The Slow Newscast
The Observer
The Slow Newscast from The Observer takes the news slowly. We investigate, and every week we focus on stories that really matter in the UK and around the world. From wars in Ukraine and Gaza through to true crime and injustice and real life mysteries, The Slow Newscast team is devoted to narrative investigations covering some of the biggest topics of the day.Who are the people biohacking themselves in a quest for immortality? Or the man taking on an entire nation in the high seas to protect whales? And what happened when humanity's most distant messenger fell silent? From a newsroom with a different approach to journalism these are the stories we tell.Subscribe to The Observer and use the code AUDIO50 to get 50% off your annual subscription: Early access, bonus content and ad-free listening to our podcastsA daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a weekPuzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crosswordRecipes for every occasionFree tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or online Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 25, 2025 • 38min
Lucky Boy
A man reflects on his teenage years, believing he was a 'lucky boy' for attracting his teacher's attention. The narrative uncovers the complexities of abuse and the lasting trauma it causes. It blends nostalgic accounts of growing up goth in the 1980s with serious themes of power dynamics and consent. As he revisits his turbulent childhood marked by family struggles, listeners hear candid insights into adolescent confusion and the emotional fallout from a significant incident. The story challenges perceptions of victim and abuser.
14 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 28min
Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman | The lawsuit
Amanda Palmer, Neil Gaiman's estranged wife and co-defendant in a significant lawsuit, shares her perspective on the allegations against him. She denies any complicity in the claims of sexual assault made by Scarlett Pavlovich. The discussion highlights the complexities of consent, emotional toll, and the importance of support among women. Palmer also addresses the shift in her role within the narrative, moving from the periphery to a central figure. The conversation reflects on the broader societal implications of these serious allegations for the literary community.
Feb 11, 2025 • 32min
The Rwanda plan: How to waste £700m
Kat Nealon, a Reporter for Tortoise Media, dives into the controversial Rwanda plan, which saw a staggering £715 million spent with little to show for it. She uncovers the political motivations and implications of this policy on asylum seekers, revealing financial burdens and delays. The discussion highlights internal struggles within the Home Office and the ethical dilemmas faced by civil servants. With legal challenges and public skepticism looming, the bleak reality of this immigration strategy raises pressing questions about its future.
18 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 42min
F**k it, release ‘em all: Trump and the Jan 6ers
Ilya Merritts, a journalist with experience at the Boston Globe and NPR, dives into the aftermath of the January 6th Capitol insurrection. He discusses the complexities of prosecuting Trump and the implications of his actions on American democracy. Merritts reveals insights into Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation and the challenges of pursuing accountability amid political turmoil. The conversation explores the societal consequences of disregarded justice and the ongoing impact of those chaotic events on individuals and the nation.
Jan 30, 2025 • 48min
Goodbye mum: the ruthless fight for child custody
In this gripping discussion, reporters Louise Tickle, who focuses on family courts, and Hannah Summers, an investigative journalism expert, dive into the complexities of child custody battles. They explore the chilling effects of parental alienation and question the objectivity of expert testimonies. They share poignant stories of families navigating the court system, unveiling biases that can warp outcomes. The conversation highlights the urgent need for bias-free assessments to truly prioritize children's best interests in tumultuous custody disputes.
34 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 39min
Rogue Russia: Nuclear poker
In October 2022, a critical juncture in the Ukraine conflict revealed alarming nuclear threats from Russia. As Ukraine gained ground, fears escalated within Russia about potential defeat, raising the stakes dramatically. Diplomatic conversations emphasized the dire consequences of using nuclear weapons. Additionally, the podcast delves into the historical context of nuclear strategies and the propagation of misinformation that swirls around these threats. The complexities of international responses and the geopolitical landscape are laid bare, highlighting the delicate balance of power.
18 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 43min
Rogue Russia: Agents of mayhem
Alexei Mostrous, a seasoned reporter investigating the GRU, and Gary Marshall, the episode's producer, delve into the tumultuous world of Russian intelligence. They reveal shocking acts of aggression by the GRU across Europe, including a violent attack in Latvia. The discussion highlights the complexity of hybrid threats, focusing on Estonia's cyber vulnerabilities and recruitment via Telegram. Their insights expose ongoing intelligence challenges and the strategic responses needed to address this formidable adversary.
39 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 41min
Jordan Peterson and the making of man
Jordan Peterson, a controversial psychologist and author known for his views on masculinity, dives into the crisis facing young men today. He discusses the importance of responsibility and community, linking traditional values of manhood to modern challenges. The conversation also touches on personality traits that define successful entrepreneurs and the impact of social media on masculinity. Additionally, Peterson reflects on identity in today's society, highlighting a rising interest in religious affiliation among young men as a search for meaning.
Dec 31, 2024 • 19min
Finding my voice
Xavier Greenwood, a journalist and essayist, shares his profound journey of overcoming a childhood speech impediment and rediscovering his voice. He reflects on the influence of therapy and moving schools, questioning the reliability of his memories versus those of his mother. In a fascinating twist, he explores digital sleuthing by using the Wayback Machine to revisit his 10-year-old self’s audio recordings, allowing him to confront how memory and recordings shape his identity. It's a captivating tale of self-discovery and the power of voice.
Dec 24, 2024 • 21min
The final bow: David Bowie's last act
David Bowie's last months were spent fulfilling one final ambition: staging a musical based around his songs. They say you shouldn’t meet your heroes. Zelda Perkins not only met hers, she produced the musical he staged in his dying daysReporter: Zelda PerkinsArtwork: Emma O'NeilSound design: Dominic DelargyExecutive Producer: Matt RussellTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf you want to get in touch with us directly about a story, or tell us more about the stories you want to hear about contact hello@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
