Episodes
Matt and Alice sit down with old friend of the notorious drug smuggler, Julian Peto. The pair met as denim-clad Oxford students with long hair and a disdain for academic lectures. Julian takes us inside their raucous university nights, Howard’s magnetic charm, and the Welshman’s surprising resilience in the face of imprisonment and his later cancer diagnosis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Howard Marks is living a life of luxury in the Mediterranean. But he’s being watched. A federal agent is tapping his phone and following his every move. Craig Lovato has made catching “Mr Nice” his life’s work. And he’s not going to stop until he brings Marks - and his empire - down.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Howard Marks has just imported enough Colombian weed to get every person in the UK stoned. He’s at the peak of his trafficking career and he’s never been prouder. Perhaps he’ll even retire. Howard celebrates the win with a sherry. But he’s barely a sip in when a man appears in front of him with some bad news: Howard's under arrest.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It's 1964 and a young Oxford student called Howard Marks develops a habit that will define the course his life. At first, cannabis is simply his escape. But then it becomes his route to making millions. It’s going well - really well - until one misstep sees Howard forced to choose between his family and his freedom.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this special one-off episode, Matt and Alice explore the celebrity saga that gripped the nation. No, it's not Matt Hancock's appearance on I'm a Celeb: it's the iconic court case between former WAGs, Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney. With the help of The Guardian's Media Editor, Jim Waterson, Matt and Alice take listeners right inside Coleen's secret investigation, her stunning Twitter post and the most explosive moments of the trial.This episode is sponsored by Disney+. All views expressed are those of individuals and not Disney+. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Calif...
Matt and Alice speak to Robert Harris, bestselling writer and author of the definitive account of the scandal, 'Selling Hitler'. He tells us why Hitler is one of the least likely historical figures to have kept a diary, and lays bare the impact of the scandal on fake news culture.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The stories around the diaries and their authenticity begin to unravel. Streams of people have their reputations and their livelihoods on the line. Who will survive this humiliating scandal? And who, when the dust settles, will still come out on top?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Excited by the prospect of the diaries being real, Rupert Murdoch sends famed historian Hugh Trevor-Roper to verify them. Everything is riding on his assessment. What will Trevor-Roper tell the world? Real or fake?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Journalist Gerd Heidemann is searching for his next story for Stern magazine when the scoop of the century lands in his lap. But is it too good to be true?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Alastair Campbell - the spin doctor-turned-podcaster - tells Matt and Alice speak why he thinks Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng were a “lethal combination” and describes the moment he felt Truss was really losing the plot. Plus comedian and activist Joe Lycett takes listeners inside his infamous appearance on the Laura Kuenssberg show and tells Matt and Alice why he’s trying (and quite clearly failing) to stop talking about the former leader a year after her tumultuous turn in Number 10.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#d...
Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng hit the ground running, scheming ways to revolutionise the government and the economy. But after they announce their shake up, the Truss premiership is on a collision course with an iceberg (lettuce).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Liz Truss’ star is rising in the Conservative party after both Theresa May and Boris Johnson place her at the heart of their cabinets. And when things start to unravel for Boris, Liz sees her chance. It’s time for her to take the lead and unleash the radical revolution she's sure the country desperately needs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For as long as she can remember, Mary Elizabeth Truss has been determined to make her mark on British politics. And now it's finally within reach. She’s been handpicked to stand for Parliament in South West Norfolk. But when a story from the past comes to light, her career could be over before it’s even started.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John Darwin decides to come back from the dead and journalists begin to investigate his mysterious disappearance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Darwins trick the police into thinking John’s dead and decide they need to flee the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Prison officer John Darwin finds himself in debt and makes a drastic decision to fake his own death.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Prince Charles no longer has to live a lie. His divorce with Diana is finalised and his relationship with Camilla is out in the open. But there’s a problem: Camilla remains deeply unpopular with the public and the press. He knows that turning this around will be an uphill battle, so he enlists the help of a wily spin doctor and sets to work. Charles remains adamant that Camilla is his Queen-in-waiting...but can he convince everyone else?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Diana isn’t happy, and she refuses to stay quiet about it any longer. Putting on a brave face for her royal duties is pushing her to the very brink. She begins by confronting the woman she blames for her failing marriage, Camilla Parker-Bowles. But Camilla won’t listen. So Diana goes further with a blistering, tell-all BBC interview, and the Palace is shaken to the core. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As England’s future king, Prince Charles knows all too well what’s expected of him: find a virgin bride and fulfil the duties assigned to him at birth. But then he meets Camilla Shand. She’s confident, honest and unlike any woman he’s ever met before. But she’s also deemed wholly unsuitable by the Firm. They would prefer shy, young aristocrat Diana Spencer. So Charles faces an impossible choice: duty or desire?For eating disorder support, call Beat on 0808 801 0677 or email help@beateatingdisorders.org.ukSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https:...
Matt and Alice sit down with close friend of Brian Jones, Prince Stash Klossowski de Rola. A fellow musician and socialite at the centre of London’s Swinging Sixties scene, Prince Stash takes us inside the wild nights they spent together in Parisian clubs, and his memories of watching the Stones make magic in the studio. Plus, he tells us what really happened the night he was arrested alongside Brian Jones in a drugs bust that would see Jones found guilty.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After a difficult few years, things are looking up for Brian Jones. A trip to Morocco opens a whole new world of musical inspiration, and then there’s his collaborations with the likes of Jimi Hendrix. He’s ready to hit the studio and make music he knows the fans will love.But the other band members don’t want Brian to take the lead. In fact, they don’t want him in the band at all. And when they say goodbye, they don’t realise that it’s the last time they’ll ever see the man who made them The Rolling Stones.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at htt...
The Rolling Stones are riding high, topping charts and playing stadiums across the world. But backstage, the relationship between Keith Richards and Brian Jones is rockier than ever. And when an intrepid News of the World journalist stumbles upon the scoop of his career, the Stones need to unite - or their latest single could be their last.For confidential advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law, call Frank on 0300-123-660 or visit talktofrank.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Brian Jones wants to be a famous blues musician. The only problem is, he hasn’t got a band. When he meets talented upstarts Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, he knows he’s onto something good. Onstage, they’re electric, but behind the scenes a battle ensues to define the soul of The Rolling Stones. Jones put the band together. But as they hit the big time, can he keep hold of the reins?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Matt and Alice speak to Oscar Wilde's only grandchild, Merlin Holland, who has spent more than four decades researching his grandfather's life. He tells us what it's like being connected to a literary icon, and why he believes his grandfather felt untouchable. Plus he takes us inside Wilde's complicated relationship with scandal. Did he court it?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oscar Wilde’s reputation is in tatters. His books have been pulled from the printers, his name erased from theatre productions. There's still time to flee. But he would rather be a martyr than a man on the run. He arrives at the trial that will dictate his future determined to put up a fight. Wilde has been called many things, but he won’t be called a coward. And then, the judge delivers his verdict.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oscar Wilde is making waves in London’s literary scene, but he’s heading for disaster. He's been publicly outed by his gay lover’s father, Lord Queensberry. Homosexuality is illegal and Wilde is facing private and public ruin. So he has to make a life-changing choice: fight, or flight?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It’s 1891 and Oscar Wilde’s star is rising. His book, ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, is a bestseller, and his first West End play is about to open. And then he meets Bosie Douglas, a young, handsome and beguiling poet. But homosexuality is illegal and they must keep their relationship secret. When Bosie’s father, the dogmatic Lord Queensberry, finds out, he resolves to do whatever it takes to keep them apart forever.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Matt and Alice speak to Linda Lusardi, former Page 3 model and close friend of Paul Gascoigne. She takes us inside the highs of their raucous nights out, and the lows of his battles with addiction. Plus, she tells us why Gazza’s life wouldn’t be all that different had he never become a footballer.If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like those touched on in this episode, here are some UK resources:For mental health support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.orgIf you’re experiencing domestic abuse, or want to help someone who is, call the National Domestic Ab...
Glenn Hoddle has a decision to make. As the England team's new manager, it’s time to select his 1998 World Cup squad. Include Gazza, and he’ll have to take drastic action to stop him going off the rails. But exclude the star player and the country could well turn against him. Gazza played a blinder in the qualifying matches, but will it be enough to get him to France?If you or someone you know needs mental health support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.orgSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell...
When Paul Gascoigne steps out with his new girlfriend, Sheryl, interest in his personal life soars, and the Press takes advantage. Gazza’s alcohol-fuelled benders and turbulent relationship make him easy prey for tabloid journalists seeking headlines. Sheryl befriends one with the hope of turning the narrative around.If you or someone you know is struggling with issues like those touched on in this episode, here are some UK resources:For eating disorder support, call Beat on 0808 801 0677 or email help@beateatingdisorders.org.ukFor mental health support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or email ...