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As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for uncovering hidden gems and delving into the depths of audiobook realms, I find myself drawn to these captivating recommendations like a moth to a flame.

SPORT

The Chipping Forecast

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/5fpAGBH3eDiG0UD2JJH6LA

Professional golfer Eddie Pepperell inquires gently, “Where does this lead?” At this point, hosts Andrew Cotter and Iain Carter shift their conversation from light topics such as handicaps, social media golf coaches, Halloween greetings, and Roald Dahl’s works to a frank analysis of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in golf. This moment might have made Eddie wish he hadn’t asked, making it also aptly titled “The Topics We Discuss When We Talk about Golf“. DAVID HEPWORTH

 
 

DRAMA

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

This dramatisation of the Queen of Crime’s debut novel is the first in a collaboration between Audible and Agatha Christie Limited. Peter Dinklage plays Poirot and Himesh Patel is Captain Hastings, with other cast members including Harriet Walter, Rob Delaney and Jessica Gunning. The sound design is exquisite, really cinematic, and the subtle nuances about refugees and postwar PTSD make this something very special. ANNA JONES

 

TRUE CRIME

Candyman: the True Story behind the Bathroom Mirror Murder

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/0JW8FhXiT2WCAxXqMhOj6e

Over six captivating episodes, the crime segment on CBS News’ “48 Hours” delves into the chilling story of Ruthie Mae McCoy from Chicago. In 1987, she claimed to police that a killer was hidden behind her bathroom mirror, and tragically, she was correct. This unsolved murder partially inspired the 1992 horror movie “Candyman,” with director Bernard Rose being one of the people interviewed by Chicago-born journalist Dometi Pongo about an event unlike any other. DAVID MCGILLIVRAY (paraphrased)

 

 

HISTORY

The Madman’s Hotel

Niall Breslin, formerly a rugby player, pop star, and coach on Ireland’s “The Voice,” is deeply committed to raising awareness about mental health issues. Growing up near the old St Loman’s asylum in Mullingar, County Westmeath, left a lasting impact on him for many years. Breslin teams up with a woman who aims to uncover the truth behind her great-grandmother’s stay at the asylum, known colloquially as “the madman’s hotel.” She is interested in understanding why her ancestor was admitted and the mysteries surrounding the asylum’s cemetery. ANNA JONES (paraphrased)

 

CONVERSATION

The Old Fools

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/33gAeEMEU0NnxNOOZri7z7

The renowned pair, David Quantick and Ian Martin (also known as the “swearing consultant” of The Thick of It), serve as the main focus here. Their approach isn’t revolutionary, but they skillfully blend topics like Australian MasterChef, NHS reform, John and Yoko, and the latest Tory leader in their discussions. During their talk, screenwriter Sarah Phelps shares a practical tip about visiting Greggs: pick up two pasties – one for your journey home and one for when you reach your destination. FIONA HUGHES

 

CONSUMER

The Best Idea Yet

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/1Yjc2PbABNA0Hh6gWhRcVh

Exploring the backstories behind popular consumer goods might not initially sound exciting, but the infectious passion of hosts Jack Crivici-Kramer and Nick Martell to shed light on the untold tales of what sparked successful brands to become viral sensations is certainly intriguing. For instance, how did a mother of five in Guatemala contribute to the creation of the Happy Meal? And why does the Jeep have such a reputation for winning the Second World War, even receiving the Purple Heart? The answers and much more can be found here. By Jeremy Aspinall

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2024-11-19 16:07