Twelve months ago Joanne McNally was a comedian with a love of conspiracy theories. Now, she's an intrepid investigative journalist who will stop at nothing to root out a story, and her latest assignment will thrust her into the world of international espionage, politics... and Furbys.
The first two episodes of this six-part podcast series will land on BBC Sounds on 11 September 2024, with a new episode following each week.
In the 1990s the Furby was the fuzzy friend that every kid wanted – a futuristic soft toy which could talk to you, learn from you, listen to you. But could they have been more than just toys? Were they, as the rumours claim, a listening device which threatened the safety of the world as we know it?
In her latest adventure, Joanne McNally sets off to discover the truth, telling the story of the Furby, its rise to prominence, and the technology behind it.
Joanne McNally says, “Top up your glass of Pinot and get ready, because I’m back! I’ve moved on from Avril Lavigne – there’s a bigger mystery in town. This time I’m investigating a story of global espionage, life and death, and cuddly toys! The Furby we all know and love was actually accused of being an international spy. They were barred from airplanes, removed from hospitals, and banned from US classified buildings. Fear not people, I will leave no stone unturned in my pursuit of justice! This spying scandal goes right to the top, so that’s where I’m going.”
Joanne will travel wherever the story takes her, phoning the US Pentagon and taking a trip to Menwith Hill - the UK's secretive listening station in North Yorkshire. She'll track down Furby collectors and people with some extraordinary personal anecdotes of what their Furbys could do, and she’ll even meet a real-life spy.
As the investigation evolves, Joanne asks what other devices might be spying on her – her phone, her smart speaker and even TikTok? She'll also unearth some remarkable stories of how global listening has caught out infidelity, exposed wrongdoing and even solved a murder.
Once again Joanne will be joined a cast of comedy friends including Joe Lycett, Roisin Conaty and the return of her sidekick Gearóid Farrelly, as well as new acquaintances and a dollop of newly acquired investigative pedigree.
Joanne McNally Investigates Did Furbys Spy on Us? is a What’s The Story Sounds production. It was commissioned by Louise Kattenhorn, Podcasts Commissioning Executive for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
Listen from 11 September 2024 on BBC Sounds.
