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.To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentHead to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalistsIf 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 18, 2025 • 28min
Deep Water
Lydia Gard, an investigative reporter and travel writer, dives deep into the world of freediving after discovering its allure at Dean's Blue Hole. Her passion turns into an investigation when she uncovers doping allegations among elite divers. The conversation touches on intense sensations of holding breath, the community's polarized reactions to discovered banned substances, and the ethical implications of competition in the sport. Lydia highlights the dire consequences of unchecked drug use, setting the stage for an urgent conversation about the future of freediving.
12 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 29min
William: The reluctant prince
Rachel Sylvester, a seasoned reporter for The Observer, dives deep into the challenges facing Prince William and the monarchy. She explores William's hands-on approach to charity work and his struggle with balancing duty and privilege. The discussion touches on the impact of Prince Harry's absence and Prince Andrew's scandal on royal reputation. Sylvester highlights the monarchy's need to adapt to survive, raising intriguing questions about its future and public expectations.
Nov 4, 2025 • 26min
Epping: A very English uprising
Innes Bowen, a reporter for The Observer, dives deep into the Epping protests that rocked this small London town. She uncovers how a controversial hotel incident sparked mass gatherings, drawing in not just locals but outsiders. The discussion highlights the role of social media in escalating tensions and how local frustrations tied to cost of living and public services fueled the unrest. Bowen also explores the evolving image of the protests, touching on the influence of far-right affiliations and the community's efforts to promote inclusivity amidst the upheaval.
Oct 28, 2025 • 29min
Among the settlers on Gaza's border
Oliver Marsden, The Observer's Middle East correspondent, shares on-the-ground insights from southern Israel near Gaza. He introduces the Nahala movement, driven by settlers hopeful of returning to Gaza, revealing their influence within the Israeli government. Daniel Levy, a former Israeli negotiator, analyzes the ideological roots of the settlement policy and discusses how current political figures support annexation. They explore the complexities of security narratives, the optimism for resettlement, and the settlers' broader goals amidst shifting political landscapes.
Oct 21, 2025 • 44min
Trolled: Brigitte Macron
Join Stephen Armstrong, a seasoned reporter for The Observer, and Jules d'Armenard, a French journalist, as they delve into the outrageous conspiracy theories targeting Brigitte Macron. They discuss the Macrons' bold lawsuit against Candace Owens, igniting debates on defamation and public figures' rights. Explore how age gaps sparked rumors and the intriguing dynamics of their early relationship. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of misinformation, the challenges of libel in the US, and how truth can be weaponized in today's political climate.
16 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 35min
The shakedown: Donald Trump vs the media
Dive into the escalating conflict between Donald Trump and the media as Trump launches multiple lawsuits seeking billions. Explore how these legal battles reflect broader issues of press freedom and corporate response. Discover insights on the influence of FCC chair Brendan Carr and how the media landscape is shifting under political pressure. With a historical lens, the discussion highlights the precarious balance media outlets face amid legal challenges and public scrutiny in today's climate.
Oct 6, 2025 • 39min
Gaza's Deadly Aid
Ruth Michaelson, an investigative reporter focused on aid distribution in Gaza, joins Anthony Aguilar, a former U.S. Army Special Operations serviceman, to discuss harrowing realities at aid checkpoints. They delve into the chaos, including gunfire incidents and the challenges faced by civilians like Safa trying to access vital aid. Aguilar shares insights on the recruitment of ex-military contractors and the troubling militarization of humanitarian efforts. The conversation highlights the dire choices Palestinians face as they navigate threats and scarcity.
Sep 30, 2025 • 32min
An uncivil war inside Unite
Jon Ungoed-Thomas, an investigative reporter for The Observer, dives into the tumultuous waters of Unite the Union and its internal struggles. He unveils the contentious Hoborn protest over alleged bullying and dives into confidential settlements shrouded in secrecy. The conversation highlights the impact of former leader Len McCluskey's legacy and the ongoing controversies from the 2023 Executive Council elections. Jon also discusses the financial ramifications of recent strikes under new leader Sharon Graham and what disaffiliation from Labour could mean for the union's future.
Sep 25, 2025 • 5min
Introducing ... We Have Notes
Join Liv Little and Miranda Sawyer as they explore the vibrant world of culture, discussing everything from reality TV drama to thought-provoking art house films. Their witty banter covers the latest TikTok trends and gallery openings. Each week, they share personal insights on nightlife and media, inviting listeners to join the conversation through voice notes. With strong opinions and sharp observations, this show promises to keep you entertained and informed about the cultural landscape.
Sep 23, 2025 • 41min
Contagion: RFK Jr’s war on public health
Insiders tell the story of how the US Health Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, has hollowed out the Center for Disease Control putting the whole world at risk in the event of another pandemic. Reporter: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Ada BaruméSound design: Dominic DelargyArt work: Lola WilliamsEditor: Jasper Corbett To find out more about The Observer:Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content head to our website observer.co.uk Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
