Sara Pascoe and Cariad Lloyd’s offbeat literary show returns: best podcasts of the week

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

Sara & Cariad’s Weirdos Book Club

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

In Pursuit With Colleen Shogan

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

The After Dive

Retired Olympic diver Matty Lee turns to podcasting with a warm series in which he speaks to fellow athletes about the reality behind their extraordinary careers. Long jumper Jazmin Sawyers reveals what it’s like performing on your period, while Alice Kinsella talks of her return to gymnastics shortly after giving birth. Hollie Richardson
Widely available, episodes weekly

The Girlfriends: Trust Me, Babe

Novel and iHeart’s strand about women banding together against dangerous exes returns with a show that turns dark subject matter into a moreish listen, while also centring its women. Anna Sinfield (pictured above) meets the exes of Derek Alldred – a charming US romance scammer whose many victims eventually linked up on Facebook in the hunt for justice. HJD
Widely available, episodes weekly

Family Lore

Fans of cultural mystery series such as Search Engine will enjoy this quirky outing about family myths and whether or not the tales told through “intergenerational games of Telephone” are true. First up, Lloyd Lochridge investigates whether his friend’s great-great aunt Margarita really invented her namesake cocktail. HJD
Widely available, episodes weekly