WITH the recent announcement in the UK of a proposed social-media ban for under-16s (News, 19 June), the episode “Online Grooming: A mother’s story”, from The Observer’s The Slow Newscast, explores both the micro and macro factors behind young people’s vulnerability to social-media algorithms and the ways in which criminals exploit them.
The episode examines some shocking cases, including that of a British man who groomed 3000 teenagers across 30 countries. I was surprised to learn that at least half of participants in online paedophile networks, which trade images of children, are themselves aged between ten and 17.
The podcast follows the story of a young girl who was groomed online. This left her isolated and carrying a deep sense of shame among her peers. The episode reveals how manipulation works, and why victims often struggle to seek help.
The Financial Times’s podcast The Story of Money is both informative and entertaining. “The 18th-Century Woman Who Made Saving Possible for the Poor” explores the life of Priscilla Wakefield, an extraordinary woman whose achievements deserve to be far better known.
Using the proceeds from her prolific writing career, Wakefield established what is regarded as the first savings bank for women. A devoted Quaker, she recognised that women were effectively shut out of the banking system, with few opportunities to save, invest, or access loans. Her institution became an early form of micro-finance.
The story takes a familiar turn when a clergyman later adopted a similar idea and received much of the credit for pioneering work that a woman had already undertaken. The episode portrays vividly Wakefield’s energy and determination. Ironically, it was often the men in her life who proved to be the liabilities. Tune in to discover more about this remarkable pioneer.
Imagine being a post-office manager who is approached by what appears to be a government anti-fraud agency. You are told that you have been recruited specially to help with a sensitive operation, and that you must tell no one, lest the fraudsters be tipped off. If the deception is convincing enough, you may find yourself unwittingly working for the very criminals whom you believe you are helping to stop.
On Persona: The French Deception, the first episode, “Madame G”, explores the life of an ingenious fraudster who robs banks, lives lavishly, and even donates some of his ill-gotten gains to charity. Through interviews with those caught up in his schemes, the podcast demonstrates how trust is built, manipulated, and, ultimately, betrayed.
Listeners are introduced to Paul Robeson and his wife, Essie, on This American Life, “Bless This Mess”. Paul was a remarkable figure: multilingual, an accomplished actor and athlete, and an early civil-rights campaigner. Essie was equally impressive: a scientist, anthropologist, and formidable intellectual in her own right.
The podcast combines engaging history, excellent storytelling, and a jazzy musical backdrop. Set during the Harlem Renaissance, it follows the rise of this extraordinary American power-couple as they break through one barrier after another.