Pick of the week
Do I Detect a Problem?
In this offbeat interview show, producer and host James Deacon takes a ramble through green space with a celebrity, as they attempt a spot of metal detecting and intimate chat with themed questions (“What’s one piece of gold you’ve found in your life?”). Sleaford Mods frontman Jason Williamson is the first guest for an hour of introspection and digging up rusty nails. Works better as a visualised, rather than audio, podcast. Alexi Duggins
Widely available, episodes weekly
Eras: Phil Collins
The latest season of this profile series focuses on the drummer turned megastar frontman. Zoe Ball hosts a series that runs from him backing up Peter Gabriel on tour while dressed like an evening gown-clad fox, through to having his most famous solo hit performed by a man in a gorilla suit (who is also interviewed). Plus, an exclusive chat with Collins himself. AD
BBC Sounds, four episodes available and last episode on Mon
The Missing Cryptoqueen
It’s been six years since the BBC first began airing their engrossing podcast about prolific crypto scammer Dr Ruja Ignatova. As it returns for another four-episode run, host Jamie Bartlett reveals that the team has got its best lead in years: a juicy tip-off that sees them divert their attention towards South Africa. Is the search finally over?! Hannah J Davies
BBC Sounds, episodes weekly
The History Bureau
Putin was weeks into his leadership when four bombs killed more than 300 people in Russia. His government blamed Chechen militants and the stage was set for one of the most consequential rises to power in recent history. Helena Merriman speaks to journalists about alternative theories which are still considered dangerous to investigate. Hollie Richardson
BBC Sounds, episodes weekly
Hanging Out With Ant and Dec
The Geordie duo’s first podcast promises to be a loose, chatty listen that feels like spending time with pals. The trailer hears them encouraging fans to get in touch, so they could feature them on the show while pointing at artefacts from their career that litter the space they’ll record in. AD
Widely available, episodes weekly
The Harry Hill Show
A visualised podcast that captures the surreal comedy of Harry Hill – and must be completely mystifying in audio-only version (a large-tongued puppet called Licky appears at one point). “You look like a madman who’s been incarcerated and is just playing with things he found on the floor in the cell,” says first guest Stewart Lee, nailing their erratic spiralling conversations. Great fun. HR
Widely available, episodes weekly
