In this week’s newsletter: Hear the gripping, tragic yet funny story of Alan Cooper and his dolphin friend in Hooked on Freddie. Plus: five of the best podcasts rewriting history
• Don’t get Hear Here delivered to your inbox? Sign up here
Hooked on Freddie
Widely available, episodes weekly
“An indecent act, a sexual act: man … and dolphin.” So runs this podcast’s summary of the wild 1990 scandal it follows. Freddie the dolphin delighted locals in a Northumberland town and developed a special bond with an animal activist, who spent all his time swimming with him – until he was accused of “masturbating” the dolphin, arrested, put on trial and dragged across the tabloid front pages. It’s funny, tragic and gripping all at once. Alexi Duggins
More Stories
I’m nearly 60, but my father’s indifference towards me still stings
How and where to watch the Lyrid meteor shower
Greek vase ‘looted’ in Italy removed from sale by London gallery