MY TAKE; doses of Wild YAM

Haven't given you a podcast rundown for a while... Most of you know by now that I am rather fond of this alternative to radio listening. The stalwart 'eternals' are still there: Empire, The Rest Is Politics, Leading, Legacy... (if you've forgotten or are newer to my ramblings, click the podcast label below to see where all my ears have been!)

Among the long-term pods, I scatter limited series... I do tend to lean towards history, true crime, topical stuff, but occasionally break ranks for something more 'arty', or fictional.

Of the former style, I can heartily recommend the four-part series from the University of Leeds called...

Death of a Poet.

This is a lovely ASMR sort of production, with lots of ambient country sounds. Regional accents and readings from the poet's work help the soft investigative thread, as we discover more about one of England's quiet poetry heroes, John Nicholson, who is likened somewhat to Scotland's bard, Robert Burns: this is mainly due to the rural connections more than the quality of the works. There is a tacit acknowledgement along the way that this puts JN in a positive light and may tarnish oor Rabbie! A very enjoyable afternoon's listening.

When it comes to the fictional, I am savouring this series by Goalhanger Productions, from the same team who created the most excellent Sherlock & Co (which I've mentioned once or twice before).

Bear Hunt.

I am giving you the Spotify link only because that is where I listen, but you can search on your own preferred platform. Unlike most of the other pods here today, this one doesn't appear to have an individual launch page.

This is for those who enjoy spy/adventure stuff that reflects current geopolitical landscapes... not for the anxious, though!

There are several different subjects to be discovered on the BBC Sounds Channel under the title of

Tortoise.

Investigative reporting on things that may have slipped under the radar...

This one is, again, quite challenging, but - I think - an important listen. The 13th Step.

"...The founder of New Hampshire’s largest addiction treatment network was sexually harassing or assaulting women – allegations he denies. How did he get away with it? ... Lauren Chooljian ... found a longstanding ... culture of sexual misconduct. A phenomenon people in the recovery world call “the 13th step.”

This series is about failures in an industry that is supposed to be dedicated to healing. It’s also about the limits of the #MeToo movement. And journalism. How deep can you dig for the truth before it gets dangerous?

Note: Some of this audio contains explicit language."

More investigative podcasting - one which is dripping with accolades.

Bear Brook.

This production (now in its third season) is firmly in the true crime category.

One of the things I really appreciate about this one is that the dedicated landing website is more than just a pod launch pad. There are excellent notes and images and, overall, it's a complete morsel.

To complete the set for this one, there is the discovery of a family secret.

Deep Secrets.

I was unfamiliar with Hunter Hill, but a lot of you over in the States may recognise the name... he's a stand-up comedian, among other things. He and his sister start to investigate the history of their grandfather with a view to better understanding father/son dynamics. It ended up as something of a boy's own adventure!