The Rock ’n Roll birder wants you to take a walk – and look up

Hipster ornithologist Matt Spracklen makes birds cool, while Elizabeth Day introduces an an insightful how-to series. Plus: five of the best podcasts about ancient history

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It’s not often I find myself moved by a new podcast announcement. But in recent weeks that’s happened not once, but twice. First by the podcast debut of Gracie Nuttall, sister of the late cancer campainer Laura Nuttall. The Dead Sibling Society sees her team up with the founder of the Sibling Support charity for an intimate look at what it’s like to lose a brother or sister. Second, by Room to Grieve – the creation of two mothers who met after they lost children to cancer, and launched a show to help others navigate their grief. What it lacks in production values, it more than makes up for in its altruism, bravery and honesty about topics such as navigating difficult anniversaries and how the experience of loss changes over time.

Less touchingly, this week we’re also taking a look at a historical analysis of toilets. Alongside some offbeat current affairs satire from the brains behind Have I Got News for You and an immersive attempt to bring birdwatching to hipsters, it’s just one of the listens that are more likely to have you stifling a chortle than dampening your hanky.

Alexi Duggins
Deputy TV editor