9 episodes

Did one man’s friendship with a dolphin go way – way – too far? It’s 1987 and the British seaside town of Amble has seen much better days. So when a wild bottlenose dolphin nicknamed Freddie appears in the harbour, it feels like a miracle. Everyone wants to swim with him. But Freddie chooses one person above all others: Alan Cooper, a dedicated animal rights activist committed to freeing captive dolphins. Then Alan’s friendship with Freddie is turned against him and a devastating accusation spirals out of control.

Hooked on Freddie Wondery

    • Society & Culture
    • 3.5 • 26 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Did one man’s friendship with a dolphin go way – way – too far? It’s 1987 and the British seaside town of Amble has seen much better days. So when a wild bottlenose dolphin nicknamed Freddie appears in the harbour, it feels like a miracle. Everyone wants to swim with him. But Freddie chooses one person above all others: Alan Cooper, a dedicated animal rights activist committed to freeing captive dolphins. Then Alan’s friendship with Freddie is turned against him and a devastating accusation spirals out of control.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    A Wild Visitor

    A Wild Visitor

    When a wild dolphin called Freddie appears in the harbour of a tired English fishing town and forms a deep friendship with Alan, a devastating rumour emerges.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 36 min
    Flippin' Crazy

    Flippin' Crazy

    Alan continues to swim with Freddie despite the salacious allegation against him. Surely no-one will take it seriously. Or will they?

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 37 min
    Deep Trouble

    Deep Trouble

    Alan is caught in a tabloid frenzy. The whole country is laughing at him. But there’s nothing funny about the death threats he receives.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 29 min
    In the Dock

    In the Dock

    Alan’s in court and it’s humiliating. But now he knows who his accusers are. And he’s determined to fight back.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 36 min
    On the Hook

    On the Hook

    Alan’s in the dock facing some tough questions. But now there are tough questions for his accusers too. No-one can tell which way it’ll go. Everyone is hooked.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 32 min
    Sink or Swim

    Sink or Swim

    The most beautiful experience of Alan’s life has left a devastating legacy. Right now, he needs Freddie more than ever. But where is he?

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    • 50 min

Customer Reviews

3.5 out of 5
26 Ratings

26 Ratings

kezandco ,

Sick minds

Seen plenty as a dolphin watch guide for 22 years, have seen the “members” of male pods and it doesn’t surprise me that they also use them to “hook” things - they do it with dorsal fins also. What an awful accusation, inclined to believe in Alan's innocent friendship.

Kat13girl ,

Sounds interesting but the deliverance…

I wanted to listen to this podcast but am put off listening, as other reviewers have said we aren’t four year olds.. a different presenter could really ‘sell’ the story.

YancoGlen ,

Worth Listening to

A very fascinating podcast that was thoroughly and even handedly presented. The narrators style was to tell it almost like a children’s story but given the unusual nature of the events surrounding Freddie it works.

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