Mission accepted

As a lifelong enthusiast of documentaries and podcasts that delve into the complexities of human nature, these latest productions have truly captivated my interest. The Good Whale, with its tale of Keiko’s journey from an amusement park to the ocean, resonates deeply with me as a former marine biologist. The struggles faced by this orca, who had no whale language and couldn’t catch live prey, mirrors the challenges we face when trying to communicate across species boundaries.

ESPIONAGE

The Rest is Classified

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/5XEjudLYWCFvkKPEl5FMT2
 
 

DOCUMENTARY

The Good Whale

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/694AItXtdjLHgQaSyv1w8z

The plan was to save, rehabilitate, and set free an orca – a unique whale named Keiko – who was previously held captive in an amusement park in Mexico City and later starred in the 1993 film “Free Willy.” After that, he moved to a larger pool in Oregon with hopes of returning him to his natural habitat. However, the challenge was releasing an orca without whale language and unable to hunt or eat live fish on its own. The latest work from the Serial team weaves together a complex story with moments of brilliance. ANNA JONES

 

DOCUMENTARY

Stakeknife

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/0VtDbWWqSbpETUtsDkGeEA

A fresh series titled “Stakeknife” is produced by the creators of the popular BBC podcast “Where Is George Gibney?“. This series chronicles the life of Freddie Scappaticci, a double agent who led an IRA execution squad known as “nutting”, responsible for killing IRA informants. Simultaneously, he was providing information to the British government. The series features ten episodes, consisting of interviews with journalists, former IRA members, and significantly, relatives of victims targeted by Stakeknife’s internal IRA justice system. It’s a gripping, disturbing tale that leaves you captivated. FIONA HUGHES

 

 

CONVERSATION

Strangers on a Bench

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/6uQuPEidgU1KiZrqzDrToy

This podcast, created by Tom Rosenthal (the musician), explores the lives and thoughts of ordinary people sitting on park benches. By maintaining their anonymity, these individuals feel comfortable sharing a wide range of topics, from casual chit-chat to deep philosophical discussions, even revealing some surprisingly personal details. The podcast offers insights into the human condition in a natural and unscripted way. TOM GOULDING

 

DOCUMENTARY

Assume Nothing: A Belfast Haunting

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/0AcBhJ5XLzEAnTj1pUCBMT

This eight-episode series isn’t just about paranormal exploration; it delves much deeper into that realm. The creator, Reggie Chamberlain-King, bases his work on experiences from his childhood in west Belfast. He particularly concentrates on a family forced out of their home by an evil entity in 1989. He explores the relationship between the conflict and the search for comfort, as the community unites around something other than violence or strife. ANNA JONES

 

FILM

The Oscars: What Were They Thinking?

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/6tgCDBl5N4o8wS3RFKOFIO

As a seasoned movie critic, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this lively podcast that delves deep into every Oscars ceremony, questioning if the winners have withstood the test of time, and dissecting the oversights and mishaps. For example, was it truly Rain Man‘s time to shine at the 1989 event, or should Die Hard have taken center stage? Renowned Oscars commentator Bruce Vilanch steers the discussion with his wealth of backstage wisdom and anecdotes, ably supported by writer Adam “Tex” Davis. Jeremy Aspinall

 
 

CONSPIRACY

The Illuminator: Art, Conspiracy and Madness

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/0Rptk54khvUxQj9YihLVH7

Mark Lombardi was more than just a typical conceptual artist; according to one friend, he had an exceptional ability to delve deep into matters. Lombardi’s drawings revealed seemingly ominous global links, like the rumored link between the White House and Saudi Arabia. His work attracted interest from some of the world’s most influential figures. This podcast raises questions about whether there might have been a connection between these powerful individuals and Lombardi’s mysterious death in 2000. Today, he is often recognized as a precursor to Julian Assange and Edward Snowden. DAVID McGILLIVRAY

 

CONSPIRACY

Radioactive: the Karen Silkwood Mystery

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/3QFbRvarFaJyTxm09szTOA

This week’s second podcast discussion revolves around the well-known case of the Oklahoma plutonium plant worker who passed away 50 years ago in a car accident. Over time, particularly in the 1983 movie “Silkwood,” there has been strong suggestion that she may have been secretly murdered to prevent her from providing a journalist with evidence of unsafe work conditions. Recently, two Oklahoma journalists have come forward to reveal previously concealed recordings, offering new insights into the possibility of a cover-up. DAVID McGILLIVRAY

 

SPORT

The Sweeper Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/watch?v=episode/4zcciO2AOsMXLqctdqRsHD

Football’s world governing body Fifa has more member states — 211 — than there are members of the UN (193). This podcast looks beyond the European powerhouses to tell eye-catching stories from right across the globe, such as Turks and Caicos’s 14-year-old goalkeeper, derby day in Madeira, and Bolivia’s altitude advantage. Lee Wingate and Paul Watson make a lively pair of hosts, and they really open up a sport that most of us tend to view through the blinkered lens of fierce local interests. SIMON O’HAGAN

 

 

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2024-12-02 23:10