Summer listening list
The best investigative podcasts to lose yourself in
We were delighted to be included in journalism.co.uk’s list of essential journalism podcasts this month. It is a fantastic list of 40 media podcasts which should be on every journalist’s radar in 2023.
But we also know there is a wealth of excellent investigative journalism podcasts available to download which are perfect for immersing yourself in on long summer walks, whilst relaxing on the beach or whilst packing for holiday.
So we’ve put together a list of our recommended investigative podcasts to listen to this summer. And what a cracker of a list it is. Be prepared to cry, shout and laugh in amazement as the world’s best storytellers dig into some of the most shocking, outrageous and gut wrenching stories.
Serial: Shit Town
Shit Town is an investigative podcast hosted by Brian Reed. After Reed received an email in 2012 from John B. McLemore asking to investigate a murder in his hometown of Woodstock, Alabama he eventually obliged. Despite later discovering that the supposed crime was fabricated by McLemore, the pair strike up a friendship during what becomes a deceivingly touching deep dive into one man’s life and the existential crisis all humans face. You can listen to it here. S-Town Podcast (stownpodcast.org)
Sweet Bobby
Narrated by Alexi Mostrous and produced by Tortoise Media, Sweet Bobby is a six-part investigation into one of the most sophisticated catfishing stories you will ever hear. After successful marketer Kirat Assi was contacted online by a man named Bobby, who she thought she knew, they began an online relationship which nearly destroyed every part of her life. That is all that can be said without spoiling what is one of the craziest stories, let alone podcasts, that you will ever hear. Sweet Bobby - Tortoise (tortoisemedia.com)
The Teacher's Pet
True Crime podcasts are one of the most popular subgenres, and it’s easy to see why. The Teacher’s Pet, hosted by journalist Hedley Thomas, investigates the 1982 disappearance of Australian Lynette Dawson. The mother of two vanished without a trace and her whereabouts have never been discovered. What follows is a story full of dark secrets including Thomas uncovering crucial new evidence. It is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The Teacher's Pet on Apple Podcasts
Pig Iron
This is a great listen for any aspiring war reporters out there. The focus of Pig Iron, Christopher Allen, was just 26 when he was shot and killed in South Sudan. However, there was still confusion surrounding his death five years later when this podcast was created. Pig Iron tells the story of Allen’s life and death to find out what really happened. It is from the creators of Sweet Bobby, Tortoise Media, and can be found on their website. Pig Iron - Tortoise (tortoisemedia.com)
Call Bethel
Call Bethel is a podcast from The Telegraph which focuses on their investigation into allegations of child abuse against the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their team expertly shines a light on tales of abuse by those in power who claim to have the victim’s best interests at heart. It is available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Call Bethel - The Telegraph
Where Is George Gibney?
George Gibney, an Olympic swimming coach charged with child sexual abuse, vanished from Ireland in 1994 before standing trial for his crimes. This investigative podcast follows journalist Mark Horgan in his attempts to find Gibney and help to bring him to justice, something that the Irish government have failed to do. It is available on BBC Sounds. BBC Sounds - Where Is George Gibney? - Available Episodes
I'm Not a Monster: The Shamima Begum Story
We all know Shamima Begum’s name, but how many of us truly know her full story? Host Josh Baker attempts to find out what really happened, travelling from her old home of Bethnal Green to ISIS occupied Syria. He interviews Begum herself hoping to discern her motivations for leaving the UK. You can also find it on BBC Sounds. BBC Radio 5 Live - I'm Not a Monster - Downloads
Fake Heiress
You may have heard of Anna Delvey from last year’s Netflix TV mini-series based on her story, Inventing Anna. However, if you prefer a podcast this one is for you. Delvey posed as a wealthy heiress to gain access to the upper echelons of New York City society from 2013 to 2017, with her rise being just as fast as her fall. The series is hosted by Vicky Baker and Chloe Moss, who dig deeper into the scandal, and it is available on most mediums. BBC Radio 4 - Fake Heiress - Downloads
The Missing Cryptoqueen
Our final podcast also centres around fraud and is just as engaging. Ruja Ignatova, the self-proclaimed “cryptoqueen”, convinced millions to join her financial revolution, a cryptocurrency which would rival Bitcoin. However, she soon disappeared with over $4 billion. Host Jamie Bartlett takes the listener through a story of greed and deceit whilst trying to track down Ignatova. You can find it on BBC Sounds and Apple Podcasts. BBC Sounds - The Missing Cryptoqueen - Available Episodes
Triumph of the week
Landing a very big and very exciting new project - watch this space!
That feeling when
You get pre-interview nerves before interviewing a legend in the running world.
We love to hear your feedback on everything we do, so feel free to drop us an email anytime at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
Bye for now!
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