The comedians are back with a fifth series of their Weirdo’s Book Club. Plus, a fascinating look into some stories filed away in America’s National Archives
If IRL book clubs can feel a little twee (why is there always someone who hasn’t finished the book?!) Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd’s podcast might be a better way to get your lit fix. Season five kicks off with a recommendation for Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey, which gave new life to its women, and Pascoe “butchering” the plot of Ulysses, while guests this time round include author Maggie O’Farrell and musician/writer Kae Tempest. Hannah J Davies
Widely available, episodes weekly
Shogan was the head of the National Archives in the US until she was fired by Donald Trump. Now, she puts her huge knowledge of the country’s past to good use in this smart series about lessons from “the American experiment”. It kicks off with an episode on George Washington, from his childhood to the pivotal choice to relinquish power after the revolutionary war. HJD
Widely available, episodes weekly
