Best Podcasts of the Week: Alexander McCall Smith's New Show 2026

The best podcasts of the week feature a delightful mix of storytelling, true crime, and heartfelt drama, starting with Alexander McCall Smith's new uplifting series. This roundup highlights five standout shows that will entertain, inspire, and sometimes shock you.

Alexander McCall Smith's Positive Distraction Podcast

Best known for his beloved No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels, Alexander McCall Smith now brings his gentle wisdom to audio. His new podcast features short original stories that, as he says, can “cover a whole sweep of history in a couple of paragraphs.” The first episode begins with a whimsical tale inspired by a friend’s miniature helicopter landing pad. It’s a perfect escape from today's chaos.

Shadow World: Breakin’ the Cycle

This gripping BBC Sounds series dives into the true story of two of London’s most ruthless criminals who tried to leave gangsterdom by making a movie about their lives. Featuring interviews with one of the criminals and the film’s editor, it reveals how they got S Club 7’s Bradley involved—before their background threw production into chaos. A slick, addictive listen.

You’ve Got Braille

Produced by Hat Trick and the RNIB, this four-part sitcom follows Paddy, a twenty-something “idiot” who happens to be blind. Written by Reece Finnegan and Jack Bernhardt, it balances light comedy with real issues faced by blind people. Starring Alison Steadman, Steve Pemberton, and Chloe Petts, it’s a funny yet poignant show.

Come Closer

Hosted by the self-described “Aries goddess extraordinary, keeper of dark stories” Rae Review, this podcast dives into history’s grimmest tales. The first episode covers Lorena Bobbitt, who infamously chopped off her husband’s penis. It’s dark, compelling, and not for the faint of heart.

The Gaza Chef

This podcast from Yassin Musharbash investigates a mysterious death: Mahmud, a chef who ran a Gaza soup kitchen, was killed by a projectile. The host asks, “How do you investigate a questionable death when you can’t go to the place it happened?” The result is a grippingly told story of conflict and humanity.

Comparison Table: Podcasts at a Glance

Key Takeaways

• Diverse genres from uplifting fiction to hard-hitting investigations
• Alexander McCall Smith's new podcast offers a gentle antidote to bad news
• Shadow World blends true crime with 2000s pop culture nostalgia
• You’ve Got Braille delivers disability representation through humor
• Come Closer and The Gaza Chef tackle dark, real-world stories

FAQ

Whether you need a mood booster or a deep dive into humanity's darkest corners, this week's best podcasts deliver top-tier audio entertainment. Start with Alexander McCall Smith's heartwarming stories, then explore the rest—you won't be disappointed.