The best podcasts of the week include a fascinating tale of a heart that died twice, a deep dive into the Fiat dynasty, and a reinvestigation of a convicted nurse. These picks offer a mix of scientific exploration, business intrigue, and true crime.
Heart: A Tale of Two Deaths
In the podcast Heart, host Karen Kilgariff explores the story of a man who died from a gunshot wound, only to reveal that his heart had stopped once before. The heart previously belonged to another man who died in the same way and had the same wife. This eight-part series blends scientific inquiry with a gripping true-crime narrative.
The podcast is available on Apple from Monday 19 October. It delves into the complexities of organ transplantation and identity, raising questions about memory and the self.
Inheritance: Fiat – The Kennedys of Italy
Inheritance: Fiat is another installment in the slick podcast series about powerful business dynasties. This time, Sofia Bettiza investigates the Agnelli family, often called “the Kennedys of Italy,” who founded the car giant Fiat. The family was rocked by the death of their patriarch Gianni.
The series examines the beef behind the scenes of one of the world’s best-known brands. All episodes are available on BBC Sounds from Monday 19 October.
Disclosure: Killer on the Ward
Disclosure: Killer on the Ward revisits the case of Colin Norris, a Leeds nurse dubbed the “angel of death” and convicted of murdering four elderly patients and attempting to kill two more. New evidence suggests they weren’t murdered. Louise Shorter investigates, starting with the insulin poisoning of Ethel Hall.
The podcast is widely available, with episodes released weekly. It challenges the original conviction and explores potential miscarriages of justice.
The Playground Murder
Journalist Audrey Gillan takes a delicate approach to the story of a 16-year-old girl murdered by a classmate. The podcast, The Playground Murder, examines the case with sensitivity and depth.
It is available on widely available platforms, with episodes released weekly.
Why These Podcasts Matter
These podcasts offer more than just entertainment; they provide insight into human nature, justice, and the complexities of family and identity. They are well-researched and presented by experienced journalists and hosts. The background to this story is set out in Chris Packham Battles Crime Ring: Best Podcasts of the Week. A related thread runs through Mindhunter Podcast Review: True Crime Meets Dark Comedy. Earlier coverage in Badgers Review: True-Crime Podcast Play Investigates Mystery shows how the argument developed.
- Heart combines science and true crime in a unique narrative.
- Inheritance: Fiat explores the dynamics of a powerful business family.
- Disclosure: Killer on the Ward questions a high-profile conviction.
- The Playground Murder handles a sensitive case with care.
Comparison of the Week’s Best Podcasts
| Podcast | Host | Platform | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart | Karen Kilgariff | Apple | Monday 19 October |
| Inheritance: Fiat | Sofia Bettiza | BBC Sounds | Monday 19 October (all episodes) |
| Disclosure: Killer on the Ward | Louise Shorter | Widely available | Weekly episodes |
| The Playground Murder | Audrey Gillan | Widely available | Weekly episodes |
What to Watch Next
As these podcasts unfold, listeners can expect new revelations and deeper investigations. The Heart series promises to explore the implications of a heart that carries memories, while Inheritance: Fiat will delve into the Agnelli family’s triumphs and tragedies. A closer look at the same subject appears in Badgers Review: True-Crime Podcast Play at Edinburgh Festival. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Don't Date Brandon: True Crime Podcast Exposes Ex's Lies. The same theme surfaces in Woman Wants To Get Another Cat After Her Previous Cat Died, But Her Partner, Who Is A Dog Person Is Against It, which takes a different angle.
Disclosure: Killer on the Ward may lead to renewed calls for justice, and The Playground Murder offers a sensitive portrayal of a tragic event. Each podcast provides a unique perspective on its subject matter. Context on how this played out before sits in Best Animal Podcasts 2025: Wholesome Picks to Melt Cynicism. A companion piece, At a Dying Man's Bedside: The Courage to Include the Young, approaches the same subject from another angle.
FAQ
What is the podcast Heart about?
Heart is an eight-part series hosted by Karen Kilgariff that tells the story of a man who died from a gunshot wound, revealing that his heart had stopped once before. The heart previously belonged to another man who died similarly and had the same wife. It blends scientific exploration with true crime.
When is Inheritance: Fiat available?
All episodes of Inheritance: Fiat are available on BBC Sounds from Monday 19 October. Host Sofia Bettiza investigates the Agnelli family, the founders of Fiat, often called “the Kennedys of Italy.”
What is Disclosure: Killer on the Ward about?
Disclosure: Killer on the Ward revisits the case of Colin Norris, a nurse convicted of murdering four elderly patients. New evidence suggests they weren’t murdered. Louise Shorter investigates, starting with the insulin poisoning of Ethel Hall.
Who hosts The Playground Murder?
The Playground Murder is hosted by journalist Audrey Gillan. It delicately covers the story of a 16-year-old girl murdered by a classmate. Episodes are released weekly and widely available.