5 New Podcasts to Listen to This Week
These are our top podcast picks for the week beginning Thursday 22 January 2026, curated by Yolanthe Fawehinmi. Whether you're seeking gripping mysteries, heartfelt parenting insights, laugh-out-loud comedy, global sporting adventures, or thoughtful financial conversations, this diverse selection has something for every listener.
1. Codename Badger
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms
Genre: True crime
Have you ever pondered how a single falsehood could unravel across three generations of a family? This compelling question lies at the core of Codename Badger, a brand-new six-part investigative podcast series that delves into the mysterious 1955 death of young army major Robbie Mills. The official account stated Mills died after slipping from a gangplank while disembarking a submarine at Torbay Harbour in Devon, with superiors suggesting he had been drinking. His widow, Josephine, never believed this version of events.
Her scepticism was validated when Captain John Cottell, claiming to be Mills' best friend, visited unexpectedly and revealed the death was deliberate. This revelation profoundly shaped the childhood of Josephine's daughter, Nicky Hibbin, who later recounted the story to journalist Eugene Henderson. Henderson, alongside journalist Andy Clark, now embarks on a deep investigation into this decades-old case. Codename Badger unfolds as a tale of espionage, deception, and a mystery that has persisted for over seventy years.
2. A Moment With Murphy
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms
Genre: Family and wellbeing
A Moment With Murphy is a fresh weekly podcast hosted by author, illustrator, and mother Kerri Cunningham, widely recognised for her cherished Instagram account Murphy's Sketches. Through her platform, Cunningham shares writing, poetry, and illustrations capturing the nuances of life and parenting. Each episode of her podcast aims to offer parents and caregivers a valuable opportunity to pause, breathe, and reflect.
Cunningham blends her thoughtful poetry with meaningful interviews, exploring crucial topics such as children's mental health, IVF journeys, and baby loss. In this week's instalment, teacher Harriet Brettell joins the conversation to discuss the often complex process of applying for Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), drawing from her experience as a mother to three children, two of whom are autistic. Brettell shares her journey of coming to terms with their diagnoses and offers practical advice for other parents facing similar challenges. For those seeking insight, rest, and inspiration in their parenting journey, A Moment With Murphy provides a comforting and enlightening listen.
3. The Harry Hill Show
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Comedy
Comedian and presenter Harry Hill launches his new video podcast, The Harry Hill Show, promising a delightful mix of interviews and unpredictable humour. Each episode features a diverse array of guests, from comedians and celebrities like Ed Gamble, Laura Smyth, and Alex Brooker to experts with specialised knowledge on topics ranging from the big bang theory to the world of flies.
Hill introduces an amusing new game called Name The Seeds and frequently veers into the kind of left-field tangents and sheer silliness his fans adore. The debut episode welcomes acclaimed comedian Stewart Lee, who engages in a wide-ranging chat covering his last visit to the Battersea Arts Centre, the peculiarities of scampi (which Hill dubs "mechanically reclaimed meat"), the comforting nature of fur, and his affection for cats. Lee also meets the show's mascot, Licky, expresses his disdain for AI—particularly the free assistant Grok—and reminisces about introducing Hill to the internet. The Harry Hill Show is a vibrant concoction of joyful nonsense, unexpected facts, and beautifully controlled chaos.
4. On Tour with Sport 24
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms
Genre: Sport
Broadcasters Rob Adcock and Emma Saunders host On Tour with Sport 24, a podcast series that explores the world's greatest sporting cities through a rich cultural lens. The latest episode transports listeners to Singapore, where Adcock is joined by Edward Russell at the Mandala Club to discuss how the city-state transforms dramatically during race week.
Adcock also converses with F1 presenter Jennie Gow about why the Singapore Grand Prix stands as arguably the country's premier sporting event, how it showcases the city on a grand scale, and the intense tribalism displayed by dedicated racing fans. Adding musical flair, soul-pop singer-songwriter Tom Grennan, a self-professed huge golf enthusiast, joins the podcast to explain golf's personal significance, reflect on his career, and describe the experience of performing at the Singapore Grand Prix. On Tour with Sport 24 redefines the sports podcast genre by offering listeners an immersive cultural journey framed by athletic passion.
5. The Mr MoneyJar Show
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Finance
Rotimi Merriman-Johnson hosts The Mr MoneyJar Show, a weekly podcast delving into topics surrounding black British wealth and holistic wellbeing. This week's episode features former Love is Blind UK contestant Javen Palmer, now an AI marketing consultant and co-founder of Scaling Edge. Their conversation spans a broad spectrum, from the dynamics of everyday dating and black socioeconomics to wealth within the black community, business strategies, and personal finance.
Palmer opens up about the Love is Blind UK application process, the financial sacrifices it demanded, his perceived "villain arc" on the show, and the realities behind reality television. Merriman-Johnson and Palmer further explore how media representations can influence wellbeing and worldview, the truths about dating apps, and their impact on modern dating outcomes. For listeners interested in thought-provoking, holistic discussions that challenge perspectives, The Mr MoneyJar Show deserves a regular spot in your podcast rotation.
