Chris Packham takes on a terrifying crime ring: best podcasts of the week
The popular broadcaster investigates what happened after a large pile of murdered animals were dumped outside a primary school in Hampshire. Plus, Lena Headey tackles an idea from an ‘ethical pornographer’ Mangled pheasants, mutilated foxes, weeping kids: the third series of the multi-award-winning show about environmental crime opens with a huge pile of murdered animals outside a primary school. The investigation leads to revelations about the world of illegal bloodsports and rural organised crime. It even recruits Chris Packham. “It’s low-level terrorism, isn’t it?” he exclaims at one point
The popular broadcaster investigates what happened after a large pile of murdered animals were dumped outside a primary school in Hampshire. Plus, Lena Headey tackles an idea from an ‘ethical pornographer’
Mangled pheasants, mutilated foxes, weeping kids: the third series of the multi-award-winning show about environmental crime opens with a huge pile of murdered animals outside a primary school. The investigation leads to revelations about the world of illegal bloodsports and rural organised crime. It even recruits Chris Packham. “It’s low-level terrorism, isn’t it?” he exclaims at one point, and it’s hard not to agree. An essential listen . Alexi Duggins BBC Sounds, all episodes available
Secretly curious about tarot cards, crystals, astrology, reading tea leaves and the spiritual world? For actor mates Helen George and Yvette Robinson, this hobby has been a “dirty little secret” for 20 years. Now they’re ready to ask the big questions and share experiences, while having chummy fun. Hollie Richardson Widely available, episodes weekly
“This job is going to change everything!” So says Liza (Lena Headey), an intimacy coordinator with a major film gig that quickly becomes disturbingly personal. Written and directed by Headey, this funny, shocking audio drama is based on an idea by “ethical pornographer” Erika Lust and is executive produced by Sharon Horgan. Hannah Waddingham, Alison Steadman and Maisie Williams also star. Hannah J Davies BBC Sounds, episodes weekly
“Some people relax with a bubble bath or a meditation app; I relax by reading about things lurking in the woods …” Clair Buckley, best known for podcasting with her actor husband James, branches out with a series about unexplained mysteries, UFOs, true crime and more. While the premise isn’t that original, she is an excellent, eerie compere. HJD Widely available, episodes weekly
Self-belief is a passion project for the host of The Rest Is Politics US, Katty Kay, who has penned books on the subject. Each week she tackles issues around confidence through an expert interview, starting with Mika Brzezinski, founder of the Know Your Value movement, a community helping women succeed at work. AD Widely available, episodes weekly
