In this episode, Patricia Clarke, a technology reporter, Cat Neilan, a political editor, and Chloe Hadjimatheou, a narrative editor, dive into pressing issues. They explore the political turmoil in France following a no-confidence vote against Macron and its EU implications. The discussion shifts to the controversial possibility of Elon Musk funding Nigel Farage's party and the lax rules governing political donations. They also address the skepticism surrounding innovative technologies claiming to reduce energy storage needs. A mix of humor and serious analysis makes for a captivating conversation!

James Harding, a contributor to Tortoise, shares his insights from the World Economic Forum in Davos, revealing the intricate ties between politics and business. Patricia Clarke discusses the resurgence of cryptocurrency, highlighting Bitcoin's recent boom amidst AI discussions. Katie Riley emphasizes Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's heartfelt appeal to Donald Trump for compassion towards marginalized communities, igniting debates around mercy and political responsibility. The conversation reflects on the chaotic intersection of finance, politics, and social issues.

Join Cat Neilan, political editor at Tortoise, along with reporters Patricia Clarke and Stephen Armstrong, as they delve into Shein's alarming labor practices, discussing harsh working conditions and ethical quandaries for the fast fashion giant. They tackle the implications for the UK economy and whether Chancellor Rachel Reeves can navigate these turbulent waters. The conversation also shifts to Glasgow's innovative approaches to drug addiction, including the UK's first legal consumption room, sparking a broader discussion on public health challenges.

Join Giles Whittell, Deputy Editor at Tortoise, as he unpacks the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles and their implications for local communities and the insurance industry. Claudia Williams dives into Mark Zuckerberg's controversial decision to scrap Meta’s fact-checking processes, raising concerns about misinformation and political speech. Patricia Clarke brings to light the ethical dilemmas surrounding the potential fate of captive orcas, sparking a discussion about animal welfare and changing public perceptions.

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.