This week's podcast picks are led by a series examining the unsolved disappearance of Austin Tice, the US marine turned journalist who vanished in Syria 14 years ago. Presenters Josh Baker and Sara Obeidat have uncovered new evidence that has already generated headlines, offering a sensitive and suspenseful look at a case that remains open even after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The selection also spans drama, literary adaptation, history and comedy, reflecting the range on offer to listeners this week.

Other recommendations include a queer indie drama set at a drive-thru takeaway, starring Briggon Snow and Daniel J Kim; a new unabridged narration of Jane Austen's Emma read by Julie Andrews with original music; an iHeart investigation by film-maker Michael Epstein into the 2005 Haditha massacre, in which 24 unarmed Iraqi civilians were killed by US marines; and a comedy podcast in which guests plan their zombie apocalypse survival strategy from a bunker, beginning with comedian Emmanuel Sonubi.

– New series probes unsolved 2012 disappearance of journalist Austin Tice in Syria
– Julie Andrews narrates a fresh unabridged version of Austen's Emma
– Documentary revisits the 2005 Haditha massacre of Iraqi civilians by US marines