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Top Charts of 2024

Gripping listens you might've missed.

  • How far has the Mormon church gone to cover up abuse?  When journalist Murray Jones started looking into the church's finances in New Zealand, an intriguing Facebook post alerted him to a much bigger - and much darker - scandal. From the NZ Herald, Heaven's Helpline is a six-part investigation into how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built a system thatprotects its wealth and reputation – and shields sexual predators from the law.  Listen to episodes weekly from October 17th. Funded by NZ on Air.

  • Fans of the movie “Free Willy” are outraged to learn that the real whale who played Willy lives in a tiny pool at an amusement park in Mexico City. So well-intentioned experts embark on an epic science experiment to try to teach one celebrity orca how to be free — while the world watches. Sign up for our newsletter to see photos and videos of Keiko, and get a behind the scenes look at the making of The Good Whale. Sign up at nytimes.com/serialnewsletter Subscribers to the New York Times can listen to all episodes of The Good Whale early, and access the full archive of other Serial Productions and New York Times podcasts on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe at nytimes.com/podcasts Have a story pitch, a tip, or feedback on The Good Whale or other shows from Serial Productions? Email us at [email protected]

  • Season 6: The Bad Guru. A yoga school in London. A guru running from the police. How did Miranda get sucked in? Also: Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods. Women accuse Mohamed Al Fayed of rape. And: The Abercrombie Guys. Investigating sexual exploitation claims against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch. Delve into a World of Secrets: the global investigations podcast from the BBC. Uncovering stories around the world and telling them, episode by episode, with gripping storytelling. Latest season: The Bad Guru. A yoga school in London. A guru running from the police. How did Miranda get sucked in? Journalist Cat McShane investigates the international yoga movement headed by Gregorian Bivolaru, the spiritual guide arrested by French police in November 2023 and charged with human trafficking, organised kidnapping, rape and organised abuse of weakness by members of a sect. “Nobody joins a cult. You just get sucked in,” says Penny, the mother of a university tutor from London. In 2017, Penny’s daughter Miranda joins a yoga charity with studios in London and Oxford. The classes make Miranda feel amazing and the people make her feel loved. “There was this sense that these people cared,” says Miranda. But as Miranda becomes more deeply involved with the international yoga movement that her group in London is part of, her mother Penny starts to worry. “When she rang us, she'd be speaking in very hushed tones,” says Penny. Miranda has fallen under the spell of guru Gregorian Bivolaru. She joins thousands of his followers from around the world on a free holiday at a coastal resort in Romania. It’s part of a search for spiritual enlightenment which will see her driven through Paris blindfolded and doing sex work in Prague. This series includes explicit sexual content and strong language. Previous seasons of World of Secrets: Season 5: Finding Mr Fox. Investigating a plot to smuggle around a hundred millions of dollars’ worth of drugs from Brazil to Europe and the miscarriage of justice that followed. But where is the man Brazilian police believe to be at the centre of it all? Season 4: Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods. Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed – then owner of Harrods, one of the most famous shops in the world – is accused of rape and attempted rape by women who worked for him. Now they refuse to be silenced any longer. Season 3: The Apartheid Killer. All the victims were black and the youngest was just 12 years old. Some relatives are still searching for the graves. They were killed during a three-year bloodbath in the 1980s, in the South African city of East London – by one person. He killed so many, he lost count. In piecing together this story, we expose the disturbed past and racial injustices of South Africa itself. Season 2: The Disciples. The cult of Nigerian prophet TB Joshua. A story of miracles, faith and manipulation, told by people from around the world, who gave up everything for one of the most powerful religious figures of the century. Lured by TB Joshua’s claimed healing powers, they live as disciples in a guarded Lagos compound, cut off from family and friends. Season 1: The Abercrombie Guys. An investigation into claims of sexual exploitation made against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch. He and his British partner were accused by several men, recruited for sex events they hosted around the world.

  • Welcome to the Tortoise Investigates feed. It’s the home for the best of our podcast series, where you can find all our chart-topping, award-winning stories in one place.  We’ve covered everything from extraordinary tales of deception to suspicious deaths to one mother’s decades-long fight against the police.  Our journalists cover a wide range of stories but there is a thread that ties them all together – in every series, you’ll hear us going deep on a story, taking our time to investigate, guided by the public interest and the truths that, as journalists, we think need to be uncovered.  So, we hope there’s in this feed you’ll like, and we’ll be updating it regularly with all of our best and most ambitious stories. To be the first to find out when we launch a show, follow the feed. To get early, ad-free access to all our investigations subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 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] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • A teenager suspiciously drowned. A mother and her childhood nanny drive off a cliff. Between 1977 and 1989, a dozen people died under mysterious circumstances, with one thing in common: a connection to a spiritual leader in Dallas, Texas named Terri Hoffman. In Scary Terri, investigative reporter Jonathan Hirsch unravels the web of lies, manipulation, and dubious deeds that surround Hoffman. A dark Texas Gothic about the Charlie Manson you’ve never heard of. Smoke Screen is now The Binge Cases - new name, same home for thrilling true crime stories. Scary Terri is the latest series from The Binge - subscribe to listen to all episodes, all at once, all ad-free right now. From serial killer nurses to psychic scammers – The Binge is your home for true crime stories that pull you in and never let go. Follow The Binge Crimes and The Binge Cases to get new stories on the first of the month, every month. Hit ‘Subscribe’ at the top of the The Binge Cases show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com. The Binge – feed your true crime obsession.

  • One ordinary day almost a decade ago, John Beckenridge abducted his stepson, Mike, from school and vanished. Police investigated for four years, but with no proof of what happened, asked a court to make sense of the crime. That court heard dozens of hours of evidence, and tried to determine how a marriage breakdown became a manhunt and then a mystery. As well as a kidnapping, the story includes cryptic phone messages, a car plunging from an 80-metre cliff and allegations of secret bank accounts, criminal accomplices and illegal border crossings. We'll take you inside the courtroom as two opposing theories are put to the test. Are John and Mike alive or dead? From Stuff Audio, New Zealand’s leader in true crime podcasts, and The Press newspaper, this is the story of a calculating man with a dark past, the 11-year-old boy he controlled and the distraught mother left behind. Podcasts like this take lots of time and resources to produce, which is why we’re asking you to subscribe to The Lost Boy. Subscribe to Stuff Extra on Apple podcasts, or by Clicking here. You'll get exclusive ad-free access to the remaining episodes instantly, for about the price of a cup of coffee, and in doing so you'll be supporting our gutsy, independent journalism. CREDITS Scripted, hosted and produced by Michael Wright and Shannon Redstall Sound design, audio editing and mixing by John Ropiha Visual design: Aaron Wood Producer: Jen Black Executive producer: Chris Reed Special thanks to Kamala Hayman and Wei Shao from The Press; Laura Heathcote, Elmo Johnstone, and Matt Slaughter Warning: The Lost Boy podcast contains strong language, content that may be distressing and references to self-harm and suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, call or text 1737 for free assistance, 24 hours a day.

Your perfect companions for the summer.

True crime, comedy, history and more.

Say farewell to 2024.

  • A recommendation extravaganza!

    Why hello! It’s time for our December review episode, so we decided to throw a 2024 recommendation EXTRAVAGANZA! This is the ultimate list of TV shows, films, podcasts, books and… recipes?... that we loved this year, all in one place. There’s more than enough brilliant stuff here to see you through the entire festive season! Big thanks to Drop of Sunshine for making this episode possible. Drop of Sunshine is a brand-new wine created to encourage more meaningful connections through the sharing of stories. Your hosts today were Michelle Andrews (@michelleandrews1), Zara McDonald (@zamcdonald) and Eilish Gilligan (@eilishgilligan).  All recommendations from each host are listed below. MICH Boy Swallows Universe on Netflix ‘I felt myself split into before and after’: how giving birth triggered a life-changing illness by Lauren Bensted in The Guardian Mr Big | Unravel from ABC Listen Tomato Soup recipe from NYT Cooking Personal colour analysis  ZARA Borgen on Netflix Rivals on Disney+ All Fours by Miranda July Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors The Bee Sting by Paul Murray The Complicated Sisterhood of Jackie Kennedy and Lee Radziwill by Sam Kashner in Vanity Fair EILISH Agatha All Along on Disney+ My Brother’s Ashes Are In A Sandwich Bag by Michelle Brasier Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe Eric Adams from If Books Could Kill  Short n Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter BRAT by Charli xcx Unreal Unearth: Unending by Hozier  Eric on Netflix This episode was audio-produced by Eilish Gilligan. Want to support our show? Clicking ‘follow’ on Apple and Spotify is the best way to do that, and we're super grateful to anyone who leaves a five-star review while they're at it. Also! An old-fashioned 'Tell a Friend In Real Life' is equally appreciated. Want more? We've got more... Subscribe to the Shameless newsletter, Smart Dumb Stuff: http://eepurl.com/iH2sV-/ Aaaand everything else your heart could ever desire is here: https://linktr.ee/shamelesspodcast Thanks for listening! We’re huge fans of you.

  • 2024: The year that was

    We are coming to the end of 2024, and what a big year it has been in the news! On today’s podcast, we reflect on some of the biggest moments of the year - from politics to pop culture. Hosts: Billi FitzSimons and Zara SeidlerProducer: Orla Maher Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Hamish & Andy Reministmas 2024

    Everyone knows that exactly one week before Christmas, Reministmas is celebrated which involves looking back at the year and reminiscing. To help get into the spirit of Reministmas this year, the Hamish and Andy Podcast team have compiled a bunch of moments from the 2024 year podcasts for us all to look back at fondly… or angrily if you really didn’t like that specific bit.

  • ZOE's best health tips of 2024 - Part 1

    Let’s take a look back at our best episodes of 2024. We had an incredible lineup of guests this year who shared a huge range of actionable tips on improving your nutrition and gut health.  A lot of what we learned might surprise you. Like the beverage you’re probably drinking every day that we thought was bad for us? Turns out it can actually be super beneficial. Or that what counts as a plant is actually so much more than just fruit and veg. Not forgetting the topic we’ve shattered the taboo on - which made our celebrity guest emotional.  You’ll finish this episode equipped to tackle your post-Christmas slump and feel energised to build new habits with ZOE in 2025.  🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST 🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+ Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes 00:00 Introduction 01:41 Build healthy food habits 08:15 Eat more plants with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall 17:20 Reduce dementia risk 21:20 Is coffee healthy? 24:40 Why you need more olive oil 33:30 Our special guest! 📚Books by our ZOE Scientists The Food For Life Cookbook Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector Free resources from ZOE Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks  Enjoy the full episodes here 👇 Habits with James Clear | Spotify or Apple Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall | Spotify or Apple Dementia | Spotify or Apple Coffee | Spotify or Apple Olive oil | Spotify or Apple Davina McCall | Spotify or Apple Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.

  • Hate and the "hot assassin": has 2024 sent us mad?

    After a big year of pretty toxic politics globally, can we learn to disagree better? Jules has been reading up about the "Dignity Index", so could it make a difference? And the so called "hot assassin" has lots of people talking about healthcare and health insurance in the US. Also, could "Not Stupid" get in the Guinness Book of Records? SHOW NOTES Buy tickets to our Adelaide show! https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/events/2025-writers-week/podfest-not-stupid/ Utah Governor advert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5_ajRH0QN8 Jules' Pick: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2024/12/record-breaking-best-of-2024-iconic-meet-ups-amazing-animals-and-age-defying-love Jez' Pick: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/very-musical-christmas

  • The Top 10 Panics of 2024 (with Katie Notopoulos, Luke Bailey, & Adam Bumas)

    It’s the end of the year episode, so we’re talking about some of the best — and worst — things on the internet for 2024. Joining us are friends of the pod Katie Notopoulos and Luke Bailey, plus our producer Grant Irving and the big on-air debut of our researcher, Adam Bumas. Happy holidays, panickers! Make sure to touch grass this holiday season. Follow our guests! (And researcher!) Luke Bailey @lukebailey.bsky.social Katie Notopoulos @katienotopoulos / @katienotopoulos.bsky.social Adam Bumas bumas.bsky.social Want even more Panic World content? Like ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and access to the Garbage Day Discord? Sign up for a membership at: https://www.patreon.com/PanicWorld. Want to sponsor Panic World? Ad sales & marketing support by Multitude, hit them up here: ⁠http://multitude.productions⁠. Credits - Host: Ryan Broderick - Producer: Grant Irving - Researcher: Adam Bumas - Business Manager: Josh Fjelstad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcasts that topped the charts.

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Our editors' favourites this year.

  • This podcast is about finding the sweetspot between the textbooks and real life when it comes to parenting. Dr Billy (a developmental pediatrician) and Nick (a developing parent) are a couple of dads having honest discussions about parenting day to day We'll be using iconic TV and cinema scenes from the 80's & 90's to give context to Billy's parenting advice. Please subscribe and tell us what parenting topics and movie scenes we should talk about next

  • A podcast about things that are not what they seem, hosted by journalist Evan Ratliff. In Season One, that thing is Evan’s voice. By creating a voice clone and hooking it up to an AI chatbot, Evan set out to discover what happens when you try to take control of the very technology that threatens to replace you. Shell Game was named one of the the best podcasts of 2024 by New York Magazine, a top 10 podcast of 2024 by The Economist, one of the five most insightful podcasts of the summer by The Week, and one of the five best tech and business podcasts of the year by The Information. It's "riveting," says The New Yorker, "awesome" says The Verge, and "slightly terrifying," says The Globe and Mail. Over the course of six episodes, Evan’s voice agents talk to spammers and scammers, to Evan’s friends and family, to colleagues and sources, to other AIs, and even to a therapist—all to better understand what AI voice is able to do, what it can't yet do, and what to expect from a future in which more and more of the people we encounter in the world aren’t real. Visit shellgame.co to find out more and support the show. www.shellgame.co

  • In the winter of 2002, police discovered more than 300 bodies on one property in the tiny town of Noble, Georgia. What followed was one of the biggest and most expensive investigations in the history of the American South. To get to the bottom of this forgotten case, journalist Shaun Raviv visits a rural community with plenty of secrets. He discovers the epic history of the well-respected family who owned the property, uncovers the fates of the bodies sent to a crematory called Tri-State, and searches for the mysterious man at the center of it all. And in the process, Shaun explores one of the most primal and vexing questions we face as human beings: What do the living owe the dead? Noble is an 8-episode series with new episodes publishing Wednesday mornings.

  • One woman's exploration of family and infertility.

  • Hysterical investigates a mysterious illness that spreads among a group of high school girls in upstate New York. What is causing their sudden, often violent symptoms? Is there something in the water or inside the school? Or is it “all in their head?” The series examines the outbreak in LeRoy, NY, believed by some to be the most severe case of mass hysteria since the Salem Witch Trials. In his search for answers, Dan Taberski (9/12, Missing Richard Simmons, Running from Cops) explores other seemingly inexplicable events of the last few years – CIA officers being crippled with nausea and vertigo; cops OD'ing from exposure to fentanyl – and discovers they’re far more connected than we realize. From Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios, this 7-part series forces us to grapple with the mysteries of our own minds, and reckon with a contagion that we thought was long dead, but may be the defining disorder of our time. Listen to Hysterical on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Binge all episodes of Hysterical early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/hysterical/ now.

  • Flightless Bird sees journalist David Farrier learning about what makes America special, from his unique perspective as a Kiwi accidentally marooned in the Land of the Free. Infinitely curious but never judgmental, each week David seeks to understand what makes America so unique, strange and wonderful.

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