This week, we traveled to Afghanistan and Ukraine, debated gerontocracy and dove into the golden age of cringe comedy. Welcome to your weekly newsletter from New York Times Audio.

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Every week, the app’s editors select their favorite listens that provided news, depth and serendipity.

culture shorts

Broadway 2023: Favorite Musicals

Ahead of the Tony Awards this weekend, our critics discuss two shows they love.
By Jesse Green and Elisabeth Vincentelli

Reporter reads

‘The Girl From Ipanema’ Singer Dies at 83

An obituary for Astrud Gilberto, whose soft vocal performance of the song helped make Brazilian bossa nova a hit in the United States.
By Jim Farber

Listen to the story.

opinion

Ukraine Must Win, and Americans Must Help

A week on the ground in Kyiv left our Opinion columnist convinced.
By David French

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This American life shorts

Make Him Say Uncle

A man finds out his “good for nothing” uncle is actually his father.
Hosted by Ira Glass

Listen to the story.

the daily

The New Afghanistan, Through the Eyes of Women

What our reporter found when she traveled across Afghanistan was not what she had expected.
Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise
Reporting by Christina Goldbaum

Listen to the story.

The New York Times magazine

The Golden Age of Cringe Comedy

Tim Robinson’s sketch show, “I Think You Should Leave,” is the perfect comedy show for our overheated cultural moment.
By Sam Anderson

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Reporter reads

From Playboy to Davos

A trans model’s memoir recounts the highs and lows of living openly.
By Shane O’Neill

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matter of opinion

When Should Biden and Feinstein Retire? (And When Should You?)

Our hosts debate the pros and cons of gerontocracy.
Hosted by Michelle Cottle, Ross Douthat, Carlos Lozada and Lydia Polgreen

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New York magazine

We Are Living in the Beyoncéverse

An insightful critique of her Renaissance world tour.
By Hunter Harris

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