Story Hotline

In the 1960s the US government carried out the mass extermination of every bird in North America and replaced them with surveillance drones... or so the Birds Aren't Real movement would have you believe. 
In this episode we're diving into this conspiracy theory that found its wings on Tik Tok. This whacky story has ties to Trump, the Vietnam war and even JFK's ham sandwich? (Not a euphemism.) It's bonkers, but in the best way possible. Follow us on instagram (@StoryHotlinePodcast) to let us know what you think... do birds work for the bourgeoisie or is it all bullshit? 
Here are our timestamps if you want to fly ahead... 

• Chapter 1: Death to birds (2m41sec)
• Chapter 2: The movement today (24m40sec)
• Chapter 3: Beneath the feathers (34m29sec)

Remember that time the Church of Scientology infiltrated the FBI and IRS to steal classified documents?... No? Well, have we got the story for you! 
In our first episode of season two we're delving into the criminal conspiracy that was Operation Snow White.  Just like the fairytale there's twists, turns, hidden agendas and seven dwarves. Wait, no, that last one can't be right... but there are two tall men who remind us a bit too much of Grumpy and Dopey. 
This story really has to be heard to be believed. Use the time stamps below to jump ahead if you dare, and remember to let us know what you think on Instagram – we are @StoryHotlinePodcast 

• Chapter 1: What is Scientology (7m22sec)
• Chapter 2: Operation Snow White (24m34sec)
• Chapter 3: What went wrong (44m42sec)

OMG WAKE UP, SANTA'S BEEN! Well by 'Santa' we mean Tina and Ella, by 'been' we mean have released a super duper special bonus episode.

As our Christmas present to YOU we wanted to share some festive stories. Tina retells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, and Ella shares names for Santa Claus around the world.  Whether you're listening while the turkey cooks or in a post-feast stupor, we hope this episode gets you in the festive spirit.

Sending holiday love to one and all (no matter what you celebrate), much love from your favourite Ho Ho Hos. xxx

P.S. Follow us on Instagram @StoryHotlinePodcast

To celebrate an incredible debut season, we're revisiting all of our stories, baby! In this super-special-bumper episode, we cover new developments (like what the hell is happening with Britney Spears),  funnies relevant to the stories (like 100 tampons in space), answer your questions (what's it even like making a podcast?) and much, much more.

Whether you've listened to previous episodes or not, we know you're going to love this chonker of a wrap-up. We recap old stories as we go, so you'll always be in the know. But! If you want to skip to specific sections we've got you... use the below timestamps as a guide for what you want to listen to.

• 00:04:55 Episode 1 The Death of Vine – We chat about how Tik Tok has boomed this year and Instagram's creation of Reels.
• 00:13:54 Episode 2 Apollo 13 – We chat about why this ep seems to be everyone's favourite. Plus, why NASA sent 100 tampons into space.
• 00:21:48 Episode 3 Pirate Ching Shih – We chat about why this is a sleeper hit, plus Sam tells us the truth about pirates and everything we got wrong.
• 00:32:31 Episode 4 Yoko Ono – We chat about run-ins with Paul McCartney and Abbey Road, plus Yoko's amazing life.
• 00:41:17 Episode 5 Fall of the Berlin Wall – We chat about why Ella was sweating so much telling this story.
• 00:44:56 Episode 6 Ruth Bader Ginsburg – We chat about the  implications of RBG's passing, and the state of the Supreme Court.
• 01:06:06 Episode 7 #FreeBritney Explained – We chat about new developments in Britney Spear's conservatorship.
• 01:15:44 Episode 8  Cathy Freeman – We chat about why Sam was so damn impressed with this episode.
• 01:23:17 Episode 9 The Irish Troubles – We chat about how Grandma Joan is a certified star.
• 01:29:34 Episode 10 The Salem Witch Trials – We chat about modern-day witches.
• 01:33:37 Episode 11 OnlyFans and Bella Thorne – We chat about how so many more celebs are jumping on the platform and how they snub sex workers.
• 01:44:41 Episode 12 Bonfire Night – We chat about what Bonfire Night was like this year during lockdown.
• 01:47:25 Episode 13 British Gang Culture and the Peaky Blinders – We chat about what people from Birmingham think of the TV show.
• 01:49:53 Episode 14 The Brixton Uprising – We chat about how this is particularly relevant to Steve McQueen's new anthology series, Small Axe.
• 01:53:43 We answer your questions! Plus we reveal the theme for Season Two.

This mammoth episode was edited by Samuel J Mitchell, who were are thrilled that you can hear from on this episode!

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @StoryHotlinePodcast to DM us your thoughts on our new season theme. And finally, the biggest thank you for listening and supporting our show. We love you lots and lots and lots and lots. Love, Tina and Ella. xxx

In 1981 a riot broke out in South London between police and the locals – most of them black people who had been maligned for years at the hands of police and systematic racism. These clashes were so monumental that they were dubbed The Brixton Uprising.

But what caused the events? How did locals respond and what was the aftermath? In this episode we jump headfirst into this huge part of British history. Riots get a bad rap (people crying about broken property), and we think it's time instead to direct that energy at the reason for the riots – hello, people are being denied human rights.

Here are some additional resources

• The Windrush Scandal is still a major issue with black and brown people left uncertain about their future in the UK. Sign this petition to stop all charter flight deportations to Jamaica and other Commonwealth countries. #Jamaica50
• The Battle for Brixton documentary on YouTube – this is where the clips in the episode are from
• Article on BlackPast.org – a site dedicated to documenting the worldwide experiences of black people
• The Black Cultural Archives – this gallery/exhibition space/cultural centre on Windrush square was created in response to  many of the events mentioned in the episode. It strives to create positive representation of black people in media and culture
• Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire – bestselling book by Akala
• Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race – bestselling book by Reni Eddo-Lodge

We would like to acknowledge our vast privilege as two non-black people learning about this rather than experiencing it. We are committed to listening, learning and taking action to be actively anti-racist.

A blindingly handsome gang of boys from the 1890s  trying to get control of Birmingham... have we peaky-ed your interest? This episode is all about the REAL people the show Peaky Blinders is based on.

Whether you're a Thomas Shelby stan like Tina, or a Sam Neil novice like Ella, you're sure to LOVE this episode. We cover the history of gangs in England, how these groups operated, and most importantly the similarities and differences between the TV show and the real Peaky Blinders.

See pictures of the boys and gals (real and fictional!) over on our Instagram – @StoryHotlinePodcast plusssssss give us a review on Apple Podcasts for us to give you an shoutout in an upcoming episode.

P.S. There's a teeny tiny technical difficulty in the middle of the episode which is why you might hear an audio change. It only lasts about 5minutes before going back to that crisp spicy audio you know and love.

Every fifth of November, people across the UK light fireworks, create bonfires and burn effigies of a 400-year-old man. But why???

Well, brew a cup of coffee, plug us into your ears and we'll tell you! It all revolves around an assassination attempt, religious persecution and a King that was supposed to see both sides of the argument. Whether you know about bonfire night or not, you're sure to love this episode! We even discuss why there are so many celebrations this time of year (we're looking at you, Halloween).

Follow us on Instagram for moreeeeeee (and slide into our DMs with your thoughts on the ep). We are @StoryHotlinePodcast

Let's talk about online sex work, baby!!! Why did a former Disney star turn to a multi-million dollar website to sell semi-naked photos of herself? And what impact did it have on sex workers who rely on the platform to make money?

For this episode we call in the wonderful sex worker Jessica, who gives us the full low-down on everything we need to know. Our gal Jess has been selling erotic content online for 5 years and is in the top 13% of earners on OnlyFans. As well as telling the tale of Bella Thorne, she also shares her own experience working in this often maligned industry.

If you enjoyed listening be sure to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Plus! Follow us on Instagram to see more spicy content and send any other questions you have for Jessica so that we can get her on the pod again. We are @storyhotlinepodcast

This episode was produced by Tina Victoria Afshar and Ella Mumby, full editing and audio work by Samuel J Mitchell (thank you Sammy!!!!).

Double, double toil and trouble it's a SPOOKY HALLOWEEN SPECIAL from our Covid bubble 🧙‍♀️

Delve into the darkness of The Salem Witch Trials with us as we learn how history is scarier than our imagination.  You'll be SPOOKED when you hear about the cake eaten to ward of witches, how the accused tried to defend themselves and the barbaric Book of Satan. If that isn't enough, you'll be haunted by the PLOT TWIST revealing the real reason for the mayhem in Salem.

Muah ha haaa happy halloween from Spooky Hotline 👻 Be sure to follow us on Instagram to see some photos of our favourite fictional witches and moooOoOoooOoore! We are @storyhotlinepodcast

Pssstttt it's out 10th episode and we wanted to say an extra thank you to our coven for your energy and incantations! Listen 'til the end for a couple of shoutouts, and if you want a compliment in a future episode be sure to review us on Apple Podcasts.

*Bring bring*... the Hotline has a caller! Grandma Joan is on the line to tell us all about The Irish Troubles and her experience growing up in Belfast.

We learn how the English tried (and kind of successfully) used religion to drive a wedge between the Irish population during a time of civil unrest. We ALSO learn how Grandma crossed the Irish boarder to get her favourite dessert, and how she faked nylon stockings during wartime. Phroawh it's a bumper episode!

If you enjoy listening please send us a message on Instagram so we can show Grandma what a radio star she is!!!!! www.instagram.com/storyhotlinepodcast/