Rob Delaney and Bel Powley star in a knotty rehab drama: best podcasts of the week

“I never thought I’d be back here with the fluorescent lights and lukewarm coffee,” says recovering addict Tim (Rob Delaney). “But then Lucy Green ruined my life.” So begins this intriguing 10-part drama of bite-size episodes, executive produced by Sharon Horgan. It rewinds to Tim escorting millennial pop star Lucy (Bel Powley) to rehab in Arizona on an eventful road trip. Jameela Jamil and Greg James complete a cracking cast. Hollie Richardson
BBC Sounds, all episodes out on Monday 2 November

Metro With Sarah Koenig

“I feel like something is happening.” The New York Times’ Sarah Koenig is excited about her city. The Knicks have won the NBA and the city has elected a popular socialist mayor. This podcast hears her hitting the streets and bars to capture the city’s current essence. She doesn’t force hot-button issues so the conversations can spiral in unpredictable directions. Phil Harrison
Widely available, episodes weekly

Sold a Story

After the first series of Emily Hanford’s podcast, revealing why so many US schools were struggling to teach kids to read, teachers told her: “It’s not just reading.” She now delves wider and deeper and looks at teaching itself – how it has changed and, ultimately, what works best. HR
Widely available, episodes weekly

Tell Me Why

Prospect Magazine’s new series is hosted by staffers Alona Ferber and Imaan Irfan, and takes an intelligent approach to the news without laying its intellect on trowel-thick. Episodes cover Silicon Valley-fuelled tech authoritarianism (with insights from Astra Taylor and Naomi Klein), and AI’s relationship to authorship. Hannah J Davies
Widely available, episodes weekly

Severed Minds

This investigative series tells the story of a deeply unsettling chapter in mental health history, and the lobotomies that Walter Freeman performed in the US between the 1930s and 60s. It’s a difficult listen but one that is meticulously researched, exploring the lives of Gretchen Reb and others who were altered for ever by these brutal, experimental procedures. HJD
Audible, all episodes out now

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