The Guardian's Music Podcast

Ease into the weekend with our brand new podcast, showcasing some of the best Guardian and Observer writing from the week, read by talented narrators. In this episode, Marina Hyde looks at the new additions to Downing Street (2m00s), Hadley Freeman interviews Hollywood actor Will Arnett (9m56s), Sirin Kale tries her hand at quiz show Mastermind (26m32s), and David Robson examines why we’re so stressed about stress (41m08s). If you like what you hear, subscribe to Weekend on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Have you ever wondered what famous people actually eat? In our new podcast, Guardian restaurant critic Grace Dent does just that, asking well-known guests to lift the lid on the food they turn to when they’re at home alone – and what comfort foods have seen them through their lives. In the first episode, screenwriter Russell T Davies tells Grace about his childhood in Swansea, the delights of Woolworth’s pork and egg pies, and how his husband’s death informed his latest TV series, It’s a Sin. Future guests will include Nish Kumar, Rafe Spall and Aisling Bea. Episodes willl be released every Tuesday – search for it wherever you get your podcasts

The Guardian has launched a new series called Innermost that we think you will like. Each week, callers will tell Leah Green what’s going on behind closed doors. In the first episode, we hear how an uncle’s funeral and meals with an emotionally distant brother help James and Jess think about their families in new and unexpected ways. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to hear the rest of the series

São Paulo is a megacity of over 20 million people and it’s the buzz at the heart of the independent music scene in Brazil. We feature music from the forefront of the SP new wave right now, with Metá Metá and their “apocalyptic afropunk”, the gorgeous pop melodies of Tulipa, indie rock princes Holger and hip hop star Criolo.

This is the Brasil Music Exchange Paralympic special, bringing you the best new music direct from Brazil! This show is powered by Brazil’s bass-heavy beats - from dub and hip hop to sci-fi ragga. We go nationwide and check out the new Bahia Bass scene with tracks by Som Peba and A.MA.SSA. We play Rio rasteirinha by OMULU and outer-space bass by São Paulo’s sants and Cybass. Plus deep dub masters Digitaldubs, tropical bass kings Tropkillaz, hip hop maverick MC Sombra and more!

Brasil Music Exchange brings you the best new music direct from Brazil! This episode features cover versions of vintage classics and long-lost gems by the new generation. Our ever diverse playlist goes from samba to ska, choro to forró. Playlist highlights include the traditional Bahian choir As Ganhadeiras de Itapuã, São Paulo young guns Bixiga 70 and the deep treasure that is Goma-Laca.

We’re continuing our trip across Brazil with great new sounds from the heart of the country. This show dedicated to the central zone focuses on music from the capital, Brasilia, rock city Goiânia and indie hub Belo Horizonte. Our playlist highlights include rising psychedelic stars Boogarins, alt-rock storytellers A Fase Rosa and blazing Brazilian hip hop by Flávio Renegado and Flora Matos.

Fresh from Brazil, this is a great introduction into the very best new sounds from all over. You’ll hear the latest releases from Samba’s woman at the end of the world, Elza Soares, Salvador’s brilliant BaianaSystem and hip hop star Criolo. Plus brand new debuts: sweetness from Fioti, deepness from Ziminino and much more.

Stewart Lee joins us for a cruise through the alternative comedy scene in the 80s and the bands that helped soundtrack it

Leftfield folk singer Richard Dawson takes us on a trip through the outer fringes of unaccompanied singing

Electronic musician Matthew Herbert talks about the pivotal records that helped him understand rhythm

Let’s face it glam’s had a bad press. But does it deserve a second try? Alexis puts the case for its inclusion in the rock canon

Traditional lenders often shy away from the creative industries – what can startup bands and independent musicians do to get on the road to financial success?