Best Michael Spratt Podcasts (2024)

1
BONUS SIX: The Search for Spratt (part two) 26:10

1h ago26:10

26:10

With the help of an archivist (and distant relative) Saul Wordsworth closes in on Spratt, a name cited in his father's diaries - and very likely the victim of “that moment in Iraq". Saul Wordsworth's new album Hope Is Not A Strategy is available on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services. Images from the series can be found here Executive…

1
BONUS FIVE: In conversation with Michael Frayn and Blake Morrison 35:04

2M ago35:04

35:04

In this extra-special bonus episode two huge literary figures, Michael Frayn and Blake Morrison - both of whom knew Christopher Wordsworth - join host Saul Wordsworth for a discussion about father-son memoirs. The Observer piece cited in this episode can be found here Images from the series - including photographs taken during this three-way discus…

1
The Zameer Acquittal 1:08:47

2M ago1:08:47

1:08:47

So, episode 141 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. Buckle up for a extra long episode dissecting the acquittal of of Umar Zameer in the death of Toronto police officer Jeffrey Northrup. We take a deep dive into the bail decision, the complet…

1
BONUS FOUR: The Search for Spratt 24:46

4M ago24:46

24:46

Saul Wordsworth revisits the British Library in search of Spratt, a name cited in his father's diaries and very likely the figure central to “that moment in Iraq". Link to BBC feature Images from the series can be found here Original music by Saul Wordsworth from the series is available on Spotify and other streaming services. Executive producer of…

1
Five Four Pod on why the Supreme Court Sucks 43:57

4M ago43:57

43:57

So, episode 140 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. We are joined by Rhiannon and Peter from the amazing 5-4 podcast to chew the fat on the United Sates Supreme Court, politicization of the justice system, and judicial pooping. 5-4 is a podca…

1
MAiD Delayed 58:45

5M ago58:45

58:45

So, episode 139 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. We are joined by the amazing professor Daphnie Gilbert, who specializes in teaching criminal and constitutional law, to talk about the announcement that the government is delaying (again) th…

1
BONUS THREE: New material 22:49

6M ago22:49

22:49

This episode features previously unheard diary entries including an original poem by Christopher Wordsworth, plus a letter that has recently come to light. NEW RELEASE: Devil in the Wilderness: Original Podcast Soundtrack by Saul Wordsworth is available on Spotify, Amazon Music and all other streaming services. Images from the series can be found h…

1
BONUS TWO: The Self-Inflicted Wound 42:19

7M ago42:19

42:19

Reproduced in full: Christopher Wordsworth's essay The Self-Inflicted Wound - which would propel him from isolation and hunger in the depths of bleak Snowdonia moorland, to Fleet Street. Plus discussion of future bonus episodes and the ripple effect of the series. The music video cited in the episode can be found HERE Original music by Saul Wordswo…

1
BONUS ONE: Speeches at the launch 25:48

8M ago25:48

25:48

El Vino's on Fleet Street played host to an event marking the launch of the series. The speeches were captured and are replayed here. Plus reflections from Saul Wordsworth, and diary entries not featured previously. Executive producer of the series is Paul Kobrak (The Louis Theroux Podcast). The voice of Christopher Wordsworth is performed by Chris…

1
Ontario Judicial Appointments 35:10

7M ago35:10

35:10

So, episode 138 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. This episode we dive into the murky world of Ontario judicial appointments under the Ford government and the newly released internal documents that show a disturbing pattern of delay raise q…

1
6. That moment in Iraq 1:21:10

9M ago1:21:10

1:21:10

6 of 6. Christopher Wordsworth's son, Saul, weighs up the evidence of what happened in Iraq and reaches a conclusion. He also charts his father's final years - and considers his legacy. Executive producer of the series is Paul Kobrak (The Louis Theroux Podcast). The voice of Christopher Wordsworth is performed by Chris Porter. Original music by Sau…

1
Rachel Gilmore 38:54

9M ago38:54

38:54

So, episode 137– a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. This episode we sit down with journalist Rachel Gilmore. Some call her a lightning rod for the far right, but more accurately she is a great communicator who delivers excellent short-form new…

1
5. Deliverance 1:03:34

9M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

5 of 6. As Christopher Wordsworth's trickle of work turns into a stream, he prepares to make the move from Snowdonia to London, though not before one final indiscretion that still reverberates today. Meanwhile, his son Saul explores what it was like growing up with this man as his father. Executive producer of the series is Paul Kobrak (The Louis T…

1
4. Isolation 1:10:53

9M ago1:10:53

1:10:53

4 of 6. After five years with Susan Russell, three friends rent Christopher Wordsworth an impossibly remote, derelict cottage seven miles from civilisation. Here he remains, freezing, starving and haunted by the past - until his fortunes finally begin to shift. Executive producer of the series is Paul Kobrak (The Louis Theroux Podcast). The voice o…

1
3. The ghost of madness 1:03:06

9M ago1:03:06

1:03:06

3 of 6. Christopher Wordsworth begins a relationship with beautiful American heiress Sue Russell, daughter-in-law of Nobel prize winner Bertrand Russell. But after years of high living, Sue's mental instability finally catches up with them both, and a panorama of tragedy slowly begins to unfold. Executive producer of the series is Paul Kobrak (The …

1
2. Snowdonia 44:45

9M ago44:45

44:45

2 of 6. Former Fleet Street journalist Christopher Wordsworth fetches up in Snowdonia in 1953 with plans to write The Great Novel, but his arrival causes upset within the community, and his diaries reveal a man haunted by the past. Executive producer of the series is Paul Kobrak (The Louis Theroux Podcast). The voice of Christopher Wordsworth is pe…

1
1. Troubled beginnings 44:22

9M ago44:22

44:22

1 of 6. Video trailer here. Christopher Wordsworth was a Fleet Street journalist from 1962 until his death in 1998, when he was 83. He left behind five diaries that span 1953 to 1963, a period when he was divorced, penniless, living in Snowdonia and trying to pen the great novel. Episode one serves as background, covering his early years of promise…

1
The Criminal Justice System on Trial 34:54

10M ago34:54

34:54

So, episode 136 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. We are joined by Benjamin Perrin to talk about his new book, Indictment: The Criminal Justice System on Trial. Ben is a professor at the University of British Columbia, Peter A. Allard Schoo…

1
SERIES TRAILER: Devil in the Wilderness 3:02

10M ago3:02

3:02

Video trailer HERE * * * Christopher Wordsworth was a literary critic and sports writer on Fleet Street from 1962 until his death in 1998, when he was 83 and his son Saul Wordsworth was 25. He left behind five diaries that cover 1953 to 1963, a period when he was divorced, penniless, living in the wilderness of Snowdonia, and trying to write the gr…

1
Back from a brief hiatus 55:41

10M ago55:41

55:41

So, episode 135 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. We are back! Time to shake the dust of of the microphone and say some words! After a brief catch up we offer some free advice to new law students and then take a look at some interesting cas…

1
Changing Minds on Decriminalization 1:02:13

2y ago1:02:13

1:02:13

So, episode 134 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. Your weekly law podcast (that only sporadically releases episodes) is back! Emilie and Mike do a 15 minute rapid fire review of all everything that has happened since the last episode and th…

1
Trucker Bail 1:03:45

2+ y ago1:03:45

1:03:45

So, episode 133 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. After almost a month of inflicting harm and havoc in Ottawa, the extremist trucker protest is over. But the lawless takeover of Canada’s capital city and the dramatic police action required …

1
Suing the truckers 49:15

2+ y ago49:15

49:15

So, episode 132 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. After more than two weeks the truck protestors are still wreaking havoc in Ottawa and the city and police have sat idly by and played footsie with extremists. So, who will step up and save t…

1
Truck Protests and Crown Juror Friendships 44:36

2+ y ago44:36

44:36

So, episode 131 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. After a holiday hiatus the Docket returns to discuss the racist and extremist "trucker" protest in Ottawa and a bizarre and troubling story about an Ottawa Crown Attorney who was on the same…

1
Race in sentencing 55:44

2+ y ago55:44

55:44

So, episode 130 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. Last week the Ontario Court of Appeal released its decision in R. v. Morris, considering how sentencing courts should take evidence of anti-Black racism into account on sentencing. Although …

1
Are the feds really fighting Indigenous kids in court 54:20

3y ago54:20

54:20

So, episode 129 – a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast – right? You should. Is the federal government really fighting Indigenous kids in court? Yes, they are. And they keep losing. We chat with the amazing Anne Levesque about her work with Cindy Blackstock and the F…

1
Beverley McLachlin 37:46

3y ago37:46

37:46

So, episode 128 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Remember, you can self-isolate in The Docket’s Discord chatroom. Join the Discord channel, take part in the ongoing chat, and listen to live recordings with this link: https://discord.gg/2Tz…

1
Baseball Diversion 53:17

3y ago53:17

53:17

So, episode 127 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Remember, you can self-isolate in The Docket’s Discord chatroom. Join the Discord channel, take part in the ongoing chat, and listen to live recordings with this link: https://discord.gg/2Tz…

1
Back to School 3 58:30

3y ago58:30

58:30

So, episode 126 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. It is our favourite episode of the year - the one where we answer questions from super smart high school kids. What impact has BLM had on the Ottawa police, is the Youth Criminal Justice Act…

1
Only FOUR times 33:51

3y ago33:51

33:51

So, episode 125 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. New documents reveal that an important federal justice reform, billed as a silver bullet reduce court backlogs and decrease racial inequities, has only been used FOUR times by the Ottawa Pol…

1
Publication Bans: Morrell Andrews won't be silenced 1:05:00

3y ago1:05:00

1:05:00

So, episode 124 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Her name is Morrell Andrews and she can finally speak publicly about being sexually assaulted. Morrell Andrews wanted to speak out about sexual assault, but the court would not let her. So, …

1
The Federal Budget Justice Breakdown 43:07

3y ago43:07

43:07

So, episode 123 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. This episode we do the impossible - break down the 700+ page federal budget in under 40 minutes!! Kidding. In reality, we take a victory lap on the announcement of funding for a law reform c…

1
Ford's Pandemic Police State 44:34

3y ago44:34

44:34

So, episode 122 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. After months of ignoring the warnings of experts, Doug Ford, Ontario’s murder clown Premier, finally decided to take some steps to deal with the growing third wave of the COVID pandemic. But…

1
Prosecuting the Victim 40:17

3+ y ago40:17

40:17

So, episode 121 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. I have never been so mad. So mad that I might have forgot to turn on the mic, so apologies if the recording quality is a bit meh. Why so mad? An Ontario woman, who was the victim of a sexual…

1
Doug Ford Stacking the Court 46:09

3+ y ago46:09

46:09

So, episode 120 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Only a few days late, but there has been some COVID chaos at the Docket recording studio. We are all well, but one of us is on COVID house arrest. This episode we talk about the latest attem…

1
Translating Criminal Law with Peter and Penny Sankoff 52:16

3+ y ago52:16

52:16

So, episode 119 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. This episode, we are joined by good friend of the podcast™️ Peter Sankoff AND best friend of the podcast Penny Sankoff to talk about their new father-daughter pod Translating Criminal Law: R…

1
Life and Death of Decriminalization 56:40

3+ y ago56:40

56:40

So, episode 118 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. We are trying a new format over here at the Taman/Spratt studios - a shorter podcast in your feed every two weeks - like clockwork! So on to the show… There are some positives in the governm…

1
Grading the New Justice Bill 53:34

3+ y ago53:34

53:34

So, episode 117 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. We are trying a new format over here at the Taman/Spratt studios - a shorter podcast in your feed every two weeks - like clockwork! So on to the show… Well, there is a new justice bill. Just…

1
The Justice Minister's new mandate 46:32

3+ y ago46:32

46:32

So, episode 116 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. We are trying a new format over here at the Taman/Spratt studios - a shorter podcast in your feed every two weeks - like clockwork! So on to the show… The Justice Minister has new a new mand…

1
Media Literacy and Criminal Law 39:52

3+ y ago39:52

39:52

So, episode 115 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. We are trying a new format over here at the Taman/Spratt studios - a shorter podcast in your feed every two weeks - like clockwork! So on to the show… There is bad reporting and then there i…

1
Prisons should be prioritized in COVID vaccinations 31:27

3+ y ago31:27

31:27

So, episode 114 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. A huge thanks to my firm Abergel Goldstein & Partners who have not murdered me for editing the podcast at work! We are trying a new format over here at the Taman/Spratt studios - a shorter p…

1
Another Minimum Sentence Bites the Dust 55:00

3+ y ago55:00

55:00

So, episode 113 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. It happened again. Another minimum sentence was found unconstitutional. This time, in a case before Ontario Court Justice six women from the Pikangikum First Nation pleaded guilty to impaire…

1
Tony Doob on solitary confinement 1:30:00

4y ago1:30:00

1:30:00

So, episode 112 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Before we jump into our interview with professor Anthony Doob we take a moment to remember United States Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg and talk about what will be a contentious con…

1
Andrew Coyne on government ethics 1:02:32

4y ago1:02:32

1:02:32

So, episode 111 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. It is time to talk about government ethics. From Duffy, to the Aga Khan, to SNC Lavalin, to WE - why all the scandals? Are there legislative fixes to be fund in the Ethics Act, or the Lobbyi…

1
WE Scandal and an Interview with Nader Hasan 1:17:40

4y ago1:17:40

1:17:40

So, episode 110 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. Hey look we have a sponsor! Let the podcast money start rolling in! But seriously a huge thanks to Emond Publishing! Also a huge thanks to my firm Abergel Goldstein & Partners who have not murdered me for editing…

1
Can the Government Halt the Meng Extradition and Should They 1:23:15

4y ago1:23:15

1:23:15

So, episode 109 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. For the past year the Canadian government and Minister of Justice David Lametti have been clear that they don’t have the power to stop the extradition proceedings against Huawei’s chief fina…

1
Extreme Intoxication, Entrapment, and Police Brutality 1:16:33

4y ago1:16:33

1:16:33

So, episode 108 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. I has been a frustrating week. We start with a discussion about the protests that have swept the world following the tragic murder of George Floyd by the police and the hypocrisy of politici…

1
Back to High School (again) 1:06:11

4y ago1:06:11

1:06:11

So, episode 107 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. This episode we pay a virtual visit to Mrs. Darling's grade 11 Understanding Canadian Law class at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School to answer some really great legal questions. Is menta…

1
Gun Laws, COCIV-19, and The Room 54:28

4y ago54:28

54:28

So, episode 106 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. We start with some house keeping. Emilie has a new job working with the awesome human rights and labour lawyer Paul Champ. And, Michael is nominated for Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influen…

1
Peter Sankoff on his COVID19 Internships 1:00:23

4+ y ago1:00:23

1:00:23

So, episode 105 - a new record. But you know that right? Because you subscribe to the show and have already rated and reviewed the podcast - right? You should. First things first - sorry about the audio quality. Peter sounds good but your Ottawa hosts sound like we called in from 1920. A small Skype mic error on our end - but hell for a free podcas…

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Michael Spratt Podcasts

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