BBC Sounds Audio Lab is launching four new podcasts that shine a light on overlooked stories and fresh voices in UK audio.
The shows explore Hip-hop culture, neurodivergence, transracial adoption, and the complex realities of motherhood, offering listeners a mix of personal insight, cultural reflection, and immersive sound design.
Chosen from hundreds of applicants, the creators spent seven months in the accelerator programme, receiving extensive training and working with production partners across the UK to transform their ideas into fully realised podcast series.
Khaliq Meer, Commissioning Executive for BBC Sounds Audio Lab, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to share the finished titles of another brilliant set of creators.
“Katie, Keira, Adam and Eva have been a blast to work with! They’ve produced deeply thoughtful, creatively adventurous and seriously relevant UK podcasts that you can’t hear anywhere else.
“Huge congratulations to our Class of ’25! I look forward to you following in the footsteps of previous alumni, winning next-level roles and accolades in the weeks and months ahead.”
MF DOOM: Long Island to Leeds by Adam Batty
This five-part series pays tribute to MF DOOM, the legendary Hip-hop artist often described as “your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper.”
It explores how a New York-based icon ended up spending his final years in relative obscurity in Leeds, with guest appearances from Romesh Ranganathan, MC Paul Barman, and others.
The podcast features a specially composed soundtrack by Matt Helders of Arctic Monkeys, adding a unique sonic layer to the storytelling. Produced by Persephonica in collaboration with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
It’s So Loud In Here! by Keira Edwards
Keira Edwards’ podcast examines the impact of everyday noise on neurodivergent people. From commuting to trying to sleep, the series highlights how sounds most people ignore can carry a hidden cost.
Hosted by neurodivergent contributors, the programme explores both the challenges and adaptive strategies of living in a noisy world. Produced by BBC Audio North with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
Made in China by Eva Brookes
Eva Brookes reflects on her experience as a transracial adoptee, adopted from China at just thirteen months old and raised in Essex.
Growing up feeling British, she explores how her identity was shaped by being perceived differently by others, and how her early experiences influence her understanding of herself today. Produced by Reduced Listening with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
Judged – A Mother’s Love by Katie Bridget Murphy
This series investigates the pressures and judgements faced by mothers, telling extraordinary true stories where decisions had life-altering consequences.
Cases include Patrick FitzSymons’ secret adoption, Sally Challen’s response to coercive control, and the disappearance of war journalist Jim Foley, focusing on the impact on his mother.
Through testimony and expert insight, the series asks how motherhood is tested when stakes are highest. Produced by BBC Audio Northern Ireland with BBC Sounds Audio Lab.
The new titles – MF DOOM: Long Island to Leeds, It’s So Loud In Here!, Made in China, and Judged – A Mother’s Love – launch on BBC Sounds on Tuesday 10 February.
