Pick of the Podcasts: So Hot Right Now, An Irishman Abroad, Ask Iliza Anything

The coronavirus pandemic has rightfully been our focus over the past six months.

But there is another global crisis, climate change, that has been developing for much longer.

With emission levels from transportation dropping hugely due to the lockdown, we’ve had a glimpse of a healthier environment, albeit one we haven’t been able to go outside and enjoy for large periods.

A new podcast, So Hot Right Now, takes an in-depth look at the climate crisis and hopes to trigger more discussion.

Presented by environmental journalist Lucy Siegle and wildlife filmmaker Tom Mustill, they have assembled some seriously heavy hitters to join them across the 11 episodes of the debut series.

United Nations climate negotiator Christiana Figueres, singer and activist Ellie Goulding and former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, are among those sharing insights. The opening episode features the country’s highest-profile climate-change activist, Sir David Attenborough.

One of the most trusted voices in the world, he talks about what he has learned, what he would do if he was starting his career now, how we can use wonder to fight for nature and what we need to do in the immediate future.

Sir David says: “Right now the climate issue is seen as being in the distant future because we’ve got coronavirus to think about. And, so, what are the papers full of? The virus. Quite right, that’s what I want to know about too.

“But this issue (climate change), which was coming to the boil, has suddenly been swept off the front pages. And we need it back there.”

The informal and passionate style of the podcast aims to provide listeners with the tools to play their part, whether talking to a parent or addressing the United Nations.

So Hot Right Now (4th Floor Creative, Picture Zero)

An Irishman Abroad (Soundcloud)

Proving the Irish really do have the gift of the gab, in this critically-acclaimed series, which won iTunes Store’s Best New Audio Podcast of 2013, comedian Jarlath Regan is joined by a well-known Irish public figure in each episode to discuss their life and shared experiences of Ireland and abroad. With more than 350 episodes in the can, Jarlath has interviewed big names from the arts, sport, politics and health fields.

Ask Iliza Anything (Wondery)

American comedian Iliza Shlesinger has a unique outlook on life, as seen on her Netflix specials. Iliza has cultivated a hilarious take on society’s problems, ranging from thought-provoking to rage-fuelled. She enjoys nothing more than giving life advice to total strangers, sometimes with a celebrity guest in tow. She’s here for listeners to ask about life and ask about themselves, so go ahead, ask Iliza anything.