Best Future London Academy Podcasts (2025)

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America’s 20-Year Lie: What Bodyguard of Lies Reveals 51:48

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5d ago51:48

51:48

Explore the shocking truth behind the Afghanistan War in our deep dive into Bodyguard of Lies. We uncover decades of government deception and falsehoods, featuring never-before-seen insider testimonies that reveal how the public was misled. We speak with director Dan Krauss about making the documentary and exposing the cover-up behind one of the lo…

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The Future of Free Speech: Who Will Win? 16:51

7d ago16:51

16:51

In this Letter From Britain episode of Factual America, our host Matthew reflects on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it means for free speech, political extremism, and the state of democracy in America and beyond. We examine the rise of political extremism, the media’s role in shaping the narrative, and how leaders from Bernie S…

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Political Extremism in Focus: Luigi-ism, Riots, and Extreme Leftist Violence 55:53

17d ago55:53

55:53

This interview was recorded before the news of Charlie Kirk’s murder, but its insights into political violence and radicalisation remain highly relevant. Max Horder discusses the phenomenon of 'Luigi-ism', a term he coined to describe a troubling trend of left-wing violence and its cultural implications. He explains how Luigi Mangione became a cult…

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The Cartoonist Who Changed American Politics Forever 51:33

20d ago51:33

51:33

Political cartoons, satire, and US presidents collide in the new documentary A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant. We interview Bill Banowsky on how one of the world’s most fearless cartoonists shaped politics and public opinion across five decades and ten presidencies. In this episode of Factual America, we look at the power of satire…

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A Catfish Story That Went Too Far 40:42

24d ago40:42

40:42

Netflix’s latest true crime documentary, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, dives into one of the most disturbing high school “catfish” scandals ever exposed. In this episode, we go behind the scenes with director Skye Borgman to uncover how a teenager was lured into a devastating web of lies and manipulation by an online predator. If you’re …

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America’s Team: The Story That Built, and Broke, the Cowboys 41:49

1M ago41:49

41:49

The Dallas Cowboys, Netflix, America’s Team, the NFL, Jerry Jones, and the (un)making of a modern football dynasty – we dive into all these topics in this episode featuring Chapman and Maclain Way, the Emmy-winning filmmakers behind Netflix’s new sports docuseries America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys. Known for Wild Wild Country, Kings of Tu…

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The Biggest Loser: Weight Loss Scandals & Controversies 37:04

1M ago37:04

37:04

The Biggest Loser, Netflix, reality TV, weight loss, fitness culture, diet industry, TV scandal. Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser, a Netflix docuseries directed by Skye Borgman, exposes the dark side of one of television’s most controversial shows. We dive into the harsh truths behind the cameras, the toll on contestants’ lives, and how…

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Storm Area 51: The Meme That Shook the Military 42:46

2M ago42:46

42:46

Storm Area 51 – viral meme, US military, internet conspiracy, aliens, UFOs, Nevada desert, Facebook event, true story. In 2019, a joke Facebook post about storming Area 51 went viral and triggered a full-scale media frenzy that put the US military on high alert. What started as an internet meme turned into a real-world phenomenon that captured the …

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The Real Story Behind P.I. Moms: Cop’s Drug Ring Exposed 34:29

2M ago34:29

34:29

This episode uncovers the explosive story behind P.I. Moms, an early 2000s reality TV show about everyday mothers working as private investigators. Through a tell-all documentary, we investigate the drug scandal that rocked the series and ultimately led to its downfall. Join us as we reveal how the scandal sabotaged the show and impacted the lives …

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America vs. Britain: The Ultimate Showdown of Political Cultures 11:51

2M ago11:51

11:51

As an American living in the UK, Matthew Sherwood unpacks what Independence Day really means from across the pond—and what it reveals about the growing divide between the US and UK. From political chaos to economic stagnation, he explores why the two nations feel increasingly out of sync. The episode also dives into the rise of political disruptors…

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Balloon Boy Hoax EXPLAINED | The Truth Behind the Viral Panic 41:39

2M ago41:39

41:39

In 2009, the world stopped to watch a homemade UFO float across the Colorado skies – with a 6-year-old boy believed to be trapped inside. The “Balloon Boy” story gripped a nation…and then the shocking truth came out.In this episode, we speak with Gillian Pachter, director of the hit Netflix documentary Trainwreck: Balloon Boy, to uncover what reall…

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How a Design Prototype Became an $800M Business Opportunity for Philips 1:24:36

2M ago1:24:36

1:24:36

Join us for the fifth episode of our Chief Design Officer Series, where we talk to Chief Design Officers from the most forward-thinking companies. This time, we are joined by Sean Carney, former CDO of Philips. At Philips, Sean led a team of 700+ designers and helped generate over $800 million in sales pull-through.Sean shared a powerful case study…

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The Social Ideas Podcast: Sociability - helping people find accessible places 22:58

3M ago22:58

22:58

In this episode we meet Matt Pierri, 2025 Social Innovation Prize Winner and founder of Sociability. Sociability is a mobile app and online platform which provides detailed accessibility information for venues across the UK, helping people with disabilities to travel confidently. Matt shares his journey since starting Sociability as a student proje…

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The Social Ideas Podcast: The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network - helping people who have experienced forced migration to rebuild their livelihoods 32:03

3M ago32:03

32:03

In this episode we meet 2025 Social Innovation Prize Winner Charlie Fraser, founder of TERN (The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network). Since 2016, TERN has been supporting people in the UK to launch businesses. We learn about some of the challenges facing those who have fled their countries to escape violence, persecution and natural disasters, and nee…

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The Social Ideas Podcast: Give Your Best - tackling clothing poverty and fashion waste 27:58

3M ago27:58

27:58

In this episode we meet Sol Escobar, founder of 'Give Your Best' and 2025 Social Innovation Prize Winner. Give Your Best is the UK's first circular platform where people can donate clothes online, and marginalised women and children can shop entirely for free, with the dignity of choice. We learn about the problems of clothing poverty and fashion w…

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The Social Ideas Podcast: Coffee Afrik - reimagining community spaces in London 37:26

3M ago37:26

37:26

In this episode, we meet Abdirahim Hassan, one of our 2025 Social Innovation Prize winners, and learn about his Community Interest Company, Coffee Afrik. Coffee Afrik makes culturally sensitive public health projects, rooted in care, love and liberation, and inspired by radical philosophy. We learn about regenerative governance, and why the communi…

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The Shark Whisperer: Ocean Ramsey on Fear, Sharks & Saving the Ocean 38:41

3M ago38:41

38:41

Shark conservationist Ocean Ramsey is world-famous for swimming with sharks to challenge fear and promote marine conservation. In this episode, we speak with JP Stiles and Harrison Macks, directors of the Netflix documentary Shark Whisperer, about Ramsey’s mission to protect sharks, the power of viral ocean activism, and why these apex predators ar…

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Poop Cruise: Inside the Cruise Ship Horror Story 40:46

3M ago40:46

40:46

Poop Cruise. Disaster. Documentary. In this unmissable episode, we sit down with the director, James Ross, behind the new Trainwreck episode diving into the infamous 2013 Carnival cruise from hell. With raw insight and behind-the-scenes revelations, we explore how an engine fire left 4,000 passengers stranded at sea with no power, no plumbing, and …

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Mayor of Mayhem: Inside Toronto's Insane Political Scandal! 34:07

3M ago34:07

34:07

Rob Ford, Toronto mayor, and scandal – we dive deep into the chaos of the new Netflix documentary Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem, with director Shianne Brown. From political rise to crack-smoking infamy, this episode unpacks how a beloved yet controversial figure shook Canadian politics – and why his story still matters today. Subscribe to Factual Ame…

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Swan Lake SZN 40:07

3M ago40:07

40:07

Michael Freeby counts down the best of Swan Lake season - the fashion! The beauty drops! The music! PLUS: who is the best dressed of Swan Lake SZN?! Reece Clarke! Borisz Hurilov! Tonatiuh Gomez! Tommaso Spadaccino! Shale Wagman! and more!

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ASTROWORLD: The Truth Behind the Tragedy 38:51

4M ago38:51

38:51

One of the deadliest music festivals in recent history, the 2021 Astroworld tragedy left 10 dead and thousands traumatised. Now, a powerful new documentary uncovers what really happened – with first-hand accounts from survivors, paramedics, and festival staff. In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the film with director Yemi Bamiro and execut…

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Cyanide, Panic & Pills: Shocking Truth Behind the Tylenol Murders 39:52

4M ago39:52

39:52

In this exclusive interview, we speak to Yotam Guendelman and Ari Pines, the directors of the latest Netflix true crime documentary, which uncovers the chilling details behind the 1982 Tylenol poisonings – a case that shook America. With cyanide-laced pills, and a suspect who was never charged, the Chicago Tylenol murders remain one of the most dis…

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CEO EMEA of Ogilvy on How to Justify Investment to a CEO | Patou Nuytemans 1:03:02

5M ago1:03:02

1:03:02

Learn about our Design Leaders programme 👉 https://fla.wiki/4dm4cVcPatou Nuytemans, CEO EMEA of Ogilvy, one of the world's most iconic creative agencies. Discover how she went from being an "unlikely candidate" from Belgium and rose through the ranks by embracing diverse roles across three continents, pioneering digital transformation, and turning …

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Inside the True Story of the Hunt for Bin Laden 26:54

5M ago26:54

26:54

Osama bin Laden, CIA, and the manhunt that changed history. In this interview with award-winning directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan of American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden, we uncover the untold truths behind one of the most intense and dangerous global manhunts. Explore rare footage, insider interviews, and shocking revelations about the CIA’s pur…

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Liver King: Netflix Director Reveals the Raw Truth 31:28

5M ago31:28

31:28

The Liver King built a supplement empire by devouring raw meat on social media. And he had the muscles to prove it. But how did the Liver King get so huge? Netflix director Joe Pearlman tells all. In this interview, we dig into the raw truth behind the man, the myth, and the meat-fueled machine that captivated millions.From viral fame and ancestral…

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NETFLIX Director UNVEILS Vietnam War SECRETS! 53:58

5M ago53:58

53:58

Vietnam War secrets, untold stories, and hidden history - revealed by Netflix director Brian Knappenberger and renowned historian Lien-Hang Nguyen. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, this interview uncovers new accounts from the war - from suppressed footage to shocking revelations about U.S. involvement and North Vi…

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Met Gala Superfine Beauty Guide 29:35

5M ago29:35

29:35

Michael Freeby discusses The Makeup Show, festival SZN, and more plus the best dressed of the Met Gala’s 2025 “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”!: Sabrina Carpenter! Juvenile! Evan Ross! Diana Ross! and more!

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IELTS Reading: Plant thermometers 🌡️ 30:14

5M ago30:14

30:14

How Plants Sense Temperature – IELTS Reading Made Easy This episode breaks down a challenging IELTS Reading Passage about how plants use light and temperature to grow. I’ll guide you through the key ideas, explain tricky vocabulary, and help you answer the questions with confidence. Perfect for Band 6–8 students who want to improve comprehension, b…

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I Was Cursed by Satan: The True Story of a Real-Life Hex 31:02

5M ago31:02

31:02

In this chilling episode, filmmaker Liam Le Guillou takes us deep inside A Cursed Man - his harrowing real-life journey into the world of black magic and satanic rituals. What begins as a sceptical social experiment soon spirals into a terrifying descent, as Liam invites powerful practitioners to place real curses on him. Facing nightmares, unexpla…

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Twister: Caught in the Storm | Inside the Eye of a Tornado 34:46

5M ago34:46

34:46

"One of the deadliest tornadoes in US history is headed directly for their high school graduation…” In this episode, filmmaker Alexandra Lacey takes us inside her powerful new Netflix documentary, Twister: Caught in the Storm, a raw and moving look at life in Joplin, Missouri, after a catastrophic natural disaster. Alexandra shares how the disaster…

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Best of Paris Fashion Week Fall Winter 2025! 19:03

6M ago19:03

19:03

Michael Freeby highlights the best new collections from Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025: Victoria Beckham! Junya Watanabe! Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood! Anthony Vaccarelo for Saint Laurent! Michael Bastian for Brooks Brothers! and more!

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Academy Awards Beauty Guide + Oscars Best Dressed! 27:54

7M ago27:54

27:54

Michael Freeby counts down all the Oscar night Best Dressed, as well as various makeup secrets from the Oscars! Plus this week’s new beauty and skincare drops!

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Best of Berlin and London Fashion Week! 31:56

7M ago31:56

31:56

Michael Freeby counts down all the best Fall Winter 2025 collections from Berlin Fashion Week and London Fashion Week! Plus: the Best Dressed at the BAFTAs, the Grammys and more!

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IELTS Reading: Music and the emotions 27:16

7M ago27:16

27:16

In this lesson, you'll learn how to use the words you DON'T KNOW to get the right answers! It's a difficult Academic Reading Part 3, which contains several scientific terms that might cause confusion. But I will show you how IELTS uses these words for gapfills, and you'll learn the 6 'triggers' that indicate the answer. Get the full video lesson in…

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Why Being Wrong Made Me Successful ┃Don Norman 1:25:16

8M ago1:25:16

1:25:16

Don Norman, the legendary designer who coined the term "User Experience" and served as Apple's VP, shares insights from his remarkable career. At 89, he reveals why most designers fail to reach the C-suite, how AI will reshape design (not replace it), and his mission to revolutionise design education. Grab a cup of tea and settle in, this conversat…

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A Design Leader's Guide to Business Impact at JP Morgan Chase | Chief Design Officer Series 1:24:15

8M ago1:24:15

1:24:15

Janaki Kumar is Chief Design Officer at JPMorgan Chase & Co., a thought leader, innovator, and author who was named a Women of Influence by the Silicon Valley Business Journal in 2016. Janaki is a proven leader in building, coaching and inspiring high performance design teams, leveraging design-thinking, customer empathy, and co-innovation. She is …

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IELTS Reading: Maternity Allowance (Money Vocabulary Topic) 23:31

8M ago23:31

23:31

This month, we've been exploring the huge topic of MONEY in the Members Academy. It comes up in ALL parts of the test, so in this lesson, we examine two very similar General Training Texts in order to learn more about the topic of government benefit systems and the allowances that you might be entitled to. Each country's benefit system is different…

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2025 Best Makeovers and more! 30:49

9M ago30:49

30:49

Michael Freeby counts down 2025’s best-dressed: the Golden Globes! DragCon London! Plus: the best and most shocking makeovers so far of 2025!

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IELTS Reading: Forced Rhubarb 23:57

9M ago23:57

23:57

This is a lovely reading about forced rhubarb: its history and how it is grown and harvested. There are 3 question sets: Matching Headings Multiple Choice Gapfill In this lesson you'll learn more about the general topic of FOOD and how this topic is tested in all parts of the IELTS test. Get the full lesson in the Bronze Academy on my website. http…

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From School Dropout to Silicon Valley Gaming Legend | Jeri Ellsworth 1:29:02

10M ago1:29:02

1:29:02

Jeri Ellsworth is an inventor, entrepreneur and founder of Tilt Five, the world’s first augmented reality gaming system. During our interview, she shared where her passion brought her to an amazing career plot twists: from building race cars and running computer stores to creating aerospace navigation systems and leading hardware innovation at Valv…

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IELTS Pie Charts - how to avoid making this common mistake 12:52

10M ago12:52

12:52

Always check the title of a pie chart to make sure you're providing an accurate summary of the data.Pie charts show percentage and proportion, not numbers. Here's an example of a mistake that is very easy to make when you're under pressure.So practise plenty of pie charts before the test and get ready to use the language related to pie charts - lis…

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What does it mean to be the Chief Design Officer at Zoom 1:11:34

10M ago1:11:34

1:11:34

Chief Design Officer Series: Episode 2 Mark Kawano, Chief Design Officer at Zoom, shared his 25+ years of experience in companies like Apple, Slack, and Adobe and the importance of influencing Design beyond the design organisation. Join us for the third episode of our Chief Design Officer Series, where we talk to Chief Design Officers from the most…

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How to learn prepositions from IELTS Reading (The impact of climate change on butterflies) 30:00

10M ago30:00

30:00

In this lesson, we'll analyse a Part 1 Reading text with the purpose of improving our understanding and use of prepositions. First, we go through the True, False and Not Given questions, followed by the Gapfill questions and then we go back to the first paragraph to analyse the prepositions. This is something that I recommend you do regularly - spe…

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Travis Isaacs from Cisco on how to become your company's first Chief Design Officer 1:23:22

10M ago1:23:22

1:23:22

Chief Design Officer Series: Episode 2 Travis Isaacs, Chief Design Officer at Webex Collaboration at Cisco, shared his perspective on the unique superpowers designers can bring to the boardroom and the essential skills needed for success in executive roles. Join us for the second episode of our Chief Design Officer Series, where we talk to Chief De…

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November Best Dressed 2024 21:02

10M ago21:02

21:02

Michael Freeby is back(!!!) and counting down all the Best Dressed looks from the CFDA Awards, Halloween, election season, the Latin Grammys and more! Oscar De La Renta! Christian Siriano! Marc Jacobs! Who will be named November Best Dressed?!

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R.J. Cutler on 'Martha': Capturing an Icon's Rise, Fall, and Resilience 28:10

11M ago28:10

28:10

In this episode, Matthew sits down with acclaimed filmmaker R.J. Cutler to discuss his latest Netflix documentary, 'Martha'. Cutler offers fascinating insights into the making of the film, which chronicles the life and career of Martha Stewart, the iconic businesswoman and lifestyle guru. Discover how Cutler gained unprecedented access to Stewart a…

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IELTS Grammar snack: A shocking 97% 9:43

11M ago9:43

9:43

Did you know that uou can use "a/an + adjective" before a statistic to express your reaction to the number? This technique adds emphasis and helps the listener or reader understand your perspective on the data. Examples: A staggering 95% of teenagers spend over 4 hours daily on social media. An alarming 62% of young adults report experiencing signi…

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What I had to learn when I became a CDO? | Chief Design Officer at citizenM 1:12:56

11M ago1:12:56

1:12:56

Chief Design Officer Series: Episode 1 Claudia Abt, Chief Design Officer at citizenM hotels oversees design and space planning for new hotel developments. She shares her perspective on being a designer at the C-level, what she had to learn when she became a Chief Design Officer and what value she brings to the business through design.Join Future Lo…

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Be smart and DON'T grow your agency | Stefan Sagmeister 31:17

11M ago31:17

31:17

In our new interview, Stefan Sagmeister legendary designer, typographer and co-founder of Sagmeister & Walsh shares thoughts on the evolution of his career, design agencies and creative process. Watch the full interview to hear more about:👉 Why scaling is not the best way👉 What is the future of creative industry👉 How to create purpose-driven workTh…

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Business of Art with Timothy Goodman: How to work with brands like Apple, Nike, Google, or Netflix 36:59

11M ago36:59

36:59

In this engaging conversation, Timothy Goodman shares his journey from working with top brands like Apple, Nike, Google, Samsung, MoMa, Netflix, YSL, Time, The New Yorker to his passion for public art, personal expression, and tackling societal issues through his work. Learn about his creative process, the balance between commercial and personal pr…