As we move into a new week, there is an abundance of excellent podcast content waiting to be discovered. From deep dives into popular television series to heartfelt health discussions and engaging celebrity interviews, our curated selection offers something for every listener. Here are five standout podcasts to add to your playlist this week.
Bridgerton: The Official Podcast
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: TV and relationships
The official podcast companion to the beloved Netflix series Bridgerton returns, perfectly timed with the launch of the show's fourth season. Hosted by the charismatic Alison Hammond, this six-episode series provides an immersive experience for fans. Hammond engages in revealing conversations with key cast and crew members, offering unparalleled behind-the-scenes access and insights into the production.
The inaugural episode features a compelling discussion with leading actors Luke Thompson, who portrays Benedict Bridgerton, and Yerin Ha, who plays Sophie Baek. They delve into the nuances of their characters' evolving love story, with Ha describing her integration into the Bridgerton ensemble as "like slotting into a family." The conversation explores Benedict's complex personality traits and pivotal scenes, including the dramatic staircase proposal. Both actors reflect on how their on-screen chemistry developed organically through shared trust and collaborative scene work.
Later in the episode, Hammond sits down with showrunner Jess Brownell. Brownell provides a fascinating glimpse into the series' writing process, discussing sources of inspiration and the delicate balance between adhering to Julia Quinn's original novels and crafting compelling screen adaptations. She notes the particular adaptability of this season's source material and hints at unexpected developments awaiting viewers when the second part of the season premieres on February 26. Future episodes promise engaging interviews with cast members including Hannah Dodd, Claudia Jessie, Ruth Gemmell, Daniel Francis, and Katie Leung.
You, Me And The Big C
Streaming platform: BBC Sounds
Genre: Health
In a poignant and special release to commemorate World Cancer Day, BBC Radio 5 Live has revived the influential podcast You, Me And The Big C. This nostalgic episode celebrates the podcast's significant legacy and honours its original, much-missed hosts, Rachael Bland and Dame Deborah James. Original presenter Lauren Mahon is joined by Steve Bland, Rachael's husband, and 5 Live presenter Tony Livesey to reignite the conversation, marking the first new episode since April 2024.
The trio reflect warmly on the podcast's inception and its transformative role in public discourse. You, Me And The Big C is credited with breaking down stigmas and fostering a more open, honest dialogue about cancer. Mahon, Bland, and Livesey share personal reflections and welcome back special guests, including broadcaster Trisha Goddard, to the podcast's extended family.
This powerful tribute episode continues the show's mission of providing support, insight, and practical advice. It tackles enduring taboos while celebrating the countless individuals the podcast has helped. Whether you are navigating a personal diagnosis, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to understand more, this episode and the extensive back catalogue offer invaluable resources filled with empathy and clarity.
The Savoy Originals
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Life and culture
Recorded within the opulent surroundings of a suite at London's legendary Savoy Hotel, The Savoy Originals presents an intimate and captivating conversation. Journalist Alex Zane hosts a relaxed yet profound discussion with the esteemed astrophysicist and broadcaster, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock.
Over a glass of champagne, Aderin-Pocock shares luminous childhood memories that sparked her passion for science, from stargazing on Hampstead Heath to constructing her first telescope. She frequently references the Japanese concept of ikigai—finding purpose at the intersection of passion, vocation, mission, and profession—which she describes as a guiding principle in her life and a message she eagerly shares with young people.
The interview takes a thoughtful turn as Aderin-Pocock discusses her recent diagnosis of dyslexia. Far from viewing it as a limitation, she credits it with enhancing her communication skills, as it necessitated a focus on clarity and considering the listener's perspective. Zane's understated interviewing style allows these insights to flow naturally, resulting in a podcast that is both intellectually stimulating and effortlessly enjoyable.
Leave A Message With Ally & G
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Culture and comedy
The dynamic duo Ally and G have triumphantly relaunched their popular podcast, Leave A Message. Describing themselves as 'professional yappers', their mission is to "help the girls in need" by creating a supportive, judgement-free community. Each episode begins with real-life dilemmas and stories submitted by listeners via email, direct messages, or voice notes.
The hosts, who are also best friends, tackle a wide array of topics with humour and empathy. From navigating complicated situationships and friendship fallouts to discussing embarrassing moments, they foster an atmosphere of honesty and offer fresh perspectives. A recent episode covered diverse subjects including chronic lateness versus early arrival, gym equipment shortages, new research linking menopause to brain changes, and their admiration for the Beckhams.
Further conversations meander through topics like tattoo culture, friendships across social classes, their own experiences in radio, the philosophical pursuit of happiness, and the wellbeing of former child stars such as Amanda Bynes. Leave A Message With Ally & G consistently gets to the heart of contemporary issues with warmth and wit.
What’s The Tea, Amy?
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Life and culture
Spotlight on... Amy Jackson, the Liverpool-born actress who achieved fame in Bollywood, now hosts the charming and insightful podcast What’s The Tea, Amy?. Set in a cosy tea shop, this visualised podcast features weekly intimate chats with a celebrity guest, followed by a solo episode where Jackson offers direct advice to her listeners.
Jackson possesses a remarkable talent for encouraging raw honesty from her guests. Discussions often explore the challenging aspects of relationships, motherhood, career pressures, and the societal expectation for women to be perpetual people-pleasers. Her inaugural guests include documentary maker Stacey Dooley, former Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and actor Ed Westwick, who is also Jackson's husband.
Despite tackling weighty subjects, the conversations are frequently punctuated with laughter and are grounded in Jackson's down-to-earth Scouse sensibility. The inviting setting, complete with a tantalising jar of biscuits in the background, makes for a perfectly comforting listen. Settle in with your own cuppa for conversations that are both revealing and refreshingly genuine.
