…to ask for help in using my brain?

[GreenAppleAndALilSalt]

I’m on maternity leave (which I’m loving), but I feel like lately my brain is atrophying. I keep listening to ridiculous podcasts featuring cleaning influencers, and watching YouTube videos of people doing ‘Sunday resets’ whilst I scroll during feeding.

Does anyone have suggestions for podcasts that feature culture and current affairs? I do like Woman’s Hour, but I’d like to listen to others, too. Or suggestion of ways to feel like my mind is still expanding in terms of culture/ literature: criticality?

Thank you!

I've been enjoying Philosophize this, Ologies and Within reason. Not quite current affairs and more culture adjacent but well worth giving it a go.

Not quite what you specified but I’m really enjoying Hallie Rubenhold’s Bad Women (specifically the WWII series) on BBC Sounds. Really thought provoking and quite addictive.

Both of these suggestions are perfect. I’m looking for anything mind-expanding!

Newcast on the BBC radio player. A great daily upsum of big political stories.

I love The Food Programme and The Food Chain on bbc sound - food is so interconnected with international affairs, geopolitics and the environment I find it incredibly fascinating learning from them both.

More Or Less, it's on BBC R4 and on podcasts. It's great.

On mat leave I got really into audiobooks too. You can access Borrowbox free with library membership and there are loads of audible free trials knocking around.
I timed myself doing the crosswords and puzzles on the guardian app while feeding as well!