Last updated September 3, 2024 – 1:04pm
Joan McNally, the conspiracy-loving comedian turned investigative journalist, is back with a new podcast series.
In a new six-part series of Joan McNally's Investigations, she sets out to discover the truth and tell the story of Furby, how it became famous, and the technology behind it.
In the 1990s, Furby was the furry friend every kid wanted: a futuristic stuffed animal that could talk, learn, and listen. But was Furby more than just a toy? Was it, as rumored, a listening device that threatened the security of the world as we know it?
Joan travels wherever the story takes her, including calling the US Department of Defense and traveling to Menwith Hill, a secret wiretapping site in North Yorkshire, England.
She tracks down Furby collectors, people with amazing personal anecdotes about what can be done with Furby, and even meets a real-life spy.
But there's more to this story: Joan asks whether other devices could be spying on her: her phone, her smart speaker, and even TikTok. She also reveals amazing stories of how global listening has uncovered infidelity, exposed cheating, and solved murders.
The series will feature a range of fellow comedians as guests, including Joe Lycett, Roisin Conaty and the return of her pal Geary Farrelly, as well as some new acquaintances.
Joan says, “Pour yourself a 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, we're investigating a tale of global espionage, life and death, and stuffed animals. The Furby we all know and love was actually accused of being an international spy. He was banned from flying, barred from hospitals, and banned from sensitive U.S. facilities.”
“Fear not, I will do everything in my power to pursue justice! This spy scandal will reach the top and I will be there.”
The first two episodes of The Joan McNally Investigations will be available to watch on BBC Sounds from 11 September, with new episodes airing weekly thereafter.
