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 5, 2024 • 38min
Sick parade: A crisis at Catterick Garrison
This podcast uncovers the stigma surrounding mental health at Catterick Garrison, the UK’s largest army base. It shares heartbreaking stories of soldiers facing systemic neglect, illustrating the urgent need for reform. Listeners hear about emotional struggles, the impact of excessive drinking, and the tragic consequences of inadequate support. Personal reflections on loss and remembrance reveal the profound effects of military life on families. Overall, it emphasizes the critical demand for compassionate mental health care within the armed forces.
Oct 29, 2024 • 47min
The Furys: An empire of fists
Carl Froch, a former unified super middleweight world boxing champion, dives into the remarkable journey of the Fury boxing dynasty. He discusses the family's transition from traditional fighters to modern media stars. The captivating dynamics of Tyson Fury's personal struggles and incredible comebacks are explored, along with Tommy Fury's rise in the boxing world and influencer culture. Froch also touches on the chaotic and dramatic world of press conferences, highlighting the absurdity and intensity that defines this sport.
Oct 22, 2024 • 34min
The cases against Sean Combs
In this gripping discussion, Sean Combs, the iconic rapper and music mogul, faces multiple grave allegations, including racketeering and sex trafficking. Cassie Ventura, his former partner, shares chilling claims of abuse during their relationship, shedding light on the darker side of fame. The dialogue delves into the stark contrast between Combs' celebrated career and the unsettling truths being unearthed. As legal proceedings unfold, they raise crucial questions about accountability in the entertainment industry and the systemic issues that have been ignored for too long.
19 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 42min
Beyond Trump: JD Vance and the New Right
JD Vance, a prominent Republican politician and author of "Hillbilly Elegy," discusses his transformation from a Trump critic to his running mate in the upcoming election. He explores the rhetoric surrounding Haitian immigrants and the local community's volatile response. Vance reflects on his Yale days, contrasting political ideologies, and examines how Trump's influence has reshaped conservative politics. The conversation also highlights the rise of the New Right and its implications for America, delving into the emotional impact of political rhetoric on marginalized communities.
8 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 40min
Elon's Spies
Vernon Unsworth, a British cave diver renowned for his role in the dramatic Tham Luang cave rescue, discusses the complex aftermath of his public dispute with Elon Musk. He delves into the emotional toll of investigative reporting and shares his harrowing experiences during the high-profile rescue operation. The conversation also unpacks the darker side of journalism and ethics in surveillance, revealing the lengths to which powerful individuals go to protect their image. This deep dive into trust, deception, and resilience keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
Oct 1, 2024 • 37min
The hunt for Iran's next Supreme Leader
Explore the uncertain political landscape of Iran as the country grapples with the impending leadership transition after the aging Supreme Leader's inevitable departure. Delve into the disillusionment post-1979 Revolution, the chaotic power struggles that shaped modern Iran, and the potential influence of generational discontent. Insight from a former British ambassador sheds light on the challenges of engagement with Iran's secluded politics, raising questions about legitimacy and the fragile balance of power.
Sep 24, 2024 • 36min
One light day: Voyager's long farewell
In this engaging discussion, Dave Cummings, a software engineer at JPL, and Linda Spilker, project scientist for NASA's Voyager missions, dive into the challenges and triumphs of restoring communication with the Voyager spacecraft after a 2023 anomaly. They explore its incredible history, from the launch in 1977 to its groundbreaking discoveries beyond our solar system. Cummings shares insights on the innovative engineering fixes, while Spilker reminisces about the Golden Record and its legacy, emphasizing Voyager's pivotal role in humanity's quest for interstellar knowledge.
Sep 17, 2024 • 39min
The Festival Fossil Fuels Fiasco
Explore the clash between literary festivals and fossil fuel sponsorships, delving into public backlash and ethical dilemmas. Learn how the Hay Festival faced controversy over its funding and the pressures of climate activism. Discover the implications of severing ties with contentious sponsors and the emotional fallout within the arts community. Witness activists demanding change and examine how fossil fuel ties impact marginalized communities. This discussion reveals a complex debate on sustainability and the future of cultural events in a warming world.
Sep 10, 2024 • 55min
Lucy Letby: the Expert Witness
The podcast delves into the controversial trial of Lucy Letby, a nurse accused of murdering infants. It highlights the pivotal role of expert witnesses and the challenges in interpreting complex medical evidence. Discussions reveal the dangers of flawed statistics and the impact of improper insulin testing on vulnerable newborns. Conversations around the legal system's reliability raise important questions about wrongful convictions and the need for impartiality in expert testimonies. The case poses significant implications for neonatal care and justice.
Sep 3, 2024 • 37min
Leaked: who profits from celebrity nudes?
Eleanor Biggs, an investigator focused on the impact of leaked images, and Patricia Clarke, an ethics expert on online privacy, delve into the dark world of celebrity nudes leaked after a notorious hack. They discuss the relentless fight of a woman battling to remove her non-consensual images from exploitative websites. The conversation unravels the online misogyny, financial motives behind these leaks, and the troubling role of tech companies. They also highlight the psychological and emotional toll on victims while questioning urgency for effective legal protections against such abuse.
