Elon's Spies | Tortoise Investigates

Tortoise Media

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 hello@tortoisemedia.com

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.

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Our Editor's Take

Could someone fall in love with a person they haven't even met? Sweet Bobby is an investigation podcast that takes listeners on a journey of discovery to find the truth. After host Kirat Assi meets a wonderful man online, she finds herself falling. But who is Bobby? The more she gets to know him, the more there is that doesn't quite add up. As lies build, Kirat starts to wonder if she knows Bobby at all. Listeners can follow along as she dives into finding out the truth about Bobby. She may think she is only looking for answers about her beau, but it becomes a search for a high-level catfisher. The episodes run in real-time as she uncovers secrets and unsettling facts about the man she thought she knew.

Dynamic, gripping and shocking, this podcast is a must-listen. It is the perfect listen for fans of true crime, investigative stories, and TV shows like Catfish. Each twist and turn will surprise, and listeners will feel the rollercoaster of emotions alongside Kirat as she unpacks a life full of lies. Epic scams, layers of deceit, and a web of deceit will reel audiences in. Uncovering the truth will compel them to stay. This show is perfect for those who love stories like the Tinder Swindler or Inventing Anna. It is catfishing at its finest…and most dangerous.

Listeners are already raving about the Sweet Bobby podcast. It has gained the attention of media companies, and garnered over a million viewers from across the globe. It is one of the best podcast series around. The real-life story will captivate listeners. But Kirat's story is also relatable—how many people have also been too trusting and fallen for a stranger? Emotional, tense and down-right entertaining, this podcast is a must-add to any playlist.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

True CrimeTrue Crime

DocumentaryDocumentary

Play Trailer

Introducing: Sweet Bobby

Introducing: Sweet Bobby

How much do you know about the person you love? Sweet Bobby is the #1 award-winning investigative series in search of the world's most sophisticated catfishers. All 6 episodes are available to listen now.To get exclusive access to the bonus episode, subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts.To find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 hello@tortoisemedia.comHost and reporter: Alexi MostrousProducer: Gary MarshallAssistant producer and reporter: Claudia WilliamsExecutive producer: Basia CummingsSound design: Karla PatellaArtwork: Jon Hill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 14

Introducing...Elon's Spies

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 journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 hello@tortoisemedia.comReporter: Alexi MostrousProducer: Gary MarshallOriginal Music & Sound design: Tom KinsellaPodcast artwork: Jon Hill Executive producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pedo guy | Elon's Spies Ep1

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 journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 hello@tortoisemedia.comReporter: Alexi MostrousProducer: Gary MarshallOriginal Music & Sound design: Tom KinsellaPodcast artwork: Jon Hill Executive producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Horrible human being | Elon's Spies Ep2

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 journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 hello@tortoisemedia.comReporter: Alexi MostrousProducer: Gary MarshallOriginal Music & Sound design: Tom KinsellaPodcast artwork: Jon Hill Executive producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amber | Elon's Spies Ep3

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 journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 hello@tortoisemedia.comReporter: Alexi MostrousProducer: Gary MarshallOriginal Music & Sound design: Tom KinsellaPodcast artwork: Jon Hill Executive producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A star is born | Elon's Spies Ep4

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 journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 hello@tortoisemedia.comReported and produced by: Alexi Mostrous, Gary Marshall, Matt Russell & Patricia ClarkeSound design: Bart WarshawOriginal Music: Tom KinsellaPodcast artwork: Jon Hill Executive producer: Basia Cummings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 13

The bath | Master Ep 1

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 - DisneyReporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel JohnsonProducer: Katie GunningAdditional reporting: Jess SwinburneOriginal music and sound design: Tom KinsellaSeries editor: Matt RussellEditor: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome 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.

The Whatsapps | Master Ep 2

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 JohnsonProducer: Katie GunningAdditional reporting: Jess SwinburneOriginal music and sound design: Tom KinsellaSeries editor: Matt RussellEditor: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome 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.

The pond | Master Ep 3

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 BrosClip: Newsnight - BBC Clip: William Morrow 2014Clip: Politics and Prose bookstore 2013Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel JohnsonProducer: Katie GunningAdditional reporting: Jess SwinburneOriginal music and sound design: Tom KinsellaSeries editor: Matt RussellEditor: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fan | Master Ep 4

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 JohnsonProducer: Katie GunningAdditional reporting: Jess SwinburneOriginal music and sound design: Tom KinsellaSeries editor: Matt RussellEditor: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome 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.

The NDAs | Master Ep 5

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 JohnsonProducer: Katie Gunning and Matt RussellAdditional reporting: Jess SwinburneOriginal music and sound design: Tom KinsellaSeries editor: Matt RussellEditor: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome 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.

The phone calls | Master Ep 6

The phone calls | Master Ep 6

A fifth woman comes forward with allegations against the author Neil Gaiman.Reporter: Paul Caruana Galizia and Rachel JohnsonProducer: Matt RussellAdditional reporting: Jess SwinburneOriginal music and sound design: Tom KinsellaSeries editor: Matt RussellEditor: Jasper CorbettTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome 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.

Season 12

Introducing...Dangerous Memories

Introducing...Dangerous Memories

Introducing...Dangerous MemoriesWhen 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 journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 hello@tortoisemedia.comReporter: Grace Hughes-HallettProducer: Gary MarshallAdditional reporting and production: Imogen HarperSound design and original composition: Tom KinsellaTheme music: Far Gone (Don’t Leave) by Pictish TrailPodcast artwork: Lola WilliamsCommissioning editor: Basia CummingsExecutive producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That amazing healer lady | Dangerous Memories Ep 1

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: dangerousmemories@tortoisemedia.comTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreWritten and reported by Grace Hughes-Hallett & Gary MarshallProducer: Gary MarshallAdditional reporting and production: Imogen HarperAdditional editing: Claudia WilliamsSound design and original composition: Tom KinsellaTheme music: Far Gone (Don’t Leave) by Pictish TrailPodcast artwork: Lola WilliamsCommissioning editor: Basia CummingsExecutive producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Seagull | Dangerous Memories Ep 2

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: dangerousmemories@tortoisemedia.comTo find out more about Tortoise:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreWritten and reported by Grace Hughes-Hallett & Gary MarshallProducer: Gary MarshallAdditional reporting and production: Imogen HarperAdditional editing: Claudia WilliamsSound design and original composition: Tom KinsellaTheme music: Far Gone (Don’t Leave) by Pictish TrailPodcast artwork: Lola WilliamsCommissioning editor: Basia CummingsExecutive producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do not say my name | Dangerous Memories Ep 3

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:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 dangerousmemories@tortoisemedia.comWritten and reported by: Grace Hughes-Hallett & Gary MarshallProducer: Gary MarshallAdditional reporting and production: Imogen HarperSound design and original composition: Tom KinsellaTheme music: Far Gone (Don’t Leave) by Pictish TrailPodcast artwork: Lola WilliamsCommissioning editor: Basia CummingsExecutive producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ‘other person' | Dangerous Memories Ep 4

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:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 hello@tortoisemedia.comReporter: Grace Hughes-HallettProducer: Gary MarshallAdditional reporting and production: Imogen HarperSound design and original composition: Tom KinsellaTheme music: Far Gone (Don’t Leave) by Pictish TrailPodcast artwork: Lola WilliamsCommissioning editor: Basia CummingsExecutive producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is Anne? | Dangerous Memories Ep 5

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:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 hello@tortoisemedia.comReporter: Grace Hughes-HallettProducer: Gary MarshallAdditional reporting and production: Imogen HarperSound design and original composition: Tom KinsellaTheme music: Far Gone (Don’t Leave) by Pictish TrailPodcast artwork: Lola WilliamsCommissioning editor: Basia CummingsExecutive producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lightbulbs | Dangerous Memories Ep 6

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:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 hello@tortoisemedia.comReporter: Grace Hughes-HallettProducer: Gary MarshallAdditional reporting and production: Imogen HarperSound design and original composition: Tom KinsellaTheme music: Far Gone (Don’t Leave) by Pictish TrailPodcast artwork: Lola WilliamsCommissioning editor: Basia CummingsExecutive producer: Ceri Thomas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 11

Introducing...The Gas Man

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 journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 hello@tortoisemedia.comReporter: Chloe Hadjimatheou Producer: Claudia WilliamsEditor: Jasper CorbettNarrative editor: Gary MarshallSound design: Hannah VarrallOriginal theme music: Tom KinsellaOriginal artwork: Jon Hill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The special agent | The Gas Man Ep 1

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:Download the Tortoise app - for a listening experience curated by our journalistsSubscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free contentBecome a member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and moreIf 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 hello@tortoisemedia.comReporter: Chloe Hadjimatheou Producer: Claudia WilliamsEditor: Jasper CorbettNarrative editor: Gary MarshallSound design: Hannah VarrallOriginal theme music: Tom KinsellaOriginal artwork: Jon HillFX credit: Telex by YleArkisto at freesound - License: Attribution 4.0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.