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
8 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 40min
Elon's Spies
Vernon Unsworth, a British cave diver renowned for his role in the dramatic Tham Luang cave rescue, discusses the complex aftermath of his public dispute with Elon Musk. He delves into the emotional toll of investigative reporting and shares his harrowing experiences during the high-profile rescue operation. The conversation also unpacks the darker side of journalism and ethics in surveillance, revealing the lengths to which powerful individuals go to protect their image. This deep dive into trust, deception, and resilience keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
Oct 1, 2024 • 37min
The hunt for Iran's next Supreme Leader
Explore the uncertain political landscape of Iran as the country grapples with the impending leadership transition after the aging Supreme Leader's inevitable departure. Delve into the disillusionment post-1979 Revolution, the chaotic power struggles that shaped modern Iran, and the potential influence of generational discontent. Insight from a former British ambassador sheds light on the challenges of engagement with Iran's secluded politics, raising questions about legitimacy and the fragile balance of power.
Sep 24, 2024 • 36min
One light day: Voyager's long farewell
In this engaging discussion, Dave Cummings, a software engineer at JPL, and Linda Spilker, project scientist for NASA's Voyager missions, dive into the challenges and triumphs of restoring communication with the Voyager spacecraft after a 2023 anomaly. They explore its incredible history, from the launch in 1977 to its groundbreaking discoveries beyond our solar system. Cummings shares insights on the innovative engineering fixes, while Spilker reminisces about the Golden Record and its legacy, emphasizing Voyager's pivotal role in humanity's quest for interstellar knowledge.
Sep 17, 2024 • 39min
The Festival Fossil Fuels Fiasco
Explore the clash between literary festivals and fossil fuel sponsorships, delving into public backlash and ethical dilemmas. Learn how the Hay Festival faced controversy over its funding and the pressures of climate activism. Discover the implications of severing ties with contentious sponsors and the emotional fallout within the arts community. Witness activists demanding change and examine how fossil fuel ties impact marginalized communities. This discussion reveals a complex debate on sustainability and the future of cultural events in a warming world.
Sep 10, 2024 • 55min
Lucy Letby: the Expert Witness
The podcast delves into the controversial trial of Lucy Letby, a nurse accused of murdering infants. It highlights the pivotal role of expert witnesses and the challenges in interpreting complex medical evidence. Discussions reveal the dangers of flawed statistics and the impact of improper insulin testing on vulnerable newborns. Conversations around the legal system's reliability raise important questions about wrongful convictions and the need for impartiality in expert testimonies. The case poses significant implications for neonatal care and justice.
Sep 3, 2024 • 37min
Leaked: who profits from celebrity nudes?
Eleanor Biggs, an investigator focused on the impact of leaked images, and Patricia Clarke, an ethics expert on online privacy, delve into the dark world of celebrity nudes leaked after a notorious hack. They discuss the relentless fight of a woman battling to remove her non-consensual images from exploitative websites. The conversation unravels the online misogyny, financial motives behind these leaks, and the troubling role of tech companies. They also highlight the psychological and emotional toll on victims while questioning urgency for effective legal protections against such abuse.
Aug 27, 2024 • 51min
Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman - episode 6
Neil Gaiman, renowned fantasy author, faces serious allegations from a fifth woman, stirring discussions on accountability and the complexities of consent. The conversation dives deep into emotional reflections on past interactions, the impact of fandom, and the psychological struggles faced by those experiencing manipulation. Claire's journey of confronting her trauma highlights the significant power dynamics in celebrity relationships. This thought-provoking dialogue sheds light on the urgent need for genuine change in the wake of such revelations.
Aug 20, 2024 • 48min
The Clooney intervention
George Clooney, a celebrated actor and activist, discusses his pivotal role in reshaping the Democratic narrative during a tense election period. He reflects on the fallout from Biden's shaky debate performance and the party's urgent need for renewed hope. Clooney shares insights on the political turmoil in Georgia and how his own advocacy influenced discussions around Biden's campaign. He highlights the rise of Kamala Harris and the essential dynamics of celebrity activism in contemporary politics, offering a fascinating glimpse into election strategy and leadership.
Aug 14, 2024 • 32min
Taylor Swift's London
Taylor Swift, one of the world's biggest stars, shares her unique connection to London, where her journey from small venues to global fame began. She reflects on personal experiences that shaped her music, including her relationship with Joe Alwyn and the balance between celebrity life and normalcy. The discussion highlights how London's vibrant culture influences her performances and the emotional bond she shares with fans, revealing a complex interplay of nostalgia and connection in her artistry.
Aug 6, 2024 • 45min
Palestine's forgotten leader
Marwan Barghouti has long been touted as the next leader for Palestinians. The only problem is he's locked away in an Israeli jail for the rest of his life. Now it is being whispered he could be released, but after twenty years behind bars, what leadership could he really offer?To 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 more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
