5 new podcasts to listen to this week

Books, relationships, sports and history. This week’s podcast picks have something for everyone.

1. Book Club In The Pub

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube

Genre: Arts and books

If you’re a devoted bookworm who loves unpacking your latest read with friends, the podcast Book Club In The Pub is well worth adding to your listening list.

Set in the warm, dim glow of a pub, this backdrop creates a relaxed and intimate atmosphere where acclaimed authors discuss their newest projects, their creative process, and the ideas and themes that inspire their work.

In the debut episode, host and Sunday Times bestselling author Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson sits down with New Zealand novelist Chloe Gong to discuss her gripping new dystopian cyberpunk novel Coldwire, which explores the fight for justice within a virtual reality world.

Chloe’s debut novel, These Violent Delights, reached number one on The New York Times Bestseller list when she was just 21, and during the conversation with Jikiemi-Pearson, she reflects on how her age shaped the perspective and emotional depth of the book, and candidly discusses the imposter syndrome that can accompany early success in publishing.

Jikiemi-Pearson’s passion for literature is evident throughout the episode, guiding thoughtful discussions about the meteoric rise of YA (young adult) fantasy and the broader question of what role books play in our lives.

If you’re looking for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation about literature – complete with excellent reading recommendations – get cosy on the sofa and listen to the new Book Club In The Pub podcast.

(By Camilla Foster)

2. The Bride’s Room 

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube

Genre: Relationships

When host Aisha Lumumba, professionally known as Authentic Aisha, was getting married in 2022, she spent time looking for a virtual support group for couples navigating the rollercoaster of wedding planning. Unable to find one, she decided to create The Bride’s Room podcast instead.

Every Thursday, Lumumba is joined by a recent former bride to discuss everything from vendor nightmares, budgeting stress, family pressure, friendships and the unexpected moments that almost ruined the big day.

This week, 2025 bride Shay Oshinusi, who had a destination wedding in Portugal and a traditional Nigerian wedding in the UK, joins Lumumba to unpack her wedding planning experience.

The pair chat about the pressures that come with planning a wedding and managing a house renovation simultaneously, Oshinusi’s proposal story, and why she booked her big-day venue very quickly.

Oshinusi – who is also a wedding and events planner – opens up about the things she made a “big deal” for her wedding, including her hair and make-up, and why it’s important to plan nuptials that best represents you and your partner.

If you are a current bride, looking for a safe space and first-hand advice, The Bride’s Room podcast may be for you.

(By Yolanthe Fawehinmi)

3. Real Vikings

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube

Genre: History

If, like millions around the world, you got sucked into the raw, barbaric world of Vikings – the historical drama series that gripped TV audiences a few years ago – this new podcast might be just up your alley.

Having said that, the real beauty of this new series is that you don’t need one iota of knowledge about the Norse to enjoy it. It’s a one-stop shop to learn all things Viking, without any of the historical inaccuracies often seen on screen.

This 10-part podcast is narrated by the actor Iain Glen (Game Of Thrones, Downton Abbey), whose familiar, dulcet tones guide us through some of the true stories behind the Viking culture – in an entertaining docudrama style.

With contributions from leading historians, the series focuses on names such as Ragnar Lothbrok, Canute and Harald Hardrada, as we learn about the reality of Viking influence, myth-busting many of the stereotypes, but also discovering lesser-known tales, including a brutal murder on Dorset’s Chesil Beach.

Iain Glen’s delivery is a feast for the ears, and the immersive sound and style of each episode will leave you hungry for more.

(By Rachel Howard)

4. NearlyWeds With Molly & Tom 

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms and YouTube

 Genre: Relationships

Press play on the latest NearlyWeds episode and it feels like you’ve accidentally walked into Molly Smith and Tom Clare’s living room.

The Love Island couple fell for each other in front of the nation, now they’re taking fellow reality stars Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo’s reins and planning their wedding for us all to listen along to.

There’s no waiting for them to get comfortable behind the mic, it already feels effortless as they flit from wedding logistics to conversations about feet, farts and “almond mums”.

Even if you’re nowhere near planning your own big day, their stories about wedding planner stress, and the sneaky ways the industry squeezes out extra cash, are still risible.

The segments keep the show moving. In ‘Til text do us part’, your jaw will drop and you’ll cringe at the stories. The ‘Holding court’ segment is surprisingly reflective, making you think about your own responses.

Not everything lands perfectly – the video element can be a bit lost on audio-only – but it’s still an easy listen.

They have big shoes to fill, but it’s messy, refreshingly honest and good company for a walk or commute.

(By Alexandra Snow)

Spotlight on…

5. What’s The Call?

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Sports

What’s The Call? is a sports podcast that covers major tennis and sporting events across the world from a female perspective, hosted by sports and entertainment strategy consultant Theodora Petalas, and Andrea Jimenez, who is completing her PhD in psychology.

In each episode, the pair unpack the biggest stories in tennis, from the Australian Open, to predictions for the rest of the season. Petalas and Jimenez also follow tournaments and players both on and off court to keep listeners informed.

Past guests have included sports journalist Tamara Prenn, who discussed  post-match drama at the Australian Open, and one of the biggest names in tennis, Stefanos Tsitsipas, on his pre-game rituals and re-discovering the joy of competing.

This week, Petalas and Jimenez chat about the Indian Wells Open – Jimenez was on the ground at the tournament –why it was an immersive experience, the matches that stood out for her, predictions and so much more.

If you are looking for a female-led sports podcast, that offers sharp insight and honest opinions, then add What’s The Call? to your podcast rotation.

(By Yolanthe Fawehinmi)