During a much-needed two-week break from office life, an accidental discovery of a new podcast plunged me into the world of art and culture quite serendipitously — especially since it coincided with plenty of museum visits and the closer-to-home Dubai Design Week, which concluded on Saturday. Beginning from Russell Brand’s enchanting new podcast, here are five shows that will have you hooked in no time.
Under the Skin with Russell Brand
The actor-comedian is completing his three-year MA degree in religion and politics, and he wants his listeners to join him on the ride, as he interviews artists, authors, doctors and politicians, and engages them in meaningful conversations about culture. An exploration of the world of arts and culture and how it plays out in the real world a la identity, politics and the economy, combined with the British rowdiness and toned down bravado of a celebrity who’s finally learnt to take himself less seriously, Under the Skin is surprisingly articulate, intelligent and moving.
Episode to catch: Will the Psychedelic Revolution Meaningfully Change the World?
The Modern Art Notes Podcast
Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Sebastian Smee has called this podcast “one of the great archives of the art of our time.” The Modern Art Notes Podcast is a weekly, hour-long interview programme featuring artists, historians, authors, curators and conservators, conducted in studio and live across art museums around the globe. Hosted by veteran art blogger and historian Tyler Green and recommended by more than one of the few history buffs I know, the podcast is a treasure trove of facts and trivia from the world of art.
Episode to catch: Easter Clips: Early Monet
Art Detective
Oxford-based art historian and TV presenter Dr Janina Ramirez’s podcast series looks into the hidden meaning of pictures. Each week, a new episode picks a different artist and a specific work to shed light on the issues of the specific era and place from which it was born. While students of art history will especially enjoy this podcast, it’s also well suited for the layman who’s interested in history and culture and the places they intersect. Listen to the podcast also for the all-important women’s perspective on all things art.
Episode to catch: Neil Gaiman on the Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke by Richard Dadd
The Allusionist
This one’s for the word nerds and the grammar geeks... In The Allusionist, host Helen Zaltzmen explores the depths of the English language, from puns to allegories to etymologies. While understanding the inner workings of a dictionary might sound drab, Zaltzmen brings a quality of lightness and humour to the subject matter at hand, and before you know it, you’ll be bingeing through episodes. Save this one for a quiet day spent indoors.
Episode to catch: Detonating the C-bomb
Opera Cheat Sheet
For those who are (or aim to be) regulars at our very own Dubai Opera, this podcast will come as a godsend. Hosts St John Flynn and Eric Skelly provide a quick, fun overview of an opera every week, arming you with everything you need to know about the particular piece. With episodes running under 30 minutes, the makers aim at both, brevity and keeping it jam-packed with vital information.
Episode to catch: Madama Butterfly
