5 new podcasts to listen to this week

There’s a unique mix of podcast picks featured in this week’s column.

1. Nani Talks

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube

Genre: Anime

Since the golden age of the Eighties, anime has evolved and shifted from tactile, hand-drawn cels to digital animation and global cinematic hits.

It’s why producer Richard Cran-Mensa, sound engineer Ashley Biscette, and hosts Anthony Charlery, Chris Charles, Stephen Charlery, Ryan Charlery, Jay Hazelwood and Jazmine Edwards came together to bring Nani Talks to life and give anime the grown-up treatment it deserves.

From day one, “the only anime podcast for the mandem” set out to prove that anime isn’t just for children but for anyone who enjoys a well-timed plot twist or the sting of a character’s heartbreak.

On this week’s all-star special episode, some of the co-hosts play a fun – and at times chaotic – revised version of charades, where they must guess the anime character from the gestures and clues their opponents throw at them, to win the game.

Whether you’re a seasoned anime veteran or just dipping your toes into the genre, Nani Talks is a refreshing and authentic podcast that’s trailblazing its own path and bringing the world of anime to life.

(By Yolanthe Fawehinmi)

2. Founding Fathers: An American Dream

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: History

For the United States of America, 2026 is a pretty big year. It marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and in celebration of such a significant event, a brand-new podcast has been released looking at the stories and characters that played a key role in the birth of the country.

Guiding us through the battles and exploding a few myths along the way is the actor Clarke Peters (The Wire, Treme), with episode one beginning in 1706 with the birth of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin.

This week’s edition picks up in 1770 with Boston in a state of chaos resulting in clashes between locals and redcoats. Enter John Adams, a lawyer who steps forward to defend the British soldiers accused of launching a massacre.

When the American colonies start to suffer at the hands of Parliament, a composed Virginian man by the name of George Washington comes forward…

This podcast is a great way to learn more about how America came to be, and Peters provides the perfect narration to what is a fascinating romp through history.

(By Rachel Howard)

3. Foul Play

Streaming platform: Audible

Genre: True crime