The best podcasts in December 2020—Wind of Change and You're Wrong About

Plus Queen Mary Centre for the History of Emotions takes you behind the many sides of anger
November 9, 2020
Wind of Change, Crooked Media

The power ballad “Wind of Change” by the rock band Scorpions was said to have helped bring down the Soviet Union, but was it secretly written by the CIA? This investigative podcast from journalist Patrick Radden Keefe explores that theory, and along a meandering path of compelling storytelling covers the fall of the Berlin Wall, Cold War espionage tactics, and state infiltration of pop culture and rock music—as well as the line between state secrets and rumours.

The Sound of Anger, Queen Mary Centre for the History of Emotions

Most podcasts are best enjoyed to liven up moments of quiet tedium, but this one is great for when you’re already riled about something. The QMUL Centre for the History of Emotions presents a podcast on the subject of anger, comprising a mix of features, drama and debates about what anger is, why we feel it, and its role in history. Presenter Thomas Dixon speaks to experts about different emotions and how we express them, and how emotions can differ around the world.

You’re Wrong About, Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall

In each episode, an accepted historical or social truth is turned on its head. Hosted by journalists Michael Hobbes and Sarah Marshall, the podcast dives into topics like the most common forms of murder (not what you might think from watching either the news or TV crime dramas), the personality of Marie Antoinette, the Millennium Bug, Yoko Ono and the breakup of the Beatles, and the actual risk of stranger danger. There’s also a three-part mini-series on Princess Diana.