Tea in the Sahara
Kev: Critic & Podcaster
Are you looking for an edgy podcast that packs a haymaker punch? Brace yourself, podcast aficionados, as I dive into “Dangerous Memories” by Tortoise Media this week.
Another EXCLUSIVE week, another awesome investigative documentary-style podcast. Thanks to Andrew Butler for reaching out with an early press pack of this groundbreaking audio drama based on real events.
“Dangerous Memories” is a meticulously crafted podcast that explores the lives of a set of artistic and creative women in their twenties, each facing their own mental health challenges, eating disorders, or personal quests for meaning.
The common thread among these women is their life coach and therapist, Anne Craig, who provides a so-called holistic approach to healing. Yet beneath that veneer of therapy lies something divisive, and controlling as all of Anne’s patients come from very affluent families – some with royal connections. Too much of a coincidence I hear you say. All of this fuels further storyline depth, making this bizarre plotline ever more compelling.
This weapons-grade thriller is brought to life by investigative journalism led by Grace Hughes-Hallet. She delves into past events and eyewitness accounts through interviews with the women involved, bringing their stories to the forefront in this psychological podcast.
This raises the question: how did all of this happen? If not for money, what was Anne’s true motivation? Or was it, in reality, an elaborate hoax? These are profound questions, but the journey for its listeners is truly worth it!
Let’s drill down to bedrock – is “Dangerous Memories” worth a download?
Look, a podcast themed around possible physiology and sexual assault is going to be subjective. While it isn’t graphic, for some it won’t be easy listening. The fact that it’s based on real events does make it even more sinister and sobering.
In a broken society, it’s understandable for vulnerable people to seek out alternative solutions. Initially, with my pessimistic British outlook, I thought this was another story of posh women from ‘Mayfair’ being swindled for their cash. But as I listened on it became clear that the money motivator wasn’t the main driver for being held ransom —figuratively speaking. And it’s this unknown reasoning that makes this podcast both intriguing and addictive. Let me know if you agree?
In true documentary-themed podcast format, this show doesn’t rely heavily on gimmicky Dolby Atmos sound design to land its audio messaging. The killer theme music “Far Gone (Don’t Leave)” by Pictish Trail fits this show’s vibe like Tetris blocks all slotting neatly into place.
To conclude – crank those listening ears up to genius level and set those cognitive ears to maximum brilliance, just like this week’s stellar scores show!
“Dangerous Memories” earns a 9/10 score.
Podcast submissions tinthesahara@gmail.com
Cheers, Kev.
- Review: “Bunker 8” The Midnight Mystery
- Review: “The Lucan Obsession” BBC SOUNDS
- Review: “Elon’s Spies” Tortoise Media
- Review: “Dirt an Audio Drama” season 4
- Review: “Curious Matter – The Exile”
Cast & Crew
Reporter: Grace Hughes-Hallett
Producer: Gary Marshall
Additional reporting and production: Imogen Harper
Sound design and original composition: Tom Kinsella
Theme music: Far Gone (Don’t Leave) by Pictish Trail
Podcast artwork: Lola Williams
Executive producer: Ceri Thomas
Tea in the sahara 