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
10 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 52min
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Big Bird | 2
Dive into the thrilling life of Asil Nadir, a charming fraudster embroiled in chaos and deception. Experience the tension as he attempts a daring escape to Cyprus while battling serious legal troubles. Laughter and suspense intertwine as friends strategize his covert getaway, all while reflecting on the moral complexities of ambition and betrayal. The narrative takes a sharp turn as it highlights the societal impacts of power plays and political scams, making for an engaging exploration of scandal and survival.
Mar 19, 2025 • 52min
Thatcher's Favourite Fraudster | Ragtrade to Riches | 1
It’s the 1980s. Margaret Thatcher’s Britain is all about making it big if you work hard enough, and boy, does Asil Nadir get the memo. He transforms small textile firm, Polly Peck into a FTSE 100 giant. The City loves him; the Iron Lady thinks he’s marvellous. But when they learn the truth, his empire starts to crumble.Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mar 12, 2025 • 27min
The IRA Heiress | What Rose Dugdale Did Next | 4
Journalist Sean O'Driscoll met the IRA Heiress herself. He would cycle to her Dublin care home to chat over tea and biscuits. Though he went easier on the digestives after he found out Rose was the architect of the biscuit-launcher: a deadly weapon used in countless attacks during the Troubles. Sean tells Matt and Alice what he learned about the next mind-blowing chapter in Rose Dugdale's story, from prison sentences, to a hidden pregnancy.Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.comListen 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mar 5, 2025 • 50min
The IRA Heiress | The Heist | 3
The police are after Rose. Her face is all over the papers. If authorities are going to try and stop her, Rose is determined to use whatever time she has left wisely. It’s time to stage Ireland’s biggest ever art heist.Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.comListen 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
10 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 50min
The IRA Heiress | Most Wanted | 2
Delve into the life of Rose Dugdale, an IRA heiress, as she grapples with her secretive existence in Ireland amidst rising tensions. Discover how her privileged upbringing complicates her commitment to a revolutionary cause, while exploring her emergence as 'Britain's Most Wanted Woman'. A daring helicopter hijacking adds to the chaos, leading to moral dilemmas and survival choices. With a bold plan involving stolen art, Rose navigates the thin line between identity and rebellion, showcasing a thrilling mix of personal sacrifice and political ambition.
15 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 49min
The IRA Heiress | From Debutante to Defendant | 1
In this captivating conversation, Rose Dugdale shares her journey from an affluent debutante to an IRA member, a choice that shocked British society. She discusses her rebellious transformation, rejecting her privileged upbringing to fight for radical change. Listeners are taken through her tumultuous years at Oxford and the emotional conflicts she faced while pursuing activism. Rose also opens up about her courtroom drama, marked by her father's testimony, highlighting themes of loyalty, betrayal, and class injustice.
11 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 39min
Julian Assange | The Weird World of WikiLeaks | 4
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James Ball shares his eye-opening experiences working alongside Julian Assange at WikiLeaks. He describes the chaotic, cult-like atmosphere and Assange’s unpredictable nature, revealing his 'pathological need to lie.' Ball discusses Assange’s controversial decisions, including a shocking response to a dangerous informant. He also reflects on WikiLeaks' moral failures and the complex legacy of both Assange and the organization, highlighting the clash between transparency and the safety of sources.
Feb 5, 2025 • 52min
Julian Assange | Operation Hotel | 3
Assange seeks asylum at London’s Ecuadorian Embassy to avoid facing charges abroad. It’s supposed to be a safe haven, but it begins to feel like a prison. He started this fight for press freedom. Now, he’s fighting for his own.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 https://wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now.Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.comEXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ nordvpn.com/scandal Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jan 29, 2025 • 51min
Julian Assange | Enemy of the State | 2
An alliance with international press turns Assange into a public figure. But soon, he ends up on the front pages for all the wrong reasons.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 https://wondery.com/links/british-scandal/ now.Do you have a suggestion for a scandal you would like us to cover? Or perhaps you have a question you would like to ask our hosts? Email us at britishscandal@wondery.comEXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ nordvpn.com/scandal Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
27 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 52min
Julian Assange | No Secrets | 1
Delve into the life of Julian Assange, a figure caught between heroism and villainy, as he dreams of a world without secrets. Discover the dramatic moments of his quest for asylum and the intense moral dilemmas he faces as a whistleblower advocate. Unearth the impact of classified leaks, especially the haunting 'Collateral Murder' video, which reignited his mission. Explore the intricate legacy of WikiLeaks and the ethical tensions surrounding transparency versus national security. Join in the conversation about the future of journalistic freedom.
