Was Jar Jar Binks misunderstood? Plus, more fresh podcasts for fall

This week on Podcast Playlist, we're listening to great new shows to kick off the fall 🍂

Jar Jar Binks became one of the most polarizing figures in cinematic history when he debuted in the 1999 movie Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. He was so hated that it sparked a viral, decades-long internet hate campaign. The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks is a new series that explores what this story can teach us about today. Host Dylan Marron joins us to tell us more about the show.

Plus: Men open up about body image. We'll hear from Mark Pagán, the host of Other Men Need Help, about how the standards of masculinity affect all of us.

Then, Hang Up is a very fun reality dating podcast. One person, Maxine, is matched with six prospective love interests. They go on "dates" over the phone and never see each other. After the dates, Maxine will choose one person to "hang up" on and eliminate from the show. The show is a refreshing change from stale reality TV archetypes and storylines.

That's this week, on Podcast Playlist.

The Redemption of Jar Jar Binks: "Meet the real man behind the iconic role. Before fan forums, prequels, and motion capture catsuits, Ahmed Best was just a young Star Wars superfan growing up in the South Bronx. But after traveling to his top-secret audition at the Skywalker Ranch, Ahmed's life changed forever."

Plus, Leah speaks with host Dylan Marron about the series.

Other Men Need Help: This season OMNH is taking a look at body image. "Danny confronts a bald truth while within feet of an iconic pop star - which sets off a chorus of responses from Mark and other men exploring the jarring gap that exists between how they picture themselves and the photographed reality."

Plus, host Mark Pagán joins Leah to talk about why men caring about how they look is still a taboo topic.

Hang Up: A Reality Dating Podcast: In the first episode of the series, we meet Maxine. "Our star Maxine is a 26-year-old bartender in Richmond, Virginia looking for a date, preferably someone snarky who can match her humour and not someone who chews gum and loves Harry Potter."

What podcast is keeping you cosy this fall? Email us at podcastplaylist@cbc.ca. Or find us on Facebook.

For more great podcasts, check out CBC's podcast portal, and subscribe for free in Apple Podcasts.