Podcasts and Videos

"These Hong Kong true crime stories, occurred during my era. Yet, some of the detail is new to me."

Having addressed my reading choices, it's probably fair that I give an insight into my regular favourites for podcasts and video channels. I take most of my podcasts from Spotify, although several of my choices are available on other outlets. Here are some recommendations. 

The Infinite Monkey Cage. (BBC Podcast) Professor Brain Cox and comedian Robin Ince take a lighthearted look at science. You will be entertained but also learn stuff. Now in the 12th series, it has asked: what is death, what happened before the big bang, is philosophy dead, and are pandas overrated? However, they are struggling with the big question; are strawberries alive? 

Fast Jet Performance. (YouTube). This ex-RAF pilot covers issues of the day, leadership, people development and Britain's defences. Tim Davies delivers the blows as fast as he used to fly, frequently dropping 'truth bombs' that hit home to rattle the establishment. 

Triggernometry. (Spotify Podcast and Youtube) Billed as a free-speech podcast, two comedians, a London lad and a Russian exile front this show. This odd couple have great chemistry as they and their guests explore the culture wars and other tricky issues. Raw and robust debate ensues. If you take offence at the truth, then avoid this podcast and crawl into your nearest safe space.

The Rest is Politics. (Spotify Podcast). Another odd couple. Rory Stewart is a Hong Kong-born ex-Conservative MP and former soldier. Joining him is Alastair Campbell, former Labour Party spin doctor and a controversial figure for his role in the Iraq war. The pair discuss politics and events while picking over their respective careers.

Stewart comes across as a thoroughly decent bloke who is probably ill-suited to the nasty world of politics. While Campbell affirms he is as thin-skinned as ever and willfully blind. He is often critical of others for precisely what he did when in power. Nonetheless, the dynamic between these two makes for fun listening, providing fascinating insights into the dysfunction of British politics.

Battleground - Ukraine. (Spotify Podcast) This podcast started by reviewing the Falklands War and has moved on to Ukraine. With their guests, military historians Patrick Bishop and Saul David examine the latest developments from an Anglo-Saxon disposition. At times they are less than balanced in their coverage, as both openly advocate for the Ukrainians, which colours their discussions and judgments. Still, worth a listen.

Catching Worms. (Spotify Podcast) These Hong Kong true crime stories occurred during my era. Yet, some of the detail is new to me. The podcast is gritty, with narration by the involved police officers, journalists and others who witnessed the cases first-hand. 

The Alexei Sayle Podcast. (Spotify Podcast and Youtube) Everybody's favourite Marxist teddy bear is ageing and not mellowing much. Episodes are an eclectic mix, some excellent and others dull. His unusual interest in guns and Chinese martial arts, coupled with his delusions about how Jeremy Corbyn could lead the U.K. to the promised land, are amusing. Like many old Marxists, Alexei remains comfortable in his London bubble without facing the reality of a world his ideals would create. But he's still funny. 

The Coming Storm. (BBC Podcast) QAnon and the plot to break reality are the focus of this podcast. Here you get a detailed account of how a conspiracy derailed U.S. politics and contributed to the storming of the Capital. It is a must-listen if you wish to comprehend how the internet works as a nexus that feeds a lunatic fringe and stokes unrest.

The Fall of Civilisations. (Spotify Podcast) Paul Copper provides a detailed account of why civilisations collapse. There are months of listening to work through here.