Welcome to the Bubblewrap Diaries!

An occasional series named for the tedious meditative task of cutting up bubble wrap.

This is a job we do here at LRT about once a month, sorting and processing bag after bag of used bubblewrap, dropped off by neighbours here in Machynlleth.

Why on earth do we spend time this gloriously inefficient task, you ask? Because we have a strict no-new-plastic policy, and because our precious goodies still need protection in the mail, and because bubblewrap is so often a single-use plastic…

…and because it makes for prime podcast catching-up time!

Here are my current favourite podcasts for bubblewrap days…

(Yes, some of these are the same as last time – true faves indeed :)

Politics. Theory. Other. | An in-depth show exploring socialist ideas in current affairs and history, from the amazing Tribune magazine. Currently an amazing source of election wisdom (as is Novara Media, if you’re after more leftist commentary).

Gurls Talk | Adwoa Aboah has a gift for making difficult topics (like addiction, gender identity, grief, race representation and more) super-accessible, and has a focus on where these social issues intersect with mental health.

For the Wild | This tear-jerkingly earnest deep ecology podcast interviews some of the most fascinating thinkers and activists in the ecological justice movement.

Today in Focus | Another current affairs show, the Guardian’s weekday podcast dives into the stories behind the headlines. I listen to it most days (even if I’m not chopping up bubblewrap).

What the Trans? | Transgender pals Michelle and Ashleigh discuss trans issues here and around the world.

Homoground | Awesome queer music playlists and interviews. I’m always finding great new artists via Homoground.

Living in this Queer Body | This is such a beautiful interview series featuring all kinds of queer folks – from artists to activists, I love it (even though I do find the opening music excruciating!)