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
Mar 18, 2025 • 43min
The hunt for the 100ft wave
Surfing’s ultimate barrier is the 100 foot wave. In Dec 23-year-old Alo Slebir is rumoured to have surfed a 108 foot wave. The problem is no one can agree how big the wave actually was. Reporter: Claudia Williams Producer: Ada Barumé Sound design: Karla Patella Artwork: Lola Williams Executive Producer: Matt Russell Editor: Jasper Corbett To find out more about Tortoise: Download the Tortoise app – for a listening experience curated by our journalists Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more If 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 11, 2025 • 35min
Are we alone?
Donald Trump promised to release classified files about extraterrestrials. But even if they disappoint the millions of people hoping to find proof of existence of aliens, there is a growing belief in the scientific community that it is only a matter of time before proof of life outside our solar system is found.Reporter: Giles WhittellProducer: Matt RussellSound design: Dominic DelargyArtwork: Lola WilliamsEditor: Jasper CorbettTo 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.
9 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 48min
Trump's Dealmaker: Steve Witkoff and Gaza
Steve Witkoff, a real estate mogul pivotal in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, reflects on his unexpected role in diplomatic tensions. He recounts his crucial meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu just before Trump’s inauguration. The conversation dives into Witkoff's unique negotiation style, shaped by personal loss and real estate savvy. Listeners gain insight into the complexities of hostages, Israeli politics, and the humanitarian fallout in Gaza, leaving a thought-provoking take on peace prospects and reconstruction efforts.
Feb 25, 2025 • 38min
Lucky Boy
A man reflects on his teenage years, believing he was a 'lucky boy' for attracting his teacher's attention. The narrative uncovers the complexities of abuse and the lasting trauma it causes. It blends nostalgic accounts of growing up goth in the 1980s with serious themes of power dynamics and consent. As he revisits his turbulent childhood marked by family struggles, listeners hear candid insights into adolescent confusion and the emotional fallout from a significant incident. The story challenges perceptions of victim and abuser.
14 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 28min
Master: the allegations against Neil Gaiman | The lawsuit
Amanda Palmer, Neil Gaiman's estranged wife and co-defendant in a significant lawsuit, shares her perspective on the allegations against him. She denies any complicity in the claims of sexual assault made by Scarlett Pavlovich. The discussion highlights the complexities of consent, emotional toll, and the importance of support among women. Palmer also addresses the shift in her role within the narrative, moving from the periphery to a central figure. The conversation reflects on the broader societal implications of these serious allegations for the literary community.
Feb 11, 2025 • 32min
The Rwanda plan: How to waste £700m
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.
10 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 42min
F**k it, release ‘em all: Trump and the Jan 6ers
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.
Jan 30, 2025 • 48min
Goodbye mum: the ruthless fight for child custody
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.
34 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 39min
Rogue Russia: Nuclear poker
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.
18 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 43min
Rogue Russia: Agents of mayhem
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.
