The disturbing story of an alleged Russian spy: This week’s best podcasts | TV and radio

Lauren Southern tells journalist Nikki Wolfe that she feels like she’s in a spy movie, “but it’s the dumbest movie ever, because I’m just a YouTuber.” Along with other members of the right-wing commentariat, the Canadian found herself linked to the Kremlin when a company she worked for was exposed as a front for the Russian state. Her candor is striking, as Woolf’s investigation unfolds across six turbulent chapters. Hannah J. Davis
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Stay open

With Covid and the cost of living crisis, it has been a tough few years for the hospitality industry. This is a series of illuminating kitchen table conversations with chefs and founders, about the challenges (and joys) of working in restaurants. Starting at Wilson in Bristol, the program covers menus and addiction management in a wine-friendly environment. Phil Harrison
Widely available, weekly episodes

Last 12 weeks

David Wood was sentenced to death in 1992 for six murders in El Paso, Texas, and his execution is finally in sight. This simple yet thought-provoking podcast from Serial and The Marshall Project follows his team of lawyers, as they try one last time to prove his innocence – a concept that naturally seems inconceivable to the victims’ families. HJD
Widely available, weekly episodes

Spielberg

Scamanda’s Charlie Webster is back with another Scam-flavored case steeped in ’90s nostalgia. How did a Virginia high school student convince his classmates that he was Steven Spielberg’s nephew? Was there anything darker than just catfishing? Having access to Jonathan Taylor Spielberg himself makes this even more enticing. HJD
Widely available, weekly episodes

First America

Rebecca Nagel, a Cherokee native, hosts this series about the often overlooked role of Native people in the founding of the United States. It also looks at recent history, and why Native identity has been so crudely co-opted by children’s summer camps, sports teams—and even one of the January 6 rioters. HJD
Widely available, weekly episodes