Why do we care so much about what people think? Especially the people who know nothing about who we are and where we are headed. What about boundaries and all the health questions we ask Google?

Podcast of the week

1. How To Fail

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Wellbeing

Ahead of the soon-to-be 20th season, author and broadcaster Elizabeth Day wanted a little podcast glow-up for How To Fail…Returning with two episodes each week, the revamp has brand new artwork, which still features her hand-drawn rosette – using highlighter pens – that represents so much of what the podcast is about: trying your best even if you inevitably fall short of perfection, and the launch of a new series, Failing with Friends, where Day will discuss some the failures subscribers have submitted.

To kick things off, Day speaks to Canadian actor and filmmaker Dan Levy about his directorial debut Good Grief, about the love and romance of friendship and how the complexity of it changes our adult lives.

Day goes on to ask him why he’s “chronically single” and whether recently turning 40 has been a catalyst for him now being open to finding love. I love how she weaves in thoughtful questions that shed more light on who Levy is behind the well-deserved accolades that have come with Schitt’s Creek.

It’s what got Levy to talk in-depth about his inherent desire to be independent, especially with having a dad – Eugene Levy – who’s so recognisable in Hollywood.

This was an important episode that also explored some of the failures that have made him the person he is today. I’m excited to see what this new era of How To Fail continues to bring.

2. The Louis Theroux Podcast

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Society

The Louis Theroux Podcast, brought to us by Spotify, is back with the first episode of its second season with Irish actor Paul Mescal.

How would you deal with being practically anonymous to then becoming well-known? Mescal talks to host Louis Theroux about the bubble he’s trying to keep himself in until his new film, Gladiator 2, comes out next year.

In trying to avoid becoming a commodity who just posts film trailers and photo shoots on social media, Mescal tried to delete his online accounts, but couldn’t remember his passwords.

But since coming to terms with the impact of Hollywood fame, the paparazzi and falling in love with the love of his life – acting – Mescal has found a way to remain diligent and focused, which I admire.

Mescal also explains why it’s our boundaries that can help us all navigate drastic changes in our lives well. I hope he remembers this when Gladiator 2 comes out.

3. Bytes Of Health

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Health

Do you turn to Google to diagnose your health concerns? Even when it’s regarding your children?

Hosted by two paediatricians and one public health scientist, Dr Dina DiMaggio, Dr Anthony Porto and Dr Jess Steier, Bytes Of Health is a bite-sized podcast – episodes are daily and usually about five minutes long – answering all of the commonly asked questions about children’s health. For parents, it’s a great way to start your day.

In the latest episode, the hosts speak about the things to be mindful of when picking a paediatrician for your family. They discuss when it’s the best time to start looking for a paediatrician, the key criteria you need to think about, important questions to ask, and how to determine if they are the right fit because, at the end of the day, every child is different.

The podcast is shame-free, informative and straight to the point, and can help put parents at ease, with practical guidance and advice that’s generously shared for parents of children of all ages.

4. On Purpose With Jay Shetty

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Health and wellness

Why do we internalise the opinions of the people who don’t really know us? It’s why I loved when British actor Daniel Kaluuya asked Jay Shetty during the first few minutes of the latest episode of his podcast, On Purpose: “Do you know how many people say you can’t do something?”

It’s the thread that carries through the entire episode, even as Kaluuya talks about how rejection, real dialogue and improvisation – what he also calls  “writing on your feet” – have propelled him forward.

He started writing at the age of nine and took acting classes as a child, where he was told he wouldn’t make it. But the die-hard Arsenal fan has always been self-defined and confident in his vision, thanks to having someone like his mum always helping him to see his true potential and talent.

Reflecting on how he fell in love with the team as a local, who went to school in Islington, and the philosophies he’s adopted from the football club, was such a joy to hear about. You can tell that it’s more than “just football” for Kaluuya, who has recently made his directorial debut with the new Netflix film The Kitchen.

Spotlight on…

5. Tom Dean Medal Machine

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Sport

With the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics on the horizon, Team GB swimmer Tom Dean will be attempting a record-breaking five-medal haul and needs all the help he can get.

That’s where his new weekly Global podcast – executive-produced by Chris Stark, Capital Breakfast presenter and co-host of That Peter Crouch Podcast – Tom Dean Medal Machine, comes in. “Writing your name into the record books isn’t something you do alone and I can’t wait to soak up the wisdom of our incredible line-up of guests. This won’t be your average sports podcast; let’s make history together this summer,” said Dean.

The first-of-its-kind podcast will grant listeners unparalleled access to Dean’s Olympic journey, as he prepares to get his name in record books. Joined by a variety of celebrity guests and friends, including Jessica Ennis-Hill and Jordan Stephens, the 23-year-old will gain as much of their wisdom as possible, to ensure he is in the best shape he can be for July 26, 2024.

He will also discuss the best cheat meals with celebrity chefs and write motivational chants with pop stars.And as a bonus episode, Dean will also share his ‘Training Diary’, featuring poolside chats with the British freestyle swimmer and his best friend, Alex, from January 25.

6. British Scandal

Streaming platform: All streaming platforms

Genre: Crime

From January 24, the latest British Scandal season from Wondery will investigate the Fake Sheikh, one of Britain’s most elusive and famous investigative journalists in tabloid history.

Mazher Mahmood, who disguised himself as an Arab Sheikh for the now defunct Sunday newspaper News of the World, without learning any Arabic and spending merely £10 on some of his robes, managed to convince several high-profile figures from the world of politics, showbusiness, sport and royalty, with his groundbreaking exposés.

Those tricked included former England football manager Sven-Göran-Eriksson, model Jodie Kidd, actors John Alford and Michelle Collins, as well as Sophie Wessex and Sarah Ferguson from the Royal Family.

Narrated by Alice Levine and guest host Emily Lloyd-Saini, this new season follows Mahmood’s journey and what happened after his questionable investigative tactics are revealed in court during the trial of pop star Tulisa Contostavlos.