logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
28m 45s

The fall | Dr Anti-vax Ep 1

The Observer
About this episode

A British doctor sparks a global health panic about the safety of vaccines. But even though his work is discredited, he lights a fire that becomes the modern anti-vax movement. Hosted by Alexi Mostrous. 


This is part 1 of a 3-part series - to listen exclusively to episodes 2 and 3 today subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or become a member and listen on Tortoise's audio app. 


You can find out more about Tortoise:

Download the Tortoise audio app - for a listening experience curated by our journalists


Subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content 


Become a Tortoise member and get access to all of Tortoise's premium audio offerings and more. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Oct 2023
The rock star | Dr Anti-vax Ep 2
<p>Andrew Wakefield becomes a superstar thanks to the support of celebrities and an army of mothers – and establishes anti-vax as a moneymaker.</p><br><p>This is part 2 of a 3-part series - to listen exclusively to episode 3 today subscribe to Tortoise+ on Apple Podcasts or becom ... Show More
33m 25s
Nov 2023
The movement | Dr Anti-vax Ep 3
<p>Radicalised by Covid, the anti-vax movement goes mainstream – and RFK Jr emerges as a new figurehead.</p><br><p>You can find out more about Tortoise:</p><p><a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/tortoise/id1441428990" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download the Tort ... Show More
32m 32s
Nov 2023
Introducing: Walter's War
<p>It’s London, 2012. Oliver is a dashing diplomat. Charlie is a young graduate trying to find her feet in the world. They meet online and she falls in love. With his encouragement, Charlie applies for a job in British intelligence. Then, she receives a text message that turns he ... Show More
3 m
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
Sliding doors
Kirat is a successful marketer and radio presenter. Online, she’s contacted by a man she vaguely knows called Bobby, and they start chatting. Slowly, they become close… and she’s reeled in to a scam of epic proportions.All 6 episodes are available to listen now.To get exclusive a ... Show More
31m 2s
Jan 2025
Jordan Peterson and the making of man
Jordan Peterson is a controversial figure, but he is also a man with a long-standing appeal to a particular demographic. What does his popularity tell us about a possible crisis in young men today? Reporter: Stephen ArmstrongProducer: Matt RussellArtwork: Lola WilliamsSound desig ... Show More
40m 51s
Nov 2024
The world’s loneliest penguin
<p>An emperor penguin has turned up on a surfers beach in southwestern Australia, more than 2000 miles away from its natural habitat in the Antarctic. How did it end up so far off course?&nbsp;</p><br><p>Writer and producer: Claudia Williams</p><p>Episode photography: Jon Jones</ ... Show More
8 m
Jun 2025
A Brutally Honest Review Of Call Her Daddy's Alex Cooper
Call Her Alex has landed on Disney+, offering a glossy, tightly curated look at the rise of podcast juggernaut Alex Cooper, but just how honest is the series really?In this episode, we dive into how Alex's role in shaping the narrative we get to see as viewers. We also unpack her ... Show More
1 h
Nov 2024
A coach, a rescue and a life change
Catherine visits the villages of Barley and Barkway where she learns about history and hears about sudden life changes.Catherine Carr stops strangers to ask them “Where Are You Going?” and uncovers unexpected stories about people’s lives.---Named 'Podcast of the Year' by Radio Ti ... Show More
13m 42s
Oct 16
#62 Stefano
On her flight to emigrate from Italy in 1959, Anita was tasked with babysitting a two-year-old boy being brought to the US for adoption. During the flight, Anita fell in love with the child, and for the rest of her life, she wondered what became of him. Get ad-free episodes of He ... Show More
33m 52s
Aug 20
Trapped in the Tropics: Stranger to Saviour
A chance encounter with an enigmatic stranger presents Warren Macdonald with the adventure opportunity of a lifetime. But deep in Queensland’s Hinchinbrook Island, a bizarre accident changes everything. Smashed to pieces and immobilised, Warren has to pin all his hopes on a man h ... Show More
54m 2s
Aug 25
The Kid in the Cornfield | 1
17-year-old Danny Violette vanished in the fall of 1998. 11 days later, his body was found in a cornfield with signs of foul play. His case has gone unsolved for over 25 years, but some renewed interest could help unravel this mystery. Follow Culpable on our socials @CulpablePodc ... Show More
43m 9s
Jun 2025
Killer Conversation: Sebastian Burns & Atif Rafay - Part 1
Did two teenagers attempt to execute the perfect crime back in 1994? Sebastian Burns has been described as the mastermind who used a metal baseball bat to kill his friend Atif Rafay's mother, father, and sister, while Atif stood by. But what was their motive? 48 Hours corresponde ... Show More
42m 14s
Feb 2025
Jennifer Corbin & Dr. Dolly Hearn: “A Chilling Coincidence”丨MURDERISH Ep. 180
On December 4, 2004, Jennifer Corbin was found lifeless in her bed, the victim of an apparent suicide. Soon, a mysterious death that happened over 10 years prior would provide answers for more than one grieving family.  Follow Jami on Instagram & TikTok @JamiOnAir where she comm ... Show More
53m 9s