Best podcasts of the week: perfect, soapy escapism from Dolly Parton
by Alexi Duggins, Hollie Richardson, Hannah Verdier from Technology | The Guardian on (#5X00M)
The country singer's new novel and accompanying album have been fused into Spotify's first Bookcast'. Plus: John Legend calls for prisoners to get voting rights
Run, Rose, Run
A podcast touched by the hand of Dolly Parton is a beautiful thing. What Spotify are calling their first Bookcast" features audio excerpts of the novel the singer has co-authored with writer James Patterson, weaving in songs from the accompanying album she's written to go with it. Parton also takes one of the voice acting parts - a young country singer who has big dreams and faded jeans" - delivering her role with delight. Each episode runs between four and 14 minutes; a perfect daily serving of soapy escapism. Hannah Verdier