This week's podcast landscape offers a thrilling mix of comedy, candid conversation, and hard-hitting investigation. From the triumphant return of a beloved cult character to a deeply disturbing exposé of fraud, there's something for every listener seeking quality audio entertainment.
The Hilarious Return of a Bungling Critic
Kayvan Novak, the comic mastermind behind Fonejacker and Facejacker, has revived one of his most infamous creations for a new series. The Brian Badonde Bodcast sees the utterly clueless art critic Brian Badonde attempt to interview celebrities, with predictably chaotic and hilarious results. His unique schtick involves an apparent inability to pronounce any word that doesn't begin with the letter 'b'.
Guests including Adam Buxton and singer Ella Eyre navigate the absurd interviews. Eyre, in particular, manages to offer surprisingly candid insights into her music industry experiences despite her host's bewildering line of questioning. The series is described as "very silly, very Marmite", promising a dose of unadulterated, niche humour for fans of Novak's previous work.
Uncovering Dark Secrets and Industry Realities
For those seeking more profound content, Dani Shapiro's long-running podcast, Family Secrets, continues to deliver powerful stories. It functions as part interview, part therapy session, where Shapiro helps guests unpack the hidden truths within their families. The latest series features compelling accounts, including an actor who concealed his Arab heritage after 9/11 and pretended to be Black.
Meanwhile, actor Shvorne Marks (The Baby, Three Little Birds) tackles the volatile nature of her profession in How to Be an Actor and Not Lose Your Sh*t. She speaks with fellow actors like Pearl Mackie and Stacey Dooley about the stark contrasts of the industry—one minute you're on a glamorous set, the next you're unemployed and anxious.
A Disturbing Investigative Exposé
In a stark shift of tone, the BBC's investigative podcast team presents World of Secrets: The Child Cancer Scam. This hard-hitting series delves into a shocking multimillion-dollar fraud where the stories of sick children and their families were co-opted to extract money from sympathetic donors online.
Reporter Simi Jolaoso delivers careful yet compelling journalism, navigating this sensitive and complex subject with clarity. The podcast exposes the cruel mechanics of the scam, making for a difficult but important listen that underscores the dark potential of online fundraising.
Also Worth a Listen
For history and sound enthusiasts, War Hall: A Theatre of the Mind offers a beautifully produced journey. It explores the history of London's Walthamstow Assembly Hall and is co-hosted by cinema legend Angela Allen—Ava Gardner's former body double—and historian Professor John Thomas. True to its billing as a story about sound science, it's an immersive auditory experience.
All featured podcasts are widely available on major platforms, with new episodes released weekly, offering a rich selection of audio content for the days ahead.
