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“We need to talk about Freddie’s penis,” says presenter Becky Milligan in the captivating six-part podcast, Hooked on Freddie. Let me clarify that Freddie is a daring wild bottle-nosed dolphin who serendipitously arrived in the waters off Amble in Northumberland, north-east England, during the late 1980s. Amble, situated where the River Coquet meets the North Sea, is renowned for its abundance of freshwater salmon. Hence, Freddie, given his moniker by local schoolchildren, not only had a keen audience for his theatrical antics but also a well-stocked larder.
Upon Freddie’s arrival, multitude of Northumbrians flocked to the harbor in hopes of catching a glimpse, including an animal-rights activist named Alan Cooper. Cooper, deeply fascinated by the new visitor, began swimming with him every weekend, and he wasn’t the only one. A deep bond was formed between Cooper and Freddie, arousing whispers among the locals about the nature of their aquatic rendezvous. The whispered rumors ultimately led to an article in the Sun newspaper, alleging a defiling incident involving the dolphin. Consequently, two policemen showed up at Cooper’s doorstep, arresting him for sexual assault, and in 1991, the case went to court.
Swinging between comedy and tragedy, the enthralling Hooked on Freddie delves into a tabloid frenzy, a feud (Cooper’s longstanding dispute with a local “dolphinarium” owner), and a tainted reputation. It’s an incredible story that could have been perfectly condensed into a three-part miniseries. Additionally, I find it unnecessary for podcasts to issue warnings about contributors’ accents, as this one does, presuming it caters to American listeners. Instead of pre-apologizing and inadvertently insulting interviewees, why not provide a transcript, a common practice among many podcasts?
The most captivating aspect of Hooked on Freddie, aside from its mind-boggling premise, is the underwater soundscape skillfully crafted by sound designer Volkan Kiziltug. It beautifully captures the thrill and disorientation of plunging into the sea and being carried away at exhilarating speeds (this podcast is best experienced with headphones).
Now, let’s circle back to Freddie’s appendage. Milligan, a student reporter during the height of Freddie-mania, decided to go for a swim with him and experience the commotion firsthand. Once in the water, Freddie emerged beneath her, clasped her arm, and propelled them towards the horizon. “I’m being pulled through the water really fast. Freddie and I are whizzing further out to sea. He’s just so powerful,” she exclaims.
But how did he hold onto her? This is where a lesson in marine anatomy comes into play: like many dolphins, Freddie used his penis to “hook” onto his human swimming companions. And for those who witnessed Freddie and Alan during one of their weekend swims? Let’s just say they misinterpreted the situation.
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