Bill Nighy Becomes Your Unexpected Advice Columnist You Didn't Realize You Needed
This Week's Highlight
Bill Nighy's Ill-Advised
Bill Nighy serves as the unexpected advisor you never knew you needed as he answers readers’ questions in his latest program. It’s a laconic delight to listen to his relaxed advice on subjects including applying lipstick to decluttering a record collection. Wisdom is being dispensed – despite his self-deprecating protestations.
Accessible on many platforms, new episodes each week
Initial Judgment
Limerick native Ruth Negga narrates this audio series about a couple convicted of performing FGM on their small child. Subsequently, they were acquitted but there are ongoing proceedings linked to the case. This delicate examination reveals extensive, tragic failings by official bodies.
Widely available, episodes weekly
Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
It’s hard not to be wowed by the line-up of people paying homage one of the greatest African musicians ever in this series about his impact. Ayo Edebiri, Barack Obama, Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Flea … the wildly enthusiastic tributes accumulate. Then, you're taken aback by a compelling story about his rhythm pianist’s father being killed due to his convictions – and how Kuti bravely championed his family. This is an engrossing, heartfelt life story.
Widely available, episodes weekly
Familiar Evil
Cyndi Lauper, legwarmers and, er … Satan! This audio show presented by Sarah Marshall carefully toes the line between fun and historical account, as it examines how satanic panic defined the 80s spirit. Marshall explores the people and artefacts that helped it to snowball in that decade and beyond, among them a controversial memoir.
Broadly available, weekly episodes
Hell in Heaven
A young, rich American couple move to Costa Rica to build a nature reserve and their dream home. “Tragically, one will die and the other tried for murder – on three occasions,” says reporter Becky Milligan, opening a gobsmacking series about the true events of what happened to Jon and Ann Bender in 2010 after they’d embarked on creating a utopia.
Available widely, with weekly updates
