Story Hotline: Recent Episodes
Tina Victoria Afshar & Ella Mumby
Welcome to Story Hotline, a bi-weekly phone call between two friends on opposite sides of the world. Each week, Tina Victoria Afshar and Ella Mumby dive into a story and share it with our listeners. From far off history to stories of everyday people, there’s a bit of everything. Join our phone calls each week and follow us on Instagram @storyhotlinepodcast
Thousands of years ago the advanced city of Atlantis sunk to the bottom of the ocean. Or did it? Often heralded as a conspiracy theory or mystery, in this episode we’re going 10,000 leagues under the sea to work out the truth of Atlantis.
If you enjoy this episode be sure to let us know on Instagram – we are @storyhotlinepodcast
Ask someone to name a conspiracy theory and MOST LIKELY they’ll say the Illuminati. But guess what?! It’s more fact than fiction! In this episode we dive into the surprising origins of the exclusive club that (allegedly) rules the world. Plus we dial in a special guest who has a DIRECT CONNECTION to the Illuminati’s rivals… the Free Masons. Get out your US dollar bills (you’ll see why) and get ready to have your minds blown.
Use these time stamps to jump ahead if you just can’t wait (or want to relisten to parts)
- Chapter 1: The Illuminati Exists! (3min15sec)
- Chapter 2: The Free Masons (11min50sec)
- Chapter 3: The Eye of Providence (23min45sec)
At the height of his career, Tupac Shakur was only 25 when he was murdered in a Vegas drive-by shooting. And, in the 25 years since his death, people have been left reeling, questioning who, what why... and if he could secretly still be alive on a beach somewhere? We're diving into it all in this episode.
Use these chapter markers if you want to jump ahead
- Chapter One: Who is Tupac? (4min34secs)
- Chapter Two: His Death (15min22sec)
- Chapter Three: The Suspects (27min32sec)
- Chapter Four: The Conspiracy... Is He Still Alive? (53min36sec)
- Chapter Five: Tupac's Legacy (61min56sec)
Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama, oooo I wanna take you… well, not to the Bermuda Triangle because that’s where hundreds of people have vanished without a trace.
In this episode we’re delving headfirst into the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle… who, what, why and HOW has this 500,000 sqm space of sea cemented itself as one of the eeriest areas of our world?
Use the following timestamps if you want to jump ahead. But beware, who knows what’s in store when delving into the Triangle…
Timestamps —
Prelude: (8min53sec)
Chapter 1: The USS Cyclops, a Mystery or a Mutiny (10min20sec)
Chapter 2: The Disappearance of Flight 19 (15min16sec)
Chapter 3: A Survivor's Story (28min35sec)
Chapter 4: What's the Dealio? (39min35sec)
Hop in the time machine baby, we're taking a trip to take a gander at the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. What mysteries will they all contain? Time will tell... (almost 4,000 years of time, to be exact).
In this episode we cover what the wonders actually are, why they're so special and who came up with the list. All before diving into a mystery around each and every wonder. Buckle in, there's a lot to explore! Use the time codes below to skip ahead or revisit your favourite parts.
- 2,584 BC: Great Pyramid of Giza (11min55secs)
- 600 BC: Hanging Gardens of Babylon (21min07sec)
- 550 BC: Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (26min53sec)
- 425 BC: Statue of Zeus at Olympia (32min12sec)
- 351 BC: Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (40min46sec)
- 292 BC: Colossus of Rhodes (47min42sec)
- 280 BC: Lighthouse of Alexandria (54min36sec)
You've heard her name, you heard stories of her appearance... but is Nessie really real? In this episode we're diving into a tale of Jurassic proportions... it's all about the Loch Ness Monster, baby! Plus it's two mysteries for the price of one as we tackle both a questionable photograph and scientific explanation. So settle in as we take you to the Scottish highlands.
Use these time stamps to drive ahead if you just can't bear the suspense!
Mystery 1 — The Surgeon's Photograph (5min58sec)
- Chapter 1: Are you seeing what I'm seeing? (9min48sec)
- Chapter 2: Well I'll be damned, the creature really exists (11min43sec)
- Chapter 3: This is some Nessie business (21min22sec)
- Chapter 4: Don't cry because it's over, smile because it was a hoax (27min17sec)
Mystery 2 — What Science Doesn't Know (32min40sec)
- Chapter 1: The scientist's discovery (35min55sec)
- Chapter 2: So what did they find? (38min05sec)
You know that dead look in the eyes people in power have?.... Is that because they're not people but actually lizard overlords feeding off your negative emotions? According to a rising group of people, YES that's exactly why! In this episode we delve into one of the most delusional, ahem, popular conspiracy theorists about the state of power in out world, and all roads lead back to reptiles... it's lizard people, baby!
Use these timestamps to slither ahead if you dare
- Chapter 1: The Egg Hatches (3min13sec)
- Chapter 2: Catching the Icke (16min3sec)
- Chapter 3: The Bloodline Runs Cold (34min10sec)
- Chapter 4: Registering a Reptile (45min52sec)
Everyone knows the earth is round, right? Wrong! There's a growing movement that believes that we're not living on a spinning orb, but a flat disc with a.... well, you're just going to have to listen to find out the rest. We get stuck into the origins of the Flat Earth theory, and put on our scientist hats to explain exactly why this conspiracy theory is so bonkers.
If you want to spin the globe to jump ahead, use these timestamps:
- Chapter 1: We know the earth is round because (6min30sec)
- Chapter 2: Sphere Shmere (12min55sec)
- Chapter 3: You can't handle the truth! (38min55sec)
It's 1959 in the Russian mountains, temperatures are below -25º celsius and nine hikers haven't returned from their expedition. Fearing the worst, the government is called in to form a search party. What they find marks the start of a 60 year mystery... what really happened to Dyatlov's expedition in the Ural mountains?
This story has icy twists and turns, peculiar details and even mention of a Yeti thrown in for good measure 🥶 So sit back, brew yourself a cuppa, and brace yourself for a journey. And, of course, once you've finished be sure to let us know what you think... Are you convinced Russia's ~official~ explanation? We are waiting for your Insta DM @StoryHotlinePodcast
If you feel like taking the short route, skip ahead using the below timestamps
- Chapter One: The Hikers Set Out (3m10sec)
- Chapter Two: A Strange Disappearance (16m12sec)
- Chapter Three: Explaining the Unexplainable (28m00sec)
- Chapter Four: Looking at it With 2020 Vision (46m24sec)
In August 2007, Shelly Miscavige was last seen in public while heavily escorted. It's been 14 years and she hasn't been seen or heard from since (allegedly lol). What happened to the woman once so powerful she was dubbed the 'First Lady of Scientology'?
In a church full of mysteries, Shelly's disappearance may be the most puzzling. What happened? Where is she? Is she even alive? Rather than getting dizzy thinking of the possibilities, we're dissecting all of them in this episode. Plus, we cover the backstory of David Miscavige — Shelly's husband and leader of the Church of Scientology since L Ron Hubbard's death. Holding the secrets about the church and Shelly's whereabouts is David... what isn't he telling us?
If you can't stand the antici.........pation, skip ahead using these chapter time stamps.
- Chapter 1: L. Ron Hubbard's Last Days (4m52s)
- Chapter 2: What kind of person is David Miscavige? (17m37s)
- Chapter 3: When Shelly met David (25m36s)
- Chapter 4: A Miscavige marriage (36m15s)
- Chapter 5: Just like that… she’s gone (42m05s)
- Chapter 6: Leah Remini is on the case (45m46s)
P.S. Remember to follow us on insta, duh! We are @StoryHotlinePodcast
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/
20 years ago she won the Olympic race that cemented her forever as one of Australia's national heroes... She's Cathy Freeman! the crowd goes wild
In this episode we're travelling back in time to the turn of the millennium to explore how Cathy became the icon she is today. Our story contains blood, sweat and tears, and a little bit of flimsy math to prove that no despite what we thought as children we are not actually as fast as an Olympic athlete.
Your heart is going to be warmed as you learn how a young child with a heart of (green and) gold was set on the path of success with encouragement from family and coaches. Cathy Freeman is the first Indigenous Australian to win a gold Olympic track medal and is forever our icon. We love you Cathy and spoiler alert: yes, everyone would still have loved you even if you lost!!!!!
Further watching/reading:
- Interview with Cathy Freeman and Mrs Baldry (the teacher who encouraged Cathy to run her FIRST race) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIGb6rP6CT4
- 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games — Cathy wins GOLD in the 200m sprint https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEE7kW7AxmQ
- 1996Atlanta Olympics — Cathy Freeman wins SILVER in the 400m Sprint Final against Marie-José Pérec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSJegnvPv7M&t=308s
- 2000 Sydney Olympics — Cathy Freeman win's GOLD in the 400m Sprint Final https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTCnO5MXvoI
- FREEMAN Documentary (Australia link) https://iview.abc.net.au/show/freeman
- Born to Run by Cathy Freeman (2003) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15790011-born-to-run
Oh baby baby... how did one of the biggest pop stars of all time end up under the control of her father? And what does a conservatorship really mean for Britney Spears? In this Episode of Story Hotline, Tina and Ella discuss how #FreeBritney isn’t a conspiracy theory. It’s a disability rights issue and we need to pay attention to what’s happening so Britney can come out stronger than yesterday.
See vintage footage of Brit on our Instagram (and let us know your fave track of hers while you’re there)
https://instagram.com/storyhotlinepodcast
Further watching :
Why #FreeBritney is a Disability Rights Issue on YouTube by Jessica Kellgren-Fozard
She fought discrimination for over 60 years, almost 30 of those as a Supreme Court Justice. She was the Notorious RBG.
In this episode, recorded a week before Ruth Bader Ginsburg's sad passing, Tina and Ella discuss what a force RBG was in the fight for equality. We cover formative advice from her mother, how she navigated a 99% male law school, how she changed the jury system forever, and much much more.
We'll be sharing photos on Instagram of RBG throughout the ages as well as the meaning behind many of the collars she wore as a Supreme Court justice, which you can check out here www.instagram.com/storyhotlinepodcast
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a real-life superhero and her legacy in the fight for equality lives on. Our thoughts are with her family during this time. RIP RBG.
This episode was edited by Samuel J Mitchell, what a star!
For 28 years the Berlin Wall separated East and West Germany. As suddenly as the wall went up overnight in 1961, the iron symbol of the Cold War came crumbling down in one evening almost three decades later.
But wait. WHY did it go up? And HOW did it come down? In this episode of Story Hotline, Ella and Tina discuss the events that led to the wall dividing families and friends on either side. And how a bureaucratic error brought this Soviet monument down.
Know any other interesting stories about the Berlin Wall? Send us a message on Instagram to let us know! That's also where you'll find the footage we mentioned in this episode. www.instagram.com/storyhotlinepodcast
Is she really a witch that broke up The Beatles, or is it actually a little more complicated than that? In this episode of Story Hotline, Tina takes Ella down Penny (and memory) Lane to discover what really went on between Yoko Ono and the Beatles, and who Yoko was before she became ‘Mrs. Lennon’ (you’ll be shocked!). Plus, we also talk about what we’re dubbing John and Paul’s ‘platonic romance’. It’s turbulent and complex, but in the end love is all you need.
We’ve shared even more nostalgia over on our Instagram, including photos and handwritten lyrics. Check it out www.instagram.com/storyhotlinepodcast/ and DM us your favourite Beatles’ song.
P.S. Anything we miss in tonight’s episode, we’ll try to include in our end of season wrap up! Including the legal case between Paul and the band.
Did you know that the chances of a pirate dying of natural causes is 1 in 96,294? Okay, that statistic is made up, but this story of Ching Shih the Fierce Pirate is 100% true! In this episode of Story Hotline, Ella tells Tina all about one of the most prolific pirates of all time. Ching Shih lived in the 19th century and commanded a fleet of around 300 ships. But, perhaps most impressively, she died of natural causes rather than by rootin’, bootin’ and lootin’ like her colleagues.
Listen on to hear how a Cantonese woman of humble beginnings became the biggest threat to Chinese maritime activity. Plus, follow us on Instagram to see photos of Ching Shih and stay up to date with the podcast www.instagram.com/storyhotlinepodcast/.
Trigger warning: this episode discusses violence so may not be suitable for young listeners. We specifically mention sexual assault from 15m38s to 18m00s, so if this makes you feel uncomfortable please skip ahead.
Plus, anything we miss in this episode about piracy laws or new information on Ching Shih, we’ll discuss in our End of Season Wrap Up!
This episode was produced by Tina Victoria Afshar and Ella Mumby, full editing and audio work by Samuel J Mitchell (thank you Sammy!!!!).
Determined to prove that numbers aren’t unlucky, NASA launch their 13th space mission to the moon at 13:13. But instead of proving a point, it all goes terribly wrong. In this episode of Story Hotline, Tina takes Ella through one of history’s most successful failures – Apollo 13.
Listen on to find out about the six terrifying and uncertain days that Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise spent in space. And how the determined heroes in mission control literally fit a square peg in a round hole to try and get them home.
Follow us on Instagram to see some of the real-life footage Tina mentioned www.instagram.com/storyhotlinepodcast/ Plus, DM us anything we missed and we’ll include it in a future wrap-up episode.
If you enjoyed this episode please be sure to rate and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
This episode was produced by Tina Victoria Afshar and Ella Mumby, full editing and audio work by Samuel J Mitchell (thank you Sammy!!!!).
Before Tik Tok and Instagram Reels there was Vine, a multi-million-dollar app which was taking over the world… until it wasn’t. In this episode of Story Hotline, Ella tells Tina how the video-sharing platform went from leading the industry to losing its creators and viewers. How did it go so terribly wrong and what can other social media apps learn from its ending? Listen on to find out!
In the name of research Ella watched hours of vines and compiled her favourites which you can see here www.instagram.com/storyhotlinepodcast/
Plus, message us on Instagram to let us know your favourite vines! It’s also where we post show updates and new episode announcements www.instagram.com/storyhotlinepodcast/
If you enjoyed this episode please be sure to rate and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Want to listen in on a phone call and hear an interesting story? This is the podcast for you! Welcome to Story Hotline, a weekly phone call between two friends on opposite sides of the world. Listen to our trailer to find out who we are and what our theme for the season is going to be. Plus, don’t forget to follow us on instagram to join the conversation and see any photos or videos we’ve mentioned. www.instagram.com/storyhotlinepodcast/