Tag: podcast

Read, Watch and Listen – April/May

As I went away on holiday in April I didn’t get around to my usual Read, Watch and Listen article. Today I want to catch up with a recommendation of something to devour that is bookish, a fantastic TV show and a funny, fresh podcast.

Join me as I outline the reasons why you should consider checking out one of these incredible magnets of entertainment.

Read ‘Diary of a Swedish Shepherd’ by Axel Linden

Have you ever considered leaving the office for a more rural job?

This book is sweet and short but nonetheless leaves you with a better understanding of life as a sheep farmer in Sweden.

As a diary, there are notes each day about what it is like to change careers and start a farm. Sometimes it is frustrating and others just wonderful. Mostly lovely though.

Anecdotal and personal, this book is well worth a read. It touches on tradition, modernity and sustainability. I loved dipping into it a few pages at a time because it always made me reflect and usually made me smile.

Watch ‘Palm Royale’ on Apple TV Plus

‘What is this?’ I hear you cry.

Well, it is a stunning new comedy-drama playing on Apple TV Plus which stars Kristin Wig (Bridesmaids) and Laura Dern (Big Little Lies/ Jurassic Park) among others.

A wanna-be hotshot woman trying her luck in a wealthy Californian town is seen bluffing her way into high society. The results are hilarious and satisfying.

Everyone likes to see an underdog doing well – right? Maxine (Kristin) is married to a guy who may well inherit a fortune from his aunt who is currently in a coma. The comatose aunt is played by TV legend Carol Burnett who is on screen in the coma and also seen in funny flashbacks.

Ricky Martin (“She Bangs!”) pops up as a waiter who happens to live in the pool house belonging to coma lady. His involvement is amusing and integral, as he develops a close friendship with Laura’s character, Linda.

Settle in for episodes of fun, frolics and easy-to-watch entertainment.

Listen to ‘Miss Me’ on Spotify or BBC Sounds

As a fan of Lily Allen and Miquita Oliver, I was surprised to know that both were long term best friends. Knowing that Lily lived in New York and Miquita in London I can see why they decided to name their new podcast – ‘Miss me.’

Essentially they post two episodes a week. On Thursday they discuss certain talking points then on Monday they open up the podcast to take questions that listeners left by voice note.

These two are so honest; brutally honest and hilarious.

I have really started to look forward to every new episode of this ‘already top ten’ podcast.

Recent chat has been about the patriarchy, ambition and bosoms.

I absolutely love it and you will too!

In A Nutshell

Hopefully one of these suggestions hit home with you and you will feel the need to check it out.

If you missed my last set of recommendations you can read them here:

Read, Watch, Listen – March

Please consider following my blog for similar future content about entertainment, reading and environmental change.

Read, Watch, Listen – March

It has been a while since I did one of my monthly roundups of entertainment suggestions. This feature samples a book, a TV show and a podcast that I am currently enjoying.

Check out my reviews and see whether any take your fancy. This month I mention a drama set in Asia, a fanciful story about The Queen and a really funny podcast about death.

Read – The Uncommon Reader – By Alan Bennett

Thinking about the Queen in her prime, this story imagines her becoming a bookworm.

If the monarch started neglecting her duties due to a bookish obsession what might happen?

Alan Bennett explores this subject cleverly with gentle narrative and witty skill. It is a rather short book but nonetheless satisfying. With a book stuffed behind the seat of her state event carriage and a constant desire to quiz guests about their reading, it makes for an entertaining read.

Watch – Expats – on Amazon Prime Video

Nicole Kidman plays Margaret, an American lady who came over to Hong Kong with her husband and ended up staying longer than expected.

The reason for this was tragic. Their youngest son went missing during a visit to the well known Hong Kong night market. The six episodes follow various characters, including the young nanny, the housekeeper and various wealthy Expat friends.

Listen to – Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake

Kathy Burke hosts this hilarious podcast which interviews stars about their ideal deaths, funerals and wakes.

Kathy is well known for her funny roles in ‘Kevin and Perry,’ ‘Gimme, Gimme, Gimme’ and ‘Absolutely Fabulous.’ I have even seen her direct an Oscar Wilde theatre play.

She is clever and scathing, known for her no-nonsense honesty and potty mouth.

The first interview she did involved Jennifer Saunders and she had me laughing my head off.

And Finally

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my recommendations. Hopefully something grabbed your interest.

Feel free to share your thoughts on one of these in the comments.

If you like my articles, perhaps also consider following my little blog for future similar content. I write reviews of books, movies and TV shows as well as discussing environmental problems and sharing life hacks.

Read, Watch and Listen (September)

Every month I love to share some recommendations of a book, TV show and podcast that have kept me entertained. If you are anything like me, you will always be on the lookout for some well made programmes, dramatic novels and fascinating podcasts or fresh new music.

Read ‘Family of Liars’ by E Lockhart

I really enjoyed ‘We Were Liars’, the bestselling book about families that return each year to a small island for family summer gatherings. So as soon as I came across ‘Family of Liars’ which was written as a prequel to this, I knew I would enjoy the storytelling immensely.

This YA book is reflecting on a past summer, when a sad loss hung over the family who were trying to get back to that family holiday magic.

Well written in short chapters, this tale of teenagers growing up and enduring anxiety, enlightenment and love, is keeping me totally entertained.

Watch ‘Platonic’ on Apple TV Plus

As a fan of Rose Byrne, I was excited to see that she has reunited with Bad Neighbours co-star Seth Rogan to make this fresh comedy series.

Sylvia (Rose Byrne), a modern mother and out of practise lawyer, comes across her old friend Will (Seth Rogen) and starts to remember their fun times. Dragging her out for late nights, their friendship is back on track, somewhat at the expense of other relationships.

This comedy is funny and easy to follow. I love the chemistry between these two and Rose’s husband is also great fun to watch.

Listen to ‘That Gaby Roslin Podcast’

Gaby Roslin used to present a fantastic TV show in the 90s, called ‘The Big Breakfast.’ These days she hosts radio shows and presents the BBC Morning Live programme. Her presenting style has always been a combination of clever and witty.

I often listen to her podcast as she has brilliant guests who are always willing to open up to her. A previous highlight was her Kate Winslet chat and recently she has interviewed Harriet Walter. Harriet shone a light on her hilarious and dramatic contributions to Ted Lasso and Succession.

In Harriet’s episode she talks about her experiences in theatre and the fun she had hanging out with Hannah Waddingham. She laughs about her three children in Succession and remembers fondly meeting her idol.

Final Thoughts

Going back to work four weeks ago has meant I have been very busy after a lovely, relaxed six week summer holiday. Work stress is already massive and so any opportunity to escape into a book, take in a dramatic TV series or soak in the bath while listening to a podcast is welcome.

Make sure you check out one of my recommendations above and let me know what you think about them.

Talking of returning to work, check out my Back to school poem and maybe follow my blog for similar future updates.