5 new podcasts to listen to this week

Girl chat, live comedy conversations and a spooky Halloween episode – this week has a variety of great listens.

1. The Girls Are Talking 

Streaming platform: BBC Studios and all major podcast platforms

Genre: Entertainment

The Girls Are Talking is a podcast that brings together five incredible women: singer-songwriter and Sugababes founding member Keisha Buchanan, Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Kamille, comedian Sharifa Butterfly, author and content creator Tara Thorpe, and radio presenter Issra Wiheba.

Together, they explore hot topics and questions that are currently on their group chats.

In this episode, the women reflect on why they still don’t feel like adults and whether age is simply a state of mind shaped by our individual circumstances and experiences. They revisit the careers they dreamed of pursuing as children and discuss how life’s unexpected twists and turns have led them down different paths.

One of the most refreshing aspects of the podcast is the supportive dynamic between the women. Each one takes their time to share their personal experiences and opinions, while also listening to and respecting the perspectives of the others. This creates a warm, engaging and relatable listening experience.

Hearing from women at different stages of their lives and careers is a powerful reminder that there is no single way to navigate adulthood.

Throughout their honest conversations, the women share valuable lessons they have learnt from setbacks and personal struggles, exploring their experiences of motherhood, trauma, healing and personal growth.

Each woman’s unique personality shines through, making the discussions both thought-provoking and enjoyable. Their willingness to be vulnerable and share their truths adds depth to the conversations and highlights the importance of having a supportive community around us.

If you enjoy honest, unfiltered conversations between women who uplift one another, embrace different perspectives and aren’t afraid to keep it real, The Girls Are Talking is definitely a podcast worth listening to.

(By Camilla Foster)

2. Why Do I Do This? 

Streaming platform: All major podcast platforms and YouTube

Genre: Health and wellbeing

Why Do I Do This? with Johnny Lawrence explores the psychology, emotions and hidden patterns behind why we think, feel and behave the way we do.

Once a month, author and speaker Lawrence sits down with a special guest to delve into these topics. This week, he speaks to Malachy Dunne, the therapist who helped him give up alcohol. The episode opens with Lawrence telling Dunne: “You’ll never know how much you have helped me,” to which his former therapist replies: “You did the work,” crediting Lawrence for his own sobriety.

The conversation continues along this personal trajectory as the pair reflect on their struggles, journeys and the lessons they have learnt along the way.

As the discussion deepens, Dunne explains how many people are “sleepwalking” through life, unaware that they have a choice in how they live.

“Being alive is my choice,” he says. “That gives me control. Everything that changes and everything that happens to me in the world, is a result of my choice.”

The pair go on to discuss personal growth, the advice they would offer those who are struggling and the importance of having these conversations more often. Overall, it is a heartwarming episode that captures two friends reflecting on their journeys and helping each other become the best versions of themselves.

(By Sara Keenan)

3. Pretty Scary with Clair Buckley  

Streaming Platform: All major podcast platforms and YouTube

Genre:  True crime

For those who prefer their Halloween entertainment rooted in real events rather than fictional horror, Pretty Scary with Clair Buckley may be the podcast for you.

The weekly true crime and paranormal podcast examines unusual crimes and unexplained phenomena, often rounding off episodes with a horror film recommendation.

In this Halloween special, Buckley revisits the 1957 murder of Peter Fabiano, a 35-year-old former Marine and hair salon owner who was shot dead after answering his front door to someone dressed as a trick-or-treater in Los Angeles.

What initially appears to be a straightforward murder case becomes increasingly twisted as Buckley examines the circumstances surrounding the killing and the conflicting accounts of that night.

Buckley’s delivery is straightforward and matter-of-fact, avoiding the lengthy digressions and exaggerated suspense that can make some true-crime podcasts feel tedious. The pacing is compelling, with enough detail to hold your attention without becoming bogged down in unnecessary background.

Also on video, it’s an engaging choice for true-crime listeners wanting something seasonal, without the usual theatrics of a grisly story.

(By Lara Owen)

4. METRO with Sarah Koenig 

Streaming Platform: New York Times and all major podcast platforms

Genre: Lifestyle

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the minds of ordinary people living in the most extraordinary city in the world? If so, wonder no more as journalist Sarah Koenig takes us into the hearts and minds of New York City’s most compelling subject – its people.

In this brand new podcast, Koenig teams up with reporters from the New York Times Metro desk to unearth the issues keeping New Yorkers up at night.

Episode one introduces us to Chris Santana, a brass polisher at Grand Central Station. Despite his hands being the tool of his trade, he spends more time worrying about his weak handshake than he does his day job. The cost of living, politics, crime and whether we’re all having enough sex are just some of the thoughts running through the brains of New York’s locals.

Having been built on the hopes of the founding fathers, where anyone belonged and could succeed, is New York still the city of dreams? Or is it just a place for those with “the loudest voices and the most outsized ambitions”?

Koenig’s whirlwind tour not only explores this question but also shines a fascinating light on those that keep the city going, day in, day out.

(By Rachel Howard)

5. EFF IT 

Streaming Platform: All major podcast platforms and YouTube

Genre: Comedy

Helen Lederer’s live podcast Eff It welcomes a line-up of guests for a series of recordings at The Phoenix Arts Club. The podcast celebrates the moments that changed people’s lives, when they thought “eff it” and decided to take a leap of faith.

This week, Lederer sat down with Jay McGuiness, best known for his stint in The Wanted, for a catch-up following their meeting on BBC’s Pilgrimage.

While the pair cover some important topics, they bring a comedic tone to the conversation. From McGuiness’s audition for The Wanted to his call-up for Strictly Come Dancing, where he formed a friendship with singer Peter Andre, they explore the experiences that shaped his career.

McGuiness also opens up about being single, past relationships and why he is considering rewriting his third novel.

One standout moment comes when McGuiness reveals that his mother is in the audience as he reminisces about realising he wanted to become a musician and how she fully supported his ambitions.

(By Sara Keenan)