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
    • 3.8 • 156 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

3.8 out of 5
156 Ratings

156 Ratings

Samphire69 ,

Puts the ‘pod’ in podcast

Intriguing story, well told, you wouldn’t believe it if it wasn’t true. Raises questions about humans’ relationships with animals on all fronts. Narrator comes in for a bit of stick in the reviews but for once I thought the cheeky script actually worked. Leaves room for the viewer to make their mind up. A good companion piece for BlackFish.

MJLJ373 ,

Great story AWFUL narration

The host is awful and ruined what would have been a fantastic podcast.

fedupofbabylon ,

Interesting story, but weird tone

Interesting (harrowing) story, but narrated as if this is a children’s tale. Very odd.

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Life with Nat
Keep It Light Media
Miss Me?
BBC Sounds
The Louis Theroux Podcast
Spotify Studios
Uncanny
BBC Radio 4
How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment
Anything Goes with James English
James English

You Might Also Like

Who Trolled Amber? | Tortoise Investigates
Tortoise Media
British Scandal
Wondery
Hoaxed
Tortoise Media
Exposed: Cover-Up at Columbia University
Wondery
Filthy Ritual
Global
Harsh Reality: The Story of Miriam Rivera
Wondery