What lies beneath … Author and journalist Francisco Garcia narrates The Mindhunter. Photograph: PRView image in fullscreenWhat lies beneath … Author and journalist Francisco Garcia narrates The Mindhunter. Photograph: PRThe Mindhunter is a juicy true-crime show indeed: best podcasts of the weekFrancisco Garcia’s dark, funny new crime show is a rare feat. Plus, an engrossing listen about whether people have ‘awoken’ super intelligent chatbots …Pick of the week The MindhunterDark, drily funny and rather meta, this six-episode podcast manages a rare feat in the true-crime genre. Hosted by author and journalist Francisco Garcia and producer Brenna Daldorph, it explores the strange case of British criminal profiler Paul Harrison. His myriad identities in the world of both crime writing and regional football journalism intrigue Garcia – before a death hoax makes the story even juicier. Hannah J DaviesAudible, all episodes out nowThe Survivor Files With Elizabeth SmartElizabeth Smart – abducted at the age of 14 in Salt Lake City – and her guests show astonishing bravery in this series about overcoming abuse, attacks and kidnap. It begins with two episodes featuring Kara Robinson, whose account of her own abduction at the age of 15 is harrowing but also demonstrates huge inner resilience. HJD Widely available, episodes weeklyBlack Box: The ChatbotsView image in fullscreenAI discoveries … Michael Safi. Photograph: Linda Nylind/The GuardianMichael Safi returns with the Guardian’s hit AI investigation podcast, this time exploring claims that people have “awoken” super intelligence in chatbots. It is an engrossing listen as he speaks with those who believe they have made huge discoveries – and as a result developed intense paranoia. Hollie RichardsonWidely available, episodes weekly from Thursday 3 SeptemberSolitaWomen’s solo travel is having a moment – cue this very fun show from Puerto Rican producer Julie Piñero and iHeart. As Julie joins the locals at a pub in Galway, can she reclaim the Spanish diminutive solita from its connotations of pity? There are also travel tales from the likes of comic Kenice Mobley, on her Parisian sexcapades. HJDWidely available, episodes weeklyWho Run the WorldPart of the Listen to Girls initiative at south London’s Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, this excellent series puts 11- to 18-year-olds behind the mic to ask important questions on mental health, violence against women and girls, and more. Their episode with the Met police’s Commander Clair Kelland is particularly powerful on concerns such as spiking and stalking. HJDWidely available, episodes weeklyWhat are you listening to this week? Share your recommendations belowExplore more on these topicsPodcastsBest podcasts of the weekfeaturesShareReuse this content