Your Essential Podcast Guide For The Week
If you've ever wondered what life is really like after leaving prison or wanted to understand how today's most revolutionary thinkers operate, then this week's curated podcast selection deserves a permanent spot in your listening rotation. From scientific deep dives to Sunday league football chaos, there's something for every taste.
1. The Rest Is Science: Making Complex Concepts Accessible
Following the remarkable success of their football, history, politics and entertainment series, Goalhanger's popular Rest Is… franchise now turns its attention to science. The format remains reliably effective - pairing two experts to examine our world through fresh perspectives.
In this iteration, British mathematician Professor Hannah Fry teams up with American educator and YouTube sensation Michael Stevens. Their inaugural episode takes an unexpectedly fascinating look at water, exploring everything from the surprising water content differences between Coca Cola and Diet Coke to the perennial debate about whether water itself is wet.
What sets this science podcast apart is the hosts' remarkable chemistry and ability to find humour in the most unexpected places. While the focus on factual information leaves less room for debate compared to other Rest Is… series, this may evolve as they tackle more controversial scientific theories in future episodes.
2. We Have Notes: Cultural Commentary At Its Finest
For those who enjoy intelligent cultural discussion, We Have Notes delivers compelling conversations between Observer critic Miranda Sawyer and gal-dem magazine founder Liv Little. The dynamic feels like overhearing an engrossing café conversation you desperately want to join.
Recent episodes have dissected the Wicked film sequel and examined Timothée Chalamet's innovative publicity approaches, including the creative influence of Scottish photographer Aidan Zamiri. The podcast shines brightest during its In the Margins segment, where personal reflections on figures like reggae legend Jimmy Cliff create genuinely moving moments.
3. Game's Gone: Sunday League Football Chaos
Royal Oak FC assistant manager Steve Bracknall brings his viral social media presence to BBC Sounds with Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast. Broadcasting directly from the Royal Oak changing rooms every Thursday, Bracknall joins forces with first team manager Paul Sampson and club physio Bob the Bucket.
The series offers both weekly football analysis and an intimate look at Sunday league football culture. The inaugural episode features Bracknall touring the iconic Match of the Day studios and meeting presenter Gabby Logan, perfectly setting the tone for this chaotic, humorous and heartfelt football journey.
4. Where It's At… with Jefferson Hack: Conversations With Visionaries
Dazed Media co-founder Jefferson Hack hosts this AnOther Magazine production, exploring the minds of contemporary revolutionary thinkers across art, science, literature, music and fashion. Each sixty-minute episode provides front-row access to conversations about inspiration, challenges and defining moments.
A recent episode features American-born chef Ruth Rogers at her London home, discussing everything from superior lemons to graphic design and the story behind her Michelin-starred restaurant The River Café. The podcast consistently defies traditional formats, keeping each episode fresh and surprising.
5. Life After Prison: Stories of Redemption and Hope
Returning for its tenth series, Life After Prison continues to amplify voices with lived experience of the criminal justice system. Hosts Zak Addae-Kodua and Jules Rowan welcome guests who have navigated the challenging transition from incarceration to freedom.
The new season includes a special episode recorded inside HMP Brixton with the prison governor and prisoners, offering raw conversations about rehabilitation. The opening episode features David Haze, who transformed from battling addiction and serving prison time to breaking paddleboarding world records and becoming a respected voice for justice reform.
For anyone interested in powerful stories of human resilience, transformation and hope, this podcast delivers profound insights into second chances and personal redemption.
