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The Walkers: The real Salt Path | Tortoise Investigates

The Walkers: The real Salt Path | Tortoise Investigates

Raynor Winn?s memoir The Salt Path was a bestseller and literary phenomenon with millions of people captivated by this true story of financial ruin, terminal illness, and healing through nature. Raynor Winn has since published two more books and The Salt Path has been adapted for the big screen, starring Jason Isaacs and Gillian Anderson.

At its heart it is a simple tale, of a couple embarking on a 630 mile trek in the face of stark adversity. When faced with nothing, they chose to walk.

But when reporter Chloe Hadjimatheou received a tip-off that the memoir may not be the "unflinchingly honest" account it claimed to be, suddenly things began to unravel. And the questions, about what is and isn't true, began mounting.

How far can you bend the truth before it begins to break?

Episode 1 will be available to listen on Tuesday 13th January.

Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to all 7 episodes on Tuesday 13th January.

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Reporter - Chloe Hadjimatheou

Producer - Matt Russell

Music supervision and sound design - Karla Patella

Sound design - Rowan Bishop

Podcast artwork - Lola Williams 

Executive producer - Jasper Corbett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Website

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Episodes

Cider at Haye | The Walkers Ep3

When the television cameras come to a heritage cider farm in Devon, Moth and Raynor Winn take centre stage. Within weeks, they vanished. The farm?s owner, their friend, is left to piece together the disparity between what he?d witnessed?and what Raynor Winn had written about.


Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to the entire series.


To find out more about The Observer:


Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content


Head to our website observer.co.uk 


Credits:


Reporter - Chloe Hadjimatheou

Producer - Matt Russell

Artwork: Observer design with thanks to Angela Harding

Music supervision & sound design - Karla Patella

Executive Producer - Jasper Corbett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026-01-20
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On the path | The Walkers Ep2

With question marks now raised over how The Salt Path began, Chloe Hadjimatheou starts to track down other characters from the book. Did Raynor Winn and Moth ever walk the path the way they claimed?


Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to the entire series.


To find out more about The Observer:


Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content


Head to our website observer.co.uk 


Credits:


Reporter - Chloe Hadjimatheou

Additional reporting - James Urquhart

Producer - Matt Russell

Artwork: Observer design with acknowledgements to Angela Harding

Music supervision & sound design - Karla Patella

Executive Producer - Jasper Corbett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026-01-13
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The Missing Money | The Walkers Ep1

In a small town in north Wales, an alleged theft at a local estate agents plants the seeds for a global blockbuster.


Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to the entire series on Tuesday 13th January.


To find out more about The Observer:


Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content


Head to our website observer.co.uk 


Credits:


Reporter - Chloe Hadjimatheou

Additional reporting - James Urquhart

Producer - Matt Russell

Artwork: Observer design with acknowledgements to Angela Harding

Music supervision & sound design - Karla Patella

Executive Producer - Jasper Corbett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026-01-13
Link to episode

Introducing... The Walkers: The real Salt Path

Raynor Winn?s memoir The Salt Path was a bestseller and literary phenomenon with millions of people captivated by this true story of financial ruin, terminal illness, and healing through nature. Raynor Winn has since published two more books and The Salt Path has been adapted for the big screen, starring Jason Isaacs and Gillian Anderson.


At its heart it is a simple tale, of a couple embarking on a 630 mile trek in the face of stark adversity. When faced with nothing, they chose to walk.


But when reporter Chloe Hadjimatheou received a tip-off that the memoir may not be the "unflinchingly honest" account it claimed to be, suddenly things began to unravel. And the questions, about what is and isn't true, began mounting.


How far can you bend the truth before it begins to break?


Episode 1 will be available to listen on Tuesday 13th January.


Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to all 7 episodes on Tuesday 13th January.


To find out more about The Observer:


Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content. Head to our website observer.co.uk 


Reporter - Chloe Hadjimatheou


Producer - Matt Russell


Music supervision and sound design - Karla Patella


Sound design - Rowan Bishop


Podcast artwork - Lola Williams 


Executive producer - Jasper Corbett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2026-01-07
Link to episode

In good faith | Deep Water Ep6

After weeks of chasing him, Lydia finally speaks to Vitomir Mari?i?, the Croatian freediver at the heart of the scandal ? and he tells his side of the story.


Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to the entire series on Tuesday 18th November.


To find out more about The Observer:


Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk 


Reporter - Lydia Gard 

Producer - Gary Marshall. 

Music supervision and sound design - Karla Patella

Sound design - Rowan Bishop

Podcast artwork - Lola Williams 

Fact checking - Poppy Bullard, Katie Gunning, Amalie Sortland, Madeleine Parr & Jess Swinburne 

Executive producer - Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-12-16
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Click Bait | Deep Water Ep5

An anti-doping officer tells Lydia that drugs are only considered a problem in freediving on social media, and in podcasts. She learns the problem is bigger, and more complex, and more corrupt, than she realised. 


Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to the entire series on Tuesday 18th November.


To find out more about The Observer:


Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk 


Reporter - Lydia Gard 

Producer - Gary Marshall. 

Music supervision and sound design - Karla Patella

Sound design - Rowan Bishop

Podcast artwork - Lola Williams 

Fact checking - Poppy Bullard, Katie Gunning, Amalie Sortland, Madeleine Parr & Jess Swinburne 

Executive producer - Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-12-09
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Don?t hold your breath | Deep Water Ep4

The CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency ? and the man who caught Lance Armstrong ? has advice for Lydia. It?s not what she?s expecting.


Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to the entire series on Tuesday 18th November.


To find out more about The Observer:


Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk 


Reporter - Lydia Gard 

Producer - Gary Marshall. 

Music supervision and sound design - Karla Patella

Sound design - Rowan Bishop

Podcast artwork - Lola Williams 

Fact checking - Poppy Bullard, Katie Gunning, Amalie Sortland, Madeleine Parr & Jess Swinburne 

Executive producer - Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-12-02
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In the bag | Deep Water Ep3

Vertical Blue, 2023, the moment the doping scandal erupts. The competition organiser, William Trubridge, recounts his plan to catch the dopers ? and Lydia investigates the fallout of a very controversial drugs bust.


Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to the entire series on Tuesday 18th November.


To find out more about The Observer:


Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk 


Reporter - Lydia Gard 

Producer - Gary Marshall. 

Music supervision and sound design - Karla Patella

Sound design - Rowan Bishop

Podcast artwork - Lola Williams 

Fact checking - Poppy Bullard, Katie Gunning, Amalie Sortland, Madeleine Parr & Jess Swinburne 

Executive producer - Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-11-25
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Fair Play | Deep Water Ep2

Lydia travels to Kalamata, Greece, a renowned freediving spot to investigate the doping allegations. What substances are athletes meant to be taking? And what are the risks ? to them, and to the sport she loves?


Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to the entire series on Tuesday 18th November.


To find out more about The Observer:


Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk 


Reporter - Lydia Gard 

Producer - Gary Marshall. 

Music supervision and sound design - Karla Patella

Sound design - Rowan Bishop

Podcast artwork - Lola Williams 

Fact checking - Poppy Bullard, Katie Gunning, Amalie Sortland, Madeleine Parr & Jess Swinburne 

Executive producer - Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-11-18
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Depth Wish | Deep Water Ep1

Three years ago, travel writer Lydia Gard discovered freediving. An extreme and beautiful sport defined by one objective: to dive as deep as you can on one single breath. It soon became a calling. Then, she stumbled on a darker side of the sport. Rumours that a group of top divers were doping to go deeper.


Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to the entire series on Tuesday 18th November.


To find out more about The Observer:


Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk 


Reporter - Lydia Gard 

Producer - Gary Marshall. 

Music supervision and sound design - Karla Patella

Sound design - Rowan Bishop

Podcast artwork - Lola Williams 

Fact checking - Poppy Bullard, Katie Gunning, Amalie Sortland, Madeleine Parr & Jess Swinburne 

Executive producer - Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-11-18
Link to episode

Introducing ... Deep Water

Three years ago travel writer Lydia Gard discovered freediving almost by accident. It?s an extreme and beautiful sport defined by one simple objective: to dive as deep as you can on one single breath. Record holders are now routinely diving to more than 120 metres, pushing the sport and their bodies to find out what?s humanly possible.


Through her coach, Lydia was drawn into a small but fanatical community of competition athletes all united in their drive for depth, and that?s where she stumbled on a darker side of the sport. Rumours swirled that a group of top divers were doping to get deeper, faster. 


As the community began to turn on each other over the allegations, one prominent diver decided to take the law into his own hands. A secret sting operation was meant to put an end to the problem by bringing the alleged dopers out of the dark, and into the light. But the issue hasn't gone away. And now, a lot of people who?ve been too scared to speak up, are ready to talk. 


Episode 1 will be available to listen to on Tuesday 18th November.

Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to the entire series on Tuesday 18th November.


To find out more about The Observer:


Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk 


Reporter - Lydia Gard 


Producer -  Gary Marshall. 


Music supervision and sound design - Karla Patella


Sound design - Rowan Bishop


Podcast artwork - Lola Williams 


Fact checking - Poppy Bullard, Katie Gunning, Amalie Sortland, Madeleine Parr & Jess Swinburne 


Executive producer - Basia Cummings


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-11-11
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Myths and monsters | The Lab Detective Ep4

Rachel Sylvester travels to Greece to investigate whether genetic science could change the story in the case of Roula Pispirigou ? a mother who was convicted of killing her three young children just last year.


Our thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights. 


Reporter: Rachel Sylvester

Producer: Gary Marshall

Music supervisor: Karla Patella

Sound design: Rowan Bishop

Podcast artwork: Lola Williams

Executive producer: Basia Cummings


This episode is sponsored by The Life of Chuck. Join us across the UK for a preview screening on Wednesday 13 August, before it hits cinemas nationwide on 20 August. Find the locations and book now at SEEITFIRST.COM and enter the code CHUCK.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-08-05
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Science versus the law | The Lab Detective Ep3

Scientist Carola Vinuesa and her team test their extraordinary genetic discovery in a court of law.


Our thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights. 


Reporter: Rachel Sylvester

Producer: Gary Marshall

Music supervisor: Karla Patella

Sound design: Rowan Bishop

Podcast artwork: Lola Williams

Executive producer: Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-07-29
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The eureka moment | The Lab Detective Ep2

Kathleen Folbigg is just trying to survive. She?s a grieving mother, sentenced to life in jail for killing her four infant children. That is, until a small group of people start to question whether she might be the victim of a terrible miscarriage of justice.


Our thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights. 


Reporter: Rachel Sylvester

Producer: Gary Marshall

Music supervisor: Karla Patella

Sound design: Rowan Bishop

Podcast artwork: Lola Williams

Executive producer: Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-07-22
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Three is murder | The Lab Detective Ep1

Journalist Rachel Sylvester investigates the case of 'Australia's worst serial killer'. And discovers, in a story about mothers who have been accused of murdering their own children, there is one man who connects them all: a doctor called Roy Meadow.


Our thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights. 


Reporter: Rachel Sylvester

Producer: Gary Marshall

Music supervisor: Karla Patella

Sound design: Rowan Bishop

Podcast artwork: Lola Williams

Executive producer: Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-07-22
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Introducing...The Lab Detective

Introducing...The Lab Detective


Kathleen Folbigg experienced unimaginable loss. All four of her infant children died suddenly, over a 10-year period. Their deaths were unexplained. Until a police detective turned up at her door, and arrested Kathleen on suspicion of murder. 


She was labelled ?Australia's worst female serial killer?, convicted, and was destined to spend most of the rest of her life in jail. 


Until a different type of detective entered her life. A scientist working in a lab who uncovered the truth behind the deaths. 


This is the story of a shocking miscarriage of justice, but as journalist Rachel Sylvester starts to investigate how this happened, she learns that Kathleen is not alone ? other mothers have endured the same fate, and may also be in prison. 


The Lab Detective is a story about the power of science, and the determination of those searching for the truth.


The full series is available to listen now.


Reporters: Rachel Sylvester 

Producer: Gary Marshall

Executive editor: Basia Cummings 

Music supervisor: Karla Patella 

Sound design: Rowan Bishop 

Artwork: Lola Williams 

Fact checking: Ada Barume and Madeline Parr


Our thanks to The Francis Crick Institute for sharing recordings and insights.

Watch a short documentary on the genomics team behind Kathleen Folbigg's case filmed at the Crick


To find out more about The Observer:


Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content

Head to our website observer.co.uk 

Download the Tortoise app ? for a listening experience curated by our journalists

If 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 [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-07-15
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An update on the story | Lucky Boy

When Lucky Boy launched back in March, there was an important detail that didn't make it into the podcast, for legal reasons: the team had discovered that they weren?t the only people who had been investigating the allegations made by Gareth - the Metropolitan Police had been too. 


Now, reporter Chloe Hadjimatheou has an update.


To find out more about The Observer: Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content head to our website observer.co.uk 


Download the Tortoise app ? for a listening experience curated by our journalists


If 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 [email protected] 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-06-06
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Lucky Boys | Lucky Boy Ep4

Sally Anne Bowen doesn?t want to speak about her relationship with Gareth, but it turns out there is a way of hearing her version of events. And after months of searching, Chloe gets a message from another ?lucky boy?. 


You can 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 ad-free content



Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more



If 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 [email protected]


Reported and produced by: Chloe Hadjimatheou and Gary Marshall


Sound design: Hannah Varrall


Podcast artwork: Lola Williams


Executive producer: Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-10
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The school | Lucky Boy Ep3

Chloe hears from a former teacher who seems to support what Gareth believes - that there was a cover-up. And it?s still going on today.


You can 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 ad-free content



Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more



If 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 [email protected]


Reported and produced by: Chloe Hadjimatheou and Gary Marshall


Sound design: Hannah Varrall


Podcast artwork: Lola Williams


Executive producer: Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-03-04
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The relationship | Lucky Boy Ep2

Gareth is convinced that his memories are true and that there are plenty of witnesses who can corroborate his story, so why will no one help him? 


You can 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 ad-free content



Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more



If 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 [email protected]


Reported and produced by: Chloe Hadjimatheou and Gary Marshall


Sound design: Hannah Varrall


Podcast artwork: Lola Williams


Executive producer: Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-02-25
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Gareth | Lucky Boy Ep1

Gareth spent years believing he was a lucky boy. He was the 14-year-old who got the attention of the attractive young science teacher. Now, decades later, he wants the truth to come out about the damage it?s caused him. But his story is not straight forward. 


You can 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 ad-free content



Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more



If 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 [email protected]


Reported and produced by: Chloe Hadjimatheou and Gary Marshall


Sound design: Hannah Varrall


Podcast artwork: Lola Williams


Executive producer: Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-02-25
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Introducing...Lucky Boy

Gareth?s whole life has been defined by a relationship he had 35 years ago when, as a 14-year-old schoolboy, he fell in love with an attractive young teacher at his school. He spent most afternoons in her bedroom and thought he was the luckiest boy in the world. But when she walked out of his life everything started to unravel. 


Lucky Boy is a new four-part series in which Chloe Hadjimatheou asks who gets to be a perpetrator and a victim.


You can 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 ad-free content



Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more



If 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 [email protected]


Reported and produced by: Chloe Hadjimatheou and Gary Marshall


Sound design: Hannah Varrall


Podcast artwork: Lola Williams


Executive producer: Basia Cummings


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025-02-25
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A star is born | Elon's Spies Ep4

When Donald Trump declared victory in the US presidential election, he told an adoring crowd that "a star is born". He was referring to Elon Musk.


After months of reporting on the billionaire's use of private investigators, Alexi asks whether the insights he gained from that investigation reveal how Musk will operate in his new political era, and what that means for everything in his orbit.


You can 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 ad-free content



Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more



If 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 [email protected]



Reported and produced by: Alexi Mostrous, Gary Marshall, Matt Russell & Patricia Clarke


Sound design: Bart Warshaw


Original Music: Tom Kinsella


Podcast artwork: Jon Hill 


Executive producer: Basia Cummings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-11-12
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Amber | Elon's Spies Ep3

To his surprise, Alexi finds himself speaking to a local reporter at the Gold Coast Bulletin in Australia. It?s not where he thought the story would take him but it reveals a new case involving Elon and his spies. 


You can 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 ad-free content



Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more



If 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 [email protected]



Reporter: Alexi Mostrous


Producer: Gary Marshall


Original Music & Sound design: Tom Kinsella


Podcast artwork: Jon Hill 


Executive producer: Ceri Thomas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-10-22
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Horrible human being | Elon's Spies Ep2

When Martin Tripp worked at Tesla, he took the advice of his boss Elon Musk - if you discover a problem, tell me about it. But when Martin shares his concerns, his world begins to spiral out of control. 


You can 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 ad-free content



Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more



If 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 [email protected]



Reporter: Alexi Mostrous


Producer: Gary Marshall


Original Music & Sound design: Tom Kinsella


Podcast artwork: Jon Hill 


Executive producer: Ceri Thomas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-10-15
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Pedo guy | Elon's Spies Ep1

In 2018, Vernon Unsworth is at the centre of a global news story. He plays a crucial role in rescuing a young football team who became trapped in a flooded cave system. Overnight, he is a hero. But there?s a darker side of his story that?s less well known. That?s where Elon Musk and his private investigators come in. 


You can 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 ad-free content



Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more



If 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 [email protected]



Reporter: Alexi Mostrous


Producer: Gary Marshall


Original Music & Sound design: Tom Kinsella


Podcast artwork: Jon Hill 


Executive producer: Ceri Thomas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-10-08
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Introducing...Elon's Spies

Elon Musk is one of the most powerful men in the world. He's a billionaire, the founder of SpaceX, Tesla and more. To his followers, he's a hero; to his critics, a far-right rabble rouser. 


But for someone so public, there?s one part of his life that?s less well known.


Elon?s Spies investigates how this free-speech champion uses private investigators and surveillance to target everyone from whistleblowers at his companies, to online critics and people in his own life. 


Episode 1 is available on Tuesday 8th October, with episodes releasing weekly. To get ad-free access and binge listen to all 3 episodes on Tuesday 8th October, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or by becoming a Tortoise member.



You can 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 ad-free content



Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more



If 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 [email protected]



Reporter: Alexi Mostrous


Producer: Gary Marshall


Original Music & Sound design: Tom Kinsella


Podcast artwork: Jon Hill 


Executive producer: Ceri Thomas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-10-01
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The lawsuit | Master Ep 7

Neil Gaiman faces a lawsuit in the United States. The first woman to come forward and accuse the best-selling author of sexual assault has filed a complaint against him and his estranged wife, Amanda Palmer. In this episode she explains why she?s taking action. Neil Gaiman denies the allegations and says he has ?never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.?


Reporter: Rachel Johnson

Producer: Katie Gunning

Sound Design: Dominic Delargy

Artwork: Lola Williams

Editor: Jasper Corbett


Published: 18/02/2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-09-14
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The phone calls | Master Ep 6

A fifth woman comes forward with allegations against the author Neil Gaiman.


Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel Johnson

Producer: Matt Russell

Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne

Original music and sound design: Tom Kinsella

Series editor: Matt Russell

Editor: Jasper Corbett


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 ad-free content

Become 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.

2024-09-12
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The NDAs | Master Ep 5

Almost a month since the investigation where two women came forward with allegations that the author Neil Gaiman sexually assaulted them - allegations he strenuously denied - more women have come forward. Including another woman made to sign a non-disclosure agreement.


Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel Johnson

Producer: Katie Gunning and Matt Russell

Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne

Original music and sound design: Tom Kinsella

Series editor: Matt Russell

Editor: Jasper Corbett


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 ad-free content

Become 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.

2024-09-12
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The fan | Master Ep 4

The second woman to allege Neil Gaiman sexually assaulted her first met him as an 18-year-old fan. They began a consensual sexual relationship two years later. She alleges he was abusive and once penetrated her without her consent. He strenuously denies any unlawful behaviour and maintains all their sex was consensual.


Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel Johnson

Producer: Katie Gunning

Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne

Original music and sound design: Tom Kinsella

Series editor: Matt Russell

Editor: Jasper Corbett


To find out more about Tortoise:

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2024-09-12
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The pond | Master Ep 3

New Zealand police tell the former nanny there isn?t enough evidence to actively pursue her sexual assault complaint against Neil Gaiman. He says he offered himself up for an interview with the police. But the facts may indicate otherwise.


Clip: 1968 interview with Neil Gaiman - BBC 

Clip: Big Bang Theory, series 11, episode 21 - CBS/Warner Bros

Clip: Newsnight - BBC 

Clip: William Morrow 2014

Clip: Politics and Prose bookstore 2013

Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel Johnson

Producer: Katie Gunning

Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne

Original music and sound design: Tom Kinsella

Series editor: Matt Russell

Editor: Jasper Corbett

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2024-09-12
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The Whatsapps | Master Ep 2

The former nanny who alleges Neil Gaiman sexually assaulted her shares her WhatsApp messages with him. The messages appear friendly and affectionate. He says they?re evidence that she consented to sex with him. But is there another way of reading them?


Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel Johnson

Producer: Katie Gunning

Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne

Original music and sound design: Tom Kinsella

Series editor: Matt Russell

Editor: Jasper Corbett


To find out more about Tortoise:

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2024-09-12
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The bath | Master Ep 1

Neil Gaiman is one of the world?s most successful authors. And one of the most loved. His works have been adapted for film, TV and the stage. Now two women, a former nanny and a fan, allege he sexually assaulted and abused them while they were in consensual relationships with him. He strenuously denies all the allegations.


Clip: The Sandman trailer - DDC comics / Netflix 

Clip: The Ocean at the End of the Lane trailer - National theatre 

Clip: The Simpsons - Disney

Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel Johnson

Producer: Katie Gunning

Additional reporting: Jess Swinburne

Original music and sound design: Tom Kinsella

Series editor: Matt Russell

Editor: Jasper Corbett


To find out more about Tortoise:

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2024-09-12
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Lightbulbs | Dangerous Memories Ep 6

After years of failed attempts, an expert flies over from America to help guide the parents on how to get their children back. But getting them home is not the end of the journey, for anyone caught up in Anne?s web.


To find out more about Tortoise:



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Reporter: Grace Hughes-Hallett


Producer: Gary Marshall


Additional reporting and production: Imogen Harper


Sound design and original composition: Tom Kinsella


Theme music: Far Gone (Don?t Leave) by Pictish Trail


Podcast artwork: Lola Williams


Commissioning editor: Basia Cummings


Executive producer: Ceri Thomas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-08-06
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Who is Anne? | Dangerous Memories Ep 5

What motivated Anne in her work with the young women and did she believe what she was leading them to believe? In the search for answers, Grace turns to one of the only people who has heard Anne?s side of the story directly from her.


This is episode 5 of 6. To binge-listen to all 6 episodes ad-free from today, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.


To find out more about Tortoise:



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If 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 [email protected]



Reporter: Grace Hughes-Hallett


Producer: Gary Marshall


Additional reporting and production: Imogen Harper


Sound design and original composition: Tom Kinsella


Theme music: Far Gone (Don?t Leave) by Pictish Trail


Podcast artwork: Lola Williams


Commissioning editor: Basia Cummings


Executive producer: Ceri Thomas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-07-30
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The ?other person' | Dangerous Memories Ep 4

As Huey?s dependence on Anne grows, she becomes increasingly isolated from the outside world. Until, after a series of events over the summer of 2014, the police turn up and start to investigate. 


This is episode 4 of 6. To binge-listen to all 6 episodes ad-free from today, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.


To find out more about Tortoise:



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If 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 [email protected]



Reporter: Grace Hughes-Hallett


Producer: Gary Marshall


Additional reporting and production: Imogen Harper


Sound design and original composition: Tom Kinsella


Theme music: Far Gone (Don?t Leave) by Pictish Trail


Podcast artwork: Lola Williams


Commissioning editor: Basia Cummings


Executive producer: Ceri Thomas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-07-23
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Do not say my name | Dangerous Memories Ep 3

After Huey cycled off into the distance, her mother had no idea what caused her to leave or why. She was in the dark about the extraordinary things Huey had come to believe about her own family. So she finds someone who can help track her down.


This is episode 3 of 6. To binge-listen to all episodes of Dangerous Memories ad-free from today, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.


To find out more about Tortoise:



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If 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 [email protected]



Written and reported by: Grace Hughes-Hallett & Gary Marshall


Producer: Gary Marshall


Additional reporting and production: Imogen Harper


Sound design and original composition: Tom Kinsella


Theme music: Far Gone (Don?t Leave) by Pictish Trail


Podcast artwork: Lola Williams


Commissioning editor: Basia Cummings


Executive producer: Ceri Thomas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-07-16
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The Seagull | Dangerous Memories Ep 2

Fipsi starts to question what really happened in the soft pink room, and how to help her friends who are still on their journeys with Anne Craig. But for one of them it?s already too late, as she makes a series of life altering decisions.


This is episode 2 of 6 of Dangerous Memories. To binge-listen to all 6 episodes ad-free from today, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.


If you'd like to get in touch with us about your own experience, contact: [email protected]


To find out more about Tortoise:


Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists


Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for early access and ad-free content


Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more


Written and reported by Grace Hughes-Hallett & Gary Marshall


Producer: Gary Marshall


Additional reporting and production: Imogen Harper


Additional editing: Claudia Williams


Sound design and original composition: Tom Kinsella


Theme music: Far Gone (Don?t Leave) by Pictish Trail


Podcast artwork: Lola Williams


Commissioning editor: Basia Cummings


Executive producer: Ceri Thomas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-07-09
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That amazing healer lady | Dangerous Memories Ep 1

A group of well-heeled young English women hear about an intriguing therapist figure, who describes herself as a ?teacher of personal development?. One by one they start to visit her for sessions and, for some, it will lead to disastrous consequences. 


This is episode 1 of 6 of Dangerous Memories. To binge-listen to all 6 episodes ad-free from today, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.


If you'd like to get in touch with us about your own experience, contact: [email protected]


To find out more about Tortoise:


Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists


Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for early access and ad-free content


Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more


Written and reported by Grace Hughes-Hallett & Gary Marshall


Producer: Gary Marshall


Additional reporting and production: Imogen Harper


Additional editing: Claudia Williams


Sound design and original composition: Tom Kinsella


Theme music: Far Gone (Don?t Leave) by Pictish Trail


Podcast artwork: Lola Williams


Commissioning editor: Basia Cummings


Executive producer: Ceri Thomas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-07-09
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Introducing...Dangerous Memories

Introducing...Dangerous Memories


When Sarah watched her 23 year old daughter cycle away from her in Chelsea - a well-off corner of London - she had no idea it would be the last time they?d see each other for 6 years. What would make a loving child from a life of privilege sever ties with friends and family, and disappear? 


It turns out, Sarah wasn?t alone in losing a daughter. Something strange was happening to other young women, too.


And they all had one thing in common: a kind of therapist figure - a woman they were all seeing and sharing their problems, their secrets, their fears with. But it took years for the truth of what was happening behind closed doors to emerge, and the extraordinary things this woman led them to believe.


Dangerous Memories is the story of young women who wanted to be healed that became, for us, a story about the healer, and what we risk when we let someone else into our mind, and our memory.


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 ad-free content


Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more


If 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 [email protected]


Reporter: Grace Hughes-Hallett

Producer: Gary Marshall

Additional reporting and production: Imogen Harper

Sound design and original composition: Tom Kinsella

Theme music: Far Gone (Don?t Leave) by Pictish Trail

Podcast artwork: Lola Williams

Commissioning editor: Basia Cummings

Executive producer: Ceri Thomas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-06-28
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Devil's breath | The Gas Man Ep 6

In the final episode of the series, is the 40-year game of cat-and-mouse nearly over?


To find out more about Tortoise:


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Reporter: Chloe Hadjimatheou 

Producer: Claudia Williams

Editor: Jasper Corbett

Narrative editor: Gary Marshall

Additional production: Imy Harper

Sound design: Hannah Varrall

Original theme music: Tom Kinsella

Original artwork: Jon Hill

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-06-13
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Truth serum | The Gas Man Ep 5

In this episode, Chloe looks into what happened to The Gas Man when he arrived back in Germany as a fugitive ? and investigates whether his trade with Iran ever really ended


To find out more about Tortoise:


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If 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 [email protected]


Reporter: Chloe Hadjimatheou 

Producer: Claudia Williams

Editor: Jasper Corbett

Narrative editor: Gary Marshall

Additional reporting: Marten Hahn

Sound design: Hannah Varrall

Original theme music: Tom Kinsella

Original artwork: Jon Hill

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-06-11
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The other Gas Man | The Gas Man Ep 4

Chloe makes a startling discovery about another chemical trafficker that has consequences for her investigation. A Kurdish survivor of mustard gas shares her story.


To find out more about Tortoise:


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If 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 [email protected]


Reporter: Chloe Hadjimatheou 

Producer: Claudia Williams

Editor: Jasper Corbett

Narrative editor: Gary Marshall

Sound design: Hannah Varrall

Original theme music: Tom Kinsella

Original artwork: Jon Hill

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-06-06
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The escape | The Gas Man Ep 3

The team persuades The Gas Man to step out from the shadows. He reveals the first big clue in the investigation to how he got away with it ? and makes a surprising claim about his role in the case


To find out more about Tortoise:


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If 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 [email protected]


Reporter: Chloe Hadjimatheou 

Producer: Claudia Williams

Editor: Jasper Corbett

Narrative editor: Gary Marshall

Sound design: Hannah Varrall

Original theme music: Tom Kinsella

Original artwork: Jon Hill

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-06-04
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The sting | The Gas Man Ep 2

Special Agent Bass has his target in his sights but he?s on another continent. If he wants him to talk he?ll need a clever plan ? and maybe a bit of luck


To find out more about Tortoise:


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If 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 [email protected]


Reporter: Chloe Hadjimatheou 

Producer: Claudia Williams

Editor: Jasper Corbett

Narrative editor: Gary Marshall

Sound design: Hannah Varrall

Original theme music: Tom Kinsella

Original artwork: Jon Hill


FX credit: Boeing 737-800 Fly Over 3.wav by soundslikewillem at freesound

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-05-28
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The special agent | The Gas Man Ep 1

In the 1980s Special Agent Dennis Bass received a tip-off that changed the course of his career. 30 years on reporter Chloe Hadjimatheou sets out to solve the mystery of how an international fugitive got away with his crimes ? and why he's still on the run.


To find out more about Tortoise:


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If 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 [email protected]


Reporter: Chloe Hadjimatheou 

Producer: Claudia Williams

Editor: Jasper Corbett

Narrative editor: Gary Marshall

Sound design: Hannah Varrall

Original theme music: Tom Kinsella

Original artwork: Jon Hill


FX credit: Telex by YleArkisto at freesound - License: Attribution 4.0

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-05-28
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Introducing...The Gas Man

Introducing...The Gas Man


It starts with a tip-off. 


It?s the late 1980s and US Special Agent Dennis Bass is warned about a shipment of suspicious chemicals headed to a secret destination. So he follows the lead ? and ends up stumbling into a global plot helping fuel a war. The main suspect? The Gas Man. 


In the decades since, Special Agent Bass has been locked in an international game of cat and mouse with the man who supplied a dangerous regime with the chemicals to make weapons. Every time Bass thinks he?s got his hands on him? The Gas Man somehow manages to slip the net. And he?s still on the run today.


But after more than 30 years, could his past finally be catching up with The Gas Man?


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 ad-free content


Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more


If 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 [email protected]


Reporter: Chloe Hadjimatheou 

Producer: Claudia Williams

Editor: Jasper Corbett

Narrative editor: Gary Marshall

Sound design: Hannah Varrall

Original theme music: Tom Kinsella

Original artwork: Jon Hill

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-05-21
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Who Trolled Amber: Live

"Misinformation, disinformation, and trolling campaigns are not just a celebrity story. They are everywhere. They affect how we see reality online."


In a year when four billion people are heading to the polls, and with the World Economic Forum warning that online misinformation is the most severe risk the world faces, Who Trolled Amber? shines a light on the shady industry of social media manipulation. It reveals how bots and trolls can sway opinions from celebrity trials to general elections.


On June 12th Alexi Mostrous will be joined by Jen Robinson, Amber Heard?s lawyer, and Gina Neff, Executive Director of the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at the University of Cambridge in the Tortoise newsroom to discuss Who Trolled Amber? and give their insights into the world of online disinformation and its effect on all of our everyday lives. 


You can book your place here, to attend in person or online.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-05-20
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Public enemy | Who Trolled Amber Ep 6

Johnny Depp?s maverick lawyer Adam Waldman finally comes under scrutiny. Alexi uncovers Waldman?s links to powerful figures and investigates his role in feeding online abuse. Can the team get to the truth about who trolled Amber?


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 ad-free content


Become a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more


If 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 [email protected]


Reporter and host: Alexi Mostrous


Producer and reporter: Xavier Greenwood


Editor: David Taylor


Narrative editor: Gary Marshall


Additional reporting: Katie Riley 


Sound design: Karla Patella 


Artwork: Jon Hill & Oscar Ingham

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2024-03-26
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