Jane Fonda and Music Legends Spotlighted in New BBC Archive Podcast Series
A compelling new podcast series titled Big Lives delves into the stories of major pop culture figures, leveraging the extensive archives of the BBC. The show is co-hosted by Emmanuel Dzotsi, formerly of the internet culture podcast Reply All, and Kai Wright from WNYC's Notes from America. Their inaugural episodes focus on actor and activist Jane Fonda, followed by a thoughtful profile of the legendary musician George Michael.
Exploring Pop Culture Icons with Depth and Insight
The series promises to offer smart and engaging conversations, drawing from a rich repository of historical audio and interviews. By accessing the BBC's vast collection, the hosts aim to provide listeners with unique perspectives on these influential personalities. The podcast is set to release episodes weekly, starting from Monday, 23 March, and is widely available across various platforms.
Other Notable Podcast Releases This Week
In addition to Big Lives, several other podcasts are making waves this week. Project Mind Control, hosted by criminal psychologist Dr. Julia Shaw, investigates disturbing CIA brainwashing experiments at a Canadian psychiatric hospital. The series features harrowing accounts from survivors, shedding light on unethical medical practices.
The Rise and Fall of Madchester takes listeners on a journey through Manchester's iconic music scene. Presented by Steve Lamacq, this eight-part series traces the origins from bands like Joy Division to the peak of the Madchester era in 1989, when groups such as Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses dominated the charts.
Off Duty, a new Guardian series hosted by senior investigative reporter Melissa Segura, explores a gripping crime story. It follows the 2011 murder of Chicago police officer Clifton Lewis and the subsequent 12-year legal battle of suspect Alex Villa to clear his name. The podcast critically examines the US criminal justice system while delivering a propulsive narrative.
Beware Book focuses on a series of tragic murders of sex workers in Glasgow between 1991 and 2005. Journalists Collette McGonigle and Callum McQuade centre the victims and their families, using the titular list of dangerous clients compiled by the women to highlight these atrocities without sensationalism.
Availability and Listening Options
All these podcasts are widely available on major streaming platforms, with episodes released weekly. They cover a diverse range of topics, from entertainment and music to true crime and social justice, offering something for every listener's interests.
