June 3, 2025
Find out what made our May cultural highlights including a five star podcast and book.
Here’s our round up of what grabbed our attention this month
Podcasts
Invisible Hands BBC Sounds ★★★★★
Like any impactful media, some content makes you think long after you’ve finished. “Invisible Hands” from The History podcast is one such example. Narrated by David Dimbleby, and for this there is no one better, it explores the hidden forces behind Britain’s free market revolution and how, in just one example, the Falklands War saved Margaret Thatcher’s career, sparking significant political and economic changes. This well-documented piece weaves through history from the Battle of Britain to present-day Trump time.
Titanic Various ★★★★
The story of the “unsinkable” cruise liner, famously depicted in James Cameron’s film, is widely recognized. However, what is less well known is how close disaster came to being averted and how additional lives should have been saved. Produced by Noisier, this 11-episode podcast is narrated by Paul McCann, whose accomplished voice-over adds significant value. Contributors provide insights into the events and background stories of many passengers and crew members. This podcast is highly recommended for those interested in a deeper understanding of the tragedy.
Television
Long Bright Bridge CH4 ★★★★
TV cop shows often follow a successful formula from previous popular series. “Long Bright Night” follows in the footsteps of “Mare of Eastwick,” where Kate Winslet played a single mother dealing with a drug crisis. In this show, Amanda Seyfried takes on a similar role. The series might have worked as a film adaptation of an acclaimed book instead of eight episodes, but the extended format allows for a deeper exploration of the diverse characters, including a retired cop and an addict sister. The storyline revolves around a serial killer targeting sex workers with insulin overdoses, and Seyfried’s character’s sister has been missing for six weeks. The plot includes several twists that maintain interest throughout the series.
The Four Seasons Netflix ★★★
Originally a film by Alan Alda, known for his work on Mash and who makes a cameo appearance, this series has been reconstructed by Tina Fey. Each episode is set in one of the four seasons and focuses on the effects of one of the three best friend couples breaking up. Each episode is 30 minutes long, making it a brief and easy watch with diverse characters.
David Frost Vs Eps 4,5,6 Sky Documentaries ★★★★
The second batch of David Frost interviews includes 20 hours spent with former President Richard Nixon. At that time, Frost’s career was experiencing challenges, and he invested heavily in securing the exclusive interview, knowing that the major US broadcasters would not provide financial support. While Nixon was contractually obligated to discuss Watergate, his admission of responsibility was necessary for the series’ success. The dynamics between Frost and Nixon make Part 4 particularly engaging. Episode 6, where Frost addresses the Middle East crisis, exemplifies his access and skill in asking the right questions.
Matlock Sky Witness ★★★
American production companies excel in creating high-quality legal dramas, known for their polished presentation and compelling plots. “Matlock,” starring Kathy Bates, is one such drama. The story follows 70-year-old Matlock as she joins a law firm to uncover the person responsible for suppressing a report on opioids linked to her daughter’s death. Along the way, she solves various legal cases. With 19 episodes so far, it’s an enjoyable and well-produced series.
Books
The Savage Noble Death of Babs Dionne by Ron Currie ★★★★
Babs Dionne, a crime matriarch with a scarred past, faces a threat when a drug kingpin sends “The Man” to invade her territory. Meanwhile, her youngest daughter goes missing. I enjoyed this book, especially since Babs, despite her flaws, is a clever and compelling central character.
The Vipers by Katy Hays ★★★
If you prefer a thriller with an unexpected ending, this book may be of interest. Each year, the wealthy Lingate family returns to Capri, despite it being the location of a family death thirty years prior. The nature of the incident—whether it was murder or a tragic accident—is what Helen Lingate, the sole heir to the family fortune, seeks to uncover with the assistance of her aide, who has hidden motives. The novel explores themes of trust and the revelation of secrets.
Fever Beach by Carl Haasen ★★★★
Those of you who have read our all time Top 5 books will know Carl Haasen is a favoured author. His latest, Fever Beach, may not resonate as much as Razor Girl, nevertheless it’s still classic Haasen – a quirky hero ably assisted by a love interest as they expose a dumb and incompetent foe fuelled by right-wing extremism, white power, greed, and corruption. Another laugh-out-loud funny novel, tackling the current chaotic and polarized American culture.
The Names by Florence Knapp ★★★★★
The book explores whether a name can change a life. It starts with Cora registering her baby’s name. Her husband, a respected doctor but controlling individual, has instructed her to name the infant after him, but she chooses differently. Over the next 30 years, the narrative follows three alternate versions of Cora’s and her young son’s lives, shaped by her choice of name. In richly detailed prose, “The Names” examines the effects of domestic abuse, the complexities of family relationships, and the possibilities of autonomy and recovery. The emotional power of this book fully deserves the praise it has received.
Check out our other monthly cultural highlights
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