Wholesome animal chat that will melt your cynicism: best podcasts of the week

Matt Baker invites celebrities to talk about their pets. Plus, US soccer legend Megan Rapinoe makes her hosting debut This series by Blue Peter and One Show alumnus Matt Baker is a wholesome entry into the well-worn celebrity interview genre. Indeed, it’s hard to be too cynical when you’re listening to Bill Bailey detail his menagerie, which has included everything from parrots and lizards to armadillos and the dog he is ostensibly on the show to talk about, a Japanese chin named Chocho. Other guests for this run include Martin Clunes and Clare Balding. Widely available, episodes weekly Two new episodes make up this special release from Dan Snow’s super-popular pod – one on the rise of the advanced ancient civilisation and another on its fall. Direct from Belize (the series is co-signed by the country’s tourist board), Snow looks at Mayan society and its darker recesses. Widely available, episodes weekly Luigi Mangione will go on trial in New York in September, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Cue another run of this insightful – if tabloid-flavoured – podcast hosted by Jordan Dunbar. It considers some of the wider themes, beginning with “pretty privilege” an