Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
If you’re a fan of the Netflix show Queer Eye or even its co-host Jonathan Van Ness, then you’re in for a treat with Getting Curious. While his talents are no secret to viewers of the show, it needs to be said that Van Ness brings a level thoughtfulness, kindness and a bottomless well of enthusiasm and hilarity to the interview podcast that can almost be considered revolutionary. The show itself covers a wide range of subjects and interviewees. Episodes include topics like Brexit, cults, suicide rates among LGBTQ youth, Atlantic pirates, a crackling interview with his own mum, and, of course, his deep dives with his Queer Eye co-hosts Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Karamo Brown and Bobby Berk.
The Comedian’s Comedian
A fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the lives and careers of comics, The Comedian’s Comedian is especially relevant in a post-Nanette world. Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby also features in one of the episodes in a searing episode that will leave you with even more food for thought, if you’ve watched the Netflix comedy special. Host Stuart Goldsmith, himself a comic, makes sure listeners get a behind-the-scenes look into things like joke construction, comedy writing and the building of a set; but he also pulls no punches when it comes to the personal stuff. The result is often a beautiful deconstruction of the human condition, eked out though jokes and deep introspection in equal measure. Other guests have included Russell Brand, Cameron Esposito, Jimmy Carr, Hari Kondabolu, Adam Buxton and Russell Howard.
Love Stories by Dolly Alderton
Writer, journalist and serial podcaster Dolly Alderton makes a delightful interviewer because she keeps herself open to biography even when she’s trying to get her interviewee to open up. Frank, sensitive and humorous, Alderton in her new podcast Love Stories opens up the topic to include friendships, familial relationships and even co-workers. Guests so far have included comedian Sara Poscoe, Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), baker and columnist Ruby Tandoh and, most recently, Irish writer Marian Keyes.
Bookworm
Celebrate the announcement of the Man Booker Prize for Fiction Longlist with a literary podcast. Featuring interviews with novelists, poets, playwrights and anyone else who engages with the written word, Bookworm is especially a great listen if you’re looking to explore up-and-coming writers as much as the established ones. Host Michael Silverblatt has more than two decades of experience in radio and talking about books, and the breadth and depth of his interviews reflect his deep understanding and diversity in reading choices. Guests have included Michael Ondaatje, Rachel Kushner (Longlist nominee), Joyce Carol Oates, Ursula LeGuin and Patrick Ness.
