The man leading Trump’s ‘war on woke’ is the subject of an incisive portrait. Plus, a Hitchcock-featuring Holocaust drama, podcast love-ins with Amy Poehler and the Duchess of Sussex, and the nonstop life of a young entrepreneur
Go-getting Anna Foster joins the BBC’s flagship show. Elsewhere, the story of a Brazilian scammer, a moving podcast about love and death, and an insider’s guide to tracking down terrorists
David Dimbleby on the fighter pilot who waged war on government policy; Guy Garvey celebrates a misunderstood masterpiece. Plus, confessions of an FBI agent, and divisive US murder suspect Luigi Mangione
LBC’s Iain Dale and historian Tessa Dunlop tackle Very Important Topics. Plus, deliciously chaotic fun at a much-loved East End cafe, and a vital but uncomfortable retelling of recent racism in Britain
A highly personal search for justice after the Corby steelworks scandal is well worth a listen; Jordan Stephens and Sophie Willan are delightfully candid about their insecurities. Plus, everyday tales of the uncanny
The city’s madcap mix of bingo, dressing up and dancing has become a cultural phenomenon, bucking the trend of a declining UK club scene and expanding nationwide
The star of Baywatch and The Last Showgirl answers questions from Observer readers and famous fans including Stella McCartney, Liam Neeson, Ruby Wax and Naomi Klein
He has a prolific career and extensive portfolio, with his images of British life especially iconic. At 72, he tells Miranda Sawyer, he’s still thinking about what to shoot next
A Lithuanian gay romance that will move you to tears; Nick Wallis continues his dogged coverage of the Post Office inquiry; and it’s early days for Sara Cox and Clare Hamilton’s new parenting podcast
Reasons to cheer, as Paloma Faith cosies up to Mel B and Alan Carr, while comedians Fin Taylor and Horatio Gould have a laugh at Chairman Mao’s expense. Plus, a terrifying case of cyber-stalking with Carole Cadwalladr
The BBC host is a touch too eager to please in his new dream job, while Gok Wan is a breakfast show natural on Magic. Plus, a refreshing look at the Troubles, and a grippingly immersive mountaineering story
A chart-topping podcast about psychic communication makes for a troubling listen. Elsewhere, more excellent mental health musings from Scottee, and in praise of the adventure playground
Hosts Helen Zaltzman and Olly Mann tell us why their comeback coincides with Trump’s second act – and how they now feel like the punks of the speech-audio world
A stilted AI Parky proves that interviews are a two-way process. Plus, the strange story of a woman who kept faking pregnancy and a gripping true crime tale
Naomi Alderman’s 50-part history of great thinkers gets off to a flying start. Plus, an exposé of Russian interference in UK politics; and in the week the BBC axed Short Cuts, where now for young audio talent?
The true story of Keiko, the orca star of Free Willy, makes for a moving new Serial tale; the fashionista follows in her grandfather’s footsteps. Plus, writers on child’s-eye-view Christmas wonder
Miquita Oliver and Lily Allen’s intimate chats, Jake Shears’s deep dive into queer music and the ongoing mystery of Lord Lucan were among the standouts
The now paralysed writer’s memoir is a compelling listen; an award-winning show features neurodivergent guests; Davina McCall connects with fellow midlife women; and the world’s biggest podcaster meets Musk and Trump
Fifty years on, the missing aristo and his wife continue to fascinate; Danny Robins and Stewart Lee get into the Halloween spirit; and an eerie English tale with Will Sharpe
The ex-Tory minister talks shop; artist Jonny Banger enthuses about his activism; Mei Mac and Adam Buxton lift a spooky drama; and a harrowing look at the US military’s attitudes to homosexuality