Welcome back to Earworms - your regular dose of podcast listening recommendations. This week saw a fair amount of new podcasts being announced, but actual new releases were a little bit thinner on the ground. Nevertheless, there’s plenty of engaging new content to keep you occupied over the weekend, including a new show on Caribbean heritage, the latest season of 5 Live’s sporting crime podcast, and a new US history show with a twist.
Elsewhere, a range of industry experts share what they’ve been listening to, including one of the hosts of British Scandal, the founder of Dope Black Dads, and one of Sky Media’s top marketing execs.
What’s in the industry’s ears?
Jim Salveson - Director of Sport, Voiceworks
I first started listening to The News Agents out of fascination; The huge fanfare upon its arrival felt like a bit of a turn-off to the indie podcaster in me – but that initial interest soon turned into habitual listening. Great insight, brilliantly selected experts and a little help from a fascinating news and political cycle have created for me a daily podcast appointment, but the real magic for this show is the interplay of personalities.
Matt Forde - Co-host, British Scandal
I’ve been listening to Fly on the Wall, with Dana Carvey and David Spade; these two make me howl. Ostensibly a podcast about Saturday Night Live, it's become a vehicle for Dana Carvey to do his impressions and for David Spade to tease him. There's interesting stuff about how the show is made but mainly it's two funny people taking the piss out of each other.
Marvyn Harrison - Founder, Dope Black Dads
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Pop Culturewith Chanté Joseph, a podcast that dives into the latest entertainment trends and discussions. Chante’s charismatic approach and in-depth analysis of various topics, from movies and music to fashion and celebrities, keep me engaged and informed on all things pop culture.
Willard Foxton - Creative director of development, Novel
My recommendation would be White Smoke on Audible, presented by Patrick Strudwick and made by Whistledown Productions. Strudwick tells the story of a super-connected Democrat politician whose kink was super risky gay sex parties where everyone does meth. It's incredibly sensitively told, and the production values are top-drawer.
Karin Seymour - Director of clients and marketing, Sky Media
I just love SmartLess with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett. It’s a simple premise but hugely entertaining. Each week one of them invites a surprise friend to join them; just happens that their friend circle includes the likes of Stephen Spielberg, LeBron James and Sigourney Weaver. It’s silly, irreverent, gossipy and rude, giving you an inside look into the Hollywood life from an unlikely group of friends.
Freshly Dropped
America: A History Podcast
The latest podcast from PodPod Face To Watch Liam Heffernan, America: A History Podcast bills itself as “a US history podcast for non-US listeners”. The series proper kicks off on 4 July (appropriately enough), but a special preview episode was released on Tuesday 20 June giving listeners a sneak peek into what to expect.
Objeks & Tings
Produced by Message Heard for the National Caribbean Heritage Museum, Museumand, Objeks & Tings commemorates the 75th anniversary of Windrush, looking at the items that represent Caribbean heritage and what they say about the story of Caribbean people in the UK. Hosted by the museum’s founders Lynda Burrell and Catherine Ross, the first episode launched 22 June.
The Break
Previously known as Caught Off Guard, the latest season of Patricia Bright’s business podcast The Break kicked off on 19 June with an interview with podcaster and TikTok star GK Barry. Other guests for the series include S’ABLE Labs founder Sabrina Elba, and the host’s husband Mike Bright.
Sport’s Strangest Crimes
The fifth season of BBC 5 Live’s true-crime sports podcast arrived as a boxset on BBC Sounds on 22 June. Marco Pantani: Death of a Pirate looks at the presumed overdose of the Italian cycling legend in 2004, digging into allegations that his death may have involved mafia connections.
Lolly Adefope: Fanmail
New from Audible this week, Lolly Adefope: Fanmail sees the comedian answering letters from fans (supposedly), assuming an exaggerated persona to highlight the relationship between celebrities and their adoring public. The complete six-episode run was released 21 June.
