How an anti-nicotine novelty got serious – podcasts of the week

Dr Death's Laura Beil asks just how safe the smoking alternative is in The Vaping Fix. Plus: a winning tech parody, and another trip to West Cork

The Vaping Fix
Laura Beil of Dr Death and Bad Batch returns with another gripping podcast packed with health-related scares. Just a few years ago, the sight of someone smoking via a piece of plastic might have seemed novel, but now vaping is ubiquitous around the world - even though its health effects are far from clear. Beil charts their rise in Silicon Valley to ask how vapes went from anti-nicotine novelty to potentially dangerous device beloved of teenagers, and what can be done to curb their impact. Hannah J Davies

Tech Tech Boom
This new Will-Smith-referencing technology podcast might be a spoof, but it's also scarily realistic. Hosts Carol and Joe explore the latest trends, with help from their sidekick Alphonse. From the over-enthusiastic and nightmarish advert for a revolutionary meal replacement with zero ingredients, to investigating platforms that silence your inner scream, it's timely stuff. Mock the Week's Olga Koch, deadpan maestro Huge Davies and The Mash Report's Greig Johnson are your hosts for the keenly-observed ten-part satire. Hannah Verdier