The Sunshine Place Widely available, episodes weekly “It was a nightmare and I felt like an animal.” Valerie was one of the US teenagers who claim they were forced into the Straight Inc drug rehab programme in the 80s and abused, tortured and brainwashed. In a podcast from the production company of Robert Downey Jr and Susan Downey, Valerie speaks to host Cyndy Etler – who was also in the “tough love” project – for a series that uncovers what really happened.
Hollie Richardson Unfit for Service Widely available, episodes weekly When Randy Taylor joined the US military, it was the era of “don’t ask, don’t tell”, so he had to keep his sexuality secret. In this timely podcast, Eric Marcus of Making Gay History slowly and sensitively peels open the hateful policy. It’s a tough listen, with Taylor trying to balance life as a gay man with serving his country.
Hannah Verdier The Bunny Trap Widely available, episodes weekly Ellie Flynn has spent four years investigating improper behaviour by a self-described “Playboy photographer”, with the help of models who’ve spoken out. Flynn finds “a world full of smoke and mirrors, where exploitation is rife”. It is eye-opening to learn how the industry works and inspiring to hear the brave women fighting for justice.
HV The Cotton Club Murder Wondery+, all episodes out now Dramatic-to-the-point-of-parody voiceovers and a lurid determination not to spare any grisly details abound in this new season of the Hollywo.