o ne of the greatest joys of podcasting is that anyone can have a go. This week Suge Knight, the record label boss that signed Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Dr Dre, launched his own series from prison, while serving 28 years for killing a man with a car. Collect Call With Suge Knight is a crackly recording of phone conversations from San Diego’s RJ Donovan correctional facility. Might this year’s hottest new podcasting genre involve 90s rap moguls settling scores from behind bars? Probably not, judging by this meandering episode. But it’s certainly a colourful addition to the world of podcasts. In other, less incarceration-based retro thrills, we’ve got a look at the best nostalgic podcasts out there, from odes to 90s pop culture to a homage to the neon glitz and glamour of the 80s. It’s joined by a review of Jason Derulo’s new romantic thriller podcast (yes, really) and a new series from Alexi Mostrous, the host of our favourite podcast of 2022. It’s another diverse week. Alexi Duggins Deputy TV editor Picks of the week Alexi Mostrous. Alexi Mostrous. Photograph: Tom Pilston Underwater Widely available, episodes weekly Jason Derulo and Alexandra Shipp lead this romantic thriller set in a glamorous island resort. It starts with Nico alluding to an intriguing past, and he’s soon distracted by Anna (Shipp) and her cocktail-making skills. But a mysterious phone call suggests it’s not a chance meeting. It’s glossy, sexy and Derulo has the right level of swagger for the role. He also debuts new music – yes, there is a trademark “Jason Deruuuuulo” or two. Hannah Verdier Dr Anti-vax Tortoise Media, all episodes out now How did anti-vaxxers become so mainstream? Alexi Mostrous (pictured above) (Sweet Bobby and Hoaxed) looks at the story of Dr Andrew Wakefield, the “firestarter” of a worldwide vaccine panic 25 years ago. Criticism from the establishment only fuelled his mission, which is just one thing he has in common with the campaigners of today. HV Missing Pages Widely available, episodes weekly Bethanne Patrick’s podcast about the intricacies of the literary world is back for season two, with banned books, ghostwriters and feuds. Patrick tells a compelling story, opening with the tale of Colleen Hoover, who kickstarted a stellar career with self-publishing. Was it a blueprint for the future or a lucky break? HV Bloodlines BBC Sounds, episodes weekly BBC Asian Network’s Poonam Taneja shows immense bravery and skill in this gripping podcast, which starts out as a search for a missing three-year-old in Syria. The story takes a twist when she builds up a rapport with Dure Ahmed, the wife of Islamic State “Beatle” El Shafee Elsheikh, who gives an insight into life in a detention camp. HV There’s a podcast for that Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker of Sex and the City. Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker of Sex and the City. Photograph: Craig Blankenhorn/AP This week, Ammar Kalia chooses five of the best nostalgic podcasts, from understanding how food has influenced our childhood memories to a pod dissecting the 90s sitcom Sex and the City. Every Outfit TV shows are a treasure trove of nostalgia and series are almost guaranteed to bring back a flood of memories. Chelsea Fairless and Lauren Garroni’s excellent, long-running Sex and the City podcast dissects the haute couture and chaotic storylines of the New York show, while also delving into its context and 90s fixations. From Carrie getting $5 per word at Vogue to Miranda dreading her move to Brooklyn, the series is a perfect time capsule and an ideal companion to those still watching And Just Like That. Retroist With more than 300 episodes to delve into, host Garry Vander Voort’s personal archive of retro phenomena is an engaging blend of thorough historical research and his own recollections. None of the episodes are scripted which makes for unexpected and fascinating tangents, such as Voort recounting how he overcame bullying in high school while explaining his love of the 1980 film My Bodyguard, or explaining the enduring appeal of chicken McNuggets in 80s America. The specificity of the films, foods and TV shows covered make for a great gateway into remembering our own experiences. Super 90s Bros There is much to be nostalgic about when it comes to the TV shows, movies and games that filled our screens in the 90s. Hosts Brennon and Adam talk through the decade’s formative releases in this irreverent series, from The Lion King to The Matrix and Super Smash Bros, charting how they planted the seeds for many of the franchises we still see today. From the endless stream of live action Disney films to the Mrs Doubtfire musical that is now playing in the West End, the series is as much an appreciation for the blockbuster hits of the 90s as it is a lament for the lack of experimentation we have today.