

British Scandal
Wondery
In a country obsessed with gossip, the great and the good fear one thing more than any other - scandal.British scandals change the course of history. They bring down governments, overthrow the rich and cause the mighty to fall. Some are about sex, others about money. In the end, they’re all about power. But often at the heart of a scandal, there are ordinary human stories. Stories of those caught up in the swirl of outrage. Who was really to blame for what happened? Why did they do it? And when all is said and done, did anything really change? From the creators of Business Wars, American Scandal and Ghost Story, comes British Scandal. Each week, hosts Alice Levine and Matt Forde delve into the murkier side of the British elite, from Phone Hacking to Profumo to the short-lived premiership of Liz Truss. Because sometimes the truth doesn’t set everyone free…Listen to British Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 28, 2022 • 34min
The Ballad of Yoko and John | Interview | 4
Matt and Alice talk to Dan Richter, friend and live-in assistant to John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the 1970s. An American who, in his own words, “came along for the ride: a co-conspirator, confidant, assistant and dope-buddy”, Dan gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the private world of John and Yoko. He recalls the making of Lennon's legendary hit 'Imagine', and tells us whether he believes the couple were truly compatible.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 21, 2022 • 57min
The Ballad of Yoko and John | The End | 3
After the Beatles break up, John's addictions and his bitter jealousy of Paul McCartney threaten to rip his life, and relationship with Yoko, apart. When Yoko sends him away to LA, will their relationship survive?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 14, 2022 • 54min
The Ballad of Yoko and John | All You Need Is Love | 2
John Lennon is mesmerized by the strange, thrilling artist Yoko Ono. He has never experienced a collaboration like this with anyone. Not even Paul. But as their relationship deepens, so too do problems in the band. Could this be the end of The Beatles?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 7, 2022 • 54min
The Ballad of Yoko and John | Julia | 1
John Lennon has a dream - to make music. So when he enlists George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to join his band The Quarrymen, he feels like this is the start of something big. But as tragedy strikes, and he faces the perils of newfound stardom, John seeks out new inspiration - an avant-garde, Japanese artist called Yoko Ono.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 30, 2022 • 42min
Boris Johnson | Interview | 6
Matt and Alice speak to Sonia Purnell, journalist and author of 'Just Boris: A Tale of Blonde Ambition'. She shares her memories of her time working with Boris in Brussels during the 90s. They also discuss his early and crucial reinvention, the Johnson appeal, and whether or not we'll see Boris in British politics again.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 23, 2022 • 51min
Boris Johnson | Them's The Breaks | 5
The Partygate story has broken, and it spells disaster for Boris - now, he has to fight for everything he's worked so hard to achieve. But with new scandals emerging, and his government crumbling around him, is this the end of the road for Boris Johnson?Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 16, 2022 • 50min
Boris Johnson | Winner Takes It All | 4
The Teflon PM has successfully delivered Brexit, but his newfound power is threatened by in-fighting between his closest allies. And when Boris faces the biggest challenge of his career so far, the problems begin to pile up - all under the watchful eye of a relentless journalist.Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 9, 2022 • 50min
Boris Johnson | Leave Means Leave | 3
Boris has never been more popular as he leads the successful Leave campaign during the Brexit referendum. He couldn't be in a stronger position to become Prime Minister...until an old ally turns into an adversary. But when new PM Theresa May gives him a surprise top cabinet job, how will Boris use his new position to his advantage?Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 1, 2022 • 51min
Boris Johnson | Mayor On A Zipwire | 2
It's 2008: Boris is vying for the role of Mayor of London, all the while keeping the top job in his sights. Despite blunders in Beijing, a tumultuous and highly publicized personal life, and that zipwiring incident, Boris seems unstoppable. But with a history-altering referendum on the horizon, Boris faces an existential choice - remain, or leave?Listen early and ad free with Wondery+. Join Wondery+ for exclusives, binges, early access, and ad free listening. Available in the Wondery App. https://wondery.app.link/britishscandalPlease support us by supporting our sponsors!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oct 25, 2022 • 53min
Boris Johnson | Who's The Blondest? | 1
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson has one goal: to be king of the world. After all, everyone tells him he's capable of it - his dysfunctional parents, his elite teachers, his affluent friends. But as he faces his first public scandal, will he be able to weather the storm?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.