The Allusionist host Helen Zaltzman shares her favourite podcasts
Dig back through the Podcast Playlist archives and you'll find quite a few clips from The Allusionist. It's a longtime favourite of ours. It's the podcast where language expert Helen Zaltzman looks at where words and phrases come from, how they've evolved, and why their meanings matter. There's an episode for everything from why swearing is good for your health, to what makes a good apology, to thorough analysis of Dothraki (yes, the fictional language from Game of Thrones, me nem nesa).
This week, Helen joins host Leah-Simone Bowen to share her podcast picks, and her tastes are delightfully eclectic. Three Australian comedians take on true crime as they investigate the events of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A journalist unpacks Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade, including its ties to a chocolate company you'll know and might love. Plus, a discussion about the power of visual culture (think: viral Instagram slides).
Podcasts featured this week:
The Allusionist: "Apologies are such important verbal transactions. So why are so many of them soooo bad? Susan McCarthy and Marjorie Ingall from SorryWatch and Laura Beaudin of fauxpolo.gy pinpoint what to look out for, to sort the apologies from the fauxpologies."
Candyman: "In 1971, five children were given a tour of a chocolate factory in upper Munich. Four left the factory maimed, and one never left at all. The Candyman is a scripted podcast series investigating the harrowing events of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. As the hosts and tech search for justice, they are derailed by old characters, new foes, and their own ineptitude. The six-part series is written, produced, and performed by Big Big Big."
Human Resources: "For some, chocolate can provide a pure moment of escapism, for others, it's a luxurious treat. But how is one of Britain's best-known brands; Cadbury's, connected to Britain's slaving past, and is chocolate really so sweet?"
Shade: "Sophie [Williams] had a career in advertising, before she left to create her own business, working with clients such as Netflix on projects combining her professional advertising experience with active anti-racism work. In the summer of 2020, Sophie posted 10 slides to Instagram outlining how to be an anti-racist ally. Her slides, which were created in response to those outside the Black community wanting to help and be allies, went viral. We talk about how our visual culture and the language we use is a powerful tool in communicating to those outside our own social groups."
What podcast picks would you play if you could guest curate one of our episodes? Email, tweet us @PodcastPlaylist, or find us on Facebook.
For more great podcasts, check out CBC's podcast portal, subscribe in Apple Podcasts.