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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Xavier Greenwood’s childhood memories are dominated by a speech impediment and a thick accent. But was it all in his head?Reporter: Xavier GreenwoodSound design: Dominic DelargyArtwork: Lola WilliamsExecutive 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.

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.

Dive into the intriguing world of biohacking as tech entrepreneurs seek to reverse aging in a libertarian haven. Discover the extreme lengths some will go, like blood transfusions from younger donors, to achieve immortality. The risks of gene therapy in unregulated zones raise ethical questions about the future of biotechnology. With disillusionment in conventional science, innovators navigate the controversial landscape of self-experimentation, opening a dialogue on the moral implications of profit-driven health advancements.

Kianush Sanjuri, an Iranian dissident and activist, shares his 25-year struggle against the Islamic regime, highlighting the immense courage required to resist oppression. Roya Borumand, who fights human rights abuses, sheds light on Iran’s ruthless intelligence tactics and the psychological warfare employed in interrogations. The conversation unveils the harrowing realities of prison life, including physical and psychological torture, while inspiring hope in the resilience of those who fight for freedom in Iran.