The Nod - Isn’t It Romantic? feat. Jasmine Guillory

Earlier this year, Brittany finally discovered the steamy, sensual world of romance novels that center Black women. A fire was lit, and she had to know more. So Brittany got schooled on the history of Black women in romance by experts Bim Adewunmi and Nichole Perkins of the Thirst Aid Kit podcast. And Brittany also spoke with the woman who made her fall in love with romance novels in the first place, New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory.

Stick around after the episode to get an update from Jasmine about her third book, The Wedding Party, get the lowdown her recently announced fourth book, and hear how she’s learning to have her cake and eat it, too.

This episode is part of our summer podcast club series. We’ve put together a handy guide on how to organize your own podcast club! For more information, visit thenod.show/podcastclub.

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30 Animals That Made Us Smarter - Fish schools and windfarm

The way hundreds of fish move together may help with the design of wind turbines. Schools of fish appear to move as one - turning, contracting, expanding, even parting and then coming back together again. This is a beautiful sight. Scientists have been studying them to try to make wind farms more efficient. www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals With Patrick Aryee. #30Animals

This is Capitalism - Fay and Ben: The Money Clinic – Episode 3

Money is one of the top three strains on relationships and it’s a common cause of rift between family and friends too. You might be cautious and risk averse and hate to see your partner frittering their money away on new clothes and nights out; while they might think you should stop being so miserly with your cash and splash out once in a while. In the Money Box Summer series Ruth Alexander introduces ‘The Money Clinic’. We eavesdrop on the conversations of three couples and a mother and son talking honestly about their finances with a relationship counsellor. We learn who they are, about their relationship with the other person, and what financial issues are coming between them. We hear practical tips on how each couple can better to manage their cash, and also how to manage the emotional side of money. We learn that individual attitudes to money are formed in early life, and how arguments about money are often about so much more than just money. In this programme, 20-somethings, Ben and Fay, have just moved in together. It’s an exciting time, but their arguments about money are getting them down. Can they learn to see eye-to-eye? Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon

Crimetown - S2 E17: Operation Bombay Dreams

For years, the FBI has been running a wide-ranging corruption investigation into the Kilpatrick administration. As they dig deeper, the feds uncover a massive pay-to-play enterprise that reaches every level of City Hall. Is Kwame Kilpatrick a crook? Or are his associates just exploiting his name in order to enrich themselves?

For bonus content from this episode, visit crimetownshow.com

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This is Capitalism - Poppy and Cliff: The Money Clinic – Episode 1

Money is one of the top three strains on relationships and it’s a common cause of rift between family and friends too. You might be cautious and risk averse and hate to see your partner frittering their money away on new clothes and nights out; while they might think you should stop being so miserly with your cash and splash out once in a while. In the Money Box summer series Ruth Alexander introduces ‘The Money Clinic’. We eavesdrop on the conversations of three couples and a mother and son talking honestly about their finances with a relationship counsellor. We learn who they are, about their relationship with the other person, and what financial issues are coming between them. We hear practical tips on how each couple can better to manage their cash, and also how to manage the emotional side of money. We learn that individual attitudes to money are formed in early life, and how arguments about money are often about so much more than just money. In this programme we meet Cliff and Poppy who own a cafe together but their financial mind-sets are miles apart. He’s a ‘maverick’ with money, while she’s intensely frugal. Can they find a middle ground? Producer Smita Patel Editor Emma Rippon

The Nod - Michael Twitty’s Cooking Gene

In our last conversation with Michael Twitty, the chef and culinary historian told us all about his “Southern Discomfort Tour.” The tour, which he wrote about in his book, “The Cooking Gene,” involved travelling the south and cooking on plantations using the same methods that his enslaved ancestors would have used. (He even did it dressed as they would have dressed.) Since our conversation, Michael has won two James Beard awards  — the Oscar’s of the food world! — for his book and food writing. In a follow-up to our original episode, Brittany calls Michael to hear all about what it was like to win the food world’s highest honor, his recent travels all over Africa, and his unfiltered opinions on collard greens.

This episode is part of our summer podcast club series. We’ve put together a handy guide on how to organize your own podcast club. For more information, visit thenod.show/podcastclub.

Also, make sure to check out Michael Twitty’s book, “The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South.” 

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30 Animals That Made Us Smarter - Bombardier beetle and fuel injection

It blasts a toxic spray at predators. Now this beetle may help cars become more fuel efficient. The bombardier is the species of beetle that even sprayed acid in Charles Darwin’s mouth. The 'biological cannons' may help in the design of powerful fuel injection systems. See our animations here: www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals With Patrick Aryee. #30Animals