Aditya Chakrabortty and Yanis Varoufakis dissect democracy: best podcasts of the week

Deep thinking … Radical Thinking With Aditya Chakrabortty. Photograph: David Levene/The GuardianView image in fullscreenDeep thinking … Radical Thinking With Aditya Chakrabortty. Photograph: David Levene/The GuardianAditya Chakrabortty and Yanis Varoufakis dissect democracy: best podcasts of the weekThe Guardian columnist and former Greek finance minister tackle big political questions in a hugely entertaining chat. Plus, why was actor Nkechi Simms placed in foster care?

This new series from the Guardian columnist and senior economics commentator is a lively interview show that tackles politics’ big questions. First up, it’s former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis for a hugely entertaining tour of his career, dissection of democracy and attempt to apply some long-term thinking to the UK. Or in his words: “How long do you think it’ll be before Andy Burnham is pushed out for someone else?” Alexi DugginsWidely available, episodes weekly

Beer, bellringing and bards in a lovely podcast about 19th-century poet John Nicholson – also known as “the Bingley Byron”. From the University of Leeds, the series hears actors, artists, enthusiasts and more explore the story of Nicholson’s dramatic life and works. Hollie RichardsonWidely available, episodes weekly

View image in fullscreenFamily affair … Peter Andre and Emily MacDonagh. Photograph: Mike Marsland/WireImageSample dialogue from the new podcast by Peter Andre and his doctor wife Emily. Peter: “I do random noises around the house. Do you hear them?” Emily: “Yes. You also scream in the shower.” There’s a surprising charm to this extremely in-depth family chat recorded in their home – whether you’re a fan or not. ADWidely available, episodes weekly

Actor Nkechi Simms has amassed some impressive TV credits, including Top Boy and PRU. But – now in her late 20s – she is still troubled by the time she spent in the care of Camden council, and how little she knows about her own life story. This series from the Observer’s Tortoise Investigates sees Simms team up with Ashley John-Baptiste and Madeleine Parr to get answers, and is a careful but frank look at a system that failed her. Hannah J Davies Widely available, episodes weekly

Journalists Raven Smith and Joel Golby host this switched-on, stylish new pop culture podcast. Their meandering chats won’t be for everyone, but the “chronically online, annoyingly right” pair seem to get it right more often than they get it wrong, on talking points ranging from SNL UK to Tom Cruise and The Celebrity Traitors. HJDWidely available, episodes weekly

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