30 million people have signed up to use Replika, “the AI companion who cares”. The chatbot can text you, flirt with you, and promises to love you unconditionally. But what are the risks that come with loving an AI?This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center. Writer and producer: Patricia ClarkeEpisode photography: Jon JonesExecutive producer: Rebecca MooreTo 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.

For nearly two months, the Israeli army has encircled cities in the north of the Gaza Strip. Experts warn Israeli settlements could be established there within the next few weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Basia Cummings and guests debate the top stories of the day and decide what should lead the news. They discuss Donald Trump’s latest controversial cabinet nomination, the backlash against Bob Geldolf’s Christmas hit and the growing concerns about shadow banking. Guests:Lindiwe Mazibuko, former opposition leader in South Africa and co-founder of FuturelectGiles Whittell, deputy editor at Tortoise Chloe Hadjimatheou, narrative editor at Tortoise Host: Basia Cummings Email: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.comProducer: Casey MagloireExecutive producer: Rebecca Moore 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 exclusive content- Become 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.

A proposed new bill has prompted one of New Zealand’s biggest protests of all time. Why is it so controversial? And what does it seek to change?Writer and producer: Claudia WilliamsEpisode photography: Jon JonesExecutive producer: 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.

Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the farmers’ protest over inheritance tax, why newsrooms are ignoring Afghanistan at their peril and the transgender bathroom row in the US Capitol. Long description:  Giles Whittell and guests debate what should lead the news. They discuss the farmers’ protest over inheritance tax, why newsrooms are ignoring Afghanistan at their peril and the transgender bathroom row in the US CapitolGuests:Saad Mohseni, Chief executive officer of the Moby Media GroupJeevan Vasagar, contributing editor at Tortoise Louise Tickel, Tortoise reporterHost: Giles WhittellEmail: newsmeeting@tortoisemedia.comTo 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 exclusive content- Become 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.

In the wake of the US election result, why are some American women joining a radical feminist movement that started in South Korea?To 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.

Are we getting healthier?  John Curtice and Rachel Wolf discuss the long term trends impacting the nation’s health with Neil Ferguson. Guests: Neil Ferguson, Director of the School of Public Health at Imperial College LondonTo 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 exclusive content- Become 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 trendy@tortoisemedia.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is 5G in the UK a myth? This discussion dives into the paradox of the UK being an early adopter yet struggling with poor mobile signal. Explore the unfulfilled promises of 5G, revealing the gap between expectations and reality. The podcast also highlights the vital role of a robust 5G network in transforming healthcare through smart technologies. Concerns about infrastructure limitations are raised, emphasizing the need for improvements to unlock the full potential of 5G for society.

While national debate raged in Spain over who should be held accountable for the deadliest floods in decades, heavy rainfall flooded parts of Southern Italy. Extreme floods are likely to increase as a consequence of climate change: is Europe ready to deal with them?Writer: Serena CesareoProducer: Casey MagloireHost: Tomini BabsExecutive Producer: Rebecca Moore Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr has a long record of criticising vaccines and spreading medical misinformation. President-elect Donald Trump has chosen him to be the secretary of Health and Human Service in his upcoming administration. To listen to Basia’s interview with RFK Jr click here: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/audio/what-the-rfk-jr/ Writer: Rebecca Moore with additional reporting from Alexi Mostrous. Producer: Claudia Williams Host: Claudia WilliamsPhotography: Joe MeeExecutive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.