From life-changing food to comedy news, Judi Herman picks her top six listens to enjoy at home
If the past year has taught us anything, it is to savour every kind of entertainment we can enjoy from home, be it via the TV, radio or internet. Radio holds a special place in my heart, a love affair which began in earnest when, aged just eight, I won a brand new Bush radio in a raffle (with the single 10-shilling ticket I could barely afford from my pocket money). I’ve since made the leap from listener to journalist, but as long as I can hear I shall carry on listening daily (and often nightly!). BBC Radio 4, the wonderful World Service and BBC Sounds are my go-tos, so I’ve selected six of their finest listens, both one-offs and regulars, that I recommend tuning into.
1. Conspiracies: The Secret Knowledge
The infamous Protocols of the Elders of Zion is just one conspiracy theory superbly covered in the first of three episodes of Phil Tinline’s gripping new BBC Radio 4 series. Contributors include Bryan Cheyette (University of Reading), musician Pamela Hutchinson and historian Sir Richard Evans. bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000t033
2. Americast
Two Jewish presenters take the helm of this incisive podcast about American politics: Newsnight anchor and elections reporter Emily Maitlis and the BBC’s North America editor, Jon Sopel. Together with Antony Zurcher, the BBC’s senior North American reporter, they discuss topics such as Biden’s America and climate change after Trump, with a roster of impressive guests that have previously included Ron Christie, former advisor to President George W Bush, and NY Assemblyman Ron Kim. bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p07h19zz
3. Woman’s Hour
Now steered Monday to Thursday by the sure hand of Emma Barnett (pictured below), drawing on years of experience anchoring Radio 5 Live’s mid-morning programme. It’s fascinating to observe how Barnett and the Woman’s Hour team work together to her strengths; notably well-researched, in-depth interviews, where she gets to the heart of the issue with her guests. She is also fast developing a rapport with listeners – by being a good listener herself – as the show invites them to get more involved. bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007qlvb
4. Yotam Ottolenghi: My Life in Five Dishes
As part of the consistently engrossing BBC World Service series The Food Chain, the influential Israeli chef (pictured below) tells his life story through some of his most memorable dishes. Often credited with bringing Middle Eastern food into the UK mainstream, he now has a string of restaurants and delicatessens behind him, along with several best-selling cookbooks. He talks of his youth in the vibrant and diverse Jerusalem of the 1970s, coming out as gay in Tel Aviv, and the huge impact of his younger brother’s death. Usually reluctant to delve into politics, Ottolenghi also explains why he’s decided to speak out in support of his industry during the pandemic. bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cszjr2
5. The News Quiz
One of the most popular and long-running comedy programmes on BBC radio, which shares the early evening Friday spot alongside The Now Show and Dead Ringers. The News Quiz’s USP is a changing panel of comedians fielding comically cryptic questions about the week’s news, now bowled at them by new host and lead writer, the Jewish comic Andy Zaltzman. The next series kicks off from Friday 16 April. bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006r9yq
6. BBC Moscow’s Steve Rosenberg
An oldie but a goodie! BBC Moscow correspondent Steve Rosenberg is almost as well-known now for his piano playing as for his brave and brilliant reporting. When he’s not relaying news on the upheavals of political and everyday life across the Soviet Union, you’ll find him tickling the ivories. Watch an hour-long performance from 2016 on the BBC News Facebook, during which he plays Eurovision requests, including ‘Hallelujah’ by 1979’s Israeli winner Milk and Honey. bit.ly/bbcrosenberg
By Judi Herman
Header photo: Andy Zaltzman © BBC News Quiz
Find further listening (plus much more) in JR Home Entertainment.