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
Sep 16, 2025 • 41min
The match: My sister and her new DNA
Brett Ratner, an American stem cell donor, shares his powerful journey of connecting with Nadia, a sister battling leukemia. He discusses the challenges of joining the donor registry and the intense emotional landscape of the donation process. The podcast highlights how receiving new DNA can alter personal identity, the unique experience of meeting Nadia and her family, and the bond formed through altruism. Ratner reflects on the significance of hope and connection amidst the complexities of illness and recovery.
13 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 42min
The immortality bros: the new frontiers of health
In a city in Honduras, a start-up is selling experimental gene therapies for $25,000 a dose, sparking discussions on the future of healthcare. The intriguing mix of radical health treatments and libertarian ideals is making its way to the U.S. The conversation dives into Jim O'Neill's vision for patient empowerment and controversial reforms to the FDA. Listeners hear about thrilling seasteading escapades and legal battles, alongside the ethical dilemmas surrounding unproven longevity treatments and expanding right-to-try laws in Montana.
Sep 2, 2025 • 29min
The diva and the dictator: opera at war
The podcast dives into the controversial life of opera star Anna Netrebko, whose past support for Putin has led to widespread boycotts, yet she's set to perform at the Royal Opera House. Tensions arise as protests and open letters from fellow artists challenge her return. The discussion reflects on the complex ties between art and politics, showcasing the struggles of Russian artists and the efforts of Ukrainian orchestras to preserve cultural identity amidst conflict. Anecdotes of vibrant friendships and stage memories add a rich layer to the artistic narrative.
9 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 36min
The great British honey scandal
Sarah Wyndham Lewis is a trained honey sommelier and innovative beekeeper allergic to bees, bringing a unique perspective to the honey industry. She highlights the unsettling rise of honey fraud, revealing how sugar syrup often masquerades as real honey. The podcast dives into the environmental factors that influence honey's taste and the urgent challenges urban beekeepers face. Listeners learn about a significant honey adulteration scandal and the crucial need for regulatory reform to protect authentic honey amid a flooded market.
9 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 40min
The mother and the gangs
Jodi-Ann Taylor, a devoted mother and advocate, shares her heartbreaking journey following the murder of her son, Dejan Campbell, at just 15 years old. She discusses the systemic failures that leave families vulnerable to gang violence and the emotional turmoil of navigating her son's troubling teenage years. With her fierce resolve, Jodi-Ann highlights the urgent need for collective action against the rising tide of youth violence, calling for a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by families in distressed communities.
10 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 37min
Signal failure: Who killed HS2?
Paul Stevenson, former special advisor in the Department for Transport, shares insights on the catastrophic unraveling of the HS2 project. He discusses how it transformed from a beacon of engineering ambition into the UK's largest infrastructure scandal. Stevenson delves into the project's budget overruns, legislative hurdles, and the consequences of a speed-obsessed strategy. He highlights whistleblower incidents, financial mismanagement, and the political turmoil that led to lost promises for affected communities, sparking a broader conversation about accountability in infrastructure planning.
Aug 5, 2025 • 31min
A lonely death on Jersey
This podcast explores the stark contrast between Jersey's wealthy residents and the challenges faced by immigrant workers like Jane Kiiti from Kenya. It delves into her tragic story, highlighting systemic failures and the exploitation of migrant labor in the hospitality sector. The discussion also shines a light on the emotional and economic struggles of Kenyan and Filipino workers, emphasizing their precarious conditions and the urgent need for better protections and community support against exploitation.
9 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 40min
The real Salt Path
Ros Hemmings, a former employee of Rainer Wynne, shares her side of the story regarding the alleged defrauding incident that shattered her trust. John Todd, who suffers from corticobasal degeneration, reflects on how Rainer and Moth's experiences in 'The Salt Path' resonate—or don't—with his reality. The discussion navigates how narratives shape perceptions of illness and survival, contrasting public admiration with private struggles. Themes of betrayal, financial turmoil, and the search for truth add layers of complexity to these intertwined stories.
Jul 22, 2025 • 41min
The Lab Detective
Explore the harrowing tale of Kathleen Folbigg, wrongfully labeled as a serial killer after losing all her children. Discover how advancements in genomic science uncovered the truth behind tragic child deaths. Delve into the painful narratives of mothers facing wrongful accusations and the systemic biases they encounter. Statistical misinterpretations played a crucial role in another mother's wrongful conviction, prompting a reevaluation of justice. This gripping investigation reveals the emotional turmoil and relentless pursuit of truth in the face of immense grief.
Jul 15, 2025 • 33min
Illiberal land: Hungary’s empire of ideas
Discover how Hungary morphed into a hub for global conservatism under Viktor Orbán. The discussion dives into the strategic shifts from liberalism to nationalism, revealing the influence of government-funded think tanks. Explore the rise of far-right movements and the contentious battle for LGBTQ rights amid political unrest. The evolving narrative of Pride reflects resistance against the regime, hinting at potential political change. Delve into the manipulation of soft power and its subtle societal effects, including mental health issues like OCD.
