“THE Labour Party: Part One: A very British Socialism”, by Origin Story (released 5 November) traces the origins of the Labour Party in the 1900s. It examines the emphasis on the working classes, and the early complaints of the trade unions, which contained the energy and drive of the new party, but who felt left out of the decision-making process. It considers the tension between necessary compromises in power versus idealistic convictions in opposition.
The history depicts factions within the party, many of which still persist today. There is also a consideration of faith in the early founding figures. This is well-researched and entertaining, although the strong language may feel excessive to some listeners.
The Rest is Science, with Professor Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens, is the latest offering from Goalhanger, the production company co-founded by Gary Lineker. For someone who enjoys science, but whose grades did not match their passion, this podcast takes a topic and delivers it in insightful and surprising ways, making even me feel like a well-informed authority on the subject.
In “How to Drink Lava” (released 25 Novembe), they explore the utter weirdness of water. They pose the question whether, in its ice form, dihydrogen monoxide is actually a rock. We learn how very little of all the water that exists is available for drinking. The podcast delves into the origins of water at the formation of the earth, noting that it came from space, making water alien, and that some of our water is older than our sun. It is mind-bogglingly good.
Next, Tortoise Investigates takes a deep dive into . . . deep-sea diving. In “Depth Wish: Deep Water, Episode One”, we are immersed in another world. I love the ability of a good podcast to transport the listener. In the diving world, athletes get their bodies into the most relaxed states possible to dive deeply.
The journalist Lydia Gard speaks about her own love for and participation in free diving. Sadly, accusations of doping in the sport mean that her hobby and her day job collide. The story highlights the suspicion that some record-breaking divers are achieving these depths by chemically overriding their bodies’ built-in safety measures to prevent blackout. The conversation revolves around whether the new generation of divers is disrupting old traditions, or if something more sinister is at play.
As we continue in Advent and choirs rehearse for carol services, Things Unseen, “A Carol for the Soul” (13 December 2024), features the religion journalist Rosie Dawson discussing “O Holy Night”. It was my mum’s favourite carol, and it is mine, too. This short podcast explores the carol from the perspective of singers in a choir, a Paralympian, and a priest whom you should be familiar with by now, as we all uncover the fascinating history of the carol and how it came about, and its ongoing relevance and significance.