I HAVE not yet been called an art historian, but I recently discovered a podcast that can make me sound knowledgeable about great art. The podcast is fairly new: The Specialist, a series in association with Sotheby’s. On 18 June, the episode “Women and Power” featured Dame Mary Beard. The guests explored depictions of women and their place in the public consciousness. The discussion raised questions such as: Is the canvas or mould man-made? How and where are powerful women portrayed on their own terms?

Another podcast worth mentioning is You Have Permission, with Dan Koch, which delves into the sexual-assault allegations against Michael Tait. I grew up idolising the American Christian pop band DC Talk, having met them briefly at the Greenbelt Festival when I was 14. They were influential in Pentecostal and Evangelical circles, and Mr Tait, a black man who loved performing, was my hero. Therefore, I was saddened to learn of his confession regarding a hidden double life. He admitted to taking sexual advantage of fans, and is accused of participating in a sexual assault. This podcast provides context about the Christian music industry and its darker aspects.

While one legacy was tarnished, another was honoured. A consistently excellent podcast, hosted by Pete Enns and Jared Byas, The Bible for Normal People featured on 16 June, in episode 301 — “Walter Brueggemann: Resurrecting the Bible in the mainline Church” — a conversation with the late theologian. Brueggemann devoted his life to making scripture accessible, and it is heart-warming to hear his voice again. He encouraged the Church to use its imagination and challenge oppressive forms of faith and life.

The Nomad Podcast has also produced a mini-series contemplating Jesus and featuring notable figures such as the former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Williams. One conversation that particularly resonates with me, however, is with the author and journalist Lamorna Ash. In the episode “Faith on the Edges”, she converses with the host, Tim Nash, about her social experiment to immerse herself in Christian spaces.

Documenting her visits to churches, communities, and retreats, she traverses the spectrum of faith, and discovers a surprising outcome: faith itself. Although young, Ms Ash articulates a wise and warm perspective on faith and life.

Finally, I want to highlight Peace Talks Radio, which recently discussed “Finding Peace in the Waves of Perimenopausal Anxiety”. This conversation is relevant for everyone, as employers, partners, and society often lack understanding of the perimenopause, a critical transition in women’s lives. The episode features women around the world talking about their experiences of feeling misunderstood by friends, family, and even doctors during this challenging time leading up to the menopause itself. The podcast builds awareness and offers valuable insights into how to support women who are navigating it.