PODCAST
Michael Mosley came to public attention with his 5:2 fasting diet, but these days the doctorturned-presenter has a less gruelling suggestion to improve the nation’s health. His Radio 4 show and podcast Just One Thing recommends small additions to our daily routine that can make a long-term difference to our health.
His tips are common sense rather than rocket science. Eat healthy snacks, for example. Get an early night or drink green tea. The real magic is in Mosley’s clear explanations of why these things are good for us backed up by human guinea pigs who try the simple lifestyle change and report back on the results.
You can cherry-pick from the list of podcast episodes. Try a daily plank to lower your blood pressure. Eat whole grains to improve your gut microbiome. Walk in the rain to inhale petrichor – that earthy smell when rainwater hits the ground – it’s relaxing and mood-boosting. And, if none of those appeal, try my personal favourites: drink a glass of red wine and take a nap. Mosley says they’re both good for you too.
RADIO
Best known as a Channel 4 News presenter, Cathy Newman (left) puts in an extra shift hosting Times Radio’s Friday drivetime show from 4-7pm. As one would expect, she tackles the day’s news agenda with consummate professionalism, but the three-hour show also allows the presenter to show her more human side. We heard this recently when she joked with a dishwasher expert after Rishi Sunak and his wife had publicly disagreed over dishwasher etiquette. Newman could barely contain her excitement when her own stacking method got the seal of approval. That isn’t to say that Newman goes all soft on the radio, she’s capable of conducting a ferocious interview too. When she challenged journalist Isabel Oakeshott over leaking Matt Hancock’s WhatsApp messages, Oakeshott was so peeved that she hung up midway through a question. A classic radio moment.
Welcome back
This month sees the return of two hugely popular series – BBC One’s agonisingly tense police drama The Responder, starring Martin Freeman, and more agricultural absurdity in series three of Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime Video.
ON THE BOX
This month, we’re time travelling with the return of Doctor Who and Regency drama Bridgerton. Plus, a love story set in Auschwitz
Doctor Who
our pick
(BBC ONE AND iPLAYER) Whovians, rejoice! The long-awaited 14th series (or the 40th season if you include the originals) finally lands on 11 May, with the irresistible Ncuti Gatwa helming the Tardis for his first full series, accompanied by companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson). Gatwa oozes charisma as the legendary Time Lord, bringing an entirely fresh energy to the 15th incarnation of the role.
But it’s not just all change in front o
