Here’s our May 2024 Podcast Roundup – what we’ve been listening in the worlds of CultBox.
In no particular order, our picks this month are…
The Rest Is Entertainment
Marina Hyde and Richard Osman’s popular culture show continues to be an essential listen.
This month, topics for discussion covered the fairness of Mastermind and celebrity versions of popular gameshows, recreating sport in films. Plus, the power of Eurovision, Doctor Who’s Disney deal and shifting stories from one medium to another, like the upcoming Inside No. 9 show Stage/Fright.
The Official Doctor Who Podcast
Doctor Who‘s official podcast returned with a refreshed line-up for the new series. It’s now fronted by BBC 1Xtra’s Nadia Jae and content creator Shabaz Ali, with a different team behind the scenes.
The chat varies depending on the guest, usually a comedian who’s a fan, but it’s the pre-recorded contributions from Whoniverse Supremo Russell T Davies that are keeping this on our list. Oh, and we shudder at the phrase “Whovians and Nuvians.”
We Can Be Weirdos #51 – Down the Rabbit Hole of Conspiracy: Danny Wallace and the Soup Spoon Spirit
Author and broadcaster Danny Wallace talks to Dan Schreiber about conspiracies and disinformation, the subject of his new book Somebody Told Me: One Man’s Unexpected Journey Down the Rabbit Hole of Lies, Trolls and Conspiracies.
Table Manners S16, Ep 29: Minnie Driver
Actress Minnie Driver sat down with Jessie and Lennie Ware to talk about her love of surfing and living in a Malibu caravan park, balanced balancing out against a life in the spotlight. It’s an insightful chat covering school pigs, being rescued by a dog and teaching the Americans what custard is.
The Sirens of Audio – Wendy Padbury – Live in Melbourne – 18th February 2024
This special release is a recording of an interview with Wendy Padbury at The Sirens of Audio event in February. The chat covers her time on the show as Zoe, as well as life since. It also features Wendy’s actress daughter Charlie Hayes, who has her own fiendish set of questions too.
Previous live events have featured Sophie Aldred, Janet Fielding and Katy Manning. You can also find the interview in vision on YouTube.
Full Disclosure with James O’Brien – Frank Skinner: “People will forgive you for anything except success”
Frank Skinner returns to talk about the end of his Absolute Radio show after a 15-year run. He also reflects on what it’s like to be famous ahead of his upcoming stand-up tour “30 Years of Dirt”.
The Bunker – Having a laugh? Why Satire won’t die – with impressionist Jan Ravens
Dead Ringers star Jan Ravens came on The Bunker to talk to Andrew Harrison about satire. It’s an interesting chat, with insights into the challenge of mocking our political leaders at a time when they’re already deeply absurd.
Shrink The Box Season 2
The engaging podcast which puts television characters into therapy has returned. So far, hosts Ben Bailey Smith and Nemone Metaxas, who’s a psychotherapist as well as radio presenter, have explored Frasier Crane, Game of Thrones‘ Cersei Lannister, Peaky Blinders‘ Tommy Shelby and Larry David of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Film Stories with Simon Brew
This month, Simon Brew dug into the stories behind Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker, Roadhouse (2024), Halloween (2018), Rocky V, Dungeons And Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, The Phantom Of The Opera (2004), Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and Roxanne.
Also on the Film Stories feed this month were interviews with writer Drew Pearce, director Wes Ball and actor Fiona Shaw.
So, happy listening… and do let us know if you have any recommendations too.