This week's podcast picks include broadcaster Anita Rani's new series and a fresh look at the corporate world, among other engaging listens. Here are five standout shows to add to your playlist.
1. Sisters of Defiance
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Life and society
Anita Rani's new podcast sees the Bradford-born broadcaster launch her own independent audio endeavour, meaning she’s allowed to swear (which she is pretty gleeful about) and gets to pick who she interviews. First up is her hero, the comedy giant Dame Meera Syal, with guests like French rape survivor Gisele Pelicot, actor Adjoa Andoh, and sitar player Anoushka Shankar set for future episodes. Rani clearly adores her guest, and they discuss sketch comedy Goodness Gracious Me, the power wielded by aunties, and the impact of divorce on South Asian women. While Rani is sometimes overly enthusiastic, jumping in a little too soon when a topic could be explored further, her commitment to building a community that celebrates strong, defiant women is evident.
2. Office Real Talk with Tas
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Careers
Hosted by Tasneem Bhamji, a corporate executive in financial services and career strategist, this podcast tackles the corporate world from an insider's perspective. At a time when women are quitting, burning out, and building side hustles, Bhamji stays put—not because the system is perfect, but because she knows how it works. The weekly series, often short and direct, exposes the unwritten rules of corporate life that most ethnic minority women never learn. In the latest episode, Bhamji discusses why working in corporate and entrepreneurship are both hard in different ways, the dangers of quitting without a plan, and the reality behind financial independence and online perfection. If you've hit a brick wall in your career, this podcast offers practical insights.
3. Plastic on the Sofa: A Podcast on Black American Culture
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Culture and society
This series explores Black life in all its textures—the ordinary, the extravagant, and everything in between. Host Erica David-Johnson uses storytelling, commentary, interviews, and deep dives to examine traditions, people, and experiences shaping Black American culture. Episodes unpack larger ideas from everyday observations, such as the essence of the Black showgirl, family remedies, cultural memory, and familiar foods and rituals. For those seeking a podcast rooted in preservation and connection, this is a compelling listen.
4. Change Your Mind
Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube
Genre: Science and health
This new podcast debunks myths surrounding mental health and uncovers secrets to keeping your mind sharp, memory strong, and mood balanced. Hosts Catherine de Lange, editor of New Scientist, and science journalist Helen Thomson scrutinise wellness trends. In a recent episode, they discuss supplements—how their stance has evolved, potential dangers, and the global industry's value. They are joined by Dr JoAnn Manson from Harvard University, who debunks brain health myths and explains how multivitamins can positively impact cognition. For cutting through health noise, this podcast is a valuable resource.
5. The Big C QuizCast
Streaming platform: GenesisCare UK website and YouTube
Genre: Science and health
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with over 63,000 men diagnosed annually. This quiz-style podcast offers support for patients who may not fully understand their treatment options. The one-off episode, in collaboration with GenesisCare UK, is hosted by BBC Radio 4 comedian and writer Jon Holmes, diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2023. He is joined by patients Neil Connolly and Kevin Arkell, and Dr Ben George, principal physicist for MR Linac at GenesisCare UK. The episode blends research on treatment knowledge gaps with fun quiz questions, including non-cancer topics like the company making the most tyres and songs by rock band Genesis. This lighthearted and informative podcast helps take the edge off, even for just 15 minutes.
