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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Hannah J Davies. Alexi Duggins and Hollie Richardson

The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency creator makes the world happier: best podcasts of the week

Alexander McCall Smith Podcast Mahmud London
‘Cover a whole sweep of history’ … Alexander McCall Smith.
‘Cover a whole sweep of history’ … Alexander McCall Smith. Photograph: Simone Padovani/Awakening/Getty Images

Pick of the week
The Positive Distraction Podcast

While he is best known for his No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novels, Alexander McCall Smith has something of a soft spot for short stories, which can “cover a whole sweep of history in a couple of paragraphs”. His new series features a selection of short original works that he hopes will make listeners feel better about the state of the world, beginning with a pleasingly twee tale inspired by a friend’s miniature helicopter landing pad. Hannah J Davies
Widely available, episodes weekly

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