities, psychologists, and entrepreneurs onto his show to discuss how being neurodivergent is actually an asset rather than a disability. ANNA JONES (paraphrased)

SOCIETY

If You Were in Charge

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/4q4ghEwPZKDxpcHJDYaaYc

If you possessed limitless resources and authority, how would you tackle the world’s most challenging issues? This question is posed to experts weekly by global peace strategist Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. Let’s delve into a significant issue: addressing extreme capitalism and its role in widening wealth gaps. Abigail Disney, an heir to (and sometimes critic of) the Disney empire, advocates for a wealth tax on all billionaires as a solution. This suggestion is particularly daring, especially in the U.S., but Disney passionately defends her stance. [By Jeremy Aspinall]

INVESTIGATION

Backfired: Attention Deficit

In a surprising turn of events, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has rapidly transitioned from being a little-known condition to impacting a vast number of individuals. Our podcast team spoke with over two dozen people about their medication experiences, and what we found wasn’t the crisis we anticipated. Yes, there is a shortage of stimulants. However, the effects these drugs produce can vary significantly, sometimes leading to concerning outcomes. The situation is far from straightforward.

2024-11-07 21:04