Podcasts to listen to instead of braving tropical thunderstorms

We’re in that stretch of summer where hours blur into days and the days– but wait, tropical thunderstorms, you say? Whether you’re still recovering from last week’s heat wave, or in need of some much needed escapism amid the August showers, these are the best podcasts to listen to instead of watching Netflix or scrolling Instagram.

There’s a brand new season of Karina Longworth’s long running You Must Remember This, and a podcast delving into the history of 90s UK rave culture – or, as it’s better known, the Decade of Rave. Our favourite anime podcast Ghiblioteque returns with a special edition on Perfect Blue director Satoshi Kon, while arthouse production company A24 talk shared influences and obsessions with Midsommar’s Ari Aster and The Lighthouse’s Robert Eggers.

When you’re done with that, take a browse at our August book column. Whatever you do, please don’t waste your time on reading Russell Brand’s feminist analyse of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP” – if anything, read this instead. In the meantime, sit back, plug in your Airpods, and relax.

YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS: POLLY PLATT

If you haven’t heard of You Must Remember This, why? Karina Longworth’s long running podcast specialises in telling, as its haunting intro puts it, “the secret and/or forgotten histories of Hollywood’s first century”, often focusing on women in Hollywood whose stories are either rarely told or shaped by male-led narratives. This season focuses on production designer Polly Platt, who Longworth refers to as the “invisible woman” of Hollywood. But be warned: once you fall down the YMRT rabbit hole, there’s no going back. (GY)

GHIBLIOTEQUE: THE KONOLOGY

The complex and psychologically twisted animations of the late filmmaker Satoshi Kon have made him one of the most recognised names in anime, drawing comparisons to fellow industry greats like Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli), Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell), and Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira). Previously focussing on all things Studio Ghibli, this edition of Ghiblioteque – rebranded as The Konology – discusses films like Paprika, Perfect Blue, and Millennium Actress, putting them in the context of Kon’s wider body of work and life. (GY)

R.O.A.R: THE 90s RAVE PODCAST

A new podcast delving into the history of 90s UK rave culture, R.O.A.R: The 90s Rave Podcast – hosted by journalist Tom Latchem and former DJ Chrissy Richards (Cris.E.Manic) – tells the story of the notorious Decade of Rave through the eyes of those who shaped it. The first two episodes feature in-depth interviews with jungle pioneers Fabio & Grooverider, and discuss the pair’s experience of the scene in the 90s, as well as racism in the industry and the impact of COVID-19 on their careers. Tune in. (GY)

ONWRITING: A PODCAST OF THE WGA EAST

Writing can be a struggle, even for the most accomplished writers – but OnWriting is here to help. Featuring the likes of Oscar-winning screenwriter Tony McNamara (The Great, The Favourite) and actor-director-writer Edward Norton (Motherless Brooklyn), podcast host Kaitlin Fontana breaks down the writing behind some of Hollywood’s hottest films and shows. A personal highlight is the episode with Greta Gerwig on her screen adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women. (GY)

TUNNEL 29

One of last year’s breakout stars was Tunnel 29, the docudrama series on Radio 4. Since then, the exhilarating true story about the digging of a secret tunnel under the Berlin Wall has been listened to by over five million people. Now, it’s going to be adapted into a TV series by the makers of award-winning Chernobyl, so keep your eyes peeled. (GY)

A24 PODCAST

A24, the arthouse production company behind films such as The Lighthouse, Hereditary, and Moonlight, has introduced its own podcast – “No host, no ads, no rules”. Listen to the Safdie Brothers discuss their gripping, anxiety-inducing hit Uncut Gems and why it makes sense to ship precious stones inside a fish. Or The Lighthouse’s Robert Eggers and Midsommar’s Ari Aster talk about their shared influences and obsessions, the dreaded question of genre, and how they feel about the horror fans who saw The Witch and Hereditary and wanted their money back. (GY)

THIS IS SPOKE

One from the archives, Penguin Random House’s This Is Spoke has everything you want from a podcast: charismatic hosts, inspiring guests, and fresh, vibrant takes on issues stretching from identity to heritage to sex and dating and everything in between. Hosts filmmaker and journalist, Fenn O’Meally, and grime artist, Big Zuu, are charismatic and thoughtful in their approach to big topics, with highlights including rapper Novelist on the importance of community and Chelsea Kwakye and Ore Ogunbiyi AKA the authors of Taking Up Space: A Black Girl’s Manifesto for Change on what it means to be a Black girl in the university system. (GY)

RELEVANT PARTIES

Relevant Parties is a new monthly podcast from Carhartt WIP that profiles some of the most influential independent record labels around the world. Hosted by music journalist and occasional Dazed contributor Chal Ravens, the podcast examines how these labels have created a circuit between the underground and the mainstream, and asks what role the indie label plays in the contemporary streaming economy. While this description might sound a little academic, Relevant Parties is primarily about people with a love of music. Episode one focuses on LA stalwarts Stones Throw – best known for releasing leftfield hip hop by Madlib, J Dilla, and MF Doom, but who’ve also worked with jazz and soul musician Georgia Anne Muldrow, electro-funketeer Dam-Funk, and (a personal favourite) bizarro 70s artist Gary Wilson. Ravens speaks to Stones Throw founder Peanut Butter Wolf about realising his high school desire to run a label; they also discuss his fertile but brief creative relationship with the young rapper Charizma, who was tragically murdered when he was just 20. Future episodes will profile New York City’s DFA Records, Tokyo’s Jazzy Sport, Munich’s Public Possession, and more. The first episode goes out on August 15; subscribe here. (SB)