The Vera Magazine Podcast

Episode 25: Saucy cocktails return, Orlando for culture kids, Yunnanese food in the spotlight

The hot drink of summer '24? Hear all about it as Jonny and Jess pick through trending bits and bobs in this month's Red Hot (spoiler alert: it's genuinely tasty). Then, we find out about the museums and attractions that are perfect for miniature culture vultures as we take a kid-friendly culture tour of Orlando, and we hear from the woman who got Shanghai cooked on the rainforest-influenced cuisine of Yunnan. Finally, film critic Ellen E Jones delivers the verdict on the latest Ghostbusters outing, among much else, in What's On.

Episode 24: Minimalist cocktails, open-air swimming in London, Satanic movies galore

The big star in cinemas this summer isn't some hyper-preened A-lister; it's the smokin' hot Lord of the Underworld himself, Satan. Jess Prupas explains what the devil's going on in this month's Red Hot. Then, it's armbands at the ready as we hear about the best open-air swimming spots in London, and we hear from a man on a wildlife-saving mission in Delhi. Finally, film critic Al Horner enthuses about giant sand worms, among much else, in What's On.

Episode 23: Cinema's sex revolution, arty Bangalore, caffeinated booze

Coffee cocktails are making a comeback – and this time they're going beyond the espresso martini. Get the lowdown with Jonny and Jess in this month's Red Hot. Then, we head to Bangalore to find out how the city has become India's epicentre of art, and to the Cotswolds in the UK to hear the feelgood story of a pub that was saved by its locals. Finally, film and TV critic Ellen E Jones gives us her verdict on wrestling biopic The Iron Claw, among others.

Episode 22: Miami's great outdoors, pizza cocktails, Mumbai cafés in peril

Quattro formaggio in liquid form, anyone? Jonny and Jess pick over the alarming trend for pizza-themed drinks in this month's Red Hot, among much else. After that, we head to Miami to hear why it's the perfect destination for lovers of all things outdoorsy and to Mumbai as a third-generation baker tells us why the city's traditional Irani cafés are under threat. Finally, film and TV critic Al Horner joins us for a big-screen special in What's On.

Episode 21: Fine-dining in Tampa, foraging in Cape Town, a cheese sandwich cocktail

Ever dreamed of seeing your favourite sandwich reimagined as a drink? Jonny and Jess take a bite (or is that a sip?) out of this curious new trend in this month's Red Hot. Then, it's off to Tampa to hear how the Florida city has got food critics drooling into their notebooks, and to Cape Town for the lowdown on urban foraging. Finally, film and TV critic Ellen E Jones delivers the verdict on Martin Scorsese's latest, among others.

Episode 20: The ultimate ball pit, Turks and Caicos wildlife, niche pasta

'How does the shape of food affect how it tastes?' Jonny and Jess ponder this – and other pressing questions – in this month's Red Hot. Then, Location Scout takes us on the nature trail in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we hear from an inequality-tackling techno DJ in NYC, and get the verdict on Christopher Nolan's latest – and much more – with film and TV critic Al Horner.

Episode 19: Blissed-out Negril, mezcal negronis, a town-sized circus

Cocktail purists, look away now – New York bartenders have torn up the rule book on a boozy classic and you can hear all about it in this month's Red Hot. Then, it's off to Negril to find out why western Jamaica is all about wellness, to the Mojave desert for the lowdown on Circus Town, and we assess the timeless appeal of Sylvester Stallone's torso in this month's What's On with film and TV critic Ellen E Jones.

Episode 18: A Dubai dining shake-up, the celeb bee-keeping buzz, Tom Cruise goes bang

Which A-listers are swapping tuxedos and ball gowns for sting-proof suits? Jonny and Jess reveal all as they delve into the bee-keeping trend sweeping Hollywood in this month's Red Hot. After that, we're Dubai-bound to hear how the city's dining scene is finally embracing homegrown talent, then off to northern England to find out what 'field recording' is all about. Finally, film and TV critic Al Horner gives us his verdict on the new Mission: Impossible movie, among much else.

Episode 17: A-list toilet cleaner, Amazonian São Paolo, a Korean cinema smash

Could your home use a little Hollywood sparkle? Jonny and Jess reveal which celebrities are hawking cleaning products in this month's Red Hot. Then, we head to São Paulo for Location Scout and to San Antonio as a Tex-Mex chef spills the beans on making the perfect chilli con carne. Finally, film and TV critic Ellen E Jones shares her thoughts on the latest releases for screens small and big.

Episode 16: Artisanal Seattle, hip-hop at 50 and wobbly cocktails

Can't decide between dessert and a post-dinner drink? Fret not, because – as Jonny and Jess explain in this month's Red Hot – the latest drinking trend means you can have both in one. After that, we get crafty in Seattle for this month's Location Scout, before hearing from legendary Bronx-based b-boy Alien Ness as hip-hop turns 50. Finally, film and TV critic Al Horner tells us why the latest Pixar film Elemental is the studio's best in years.