In this Peabody Award-winning limited series from WNYC, host Jad Abumrad (known best as the co-founder of Radiolab) explores best music podcasts the universal appeal of Dolly Parton. During the nine-episode podcast, which premiered in 2019, Abumrad not only delves into Parton’s life and music, but also examines the artist’s impact within a historical, cultural, and political context. Along the way, exclusive interviews with the country icon add additional insight. Fun fact: Abumrad’s father (physician and professor Naji Abumrad) cared for Parton after a 2013 car accident, eventually becoming good friends with the singer-songwriter. Their bond later inspired Parton to help fund Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine.
On each episode of this long-running BBC series, one guest “castaway” is asked to select eight recordings, one book, and one luxury item that they would wish to have if stranded on a desert island. First broadcast in 1942, Desert Island Discs has aired over 3000 episodes and hosted such venerable castaways as Sir David Attenborough, Bruce Springsteen, Princess Margaret, Dame Judi Dench, Keith Richards, and, perhaps the most famous Castaway of all, Tom Hanks. Thought-provoking and deeply candid, each conversation proves the uncanny ability of music to help us relive the most important moments in our lives.