Just a reminder that it is indeed Sunday (I sent an email that ended with \u201chave a great weekend\u201d on Wednesday).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the past few weeks we have been dividing the newsletter into two, starting with podcasts that cover the coronavirus in a useful way, followed by podcasts that you might find entertaining and a bit of a distraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For this week only we have added a third section. The BBC has rolled out<\/a> their own education service this week, to coincide with the Summer term. We\u2019ve added a few education podcasts that you might find particularly helpful at the moment. Do let us know if there are any that have helped you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As always, if there is a podcast that has come in use to you, please do let us know by filling in this form<\/a>. We listen to each one we receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ALSO\u2026\u00a0If you are thinking about launching your own podcast, radio guru\u00a0Matt Deegan<\/strong>\u00a0has written this great\u00a0little guide<\/a>\u00a0about all the things you should consider before you record your first episode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n *NEW* EDUCATION PODCASTS<\/strong> GOOD CORONA PODCASTS<\/strong> NON-CORONAVIRUS PODCASTS The Walkers Switch<\/a> – An investigative podcast series about crisps. Many people believe that in the early nineties their salt & vinegar crisps were once blue and their cheese & onion crisps were once green, but Walkers deny that it ever was. I know! This podcast goes to extreme lengths to find the truth, even tracking down Gary Lineker. A hilarious listen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Letters of Love in WW2<\/a> – A series you may have missed last year, but one that is still getting a lot of acclaim. Cyril and Olga were lovers separated by World War II. Thousands of their correspondence to each other were later uncovered by their daughter. In this series, you hear their letters to each other. A suitable listen for the 75th anniversary of VE Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grounded with Louis Theroux<\/a> – A new interview series consisting of the documentary filmmaker doing what he has always done: chatting to the people he finds interesting. Celebrities interviewing other celebrities is sometimes an overdone format in podcasting land, but Theroux always asks the right questions. This is one to look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BBC Bitesize Primary Planner<\/a>\u00a0\/\u00a0Secondary Planner<\/a>\u00a0– If you have kids you would be undoubtedly aware of the new\u00a0BBC Bitesize<\/a>\u00a0lessons that have been rolled out in the last week. There are two podcasts that have also been launched specifically for parents, depending on whether you have a kid in primary or secondary. Each daily episode will feature tips on homeschooling and how to structure their day. You\u2019ll also have insight into what your children are learning that day and why, which means that you\u2019ll get more than just \u201cstuff\u201d when you ask them what they have been up to.
Parentland<\/a>\u00a0–\u00a0Another good listen for parents, looking at how we can keep our families happy, healthy and stimulated whilst we are all on lockdown. Featuring questions and answers from all over the world.
Homeschool History<\/a>\u00a0– Meanwhile, good news for those enjoying\u00a0Greg Jenner\u2019s<\/strong>\u00a0history podcast\u00a0You\u2019re Dead To Me.\u00a0BBC Radio 4 have just released their own spinoff to coincide with the summer term. Shorter episodes will be out each and every week looking at a different period.
Fun Kids Science Weekly<\/a>\u00a0–\u00a0If your child is interested in science, just a reminder that this podcast is bursting with facts. A recent episode looked into what a haematologist does, then jumped right into a conversation about why the magnetic fields at the North and South Pole will one day flip.
David Walliams\u2019 Marvellous Musical Podcast<\/a>\u00a0–\u00a0And as for music, this is a great little Classic FM look into the lives of famous musicians, from Mozart to the music of\u00a0John Williams<\/strong>. Brilliantly produced and full of fantastic little stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stories of our Times<\/a>\u00a0–\u00a0It would have been difficult to have missed the investigation by The Sunday Times\u2019 Insight team into\u00a0Boris Johnson\u2019s<\/strong>\u00a0handling of the pandemic. The\u00a0explosive report<\/a>\u00a0claimed that there were five weeks of missed opportunities and that Boris Johnson missed five crucial COBRA meetings. Following fierce rebuttals by the government of some of the report\u2019s claims, the newspaper\u2019s podcast has released a special episode into how the investigation came together, along with evidence why their reporting stands up.
Jon Richardson and the Futurenauts: How to Survive the Apocalypse<\/a>\u00a0–\u00a0The title might sound a bit dark at such a time of uncertainty, but this is actually a very optimistic and uplifting podcast about how we can cope with what gets thrown at us. The comedian is joined by\u00a0Ed Gillespie<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Mark Stevenson<\/strong>, two authors and experts in futurism who lay out what we can do to overcome some of humanity\u2019s biggest problems. The joy of this podcast is listening to the dynamic between Gillespie and Stevenson\u2019s optimism and Richardson\u2019s cynicism.
Thanks a Million<\/a>\u00a0–\u00a0At such an uneasy time, it\u2019s always worth taking some time out to think about what you should be thankful for. The television presenter and broadcaster\u00a0Angela Scannon<\/strong>\u00a0interviews a well known name, the conversation focusing on doing that. Their most recent episode? Sian Clifford<\/strong>, from\u00a0Fleabag\u00a0and\u00a0Quiz.
The QuaranTea Break Podcast<\/a>\u00a0– A new weekly podcast, presented by\u00a0Simon Webb<\/strong>, encouraging us to take a tea break away from the world. Recent episodes feature interviews with\u00a0Robert Webb<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Rufus Jones<\/strong>.
The Coronavirus Newscast<\/a>\u00a0–\u00a0The BBC News podcast continues from Tuesday to Saturday with the latest analysis. Recent episodes include a deep dive into the race to find a vaccine and looking after your mental health during the lockdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Frank Skinner\u2019s Poetry Podcast<\/a> – The Absolute Radio DJ and comedian has always been a fan of poetry (who knew) and in this new series, he not only reads out his favourite poems, he dissects each one stanza by stanza. Listening to this podcast is like dropping in on a lecture, but one that isn\u2019t preachy or too pompous and full of explanations, ideal for those who are not familiar with it and want to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n