The epic 80s pop story: the best podcasts of the week | TV & radio

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Greatest Hits: The Story of London Records

From Blancmange to Bananarama, London Records “flooded the UK charts with sound” in the 80s, says songwriter Siân Patenden. He hosts this five-part series about the evolution of the label, featuring interviews with artists and A&Rs. It’s a fascinating oral history that captures the historical spectacle presented by Bronski Beat; All Saints’ edgy take on Girl Power; and the goth-pop masterpiece of Shakespears Sister (pictured above).
It’s very accessible, episodes every week

Are We Dissolved?

From nuclear war to climate change, there are many things that can cause human extinction. In a series that’s more optimistic than it sounds, US journalist Ben Bradford looks at the threats, starting with a story about nukes and whether it’s a guaranteed disaster with MAD.
It’s very accessible, episodes every week

Gangster Presents: The Ronnie Biggs Story

Daniel Mays – who played the Great Train Robber in the 2012 TV series Mrs Biggs – narrates this entertaining podcast, drawing heavily on past conversations with the man. While the six-parter may hear more about a story that has been told frequently, the never-before-heard audio and discussion of the changing politics of the moment bring new perspectives.
It’s very accessible, episodes every week

Appearances Presents: Featuring Suzi Ruffell

Comedian Ruffell (pictured above right) has relaunched his podcast, and despite an interview that shows it’s a good one. She begins by interviewing Attitude’s editor-in-chief, Cliff Joannou, before speaking with Drag Race’s Tia Kofi about trans rights and her political choices.
It’s very accessible, episodes every week

Stateside With Kai and Carter

The Guardian’s New York team launched their podcast this week, hosted by reporters Kai Wright and Carter Sherman, with new episodes released three times a week. Arguably, there has never been a better time for straight-talking, US-friendly shows. Sherman said: “There is war, there is dictatorship, our country is burning—I could go on.”
It’s very accessible, three sessions a week