picks of the week
FOGO: Fear of going out
Widely available, weekly episodes starting Monday
“How could someone claim to love nature and yet want to kill one of its creatures?” So asks the reticent naturalist Ivy Le in the show’s second season as she sends this urbanite out into the wild, this time to try and hunt. She discusses why there is a seemingly meaningless law that allows you to hunt wild hogs from a hot air balloon, and the staggering cost of weaponry. Or in Le’s words: “They’re selling guns for more than the rent with no return policy!” alexi duggins
you didn’t see anything
Widely available, first three episodes available starting Wednesday.
“Get ready, because this shit is bananas.” Yohance Lacour (below) is a brilliant storyteller in this part investigative, part memoir, as he revisits an incident in Chicago that left 13-year-old Lenard Clark in a coma for being black in a white community, a story that has stayed with Lacour. during his 10 years in prison. holly richardson
A prayer for salmon
Widely available, episodes released in three bi-weekly releases
This documentary depicts the Winnemem Wintu Indian people of California, who were inundated from their land by the construction of the eighth-tallest dam in the country. It’s revealing, as it talks about their fight against plans for the expansion of the dam and the campaign for the native salmon with which they once coexisted so neatly. ADVERTISEMENT
dance floor memories
Widely available, weekly episodes
New podcasting voice Damian Kerlin delves into the history of queer nightlife in the UK, in the audio equivalent of an epic evening. The first stop is London’s Heaven, where “mischief was in the air,” according to founder Jeremy Norman. From escapism to reality, it captures the unique experience of a clubbing community. hannah verdier
drink the wild air
Widely available, weekly episodes
From a glaciologist who buried herself alive to survive an arctic storm to a wildfire expert who faced flames “as tall as the Shard,” this series depicts extraordinary lives. It’s a detailed listening, with interviewees including the biologist whose attempts to fly with migratory birds have dubbed her “the human swan.” ADVERTISEMENT
There’s a podcast for that.
This week, Charlie Lindlar chooses five of the best podcasts to help you get fitfrom motivational talks and practical advice from professionals, to the rituals and routines of celebrities.
BarBend
One for the most seasoned gym-goer, BarBend explores powerlifting culture and personalities through chats with “the smartest minds in strength.” Here he’ll find advice from superstar strong woman Inez Carrasquillo and fascinating insights from researchers refining the scientific way to bloat. The free weights corner may be a famously toxic part of the gym, but host David Tao bucks the trend: his self-awareness of the sport’s image, combined with his genuine curiosity, makes this a must-read for any fitness enthusiast. strength training. can do for our body and mind.
Obstacle
“My mission is simple: inspire you to be the best you can be, move with intention, and have a little fun along the way,” says journalist and trainer Emily Abbate at the top of this show, which guides listeners through the barriers that exercise, not to mention life, can throw in your way. Episodes drop three times a week, with a surprisingly diverse balance of guests, plus confessional insider tips from Abbate’s own life. Each week’s Friday episode is simply a stripped down but heartfelt pep talk that will leave you inspired and ready to push her personal best.
another running mom
Running might be the last thing you want to listen to while you’re already running, but Another Mother Runner is a smooth show that exists to keep you calm and focused on your training journey. Hosts Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell cover everything from dream destination marathons to managing nagging injuries, along with episodes of reader “call-ins” offering practical, trusted advice. They’re both seasoned runners, but their easy rapport means each episode is less about “PE teacher forcing you to cross country” and more like two friends keeping you company on lonely roads.
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habits aand hustle
A focused mindset is key to long-term exercise success, and the subject of this podcast from “fitness personality” and writer Jen Cohen, which clocked 200 episodes over the Christmas break. The magic of the show is in its one-on-one interviews not only with athletes like basketball legend Dennis Rodman and gymnast Katelyn Ohashi (above), but with persevering people in all aspects, from billionaire Mark Cuban to Supernanny herself, Jo Frost. The rituals they adhere to and the stories of determination they share will see you through a tough workout.
Beginner: The Guardian Guide to Running
It’s a deep cut, but this eight-week series from 2013 is still a fun, accessible, and judgment-free way to start your fitness journey. Designed to be listened to while you run, each week’s episode steadily but comfortably raises the stakes. You’ll start with 90-second sprints and recovery walks, but by week eight you’ll be crushing full 30-minute runs. “Don’t worry about Lycra, Vaseline and isotonic drinks just yet,” the first episode begins, “all you need for now is a proper pair of running shoes and a little determination and desire.”
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