

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 28, 2023 • 38min
Eight years' hard Labour
This podcast explores the two revolutions in the Labour party over eight years, from Jeremy Corbyn's takeover to Keir Starmer erasing his predecessor. It delves into the unexpected rise of Corbyn as leader, the impact of a secret poll on his campaign, the challenges he faced as leader, and the initial reactions to his election.

Nov 21, 2023 • 32min
Walter's War: An English gentleman
To listen to the full series subscribe to the Tortoise Investigates feed.It’s London, 2012. Oliver is a dashing diplomat. Charlie is a young graduate trying to find her feet in the world. They meet online and she falls in love. A few months into the relationship, and with his encouragement, Charlie applies for a job in British intelligence. She's feeling optimistic, the interview goes well. Then, she receives a text message that turns her life - and her relationship - upside down. 10 years later, a mystery is still hanging over her.Walter's War is an investigation into what happened next – a journey through big tech and national security, hype and hucksterism, where anyone who can tell a good story can go far. But how much is true?This is episode one of four. To continue listening to Walter's War just search for Tortoise Investigates. For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app. For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts. If you’d like to further support slow journalism and help us build a different kind of newsroom, do consider donating to Tortoise at tortoisemedia.com/support-us. Your contributions allow us to investigate, campaign and explore, and to build a newsroom that is responsible and sustainable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 14, 2023 • 42min
Sneakered: Adidas, Yeezy & Kanye
The deal between Kanye West and Adidas was no ordinary celebrity endorsement. Now under renewed scrutiny after West’s outrageous behaviour, how can one rapper’s departure cause such chaos at a multinational sportswear brand?For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app. For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts. If you’d like to further support slow journalism and help us build a different kind of newsroom, do consider donating to Tortoise at tortoisemedia.com/support-us. Your contributions allow us to investigate, campaign and explore, and to build a newsroom that is responsible and sustainable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 7, 2023 • 46min
The lottery winner
Paul Caruana Galizia investigates how a lucrative contract to run the UK’s National Lottery was awarded to a company whose Czech billionaire owner retains links with Russia. Note: Clive Efford MP referred to “a Gazprom owned oil storage unit in the Czech Republic”. It was in fact a “Gazprom owned gas storage unit”.For the premium Tortoise listening experience, curated by our journalists, download the free Tortoise audio app. For early and ad-free access, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts. If you’d like to further support slow journalism and help us build a different kind of newsroom, do consider donating to Tortoise at tortoisemedia.com/support-us. Your contributions allow us to investigate, campaign and explore, and to build a newsroom that is responsible and sustainable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 31, 2023 • 41min
The shadow: Hamas's hidden commander
Mohammed Deif, mastermind behind Hamas' attack on Israel, not seen for 30 years. Unraveling the mystery of Mohammed Deif's leadership and exploring the significance of a Hamas commander. Discussing the motives behind the October 7th attacks and the potential demise of Hamas in Gaza.

9 snips
Oct 24, 2023 • 29min
Dr Anti-Vax: The fall
A controversial British doctor ignites a worldwide health scare over vaccine safety, triggering the modern anti-vax movement. The discussion reveals the emotional pull of charismatic leaders, particularly their connections with parents of autistic children. Personal stories of families struggling with vaccine-related health challenges underline the deep-seated fears that fuel vaccine hesitancy. Legal battles and discredited studies illustrate the devastating consequences of misinformation on public health, showcasing the far-reaching impact of these myths.

Oct 17, 2023 • 32min
Mr Right: Paul Marshall and the battle for The Telegraph
The podcast discusses the sale of The Telegraph and the battle for ownership. It explores the influence and controversy of GB News, the perspectives of Paul Marshall on freedom of speech and mainstream media manipulation, the impact of GB News and The Telegraph on national politics, the competition among bidders for The Telegraph and The Spectator, and the potential influence of a new owner on The Telegraph.

Oct 10, 2023 • 47min
Killer mountain: Abandoned on K2
Exploring the dark side of extreme mountaineering, the podcast delves into tragic incidents and the pursuit of record-breaking feats on mountains like K2. It covers a rescuer's dilemma, a mountaineer's challenging journey, and the controversy surrounding the lack of accountability in the industry.

Oct 6, 2023 • 41min
Trump and Rudy: A bare-knuckle romance - episode 3
Former 'America’s mayor' Rudy Giuliani and Donald Trump, both indicted for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia, discuss their controversial actions, Giuliani's deteriorating behavior, and the role of Trump's election lawyers. The podcast explores Giuliani's motivations for supporting Trump, his sloppy public statements, and potential legal consequences for both.

Oct 5, 2023 • 30min
Trump and Rudy: A bare-knuckle romance - episode 2
Analyzing Rudy Giuliani's rise to fame and his eventual indictment alongside Donald Trump for alleged election tampering in Georgia. Personal experiences near the World Trade Center on 9/11 and the questionable choices Giuliani made. Exploring the relationship between Giuliani and Trump, as well as Melania Trump's involvement. Speculating on whether Giuliani will end up in jail for Trump.