Untold: Opus Dei
Financial Times
Financial Times reporter Antonia Cundy uncovers how a little-known group within the Catholic Church has come to wield outsized cultural and political influence in America. Opus Dei exists to help people get closer to God, but some members say they found other agendas – and unexpected harm – entangled in that spiritual mission. In this series, Antonia hears stories from insiders who describe how boundaries within Opus Dei are often blurred: how guidance becomes control, how privacy becomes secrecy and how spiritual belief becomes political ideology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 8, 2025 • 2min
Introducing Untold: Toxic Legacy
Introducing Toxic Legacy, a new season of Untold from the Financial Times. Host Laura Hughes uncovers a lead poisoning epidemic across the UK. You might be living with lead and not know it: the toxin is often invisible to the human eye, but wreaks havoc on our bodies once we’re exposed. The first episode of Untold: Toxic Legacy launches October 22.For information on how to live safely with lead, please visit the LEAPP Alliance website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 10, 2024 • 30sec
Vote for The Retreat in the Signal Awards!
The Retreat has been nominated for a Signal Award in the Health and Wellness category! It's a listener choice award, which means we need your help. If you enjoyed The Retreat, please vote for the show to win here. We appreciate your support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 26, 2024 • 41min
The Retreat, Ep. 5: The Insiders
The podcast delves into the experiences of individuals at a Gwenka retreat, highlighting challenges faced by participants like Ben and Aisha. It explores issues of racism, mental distress, and lack of support within the retreat center. The chapter also discusses the risks and controversies surrounding sense deprivation courses, emphasizing the need for improved awareness and support for participants' well-being.
Jun 5, 2024 • 26min
Power for Sale, Ep. 4: Business as Usual
With elections looming, tensions rise due to foreign interference scandals shaking the European Parliament. Allegations of espionage linked to Russia and China heighten concerns about political integrity and public trust. Personal accounts reveal the emotional toll of corruption investigations, highlighting the struggle for transparency. A powerful moment emerges as two individuals seek forgiveness amidst political chaos, emphasizing the need for voter engagement and reform in the face of widespread apathy.
Jun 5, 2024 • 25min
Power for Sale, Ep. 3: Belgiangate
A vice president faces fiery accusations of financial misconduct, challenging media biases. The complex legalities of Belgian Gate expose rampant political corruption and the tangled web of influence. Delays plague the espionage investigation, raising questions about the judicial process. As the European Parliament grapples with integrity issues, impending elections heighten the urgency for reforms. Dramatic political maneuvering illuminates the scandal's far-reaching implications for democracy in the EU.
May 29, 2024 • 28min
Power for Sale, Ep. 2: Ocean’s Eleven
Delve into the harsh realities faced by migrant workers in Qatar amidst World Cup preparations, uncovering systemic labor abuses. Discover the surprising turnaround by the ITUC, swaying from criticism to praise and unveiling corruption linked to influential figures. Explore the behind-the-scenes dynamics of two ex-colleagues as they juggle activism and politics. Learn about strategic meetings in Brussels where money is exchanged for favors, and unravel the complex web of betrayals and plea deals that impact the investigation.
May 29, 2024 • 30min
Power for Sale, Ep. 1: 'Bags full of money'
Guest Eva Kaili, the face of the scandal at the European parliament, discusses corruption and money laundering involving cash-filled suitcases from foreign states. From her shocking downfall to political scandal and diplomatic controversy, the podcast explores deception, manipulation, and powerful exchanges within political delegations.
May 16, 2024 • 2min
Introducing Untold: Power for Sale
Introducing Power for Sale, a new season of Untold from the Financial Times. In Untold: Power for Sale, host Valentina Pop and a team of FT correspondents from all over Europe investigate what happened in the Qatargate scandal, where EU lawmakers were accused of accepting payments from Qatar to whitewash its image.Untold: Power for Sale airs May 29. Follow wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8 snips
Feb 14, 2024 • 45min
The Retreat, Ep. 4: Another Death
The podcast explores the dangers of intensive meditation in Gwenka retreats and questions the organization's lack of response. It discusses negative outcomes, suggested improvements, and the trauma experienced by individuals. One source shares a harrowing experience of brainwashing and mental alteration. Support resources are provided for those affected.
5 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 40min
The Retreat, Ep. 3: Jaqui’s Story
This podcast discusses Jaqui's journey, from her love for her campervan to her decision to participate in a meditation retreat. It explores the harmful effects of intensive meditation and the troubling experiences some participants have encountered. The episode also delves into Jaqui's background, her passion for art, and her struggles with anxiety. It highlights her excitement about going on a Goenka retreat and ends with a dramatic account of her reluctance to leave and the staff's lack of answers.
