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
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.
39 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 41min
Jordan Peterson and the making of man
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.
Dec 31, 2024 • 19min
Finding my voice
Xavier Greenwood, a journalist and essayist, shares his profound journey of overcoming a childhood speech impediment and rediscovering his voice. He reflects on the influence of therapy and moving schools, questioning the reliability of his memories versus those of his mother. In a fascinating twist, he explores digital sleuthing by using the Wayback Machine to revisit his 10-year-old self’s audio recordings, allowing him to confront how memory and recordings shape his identity. It's a captivating tale of self-discovery and the power of voice.
Dec 24, 2024 • 21min
The final bow: David Bowie's last act
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.
13 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 44min
The immortality bros: The business of living forever
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.
9 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 34min
Killing hope: Iran's mind wars
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.
Dec 3, 2024 • 31min
Stuck in space
In June 2024, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore faced an unexpected eight-month journey in space due to technical failures. The podcast dives into their personal struggles amid the backdrop of Boeing and NASA's challenges. Listeners hear gripping stories from the Columbia disaster and the evolving dynamics between SpaceX and Boeing. The emotional toll of isolation and the risks of future lunar missions are explored, revealing the psychological complexities of space travel and the resilience required to navigate these extraordinary circumstances.
Nov 26, 2024 • 42min
My AI girlfriend: a cure for loneliness
Eugenia Kuyda’s app, Replika, aims to tackle loneliness with AI companions that promise unconditional love. This exploration raises ethical concerns, highlighted by a chilling incident involving a user and a plot against the Queen. Personal stories reveal how technology can both connect and complicate emotional ties, while ethical implications around privacy and user data come into question. The podcast debates the potential dangers of relying on AI as a solution for loneliness, urging a critical look at the responsibilities of tech developers.
Nov 19, 2024 • 44min
Operation Asshole: Paul Watson's whale war
Out on the high seas, Paul Watson became a hero and pariah of the environmental movement. Now he sits in a remote prison. How should we treat the radicals willing to go to extremes to protect the planet?Reported by: Basia Cummings and Xavier GreenwoodProduced by: Xavier GreenwoodSound design by: Hannah Varrall and Dominic DelargyEdited by: Gary Marshall and Matt RussellPodcast artwork by: Jon HillImage credit: Mirco Taliercio/laif/ Camera PressTo 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 more Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
17 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 30min
Elon: A star is born
The podcast dives into the tension-filled night of the presidential election at Mar-a-Lago, where Elon Musk's absence raised eyebrows. It explores Musk's shift from liberal to a powerhouse in Republican politics and his complex ties with Trump. The discussion highlights the fallout from Biden's exclusion of Musk from an electric vehicle summit, driven by Musk's anti-union stance. Listeners learn how Musk's evolving political ambitions and his tech empire's influence are reshaping interactions with government and the broader political landscape.
