Podcast Picks of the Week: Animal Antics, Musical Tunes, and Literary Insights

Podcasts continue to evolve and captivate audiences, offering a diverse range of genres and topics. This week's picks showcase the imaginative world of animal-themed comedy, the musical genius of the 1970s and 1980s, and the literary legacy of beloved author Jacqueline Wilson. From exploring the inner lives of hamsters to analyzing the cultural significance of iconic disco tracks, these podcasts demonstrate the vast creative possibilities of the medium.

Key Takeaways:

• Evil Animals, a podcast hosted by comedian Russell Kane, explores the world of hamsters, featuring comedian Laura Smyth and zoologist Jules Howard, and is available on all major platforms.
• The Secret Life of Songs, hosted by musician Anthony T Jackson, delves into the musical and cultural DNA of hits from the 1970s and 1980s, starting with Donna Summer's iconic song I Feel Love.
• Do Not Disturb, an audio drama written by Sherise Blackman, tells the story of three Black British friends navigating relationships, health scares, and love, available on Audible.
• Jacqueline Wilson Raised Us, a podcast by Cosmopolitan, celebrates the work of author Jacqueline Wilson, featuring Wilson themselves, along with Tracy Beaker actress Dani Harmer.
• Instant Classics, hosted by Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins, explores the ancient world and draws parallels with contemporary politics, starting with the question of which Roman emperor Donald Trump most resembles.

Statistics:

• The first episode of Evil Animals is available, with new episodes released weekly.
• The first episode of The Secret Life of Songs analyzes Donna Summer's I Feel Love, produced by Giorgio Moroder.
• Do Not Disturb, an audio drama, has all episodes available on Audible.
• Jacqueline Wilson Raised Us has four episodes available, released weekly.
• Instant Classics has its first episode explaining which Roman emperor Donald Trump most resembles.

Sources:

• Wildey available, episodes weekly, Evil Animals, Russell Kane
• The Secret Life of Songs, Anthony T Jackson
• Do Not Disturb, Sherise Blackman, Audible, all episodes out now
• Jacqueline Wilson Raised Us, Cosmopolitan, episodes weekly
• Instant Classics, Mary Beard, Charlotte Higgins, Widely available, episodes weekly