“Tomorrow, if we have a case of cheating with a motor in the bike, [I’m] sorry but it will destroy our sport.” – head of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), David Lappartient.

Cycling fever is heating up with the Tour de France just around the corner, but under the building excitement for the sport is a hidden air of scandal…

Ghost in the Machine is the investigative documentary uncovering the rise of motor-doping within professional cycling, with host Chris Marshall-Bell travelling all over Europe to discover how detrimental this could be for the sport. Now, with its final episode being released on June 28th, Chris rounds off his investigation with interviews from two of cycling’s most powerful men – as well as being driven through the perilously snowy outskirts of Budapest by an engineer who crafted futuristic motors for the sport.

Throughout the investigation, ex-professional riders have given their testimony admitting that they have always had their suspicions about motors being used in some of the world’s biggest races. Chris’ journey began with some bad, budget airlines’ coffee, as he headed for the Belgium city of Aalst to speak to Femke van den Driessche, the only competitor ever banned from the sport after being caught with a hidden motor inside her bike at a world championships in 2016. She’d turned her life around, isolating herself away from the sport, but pointed Chris in the direction of the man who’d installed the motor inside the frame, one Nico van Muylder – who said after the discovery he’d received several calls claiming to be from interested pro-cycling teams.

Since the investigation began, Chris has uncovered a redoubling of efforts to stamp out motor-doping from cycling’s governing body, the UCI. Several major figures in the organisation even admitted to enjoying the podcast – purely off the record, of course!

But, there’s a new sheriff in town: ex-FIFA and UEFA match fixing and corruption expert Nicholas Raudenski, who’s been tasked with identifying how motor detection processing can be improved in the sport. It’s clear that there is still a lot to do when it comes to stamping out cheats in an already compromised sport, but with journalists like Chris, and investigations such as Ghost in the Machine, the flame underneath these authorities has truly been lit.

Tune in for the final episode of Ghost in the Machine to be released on Friday 28th June, wherever you get your podcasts. Listen and subscribe at the link below:

lnk.to/ghostinthemachine

And if you have any further information about motor-doping that you wish to share with us, we’re all ears! Just give us an email at: motordoping@gmail.com.

This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com

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Those familiar with nonfiction audio documentary maker Jess Shane, may know her as the producer of BBC 4 Lights Out: Accounts and Accountability which explored the ethics and monetary value of storytelling, so this is nothing new to Jess. In the five part series Radiotopia presents Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative, she takes it further

In its first episode Jess recalls making ‘Perfect Woman’ for CBC’s Love Me. Perfect Woman is the story of her reading her ex-boyfriend’s diary and changing herself depending on what he wrote. At the time, Jess found making it therapeutic because she got to tell the story to her own accord. Things started to get complex when she received an email from a Hollywood producer about adapting the story for a documentary.The producer promised this big platform to tell her story, even though she would have no editorial control. This interaction made Jess doubt the benefits of documentary making.

I sat down with Jess to discuss the process of making the show and what the aims for the series were.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity

JESS: My series is particularly engaged with the relationship between neoliberalism and personal storytelling because the documentary industry relies on the packaged morsel of the individual story in order to mass produce products. And it works because culturally we’ve been told that telling your story will be somehow cathartic, redemptive, brave, useful, et cetera. And so lots of people are talking about the importance of telling your story on an emotional level, but I’m trying to look at how personal storytelling operates in the world of trade and austerity.

You let us into your inner monologue and the many frustrations producers face. What was the aim of highlighting these issues?

JESS: Audiences are used to being handed the story on a silver platter. I wanted people to become hyper aware of the work and the choices that go into preparing said silver platter. A lot of people who’ve listened to the series have said, “can you stop navel gazing and telling us about the process and just give us the story? But this is the point I wanted to make you look behind the curtain whether you wanted to see it or not. And so I think that even if it creates discomfort, making audiences grapple with the fact that what they’re listening to is a construction, [that] is a useful way to make listeners feel less like audiences and more engaged, more like they are actually part of the mechanics of the sale and consumption of stories.

During their audition process to make one possible participant more comfortable, you say that they can ask you questions. What’s your advice to make sure the questions do not get too personal and make sure we divert back to the interviewee?

JESS: Well, I think that it’s okay for people to have personal questions. I think that to pretend that a purely business or a purely professional relationship is happening is dishonest. Obviously in this series I play with boundaries and push boundaries in a way that I think is irresponsible and that’s not an accident. I think depending on the relationship, there’s no one-size-fits-all. So I think, be open with people, but also be thoughtful about how much you want to share.

I think that in many ways the least you can do is to give people part of the benefit of being interviewed, which is arguably if the story isn’t going to lead to meaningful policy change or change that person’s life – which a majority of stories don’t do. Those are the outliers, not the norm – at the very least, you can give them a meaningful experience of recording.

But with that in mind, I think it’s important for people to be clear: I am doing a job. We’re acting like friends, but for the purpose of this interview, I’m doing a job and we’re not friends, and my job is to take what you say now and to turn it into something shorter, more concise. That’s ultimately what I want this piece to be about. I feel like being clear about making a distinction between the joys of the interview process and the horrors of having yourself vulnerable – your voice out in the world and no longer belonging to you in the same way, to coin a phrase by the TV producer featured in the episode.

That openness is evident through your relationship with one of the interviewees, Judy, an unhoused widow in her 70’s . We experience a blossoming friendship that has its conflicting moments, especially when Judy actually needs help regarding her personal situation. What did you learn from blurring the lines?

JESS: I was like, “I can’t promise that whatever I make about you is going to help you with your problems, but I have skills that might be helpful”. And there was a moment deep in the process where I realised that the methodology I thought would be helpful, actually it wasn’t, but could be harmful to her.

I also learned that in my attempt to help, I was not actually being a very good listener. I was thinking about what I thought was best for her as opposed to listening to what she thought was best for her. And that’s not even a lesson about journalism, that’s a lesson about life that can be applied across many spectrums. There was a moment where I just was like, “I don’t know what I’m doing here”. By totally throwing these boundaries that journalists normally have out the window, it was unknown waters and it was evident because I wasn’t necessarily being the most mindful. I don’t think I made anything worse, but I don’t know. I don’t think I improved anything and I realised I was out of my depth.

Away from the role of documentary maker, are there things that you learned personally about yourself?

JESS: I used to think that finding the perfect subject with a life story that was already shocking, heartbreaking, or transformative in some way was the kind of story that I had the power to make beautiful for them and for the world. I really am not interested in telling personal life stories. I’m not interested in turning people’s lives into products anymore and haven’t been for a long time. I’m interested in finding places where there are shared goals with potential subjects.

In the show there is a focus on the consequences of the Top Down approach where the audience gets to understand the power that the decision makers have and how little the subjects have. Going forward, what approach are you taking?

JESS: I’m interested in a framework of collaboration that is not “Top Down”. So in the series, I kind of show what not to do with collaboration. You can’t just call something collaboration and also still call all the shots. I think that I’m much more mindful of who I select as my collaborators and make sure that there’s a shared stake in these shared goals. And then we come up with a framework for collaboration together at the start.

That often relies on having a similar sense of media literacy. So [in Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative] there were huge power dynamics and that was intentional. Normally, I’m not trying to work with people where there are such big power dynamics. Maybe that will change over time as I become more experienced. But for now, I would rather work with people where I feel like we are operating with the same knowledge and in some ways privilege and power.

When talking about power dynamics and privilege I think about Ernesto’s story, the 20 year old model and recovering addict. In his episode, you admit that somebody else may have told his story better. What advice do you have for producers that struggle to navigate an interviewee’s story?

JESS: I was trying to make a point about how budgetary concerns and timelines dictate how ambitious a producer can be in the stories they tell. And in this case, what I realised about Ernesto’s story was that the story that he was sort of gesturing to, he wasn’t an appropriate central, sole subject. The story, actually, would need a much more systemic perspective, and that would require a timeline and a reporting budget and a scope that the project wasn’t really set up for.
I wanted to reveal why the personal story is often the fallback: because it’s actually cheaper and easier to make. But I do think that it’s always really important to acknowledge your positionality and ask – why am I the right person to tell this story? And if not, how can I make this work?

Something that I say in this series, and something I still stand by is if you are taking a not-Top-Down approach to collaboration, it doesn’t necessarily matter if you are the wrong person to tell the story. So long as you set yourself up in a collaborative framework where you are not being the expert on someone else’s life, you are letting your subjects truly lead. And that means factoring in a lot more time, making sure that you set up the collaborative process from the start, making sure that you are, and whoever’s funding you or distributing you, is also signed up for that. At the same time, I think it’s worthwhile to be wary that not everybody should tell every story.

There are rules stated in the first episode about journalism must nots and throughout the process you obviously bend them to make a point. I know this was an experiment, but are there any practices you’re taking for future projects?

JESS: Shared goals, much greater transparency, acknowledgement of the way in which documentary storytelling does operate as an exchange and clarifying the exchange, but in tandem with this idea of shared goals, and I also pay people whenever I can.

[NOTE: Paying subjects is one of the first rules that Jess throws out the window in the series, a subject she’s also written about. She expands on why this is important.]

JESS: I don’t think that paying people is more coercive than somebody promising to tell your story to the media already. I have no problem with splitting whatever I make with the people whose voices and work is featured in the projects. I come up with a split that feels right for the project based on the time and effort that’s put in and based on what I can afford and what we both can afford. I am very transparent about what I’m making with them, and we come up with a rate that feels good.

Listen to Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative on Apple Podcast, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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In January 2012, a message appeared on 4Chan, the anarchic online messaging board which had become a playground for hackers and conspiracy theorists alike:

“Hello. We are looking for highly intelligent individuals. To find them, we have devised a test. Good Luck, 3301.”

Accompanying the text was a cryptic image – a black-and-white cicada. What users didn’t know at the time was that this post marked the first step in one of the most complex puzzles to rock the internet age – later known as Cicada 3301.

The murky origins of the story led Nicky Anderson and Tommie Trelawny down a digital rabbit hole, which led to a year-long investigation into where these puzzles came from and who was behind them. Following on from their first investigative series The Interruption, The World’s Hardest Puzzle is the second investigation in Stak’s Archive saga.

From riddles to impenetrable codes and US military conspiracies, one thing became clear: Cicada 3301 was no ordinary puzzle. It was an intellectual minefield shrouded in mystery. Speaking to those who found themselves at the heart of the mystery, Nicky & Tommie trek through the winding, often murky history of the internet, uncovering the admirable integrity some corners of the internet still hold, as well as the sometimes sinister consequences of revealing too much of our lives online.

At the helm, delivering her on-mic debut as well as producing the series was Stak’s Nicky Anderson. We caught up with Nicky to see how she felt about being a primary voice of the podcast and the process in telling such an intricate story.

Hi Nicky! So, how was it going from the producer role, to stepping onto the mic for the first time?

At the beginning, it was seriously nerve-wrecking but I knew it was something I wanted to do so I really just had to throw myself into it. Of course there were times where I doubted myself but I’m so glad I’ve added another string to my bow, it was a fantastic experience. I already can’t wait for the next!

And how did you find the Cicada story? What made you think it was worth making a podcast about?

Tommie told me about it one day and I just couldn’t get it out of my head after that! It had everything a brilliant mystery needs: puzzles, clues, dedicated followers, real world locations and more. It was something refreshing, interesting and a bit bizarre that I wanted more people to know about!

When delving into something as complex as Cicada 3301, what was your process in trying to make it sound clear for the listener whilst trying to understand it yourself?

It was a very humbling experience! The amount of behind the scenes research that went into the pre-production felt like it never really ended. But no one says research can’t be content itself – if you’re making a documentary about a topic and you’re having a meeting about it with your production team, stick on your mic and start recording. All this tape will not only help you when it comes to scripting later on as you’ll be able to re-listen to your conversation, but it can also be used as ‘real life’ investigation tape.

Lastly, what do you think are the main differences between working with Tommie as a producer and now also a co-narrator?

Naturally there were challenges, there were times where each of us would end up slipping back into the producer / host dynamic. It took some time to get used to and I did have to keep reminding myself that this time round we were co-creators. I was very fortunate to go through this experience and change with Tommie. I think we make a good team no matter what the dynamic.

Listen and subscribe to Archive: The World’s Hardest Puzzle by searching for the show wherever you get your podcast, or by clicking this link.

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This article was created in partnership with Stak.

The post Nicky Anderson: From Producer to behind the microphone appeared first on POD BIBLE.

January 2016. It’s the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Belgium and 19-year-old cyclist Femke Van den Driessche is waiting at the starting line of the Under 23 Women’s race. As the tension starts to mount, with the sound of the crowds all around her and bicycle chains wiring, the tannoy calls two minutes until the starting bell. Femke is set to be the golden girl of cycling for her home country… Little did she know that this would be her final competition.

Race officials were called to inspect her spare bike and, as they removed the seat, spools of wires cascaded out from within. They revealed a motor, hidden in the seat post. Femke is the first and only person to be banned by The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for having a motor in her bike. Since that fateful race in 2016, Femke has faded out of the limelight. No more cycling, no press, no explanation.

Now, investigative journalist Chris Marshall-Bell sets off to uncover this new scandal of cycling and the truth behind Femke’s story. He speaks to people who were at the centre of the saga in 2016, including exclusive interviews with Femke Van den Driessche, and her family friend embroiled in the case, Nico van Muylder. But, is Femke really the only person to have used a motor in her bike? Or, as many claim, is this only the beginning? Do gross examples of cheating pervade even the highest levels of cycling?

Through interviews with former race winners, Chris examines how this has affected the reputation of the sport and what more can be done to stop it. Moreover, current and ex-riders reveal their suspicions around the use of motors to aid various racing victories, providing unique insight into the underbelly of cycling.

But there is so much more to this story. From peculiar tales of pigeon doping to canary theft, bankruptcy sagas, and even a carnival cat costume, the podcast explores the quirky and bizarre aspects of human nature and what individuals are willing to do to come out on top.

From the acclaimed makers of Football Ramble, Inside the Qatar World Cup and P1 with Matt and Tommy, Stak proudly presents Ghost in the Machine, a limited series releasing new episodes every Monday. You can catch up on episodes one and two and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts.

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This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com

The post Ghost In The Machine: Unveiling the murky secrets of cycling appeared first on POD BIBLE.

For this New Pods, we are bringing you some recommendations from some new writers. We’re looking forward to sharing some more from these writers on the Pod Bible website in the coming months. But for now, check out the new podcasts they think are worthy to grace your headphones…

Digging With Flo
Recommended by Isabella McDonnell, Xeno podcast

Digging with Flo is a new weekly podcast from NTS Radio hosted by the station’s Breakfast Show presenter, Flo Dill. Flo shares her love of gardening by interviewing guests as they do gardening tasks together on her allotment. Music artists, from rappers to post-punk musicians, get their hands dirty with mulch and compost, while listeners explore the roots of their creative lives. Being on Flo’s allotment transforms the interview environment. Metaphors powerfully emerge around ideas of creativity and cultivation, and listeners get deeper conversations that unveil the artists’ nurturing and surreptitious sides. Listen on your podcast app >>

Session Zero
Recommended by Joshua Watson, Freelance Video/Audio Editor

Session Zero is a role-playing podcast with a therapeutic twist. Hosted by Ben (an experienced game master) and Mike (a therapist and avid player) the show isn’t afraid to tackle topics like imposter syndrome or using role-playing as a form of therapy. That being said, it sometimes strays into the realm of a regular DnD podcast, focusing more on the game than therapy. With engaging hosts and a strong premise, I believe Session Zero just needs to more consistently focus on this unique idea to be a “natural twenty” of a podcast. Listen on your podcast app >>

Shiny Bob: The Devil’s Advocate
Recommended by Zainab Amer, Freelance Writer

Scotland during the late 1980s and early 90s was gripped with rumours of a conspiracy – that gay lawyers and judges were perverting the course of justice – and Shiny Bob had the “list” of their names. Award-winning journalist, Myles Bonnar, unravels a news story that threatened the Scottish legal system, and wiped out reputations along with it. His sensitive commentary provides a powerful listen, as well as insight into a time where homophobia and fear were used as cover-ups. It transpires that a master manipulator was using this fear as a diversion tactic from his own horrific crimes. Listen on your podcast app >>

Objeks & Tings
Recommended by Jelena Sofronijevic, EMPIRE LINES podcast and freelance journalist

With its first release on Windrush Day, Objeks & Tings is perfectly timed to celebrate 75 years of Caribbean people, culture, and their contributions in the UK. Each episode explores the story behind an object deeply cherished by an individual, from dutch pots to hot combs. But listeners also get to enjoy personal stories from Catherine and Lynda – the mother-daughter duo behind both the podcast and Museumand, The National Caribbean Heritage Museum. Their bickering over sound systems and who is doing the cooking gives the listener as much food for thought as their fascinating conversations about Black histories and contemporary experiences. Listen on your podcast app >>

The Louis Theroux Podcast
Recommended by Mimi Jones (they/them), Young City Laureate

When I tell you that I never expected to care so deeply about Shania Twain’s personal history, believe me. But after listening to Louis Theroux so gently exploring her past on his new podcast, I couldn’t help but get invested. Theroux is sitting down with some of the world’s most ‘fascinating figures’ and you can’t miss it. With all the same care and genuine interest from his documentaries, the podcast brings a mix of heart-wrenching, deep, and hilarious interviews. So far, seven celebs have taken the dive into their lives with Theroux and it looks like things will only get more interesting from here! Listen on Spotify >>

Perfect Pitch
Recommended by Sara Essa, Freelance Writer

Ever wondered what goes into creating the perfect advert you hear on the radio? If yes, then this could be the new release for you! Each episode, host Hunter March takes us through a fun game-show style programme. After hearing the brief from big brands such as Doritos, Indeed and Athletics Greens, two creatives battle it out by pitching their ideas for the perfect ad. Perfect Pitch is the perfect pod to learn from their ingenuity to perfect your next pitch. It’s the type of podcast I’d enjoy on a walk when I’m taking a midday break from work to re-energise, and I’m quickly adding it to my “need inspiration” playlist for those days I’m lacking creativity. Listen on your podcast app >>

Witch
Recommended by Katie Stokes, Freelance Producer

Following the hit 28ish Days Later, India Rakusen brings us another deeply feminist, investigative docuseries. Rakusen unravels what we think we know about witchcraft through lessons in history, science, self-discovery, and a gathering of witches – perfectly balancing the hard evidence against pure, unexplainable magic. The show captures the modern gravity and relevance of witch trials, taking us through Europe, Africa and the Americas (though disappointingly missing the prevalence of witchcraft around Asia). This is a personal, eye-opening, bewitching journey tempting the listener to question, could you be a witch? Listen on your podcast app >>

A Black History of Art Presents: A Shared Gaze
Recommended by J.A.Lovelock, Podcast Creator and Host

Want to know what’s happening in the world of Black artistry? Then tune in to A Shared Gaze. Hosted by Cambridge grad Alayo Akinkugbe this podcast is a conversation, between her and too often overlooked Black contemporary artists and creatives and their work. It introduces you to names and artwork that you have most likely never heard of but wish you did. This podcast is freshly minted and so brand new that only three episodes have so far been published. Listen in if only to savour Akinkugbe’s authoritative, dulcet tones. Listen on your podcast app >>

This Is Awkward
Recommended by Suze Cooper, Big Tent Media

In a world filled with pleasantries, This Is Awkward dives into the heart of difficult conversations. In the first episode, hosts Lyanne Nicholl and Kristy Macleod interview Cate Sevilla, author of How To Work Without Losing Your Mind. They explore giving and receiving feedback, and the balance between boundaries and authenticity at work. The series promises insights into those chats you would rather not have, from talking money with your partner to discussing embarrassing health issues. This is a fresh and empowering perspective on the impact of language and how our words shape our relationships.  Listen on your podcast app >>

History’s Secret Heroes
Recommended by Katherine Collins, Freelance Writer

History’s Secret Heroes is a brand new BBC podcast presented by the talented actress Helena Bonham Carter, and consists of ten 30 minute episodes. Each episode focuses on people throughout history who for whatever reason, have been overlooked. Examples of those include Bela Hazan who went undercover to fight the Nazis in WW2, as well as George Takei (Star Trek) who was a Japanese American imprisoned without trial during the same war. I have a lifelong love of history and am already learning so much from this podcast. Helena is a fantastic presenter. Listen on your podcast app >>

The Retrievals
Recommended by Oli Seymour, Producer 

The Retrievals takes us inside a fertility clinic at Yale, where a procedure is causing patients unbearable pain. We discover that this is due to a nurse stealing the facility’s fentanyl. Journalist Susan Burton takes us through the ensuing investigation and trial with sensitivity and tact,
examining how women are listened to when it comes to their pain – if they’re listened to at all. The Retrievals feels important to me. In the fast paced world of print media, this story might get lost, but the podcast takes the time to help victims’ voices be heard. Listen on your podcast app >>

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Want more recommendations of the latest podcast? Sign up to our newsletter for our choice of the best classic, indie and new podcasts every week!

The post The best new podcasts of SUMMER 2023 appeared first on POD BIBLE.

French & Saunders: Titting About 3

In the third series of their smash hit show, Dawn and Jennifer take six more important subjects and – quite literally – tit about with them. From doling out unconventional dieting advice to tales of being dressed inappropriately in The Ritz, Dawn and Jennifer leave no stone unturned. Listen now >>

“Can’t get enough of these two legends”
Amazon Customer

“Hurrah this is back after a long and inpatient wait!”
Anon

Allegedly… The Popbitch Podcast

Funny, irreverent, sometimes shocking, and occasionally downright filthy, in Allegedly… The Popbitch Podcast, comedians Ellie Taylor and Dan Schreiber, alongside Popbitch editor Chris Lochery, geek out about all-things-celebrity, giving listeners a fun-fact-and-gossip-filled insight into the world of showbusiness. Listen now >>

“Funny showbiz facts!”
Anon

“Well done Popbitch. That was a superb listen. Now do loads more! That is all”
Mr Yarrow

People, Just People (Series 4)

Dermot O’Leary sits down to talk with people from all walks of life who have led extraordinary lives. Dermot has curated an incredible line-up of guests including Bear Cryls, Minnie Driver, Jonathan Ross, Gary Barlow, Richard Osman and many more, to discuss the amazing paths they have taken. Listen now >>

“So interesting”
Mr Sigrin

“Dermot at his best! Asking great questions, getting the most out of his guests”
Anon

Moriarty: The Devils Game

Audible’s bold new addition to the Sherlock Holmes universe, Moriarty: The Devils Game, dares to ask: What if Holmes’ most villainous nemesis was actually an innocent man? Moriarty turns one of literature’s most famous rivalries on its head. Listen now >>

“Addictive listening”
David

“Moriarty is an utterly fantastic take on the traditional Sherlock Holmes story.”
Anon

Sue Perkins Earpedia: Animals

Passionate animal lover and comedian Sue Perkins is our indispensable guide to the animal kingdom. In this mad-cap adventure, she introduces us to the amazing, surprising and hysterical truth about all creatures great and small. From the African lungfish to the kangaroo, get ready for an irreverent, funny and often furry journey of discovery. Listen now >>

“We need more”
Ms Reid

“Sue Perkins has a knack for telling informative animal stories, that are fun, funny and very interesting.”
Mr Cook

A Somewhat Complete History to Sitting Down

Yes, it’s a strange kind of history. And that’s the way public Historian Greg Jenner likes it. Because, he says, how we sit, where we sit, what we do when we sit and what happens as a result of all that sitting says a lot about human’s past and present. Listen now >>

“What an incredible deep dive into what we all do without thinking!”
Zee

“Wide-ranging, thoroughly researched, and encompassing a fascinating amount of history”
Ms Young

Every month, Audible members get one credit to use on any audiobook regardless of price or length, plus unlimited access to Audible Original Podcasts at no extra cost. From £7.99 / month after 30 days. Renews automatically. Find out more >>

The post The 6 BEST Audible Original Podcasts to listen to this Autumn (Issue #023) appeared first on POD BIBLE.

The Graham Norton Book Club (Series 3)

Welcome to our third series of The Graham Norton Book Club where stories – reading them, writing them, talking about them – are still from and centre. Featuring special guests including Jonathan van Ness, Jilly Cooper, James Acaster, Kevin Bridges and many more. Listen now >>

“great generator of ideas and highly listenable”
Mr Grant

“This is a lovely, gentle listen, and some recommendations to boot. What more could you want?”
Mary

Phil Wang Hates Horror

Not only does Phil Wang hate scary films, he cannot see any value to horror cinema at all. In this series, he give fellow comedians including Ed Gamble, Nish Kumar and Fern Brady a rare chance to convince him otherwise. Before each episode, Phil will watch the one film his famous guests views as the pinnacle of the genre, which they will then hilariously discuss, analyse and react to throughout. Listen now >>

“Humour paired with intelligent analysis”
Anon

“I loved this podcast, comedians and horror films, my two favourite things!”
Anon

Deepest Dive

On 8th March 2014, a Boeing 777 disappeared with 239 people onboard. Despite the most expansive search in human history, it has never been found. This podcast re-examines the evidence and tells the inside story of those whose lives have been consumed by aviation’s most perplexing mystery. Listen now >>

“A podcast with brain and heart”
Anon

“A narrowing but captivating insight into the MH370 disappearance”
Anon

Radioman

When a series of gruesome murders leaves a community in despair, a former local DJ starts a podcast to do something about it. But as his following grows, long-buried secrets resurface revealing not everyone is who the truly seem… Listen now >>

“Simply phenomenal. it keeps you guessing right up to the end”
Erin

“If you love a good crime story with amazing characters, a fantastic story and incredible sound design then you will absolutely love Radioman.”
Anon

The Edge of Reality

IN this powerful series, journalist Jacques Peretti charts the meteoric rise of reality TV, revealing the lengths it takes to make such sensational viewing possible, and exploring the collateral damage that follows. Listen now >>

“This is a stunning listen, so well researched and reported”
Rach

“A really eye-opening podcast series. This is an excellent podcast for anyone who enjoys investigative journalism and well told story.”
Anon

Coupledom (Series 2)

Can finding the perfect partner – whether in friendship, business, love, creativity or family – help us reach our full potential? In Coupledom season 2, Idris 7 Sabrina Elba sit down with more of the world’s most interesting duos – including Tom Daley, Rita Ora and George RR Martin – for honest, unguarded conversations about all the complexities of living a shared life. Listen now >>

“Love it!”
Ms Green

“Such fun to listen to”
Anon

Every month, Audible members get one credit to use on any audiobook regardless of price or length, plus unlimited access to Audible Original Podcasts at no extra cost. From £7.99 / month after 30 days. Renews automatically.

The post From perfect partners, to The Edge of Reality: The best podcasts from Audible (Issue #022) appeared first on POD BIBLE.

The nomination seemed like a good excuse to catch up with host Marc Thompson and Producer Hana Walker Brown to learn more about how the show was made…

Pod Bible: Congratulations on the recent British Podcast Awards nomination! How does it feel to see this show nominated?

Marc: It feels fantastic and such an honour to be nominated for this award and to be on such an incredible list. I’m really proud that my passion project has been recognised alongside so many great podcasts that I listen to myself.

Hana: Its always nice to be recognised for the work you’ve done, especially with such a small team. We’re up against big budget and even bigger team productions. “We Were Always Here” was made by Marc and I with the support of our production assistant Rory Boyle so it really shows what is possible – and no women were murdered for this storyline!

I believe We Were Always Here was the first series of Broccoli’s ‘Documentary’ stream. I’ve been wondering which came first: the idea for a stream of short-run series, or the idea for WWAH?

Hana: Both kind of happened simultaneously, my background is documentary so it was really important to me that we had a dedicated space for docs that could be include any number of subjects, producers, series – just a space to be adventurous or introduce new voices bound only by the broccoli ethos of telling stories that empower. I got an email from Marc through our mutual friend who had connected us for a series of Anthems. He wanted to make a show about the UK HIV Epidemic and was asking for me for advice on where to pitch it. As soon as I read it, I knew I had to make it and felt there was no other company that could his story justice in the way he wanted to tell it so I said don’t pitch it, we’ll take it and that was that!

What was the collaboration like between Marc as Host and Hana as Producer? Did you silo your roles or was there collaboration on all aspects?

Hana: It was a really collaborative project– obviously there are things that we both brought to the table – Marc’s rich history and connections to the community and my storytelling and sound design skills and sensibility – together we were responsible for creating a space not just for Marc’s story but the stories of all the people that feature as well as the community as a whole that could bring to the fore those unheard voices to the fore and ensure their history was documented. We trusted each other implicitly which I think is important and actually, we both cared about these people and these stories which definitely helps.

Hana told me on Twitter that “I interviewed @marct_01 for hours and built the narrative from his ridiculously eloquent answers.” Do you know how many hours of conversation between the two of you was recorded?

Marc: I think Hana and I probably recorded around 6-8 hours maybe between just us!

Hana: We have a responsibility as doc makers to tell the “truth” of any situation and to me that starts with the words of the narrator which have to feel authentic and I think the only way you can do that is through interviewing. Yes, it’s a bit of a heavier lift than just feeding someone words on a script but it allows a much deeper intimacy and connection to the person’s story so I wouldn’t do it any other way. Also, Marc is a phenomenal storyteller so it made my job a lot easier!

Marc: And also outside of our interviews we recorded 80 hours of interviews with individuals who made up the bulk of the narrative of the podcast it was really refreshing to get to sit in the interview seat as well and ask the questions I was really interested in and to learn so much about friends and colleagues and allies.

There are a couple more big budget podcasts about or incorporating HIV that have come out this month – A Positive Life and Love In Gravity – I wonder if you’ve had a chance to listen yet?

Marc: I haven’t had a chance to listen to any of the new podcasts yet. I wish them really well. I welcome them as it’s great that we’re finally hearing all of these narratives about the HIV epidemic. It adds to the wider canon of British history and LGBTQ+ history so I think it’s great that they’re out there.

Follow-on question – why do you think this topic is being picked up more at the moment?

Marc: I think the HIV epidemic story is being picked up right now because its 40 years since the first cases were identified and it’s really important this anniversary is marked in various ways. We don’t have a memorial to those we lost in the UK, so this is a great opportunity to remember that history and the people we lost, and to also to remind ourselves that HIV hasn’t gone away, that we still have work to do to end new HIV transmissions and support the lives of people who continue to live with HIV in the UK and globally.

Hana: I agree- and while this year has put HIV back into the mainstream consciousness due to the anniversary and the popularity of shows like “It’s a Sin” it really needs to continue. As Marc said we recorded over 80 hours of interviews for this which we are handing over to Bishops Gate queer archive this autumn – all audio and transcripts and episodes – so that they live on beyond the podcast as a resource. A lot of the retellings of this history have been through a predominantly white lens so we wanted to ensure that these voices don’t get lost.

Listen to We Were Always Here on Broccoli’s Documentaries Stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps.

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CLIMATE OF CHANGE with Cate Blanchett & Danny Kennedy

Actor and environmental campaigner Cate Blanchett and clean technology expert Danny Kennedy explore eco-anxiety, optimism and hope in the face of climate change. Along the way, they interview some of the world’s leading authors and thought leaders to discuss how humankind can tackle our biggest environmental challenge. Listen now >>

“Informative and inspirational, and definitely full of hope. Showing a way through the eco anxiety in an accessible and entertaining podcast”
Amazon Customer

“Interesting and insightful topics, on what is the most important subject of our time”
S. Holland

SLEEP SOUND with Jamie Doran

Do you struggle to Sleep Sound? In his new sleep aid podcast, actor Jamie Dornan will transport you to relaxing locations around the world, from a Mexican beach to an Amazon rainforest or a Namibian desert. Take a deep breath, relax and join Audible on this escape to sleep. Listen now >>

Jamie Doran’s soporific narration and the peaceful and calming sounds lull you to sleep. I love all six episodes”
Ms Simpson

“These podcasts have helped my restless mind, they really are something special”
Mr H

STORIES OF THE STALKED

When X sees Lily on stage, he begins an imaginary affair of 13 years, and counting. He’s crossed oceans, posed as her colleague and even bought a suit for their ‘wedding’. But they’ve never met. Lily Baldwin takes us into her world of being stalked – the insidious fear, legal challenges, survival techniques for an ‘invisible violence’ that poisons her life. Listen now >> 

“A brave expose of the suffering caused by stalkers and how the system lets them get away with destroying people’s lives”
Miss Clark

“Extraordinary, raw, painfully honest account of what it’s like to be stalked”
Mary

RADIANT MINDS: THE WORLD OF OLIVER SACKS

Radiant Minds: The World of Oliver Sacks investigates consciousness, the brain and human experience, drawing inspiration from works by the neurologist and beloved author Oliver Sacks. Oliver cared for people with misunderstood neurological conditions at a time when many in the medical community had turned their backs on them Listen now >>

“Just incredible”
Ms Tavares

“Simultaneously provocative and humbling. A catalyst for becoming a better human through understanding and empathy”
Anon

NINETY THREE WOMEN

How did the deadliest serial killer in US history get away with murder for over 40 years? Samuel Little was serving life in prison for killing three women, when he began to confess to a string of murders. His total murder count reached 93 victims across 19 US states. Journalist Benjamin Zand leads an investigation that is both a true crime story and a forensic examination of how US law enforcement failed to stop the country’s most dangerous serial killer. Listen now >>

“Really shocking true crime story, which slows Samuel Little’s story open wide, along with the deep flaws and prejudices in American law enforcement.”
Anon

“This is a brilliant listen. The story itself is troubling be the storytelling is really powerful and it’s such an important topic”
Amazon Customer

Every month, Audible members get one credit to use on any audiobook regardless of price or length, plus unlimited access to Audible Original Podcasts at no extra cost. From £7.99 / month after 30 days. Renews automatically.

The post From Stories of the Stalked to sleeping sound: The best Audible Original podcasts appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I’m Bob Motta, a recovering criminal defense attorney. I host Defense Diaries, a serialized true crime podcast. Our pod takes the deepest dives in the industry into the cases we cover. Season One is the John Wayne Gacy Case…my father was his trial attorney and he gave me all of his taped, never before heard interviews with Gacy. We intertwine those into the narrative. We focus on the victims, the investigation, arrest and trial. Season 2 is the Dr. Anthony Garcia case out of Omaha, NE. I was lead counsel for Garcia. The case was absolutely fascinating for true crime lovers out there.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

I had been contemplating doing a podcast with the tapes for a couple of years, when in 2019 I reached out to Joe Berlinger after his Bundy Tapes doc dropped on Netflix to pitch an idea with my tapes. He loved the concept and we tried to put a deal together for the next nine months. I ended up killing the deal and decided that the tapes would best be used in the pod. Berlinger decided to run with my pitch, without my tapes and it’s dropping on Netflix in April of 22. One problem with his doc is that we uncovered a massive secret about how the police actually got Gacy under arrest… it’s truly mind blowing, I informed his team of the development, they ignored us and decided to put out the fiction narrative as opposed to the truth behind the arrest.

What’s the first podcast you ever listened to?

Serial was the first pod that I ever listened to…that’s when I fell in love with the medium.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

I’m a fan of serialized pods that follow one case over a season. My current favorite is True Crime Bullshi**, which is hosted by my friend Josh Hallmark. It’s a super deep dive into Israel Keyes.

Who’s your dream interviewee for the podcast?

For season one… it would have to be Kim Byers, who is an intricate part of the ruse that law enforcement pulled off in order to get Gacy off the streets. She refused to interview with us, and now we know why.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

It’s serialized, so Episode 1 is the best place to start. It gives a nice overview of what to expect from the pod.

Where can your audience find out more about you?

Defense Diaries is available on all platforms. The website is defensediaries.com. You can also follow on Facebook and IG @defensediaries on Twitter @defense_diaries and on Tik Tok @defensediariespodcast. We also have started our YouTube channel for Defense Diaries. Check it out… we think you’ll like it!

Listen to Defense Diaries on Apple Podcast, Spotify, YouTube and other podcast players.

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This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com.

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For readers who are yet to hear about Casefile, could you tell us the premise of the podcast?

Casefile is a true crime podcast that examines cases from around the world, spanning centuries, continents and cultures. It’s presented by a single host and has a professionally produced audio format. Our episodes delve deep into the circumstances, investigations and trials of both solved and unsolved cases, looking at all different types of crimes.

How did the idea come about originally?

The host had the idea for Casefile whilst he was recovering from surgery. He’d been listening to various podcasts, some of which encouraged listeners to start their own shows, so this combined with the host’s interest in history and true crime led him to wonder whether there was space for an Australian crime podcast that focused on intriguing storytelling. And so Casefile was born, and it’s only grown from there.

What was the thinking behind the use of an anonymous host?

Respect for victims of crime and their families is at the forefront of everything we do at Casefile. We wanted the facts to speak for themselves without adding in personal opinions, speculation or biases, and without the distraction of a host’s personality.

We’re sure many of our readers would love to know a bit about the work that goes into creating each episode. Would you be able to briefly take us through the process?

We have a full team here at Casefile, which includes researchers, writers, production and admin. Everyone plays a role in each episode’s production. Once a case is selected, it’s thoroughly researched and then written by our amazing creative team. Then it goes through a stringent editing process to ensure it hits the Casefile mark. Once the script is finalised, the host records his narration and hands it over to production for editing and scoring. The episode is then reviewed by the entire team. Once approved, it’s ready to be uploaded. This process usually takes weeks to months, depending on the level of research involved and whether we’ve conducted interviews as well.

Which Casefile episode has been hardest to create, either from a personal perspective or due to the amount of work and research involved?

Every case has its own challenges – some are incredibly dense with lots of research to sort through, while information can be harder to come by with others, especially when the case is widely reported on in a language other than English. The ones where we work with the loved ones of victims are particularly demanding. Speaking with those affected by crime is always heartbreaking and it’s something we take very seriously. It’s truly humbling knowing they’re trusting us to tell their stories.

True crime is one of the most popular podcast genres out there, with only comedy and news shows receiving more downloads. Why do you think listeners find it so engaging?

True crime is a really unique topic. It tends to be fuelled by curiosity and a fascination with human behaviour – a lot of people are just so intrigued by the worst of humanity and criminal psychology. True crime podcasts also allow us to humanise victims and create a sense of unity in a society where we’re often dissociated from others’ lived experiences.

True crime is sometimes criticised – it’s been said it can glorify adject behaviour and disrespect the victims. What are your thoughts on this view of the genre?

It’s true that you need to tread carefully when creating a show that discusses harrowing events that have affected real people. There’s also potential for great empathy and positive change in true crime storytelling, and podcasts can be a way to honour those impacted by and lost to violence. Casefile always strives for this by keeping our focus on victims and their families.

If someone is new to your podcast, where would you say is the best place to start? Is there a particular episode you’d point them to?

We recently released a Spotify playlist that encapsulates the most talked about episodes across the Casefile Presents catalogue – that would be a really great place to start. It’s called The Casefile Archives. Our multipart episodes have also been received exceptionally well by our audience, so we’d have to recommend those as well.

Finally, are there any podcasts – true crime or otherwise – that you’d like to recommend to our readers?

There are so many amazing shows out there, it’s impossible to pick just one! Some of the podcasts recommended by our team are The Dollop, Hardcore History, Criminal, Your Own Backyard and Australian True Crime. But we also recommend all Casefile Presents shows: Silent Waves, What’s Missing, The Vanishing of Vivienne Cameron, Pseudocide and The Invisible Hand. We also have Casefile Brazil for Portuguese speaking listeners!

Listen to the Casefile podcast on APPLE PODCAST, SPOTIFY, ACAST and other podcast players. Follow Casefile on Twitter @case_file and Instagram @casefilepodcast.

Can’t get enough of true crime podcasts? Check out our article Podcast enthusiast turned Sherlock Holmes: Why do people listen to true crime podcasts? for more theories and recommendations of some great shows…

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Who was the real Bernie Katz, and what events led to his untimely death? In Bernie: Who killed the Prince of Soho?, journalist Mark Edmonds speaks to Bernie’s closest friends and the celebrities who knew him to better understand how Bernie became ‘The Prince of Soho’ as well as the demons he left behind.

I sat down with Pete Donaldson, who’s the Creative Director here at Stak, to talk a bit about stepping into true crime podcasts…

What was the process behind getting this podcast made?

Pete: I knew Bernie for a long time as I lived in Soho for six or seven years. He was one of the people that really made it feel like a community. Then we brought Mark Edmonds on board and he breathed life into the project with some wonderful writing. And Sami El-Nany’s sound design was instrumental as well – if you’ll forgive the pun.

What goes into producing a true-crime series as opposed to any other podcast?

P: By design, this podcast was a celebration of Bernie and his life. I loved him dearly, and every single one of my friends did too. Like Richard Bacon said in the show, I think losing Bernie means we lost a moment in time – he represented a period of our lives where we had fewer responsibilities, had more legendary nights out – and he was a man who understood Soho like so few others. More than anything else, he cared about people and he made the place come alive.

This project may have led us to pull at some difficult threads, but that wasn’t what we set out to do. As we interviewed more and more people and heard more and more audio, stories of his final weeks started to take a more complex and difficult turn. If listeners are enthralled by Bernie’s unspeakably sad end, it’s because the testimonials of our guests are so vivid and loving. The man was seriously that important to so many.

Without giving too much away, what surprised you most about Bernie’s story?

P: His funeral was a very public affair. The great, the good, the rich and the famous all rolling around Soho for an afternoon, pieces on BBC London about the sad loss of one of Soho’s greatest characters, but actually very few, save for a couple of pretty close friends, knew what the final weeks of his life were like. And, for someone who knew him but really didn’t know him well enough, I found the interviews rather shocking and wish that I’d been closer to him.

You can listen to all three instalments of Bernie: Who killed the Prince of Soho? via your favourite podcast player. Our writer and presenter is Mark Edmonds who can be found on Twitter @MEdmondsLondon, and sound design is by Sami El-Enany, @SamiElEnany on Twitter.

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This article was produced by Stak as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com.

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Every family has myths – the stories from older family members that are half-remembered, or half-told. Like many families, my own family stories range from the sublime (my Polish grandmother walking across continents as a refugee) to the ridiculous (Billy Bragg hitting on my mum at a gig). Arguably, every family’s myths are worthy of a podcast. But when you throw in Soviet Russia, the world-renowned Mariinsky Ballet school and a daring escape from a locked hospital, you have the makings of great investigative podcast.

This is the starting point of Finding Natasha, the newest podcast from Message Heard. The company has made other shows investigating geopolitics through personal stories – such as Conflicted, where Aimen Dean (a former jihadist turned British double agent inside Al Qaeda) talks openly about ‘The War on Terror’. But Finding Natasha is more than an investigative podcast – it is research into the producer’s family history.

The podcast focuses on Debbie Gayle, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, and one of Britain’s most promising young ballerinas in the 1970s. She is also lead producer Jake’s mum. In 1974, Debbie became the first Westerner to train with the world renowned Kirov (now the Mariinsky) in Russia. The first two episodes of this podcast looks at how this was both a dream come true for Debbie, and a great chance at cultural diplomacy for Britain and Russian.

But Debbie’s time is Russia was disastrous from the start. And after drinking contaminated water, Debbie was taken to an isolated room in a Soviet hospital, and left alone without treatment, and unable to escape. Natasha was the person who let Debbie out and helped her get back to England, and since then, Debbie has searched for Natasha. But she had little more than an Anglicised first name (the Russian would be Natalya) and a photo to go on.

I expected this search for Natasha to be the point of entry for highlighting aspects of a country and time in modern history that can seem impenetrable. And there were points that touched on this – the section that talked about Debbie preparing for the exchange sees a contrast between excitement, and foreboding warnings of the line to tread whilst over there. This was a time when there were dire consequences for simply owning Western currency whilst in Russia.

But rather than using Debbie’s personal story as the listener’s way into 1970s Russia, it plays out the other way around. Russia works as the backdrop to Debbie’s story, and the show doesn’t gloss over how close it is to the subject. Small things remind us that this is a real life family saga. Jake refers to Debbie as ‘Mum’ throughout (rather than using a more formal ‘my mother’) and Zoom recordings don’t edit out the despairing comments from Debbie about the state of her – and Jake’s – hair. It all adds to the realness of Debbie. And it makes the search for Natasha all the more important for both the show and the listener. This family myth is so grand, we feel like we need it to be corroborated. As Jake says at one point:

“As most of us with our parents, I only understood as much as [mum] had given away herself. Natasha was the only other person who was there.”

At five episodes long, Finding Natasha is about the right length. But it did leave me wanting to know more. I wanted to learn about Debbie, and I found myself Googling for images of her. I wanted to read the newspaper cuttings on the cover of the pod art (it would be great to have such resources released alongside the shownotes).

But more than that, Finding Natasha left me wanting to go away and learn more about my own family myths as well.

Finding Natasha launched on 18th May. Listen to the trailer and subscribe now on the Message Heard website, Spotify or your favourite podcast app.

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