How a family was shocked by allegations about a dead father’s double life: This week’s best podcasts | TV and radio

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Codename Badger

A true crime investigation into the supposed secret double life of British Army Major Robbie Mills. After Mills’ death in 1955, apparently the result of an accident on a submarine, a man named John Cottell showed up at his house claiming to be his friend—and fellow spy. Journalist Eugene Henderson tells the disturbing story of Cottelle, who quickly works his way into the lives of the Mills family. Alexey Duggins
Widely available, weekly episodes

Margo freshwater crimes

Margo Freshwater was 18 when she was sentenced to life in prison for murder with her boyfriend. But she escaped from prison and her family announced her death. However, Margo adopted a false identity that left her undetected for 30 years – until 2002. This series tells an almost unbelievable story. Holly Richardson
Widely available, weekly episodes

A moment with Murphy

In this presentation from illustrator/poet of Instagram Murphy’s Sketches, Keri Cunningham recites her musings on acoustic guitar. You then interview one of the parents to allow them to talk about anything they like – from bereavement to helping children with special educational needs. The idea? “An opportunity for parents to pause.” advertisement
Widely available, weekly episodes

Happy to be here

Previously, Greta Johnsen was the host of WBEZ Chicago’s Nerdette, a series this paper calls “a safe space for geeks everywhere,” and she’s come up with a very useful podcast, full of cultural and foodie recipes. A recent episode on the best books of 2026 offered solid suggestions, as well as some downright genius advice on how to read more. Hannah J. Davis
Widely available, weekly episodes

Tyranny in America

The number of people detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will reach an all-time high in 2025. As Pulitzer Prize winner Anne Applebaum begins another excellent podcast series on the Atlantic, she speaks to a former detainee and reflects on how the country’s harsh stance on immigration now resembles the previous “War on Terror.” HJD
Widely available, weekly episodes